World of Style

Paris Fall/Winter 2010

2010-03-04T18:00:52Z

Am here in crisp, cold, sunny Paris after a week spent attending the fashion shows in Milan. Not the greatest of weeks in Italy's fashion capital, I must say. The best shows all celebrated the varied histories and legacies of their brands. Max Mara showed us their skills with covetable coats, Dolce & Gabbana celebrated sartorial Sicilian tailoring roots, Prada raided their archive of twisted sixties librarian sexpot chic and Gianfranco Ferre reinvented the masters' legacy.

Today, Paris got off to a rip roaring start with hot Indian designer Manish Arora's show, where models paraded down a runway set in the exclusive Lycée Henri IV in the fifth arrondissement. Methinks it was much harder to get into today than exam day. The girls were sporting fluoro Crayola-bright make-up and synthetic hairpieces that somehow worked with the cyber techno sequined striped leggings, vests, jackets and dresses worn with gaiter-strapped cyber booties covered in Sputnik-like crystals. My favorite section of this otherworldly show were the futuristic art nouveau dresses printed in blue, green and gold and the finale of twirling fiber-optic headgear. Strike one to Paris.

]]> Grand Hotel on Rue Scribe, more suited to stuffy haute couture than downtown sex. The models stormed the runway to a Prince soundtrack wearing hard-shouldered brocade and flocked military coats reminiscent of Mick Jagger and Prince himself. Gold, gilt, and more gold were the highlights of the show, appearing in skinny leather pants, short crystal dresses, floor-length raw-edged gowns and lots of chain detailing. Leopard print pony skin added an animalistic edge and made this show a gilt-y pleasure.

Last show of the night was the much anticipated house of Nina Ricci. Take that to the bank Peter Copping, the current designer. They showed at 7 Place Vendome, a former bank building. The show had all of this season's hit references plus those of the house: Romance-check, femininity-check, quirky styling-check, hard meets soft-check. Soft pencil skirted suits were combined with tons of tulle ruffled flowers (best on sheer-backed tanks and wide tie belts); liquid satin skirts were slashed at the seams and worn knee length or long with belted cardigans (with fur trims); long ribbon layered gowns were teamed with long fluffy mohair coats and colors were dove, tea rose, amethyst, cadmium red and black. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Milan Fall/Winter 2010

2010-02-26T22:07:12Z

Just finished day two of the Milan Fall/Winter 2010 fashion shows, hopefully there will be no more internet snafus to prevent me from reporting this evening.

Started off this morning at a very chic villa (with outdoor pool) right in the heart of Milan for the Tod's accessory presentation. The key stories here are high heel ankle boots and flat boots referencing outdoorsy hiking boots. There is a very strong trend both here and in New York for all things camping (the outdoor activity!) Fur bags were also strong here but my favorites were the crumpled leather multi zip biker bags and calf high boots, gotta love some tough chic.

Then it was onto and into the clear plastic tent where Alberta Ferretti always shows on Via Senato Classic Ferretti plisse dresses trimmed with crystals were shown alongside wool knee length full skirted coats and fitted suits with full skirts with back volume 9 bustle like) which reminded me of updated edwardian skating clothes. following on with that retro vibe were Suits and dresses trimmed or covered with passmenterie ribbon details, even the ankle booties didn't escape this treatment but the stand outs for me were the "nurses" cape in Emerald green mohair and the bias cut goddess gowns in ivory satin or tea rose chiffon with crystal collars on nude tulle and crystal straps. Red carpet anyone?

Spring's ethereal fragile beauty was left at the door this season by the boys at Gianfranco Ferre (names Aquilano Raimondi) Instead her harder edged, structured and strident big sister hit the runway. suits, coats and dresses were tightly belted and intricately seamed and panelled in leather,wool and fur usually in the one outfit. Wide belts highlighted the structured silhouette which opened in shades of black and moved into white, camel and gold. Some of the best cocktail dresses I have seen so far strode down the runway. Intricate gold beading was fused with woven gold suede with techniques I cannot describe! they were heaven. All this topped off with more red carpet ready black jersey gowns with gold or crystal panels.

