Yep, it’s close to 1 A.M. and I am writing before bedtime. I have just returned from a marvelous party chez Versace. Who knew that in these hard times the fashion industry would rally forth in such an optimistic way and throw such amazing parties? Burberry and Show Studio in London, the new Prada store on Milan’s Corso Venezia last night, and then tonight at Casa Versace.
There must have been something in the air and in the atmosphere as London gloriously celebrated 25 years of London Fashion Week, showing off the dazzling talent of its native designers and its newly restructured (and on time) Fashion Week schedule during the most amazing Indian summer. London has never looked so good and I have never felt such a desire to fly the Union Jack.
Fast forward to tonight in Milan, after a great day of shows from Ferretti and Ferre, Versace burst forth on the runway with a renewed sense of red carpet optimism. No soft ruffles and pastel colors here; this was full-on Hollywood vamp with a vengeance. Welcome back Donatella!
The after party took place in the company’s old HQ on Via Gesu, in the courtyard festooned with votive candles, merely feet away from Gianni's tomb! After a couple of cocktails and a plate of lobster pasta, the fashion pack took to the dance floor, boogieing away to Cindy Lauper, the Beatles, Madonna and Petula Clark. Ah, memories of a misspent youth…
Talking of youth, check out 13-year-old fashion blog sensation Tavi Gevinson. The Chicago-based blogger has become an overnight fashion darling by appearing on the cover of UK magazine Pop and in rival magazine Love's pages. Talk about synchronicity: Tomorrow I am filming a video for Condé Nast Traveler with our own 13-year-old fashion sensation, Becca. We are making her dream come true, transforming her into a fashionista for a day. We start off with the wardrobe fitting at 10 A.M. here in my room at the Principe de Savoia, then hair and make-up arrive to do their magic. At 12 P.M. we leave for the Emporio Armani show. After that, lunch at my favorite restaurant in Milan, Bagutta, and then an appointment to view the new shoe collection at Sergio Rossi. After that, shopping on Via Montenapoleone, and off to the Gucci show. I'm booking her in as my intern in 2015!
this is a great blog well done Mark