Friday, March 31, 2006


photograph by Manfredi Bellati
VENEZIA
Restoration of the clock tower in Piazza San Marco. Or, when New York meets Venice. The Empire State Building is the last in a series of images on the sheeting that covers the scaffolding to the watch tower during it's restoration. The idea was conceived by photographer, Oliviero Toscani as a homage to the great towers of the world. Other famous towers depicted on the clock tower were, London's Big Ben - Paris's Eiffel Tower and the leaning tower of Pisa. What a great idea.

MILANO
At the IO DONNA 10th Anniversary Party. Look who was having a cozy "heart to heart" chat sitting on the sofa. An unusual couple, Miuccia Prada and Donatella Versace. What were they talking about? Fashion, Children, Love........ Donatella was last spotted, with Trudy Styler at the Prada show.

MILANO
Easter Eggs. Lula is a new space in Milan entirely devoted to chocolate. Fashion trend setter, Antonio Ponte conceived this shop as a "living room" where people can just pass by or have cultural exchanges, in a cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of the old chocolate and confectioners shops. The store takes it's name from his bull terrier, Lula. The assortment of chocolates and flavors are varied and unusual as is the ad-hoc exclusive packagings, like textile boxes or colored chocolate trays, decorated with thin papers and silk or velvet ribbons. Milk or dark, with nuts, almonds or dried fruits, but also rose or vanilla, ginger or lavender, red pepper or wild fennel, green tea or orange, lemon or limoncello flavored, chocolates are the protagonist here. For Easter, Antonio has designed these beautiful Faberge inspired, hand decorated eggs. As well as, chocolate eggs wrapped in one of a kind, vintage designer silk scarves that hold a hand written poem by Nicoletta Pallini Clemente.
www.lulamilano.com Lula - Via Archimede/Via Fiamma 17 - tel: 0270006915

MILANO
Why not add rose petals to your food? It was the first time that I saw edible flowers among the fruit and vegetables in Italy. In fact, these flowers arrive twice a week from Les Halles in Paris and are sold exclusively in a "jewel" of a greengrocer in the heart of Brera. Called, Il Fruttivendolo, the Galantino brothers, Teo, Enzo and Tonio have been selling for the past twenty-five years, in and out of season fruit and vegetables to the trendy, hip and rich of the neighborhood. The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years. And, rose petals are so pretty. Delight your guests with: rose petal pickled peaches - rose petal ice cream - rose petal pears - rose petal soup - champagne jelly with rose petals and grapes - rose petal cupcakes - garnish ice cubes with rose petals or just sprinkle rose petals into green salads for a splash of color. The possibilities are infinite, just google rose petals and have fun!
Il Fruttivendolo: Via Solferino 12 - tel: 02 6599730 -www.google.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2006


PIXEL
is already looking out for my next blog............

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007

TIME TO GO HOME
the next Milan Fashion shows are
September 23rd - October 1st, 2006

GORIZIA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAI. Ottavio Missoni 85th birthday last month, was celebrated with the exhibition Caleidoscopio Missoni, until June 4th, at Palazzo Attems-Petzenstein museum in Gorizia. Curated by Luca Missoni, the exhibition presents forty big patchwork tapestries designed by Tai together with knitwear, dresses, objects and decorating fabrics installed to give a sensorial kaleidoscopic effect.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Missoni. Champagne flowed backstage to mark Angela's 10th "Birthday"! Since she took over from her parents, Angela Missoni has been designing the Missoni ladies line for ten years and 20 collections. Her greatest indulgence is to spend more time with her boyfriend, Bruno and not do anything. Her father, Tai would like to spend more time with his friends and her mother, Rosita would like to go into the woods and pick wild chicory.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Missoni. This was one of the best Missoni shows. Angela Missoni's 20th Collection. A new egg-shaped silhouette was shown, as well as lots of mini and low waisted knee length dresses, capes and hooded cardigans in the famous striped Missoni knits. The leggings and high heels worn with everything, made the collection young, modern and bold. And, as Missoni is a family run business, there couldn't be a better "slot" to tell you about family and children related greatest indulgences; For Missoni's men's creative director, Luca Missoni - Diadoro's CEO, Enrico Mambelli - top manager, Giulia Ligresti - Donna Tania Ruffo di Calabria - I-D magazine editor in chief, Terry Jones - Canale 5's anchor woman, Cristina Parodi and socialite, Katherine Mondadori all would love to spend more time with their children and families. And, art critic, Mariuccia Casadio's greatest indulgence are her four "adopted" Tamagotchis!





MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Missoni. Angela Missoni's daughters, Teresa and Margherita pose with Italian actress, Eliana Miglio before the Missoni show. Eliana's latest film "But, When Do The Girls Get Here?" directed by Pupi Avati came out last year. Eliana's greatest indulgence she says is "Love." Whilst, Margherita's greatest indulgence is "Boys." And, Teresa says she would like to spend more time with her family.
www.missoni.com

Tuesday, March 07, 2006


MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Zelens Creams. Lunch at Katherine Mondadori's with Marko Lens. I was lucky that they were both in town as Katherine is usually in NYC these days and Marko practices between London and Milan. I was dying to hear more about the creams. So let's get serious and let me be the first to tell you about these new incredible creams. Zelens Day and Night creams were created by Harvard and Oxford educated plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Marko Lens. The creams arise from Dr. Len's extensive research in skin cancer and they owe their anti-ageing properties to the fullerene C60 molecule, a powerful antioxidant that won its creators a Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1996. They also contain twenty other naturally-occurring ingredients. Marko won't have much trouble promoting the creams because, A) they are fantastic and B) they have already been endorsed by such Hollywood stars as; Melanie Griffith, Ursula Andress and by socialite Katherine Mondadori. He also has an impressive list of patients, amongst whom are clients who send their jets for him. And, the icing on the cake, is the beautiful "Zen-like" jar and packaging, designed by talented and internationally renowned Anouska Hempel or Lady Weinberg, for the social columns. You can buy the creams online or in London at Selfridges and in Milan prior to the Italian launch at Milano Make-Up. Health related greatest indulgences are: Nilufar's, Vazanine Yashar loves to indulge in beauty creams - socialite, Marchese Marta Brivio Sforza and New York Times, Stefano Tonchi both would like to spend more time at the gym - Pitti Immagine's CEO, Raffaello Napoleone's greatest indulgence is sailing - stylish, fashion and home retailer, Rosanna Orlandi and design consultant, Chiara Dal Canto Brandolini would both love to indulge in a Spa, but Chiara would also love to take with her Oscar winning actor, George Clooney!
www.zelens.com www.selfridges.com Milano Make-Up - Via Santa Margherita www.nilufar.com www.nytimes.com www.pittimmagine.com Rosanna Orlandi Via Matteo Bandello 14-16 www.georgeclooney.org

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Gianfranco Ferre. I asked Gianfranco Ferre to describe his collection in a nutshell and he told me " Severe, Regal and Modern." It was all of those and more it was luxurious, glamorous and very red carpet. It spelled "Hollywood". At the academy Awards this year, the Italian director, Cristina Comencini wore Ferre, she was a candidate in the Best Foreign Language Film category with her film 'Don't Tell'.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre. The Italian royals. His Royal Highness Prince Serge of Yugoslavia is flanked by his wife, Princess Eleonoire on his right and by Princess Helene, his twin sister on his left. They are being interviewed by anchor woman, Illaria Grillini for Rai, Italian state television. Prince Serge runs a public relations and consulting firm, as well as a charitable foundation to aid the poor in Turin. He also served as local ambassador for the Torino Olympic Winter Games. Prince Serge and Princess Eleonoire's greatest indulgence would be to spend a quite weekend, with no social engagements watching a dvd. Whereas, Princess Helene's greatest indulgence would be to take a trip with her enfant.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre.
After the Gianfranco Ferre show, french actress, Roxane Mesquida hangs out backstage wearing a very sexy dress by the designer. Her latest film, Sheitan by Kim Chaprion has just been released. In the horror movie she plays a foxy young temptress and co-stars with Vincent Cassel. Her greatest indulgences are the parts she chooses to play, because they are always tragic parts, the "Opposite to what I am in real life."she tells me.
www.gianfrancofere.com www.lesheitan.com www.roxane-mesquida.com