Emporio Armani went soft and drapey yet urban this afternoon. Chic crop fur jackets were worn with short satin dirndl skirts in shades of chocolate, pewter and black. Slithery silks also showed up in relaxed tapered pants with drapey tops in taupe. The urban motif appeared with strict short skirted suits with black plexiglass collars which were then followed by 2 uber chic black draped dresses. There was a definite hard/soft motif here this afternoon as Evening wear wafted by in layers of amethyst and gray layered organza or chiffon pieces offset by boyish bowl cut hair.

Live Blogging New York Fashion Week

2010-02-12T19:46:56Z

For the next week Style Director Mark Connolly will be hopping from lofts to salons to the big canvas tent thingys plopped down in Bryant Park all in the name of the mad, exciting, creatively frantic happening that is New York Fashion Week.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 9:38 p.m.
Calvin Klein
The Calvin Klein show this afternoon was a perfect master class in art and commerce. Francisco Costa sent out a collection that women will want to buy, editors will want to shoot, and savvy actresses will want to wear. Limiting the color palette to black, pewter, indigo, dove gray, and ivory with a flash of painterly blue kept the collection focused. Jackets and coats had full raglan sleeves with darted seamed waists. The sheath dresses shimmered with a techno sheen and artful draping, pants were skinny, and shoes were super high. A truly modern collection.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 10:32 p.m.
Michael Kors
The number one designer for chic, luxe American sportswear with a jet set attitude is Michael Kors. His ad campaigns feature models living an idealized paparazzi-worthy globetrotting lifestyle. Private jets, helicopters, yachts—what recession? He is truly in touch with his customers' aspirations, and his show this morning made that perfectly clear. All of the current trends were present: military, urban country, metallics, utility and great knits. Where are the models traveling to in these runway looks? Who cares. I want to be there now, especially in the men's grey cashmere military coat.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:11 p.m.
Derek Lam
Oh joy of joys, stepped outside this morning ready to face fashion's finest into a full on blizzard. Ran onto the subway covered in snow and by the time I got to the Lower East Side I am sure I was smelling like a wet dog. (Well, I was wearing a wool pea coat from Rag and Bone—I refuse to give into the demands of the weather.) The show was worth braving the elements, though. Pocahontas meets uptown biker chick is the easiest way to explain the tough tailoring often trimmed and paneled with black leather sleeves, aprons, biker pants with fringed belts and Navajo beading. Loved the two black and white draped goddess gowns at the end.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m.
Rodarte
The hot ticket in town this week was for Rodarte. I was excited to see how they could top last season's ethnic-tribal-warrior mash-up and they didn't disappoint. Thick hand-knit jackets were worn over layered skirts with crystal chiffon leggings, ankle socks and high heels, all in tea rose and facepowder shades. Tattered 30s bias cut floral dresses were entwined with multi-fabric swags like Blanche DuBois after her meltdown. The final gowns were four Miss Havisham-like ivory wedding dresses draped with pearls and, just to top it off, the heels lit up in the dark. Sheer madness. Utter brilliance.

Monday, Feb. 15, 9:38 p.m
Marc Jacobs
New York's resident bad boy Marc Jacobs could always be relied upon for at least a two-hour delay in starting. His PR flacks would call to say the show was going to be late so that we weary editors could grab a much-earned bite and a drink on Park Avenue South (tradition!). All changed a few seasons ago when Vogue's Anna Wintour complained about the late starts.

Woe betide anyone who is not in her seat by the appointed hour. Jacobs now shows on time—if not a few minutes early. So, yours truly had this evening planned like a military operation, table at Dos Caminos booked at 6:45, appetizers and drinks ordered by 7, check ordered at 7:45, out by 7:55 for a one-block walk. However, he started the show just before 8, so I had to watch from the sidelines. The beautifully subdued and elegant show was worth the discomfort. It seemed as if in both the staging (an open-sided box) and the music ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow") were paying subtle tribute to the recently departed Alexander McQueen. If so, bravo.

Sunday, Feb. 14, 8:12 p.m.
OK, I can't take it anymore. I am sick of freezing my assets off in sub zero conditions, running all over Manhattan to get to fashion shows on time. Why are they all back to back on the hour (sometimes several at the same time) in totally different parts of the city that are impossible to get to by public transport or in an impossible-to-find taxi? I hate going to Pier 59 on the West Side highway, then Soho then West Chelsea, and finally the Upper East Side armory. Brutal, and not conducive to sharing the love.

I am loving the menswear influence on womenswear, though, and the strong Helmut Lang vibe and chic military touches. Menswear in general has been the highlight of this week, see Phillip Lim urban warrior and Rag & Bone's grunge alpine collections.

Early to bed now for a 9 a.m. Zac Posen! It had better be stellar!!!

Friday, Feb. 12, 2:22 p.m.
Jason Wu
This young and fast developing designer is a firm favorite of Michelle Obama. On a softly lit chocolate box pink runway, he showed a deft hand with masculine / feminine mixes along with rich autumnal shades, soft tulle overleaf feather dresses and exquisite gold painted satin sheaths. Definitely a lot to choose from for the First Lady.

Friday, Feb. 12, 1:04 p.m. ET
Rag & Bone
At last something great to shout about. Rag and Bone's menswear show in Soho loft space. Grungy military Canadian lumberjacks: perfect for our current icy conditions. Loved it want it need it now.

Eco-Friendly Travel Shower

2009-12-22T17:28:12Z

As the Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, a solar shower was never, ever on my Christmas gift list, but Santa knows best! I am leaving for a very cheap and chic vacation in Goa, India staying in eco-friendly huts right on Agonda Beach. Alas, there is only a cold water shower and my number one pet hate is cold water. So, enter the black garbage bag with a hose that I must fill up and place in the sun to get four showers worth of hot water. Can’t wait to see how it works. And yes, I also bought some travel soap powder with me (can’t give up the clean, fresh undies).

Stansport Jumbo Camper's Shower, around $15

The Style Department Does Miami: This Is Not South Beach

2009-12-09T17:49:52Z

Just back from a photo shoot in Miami for the March issue of Traveler. I really wanted to share some behind-the-scenes moments with you. We stayed at The Viceroy hotel, which is in the up-and-coming soon-to-be-trendy downtown business district. This is definitely not South Beach. You are surrounded by lots of new condos, not far from Little Havana, and you're a lot closer to some of Miami’s cooler bars and restaurants in the Design district. We loved Michelle Bernstein's hot new Spanish Tapas restaurant Sra. Martinez.

I cannot believe we went all the way to Miami and ended up shooting in an underground car park! Mind you, this was not just any car park: the Easter Island-like statues were designed by Phillipe Starck.

Click after the jump for more photos from the shoot.
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In this shot we are desperately trying to capture a room with a view! Perilous.

This is how we spend a day at the spa.

The model just lounging about in the condo lobby—again, designed by Phillipe Stark.

A typical day at the pool for our team.

Even More Holiday Shopping with Condé Nast Traveler's Style Department

2009-11-26T14:00:56Z

Tuesday we brought you my gift ideas; yesterday Hyla Bauer told us what she's giving friends and family this year. Today we have four presents on Condé Nast Traveler's Associate Style and Accessories Editor Tiffany Gifford's wish list:

Diane Von Furstenberg African Women Artisans Collection Cuffs: "Telephone and copper wire are the two main ingredients in these cuffs, believe it or not. Made by Zulu women from Sizwe Umoja, proceeds from the purchase of these bracelets provide them with training and access to global distribution. And with the runways rampant with tribal influences, how better to hop on that trend bandwagon?" ($40 for the small, $60 for the large; dvf.com)

Louis Vuitton Custom Dog Crate: "If you can’t get your pooch a seat on Pet Airways, here’s the next best thing. The Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs (a fellow dog lover), has just designed this custom crate. It’s a special-order item, but that means you can and add any other bells and whistles you like. Maybe a second story guest room?" (Price upon request; go to louisvuitton.com for information on a custom order)

Yosi Samara “Samara” Fold Up Ballet Flat: "Going barefoot on a flight is a little too comfortable for me. These ballet flats feel like air but still give me some coverage—and they come in every color in the rainbow. I actually use mine as my “commuter shoes;” a quick switcheroo when I get off the subway and I’m office-ready" ($50; yosisamra.com).

Graphic Image Travel Clutch: "Let it be known, my handbag is a black hole. This wallet helps me keep my travel documents organized and in quick reach, and I love the dusted gold finish. It can even double as an evening clutch" ($198; graphicimage.com).

More from the gift guide
My fashion picks
Hyla's wish list
The Gift of Wine
Holiday Shopping for Food Fanatics
One WOM-Minded Gift: Robert Adams's Summer Nights, Walking

More Holiday Shopping with Condé Nast Traveler's Style Department

2009-11-25T16:30:22Z

As promised, today we have some holiday shopping picks from Executive Fashion Editor Hyla Bauer:

David Yurman Classic Chronograph Timepiece: "This latest model from David Yurman has all of the mechanical features that watch collectors covet. Its looks are crave-worthy, too: Stainless steel on black with alligator strap, this is one to wear for many years to come" ($4,500; davidyurman.com for boutiques).

Brooks Brothers Wrinkle-Resistant Blue Stripe Pajamas: "The classic pajamas updated—no more ironing! I find that comfortable and breathable cotton pleases even the most difficult men (and women!) on my shopping list" ($79.50; brooksbrothers.com).

Elyse Allen for EILEEN FISHER Crystal Rain Glovelettes: "These 'glovelettes' combine just the right amount of style and substance: Swarovski crystals for sparkle, soft merino wool for warmth, and free fingers for driving and texting (but not at the same time)" ($118; eileenfisher.com).

Verdura “Night and Day” Necklace: "This mimics the cuff links Verdura originally made for Cole Porter to commemorate his famous song, “Night and Day.” For the globetrotters out there, the necklace can be personalized with a diamond marking any location that holds special meaning for you" ($24,500 for 18 karat gold, diamond and enamel necklace; to purchase, email info@verdura.com).

Check in tomorrow for gift ideas from Tiffany Gifford, Condé Nast Traveler's Associate Style and Accessories Editor.

More from the gift guide
My fashion picks
The Gift of Wine
Holiday Shopping for Food Fanatics
One WOM-Minded Gift: Robert Adams's Summer Nights, Walking

Holiday Shopping with Condé Nast Traveler's Style Department

2009-11-24T21:30:45Z

As Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, I travel the world with my team in search of all things stylish. Here are some of our exotic and homegrown finds that I think will transport you wherever you need to go to this holiday season:

Cire Trudon Candle: One of the most exquisite shopping experiences I have ever had was at the quaint and quirky Cire Trudon candle store in Paris. Inhaling the aromas of these fragrant candles, which date back to the late 17th century and were once a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, was done by lifting the giant glass bell jars that covered them. With evocative names such as Odalisque, Roi Soleil, revolution and Trianon, you can make your home smell like Versailles ($75; barneys.com or ciretrudon.com for other retailers).

Dzongkha Eau de Toilette by L’Artisan Parfumeur: I adore wearing a fragrance that transports me to a destination that I have experienced—or one that I wish to. The subtle aromas of smoke, incense, old leather and wood in this scent makes me nostalgic for my trip to Bhutan ($135 for 3.4 oz.; artisanparfumeur.us).

Tod's Leather Tote: My Tod's bag has gone all over the world with me, squashed under airplane seats, strapped to car roof racks—I've even slept on it. The more worn it gets, the better. It's the ultimate travel tote ($1,975; tods.com for boutiques)

Banana Republic Men’s Cotton Argyle V-Neck Sweater: I just have to have one! Hint hint ($79.50; bananarepublic.com).

Check in tomorrow, when we'll post holiday gift ideas from Executive Fashion Editor Hyla Bauer.

Road Test: The Magic Smythson Travel Wallet

2009-10-20T15:57:40Z

You have your initials gold-stamped on the Smythson currency case, and you can label each pocket for easy organization, comme moi.

As the Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, an important part of my job is to attend all of the fashion shows in Europe and New York twice a year.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. Even tougher though is keeping track of receipts and foreign currency for one month. This season I started in New York then headed off to London for the 25th anniversary of London fashion week followed by Milan and finally Paris.

If it hadn’t been for my super chic trusty Smythson Mara Zipped Currency Case, I would never have made it through in such a stylish and fiscally sound manner.

One very elegant crocodile wallet, four fluoro-bright customized zippers, each holding currency and receipts from each of the four fashion capitals. Just save everything up in each of the compartments, switch out the different currencies when needed and forget about the contents until you return.

The only complaint I have about this piece is that I wanted to show it off, flash it about, take it out with me as it is the chicest accessory—but it’s not a clutch bag! Maybe I could talk with Smythson about a pocket version?

Video: All-American Girl Meets Milan Fashion Week

2009-10-12T18:47:37Z

You read the blog post, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Fashion's New Darling is Born in Milan," now watch the movie of Becca's big day in Milan. Follow her transformation (with a little help from hair, makeup and wardrobe) from squeaky clean schoolgirl to full-on fashionista. Check out the Emporio Armani show, next season's hottest shoes at Sergio Rossi, and lunch at my favorite Milanese restaurant Bagutta. Oh, and keep an eye on the paparazzi; they can make a girl an overnight sensation.

Well, my work is done. Next up... Wendy Perrin who will be meeting Becca's world traveling family in the next couple months for another Condé Nast Traveler Dream List adventure. In the meantime, follow Becca and her family's on the road adventures at their blog, World School.

Newsflash from Paris Fashion Week

2009-10-06T19:19:18Z

Photos courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Monday, October 5, 3:15 p.m. Just in from the YSL show 15 minutes ago. Talk about celestial seasoning! The front row had Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova, Katy Perry, Claudia Schiffer and—drum roll please—Prince (!) all checking out the chic urban pilgrim collection with a side order of strawberries (as embellishment), the fruity applique of the season. Good with Champagne, though.

Tuesday, October 6, 10:15 a.m. And just when you thought that celeb sightings couldn't get any more celestial at the bucolic, pastoral Chanel romp, the ubiquitous Prince and Rihanna were usurped by Britain's own Lily Allen performing live in a "cowshed" that rose up out of the floor. Fantastic way to start the day!

Tuesday, October 6, 2:31 p.m. Am skipping last show tonight. Think I may have bronchitis!

Hopping, Skipping, and Champagning around Paris Fashion Week

2009-10-06T17:00:14Z

Despite a major brush with fashion flu, I managed to partake of a celeb-studded fashion Sunday here in Paris. First to show in a stellar lineup was Lindsay Lohan's first turn as Creative Director for the house of Ungaro. The flame never ignited at this show, which was filled with bad wannabe hooker clothes that H&M wouldn't put on its rails on markdown.

Next star sighting was at the Givenchy show in the austerely beautiful Lycée Carnot, a working school set around an industrial courtyard in the 7th arrondissement. Checking out the strong showing of black and white graphics, soft ruffles and modern ethnic prints was Rihanna, looking suitably edgy and Betty Blue (sorry Béatrice Dalle, not so edgy). Somehow I don't think that she shares my aversion to the continuing trend for skyscraper shoes and wedges that Givenchy showed this season. Just wait until she has to cross a cobbled street! Oh no, she won't: she's strictly limousine.

Next sighting was at the Bruno Frisoni cocktail party at his store on rue de Grenelle. Such a divine evening that allowed everyone to spill out onto the street drinking Champagne and forcing the beautiful Katy Perry's handlers to clear a path through the enthusiastic shoe worshippers.

And of course—how could I forget? Just before the Frisoni cocktail, we were treated to a whiff of celebrity nostalgia from the 70s. At Sonia Rykiel's show, which was in her store in the St. Germain (turned into a nightclub for the event), we were treated to an unabashed celebration of all things Studio 54, Club Sept and Le Palace—toot toot beep beep and some lovely knits!

Final stop: Bon Marché! Not the most glamorous spot for a party, but the subject of the night more than made up for that. Tucked alongside the furniture department was an oval cinema "room" showing back-to-back reels of famous fashion trailblazer Guy Bourdin's home movies. Where else could you drink Champagne and watch former model turned top fashion photog Ellen von Unwerth make love to a satin curtain?

Can't wait for tomorrow...

Top Ten Fashion Week Faux Pas

2009-09-30T21:38:44Z

trixieskips on Flickr / CC BY 2.0

After seeing the shows in London and Milan, I compiled a list of fashion no-no's. I'm sure there will be more by the end of fashion week here in Paris, but for starters:

Skyscraper heels and platforms, both on runways and on editors. I hate seeing them for next season, and I am sick of escorting editors over the treacherous cobblestones of Milan. Yes, that's you Dani Stahl from Nylon!
Editors shopping at grocery stores.
Village People moustaches. Cool on guys under 30 (sort of); beware if older unless you are Hamish Bowles. A little irony goes a long way!
Visible bras, next season's big trend. Loved it the first time; Madonna you have a lot to answer for.
See-through panels on clothing. 'Nuff said.
Frosty makeup. Nobody wants to date a frosty ice maiden.
Front-row blogging at Dolce & Gabbana. They were messaging one another, for God's sake (I was reading their messages!).
9 a.m. shows. Just spiteful after a 16-hour day.
Cocktail dresses for day. We are not living in a "Dynasty" world.
Uber-short draped cocoon skirts. Just say no, Ladies.

For more on what not to wear, read our Etiquette 101: Dress Codes

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Fashion's New Darling Is Born in Milan

2009-09-28T13:53:42Z

Becca Garrison before, after, and Armani-ready with Style Director Mark Connolly

Who is Rebecca Garrison? I didn't know until four months ago and neither did the international fashion pack, but they sure do now.

I first met Becca this summer when she walked into my office with her mother Sue, her two sisters, and her brother to visit the editors of Condé Nast Traveler before embarking on a year-long world tour, which they have dubbed World School. You may have heard about the Sandfords from Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin, who has been blogging about the family and their remarkable journey around the world. The family was inspired by our magazine's annual Dream List feature, which chronicles some of the most sought-after travel experiences—those that take you behind the scenes, allowing privileged access to people, places, and events that are verboten to most. Sue Sandford is committed to giving each one of her children a Dream List-like experience.

Her daughter Becca's lifelong ambition (at 13 years of age!) has been to get into the fashion business. Naturally, attending a fashion show in Milan has been a dream of Becca's since she could remember dreaming, and as her trip to Florence coincided with Milan Fashion Week for spring/summer 2010, I was lucky enough to choreograph that dream into a reality. Little did I know that the day would be nearly as surprising, rewarding, and magical for me as it was for Becca.

The plan: I would turn Becca into a fashionista for a day. She would experience fashion up close and personal as my "assistant," attending the Emporio Armani fashion show and an accessories appointment at Sergio Rossi. In order to look the look and walk the walk she needed a fashion makeover, and boy did she deliver.

Becca arrived from Florence as a fresh-faced, innocent girl and ended her day as a seasoned professional. Read after the jump for our timeline.

]]> Emporio Armani. Most celebrities and some editors borrow clothing for red carpet appearances and fashion shows. Becca was no exception. I made an appointment at Emporio Armani to pull a rack full of this season's hot runway looks. My team in New York also sent over extra pieces because a true fashionista never wears a runway look from head to toe.

10:30 Hair and makeup consultation with Fabiana, an amazing hair and makeup artist who has worked with me on many photo shoots around the world. After selecting the final outfit, a washed leather jacket, silk shorts, and velvet ankle boots all from Emporio, mixed with a tank from Calvin Klein Underwear. We decided she needed minimal and natural makeup, but major hair that would elevate her to new levels. It was fierce. And it was MAJOR. (We had a small video crew in tow to document the experience for our Web site.)

12 P.M. Transformation complete! The video crew, Becca, and I departed for Emporio Armani show.

12:30 Arrival at Emporio. The minute we pulled up, Becca stepped out of the car in her black stiletto boots and big messy blond up-do and the shutterbugs descended upon us like a swarm of mosquitoes. They didn't know who she was after she got out of the car, but it didn’t matter. She was young. She was hot. And she was someone. And since the paparazzi kept caring, so did everyone else around us. We were then swept into the Armani HQ and ushered straight to our seats.

12:50 Introductions were made to all the editors of her favorite magazines. She was utterly charming and totally poised. Like a great representative for Traveler. And like she had been doing it her whole life.

1:10 Lights go down. Music hits. A rockin' Emporio Armani show starts. Like a true fashion junkie, Becca, alongside her new found fashion pack of editors in the third row, ditches her notebook and leans across me to take tons of runway pictures for my fashion reference library.

1:30 Show over. As we walked outside, you might have thought I was escorting the new Gossip Girl down the street. The photogs weren't interested in snapping my photo, but boy did they want pictures of Becca. Posing like a true pro (she had been studying young Hollywood starlets like Emma Watson) miss cool-as-a-cucumber took it all in stride. Sunglasses on or off. She was flawless. They followed us in the street. All the way to the car.

2:00 We pull up to my favorite restaurant in Milan, Bagutta, for a well-earned lunch and a chance to discuss the finer details of the show at Emporio Armani. I also got a chance to look at the handbag sketches she had just completed in Florence, which were way better than I could have produced and I spent three years in art school!

3:30 Time to get back into the groove. No time to waste. We had an important accessory appointment at hot shoe label Sergio Rossi, where we were meeting with the PR director Krista as well as the creative director Francesco Russo, who took us through the spring/summer collection. Becca was my accessory market editor and she took the responsibility for photographing the shoes quite seriously. I would consider putting in the pages of Traveler next season.

4:15 We left Sergio Rossi for the Gucci show, where we were to say our goodbyes. When we arrived outside the show, we might have thought the scene outside Armani was something, but apparently word had already spread around town that a hot new celeb had arrived, and the paps were hungry for a shot. Naturally, Becca turned on the star wattage. From British and Japanese tabloids to the fashion blogs, the photographers and reporters all wanted a piece of her. They wanted to know what she was wearing. Where she came from. And of course, they all wanted her photo.

5:05 Time to say the final goodbye amidst a frenzy of flashbulbs. That's when it struck me. I had just witnessed the power that fashion has to transform. While I knew the day would be life-changing for Becca, I didn't anticipate what a special moment it would be for me as well—to see up close and personal the impact of fashion, beauty, and a lot of confidence on the environment and people around us was truly amazing. I can honestly say it surpassed my wildest expectations.

A star was born. Or she was made. Either way, flashbulbs are likely to remain in her future.

Welcome Back, Donatella! Notes from Milan Fashion Week

2009-09-27T15:18:14Z

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!