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Gianfranco Ferre. Milva, also known as La Rossa (the red), is definitely the only Italian singer who was able to entirely express her talents in music, theatre and comedy. She is being interview by ex rock star and now Tv Moda's presenter Jo Squillo while Ornella Vanoni listens in. They are sitting in the front row waiting for the Gianfranco Ferre fashion show to begin. Milva's, like Vanoni's and Paoli's greatest indulgence is sleep. While, Jo's is reading.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Gianfranco Ferre. Italian actress Anna Falchi is so beautiful in real life that when she was being photographed before the Gianfranco Ferre fashion show, someone cried out "She is our Brigit Bardot". Like Prada's Patrizio Bertelli her greatest indulgence is work.
www.gianfrancoferre.com www.annafalchi.net www.prada.com

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Gianfranco Ferre. Italian pop "nobility", Sapore di Sale's Gino Paoli and Senza Fine's Ornella Vanoni sit side by side, in the front row of the Gianfranco ferre fashion show. They have often been a twosome on and off stage. Their latest cd and dvd together "Vanoni Paoli Live" sold 80,000 copies. It was issued last September to co-inside with their 70th birthdays. They also have the same greatest indulgence which is "Sleep", could it because they are both night people and therefore treasure sleep more?
www.gianfrancoferre.com www.ornellavanoni.it www.ginopaoli.it

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre. In between shows Gianfranco Ferre sits backstage grinning like a "Cheshire cat", because he already knows that his collection is a success. While, his staff, well trained by Rita Airaghi, are taking care of every last detail for the star studded second show.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre. Here is the most sought after top models of the moment. Lily Cole, the flame-haired Londoner, has been touted as the new Kate Moss. She is featured regularly in the top international fashion magazines as well as ad campaigns. In 2004 the British Fashion Awards named her 'Model of the Year'. Lily has been cast to star in Phantasmagoria, an adaptation of Alice In Wonderland which will be directed by shock rocker Marilyn Manson. Lily would like to study Politics at University, and backstage at the Gianfranco Ferre show she was reading "Political Ideologies". For the "foggy eye" make up Gianfranco Ferre was inspired by the gothic post punk group Siouxsie And The Banshees.
www.gianfrancoferre.com www.stormmodels.com www.vamp.org/Siouxsie www.marilynmanson.com

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre. I have know make-up artist, Vicky Ceschi a Santa Croce since she was a little girl. So, it's always fun to bump into her at the shows and chat in English, she was brought up bi-lingual. She now lives in Tuscany where she owns and runs, with her man, Pietro, a luxury bed and breakfast in an ancient convent, which dates back to the XVII century, called La Cappella. Backstage a the Gianfranco Ferre show she is retouching top model, Andrea Nemcova's make-up. Vicky's greatest indulgence is make-up " I go to New York especially to stock up on make-up. I love Nars and Laura Mercier. I also love to go to all the little boutiques downtown where transvestites buy their make-up. It's a great inspiration point for me."

Monday, March 06, 2006


MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Ferre. In between shows at Gianfranco Ferre, models, Katia Kokoreva and Anna Carolina grab a nap. Other V.I.P's whose greatest indulgence is sleeping are; Armani's social P.R., Contessa Giovanna Borletti - Jewelry designer, Carla Maria Orsi Carboni - International Herald Tribune's, Suzy Menkes - Italian Vogue's editor in chief, Franca Sozzani - Italian singers, Gino Paoli, Ornella Vanoni and Milva - Russian show girl, Natasha Stefanenko - French photographer, Thribaut de Saint Chamas - Gianfranco Ferre's right hand, Liborio Capizzi.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
What a great way to collect old newspapers! My hostess in Milan, Chiara Brandolini loves baskets. Because, they express the unlimited possibilities in the workmanship of natural materials. They are also objects that have always existed and can be precious and rich like antique Japanese baskets, or they can be simple and full of poetry like the ones used by farmers. They are also useful, decorative and human. Chiara loves the open weave ones best because they express lightness. But, in general it's an instinctive feeling whether she like one more than another one. V.I.P's whose greatest indulgence is to find the time to read are; Emilio Pucci's CEO, Catherine Vautrin - Socialite, Wanda Galtrucco - American Vogue's editor at Large, Andre Leon Talley - ex Italian rock star and now TV Moda's presenter, Jo Squillo and beautiful black model Alek Wek.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
At Galleria Carla Sozzani. 255-0+Tea is an interactive art installation by the American-based artist Weihong at the Galleria Carla Sozzani, curated by Daniela Morera until March 26th. The title is based on the computer digital designations in RGB: "255" is 100% pure white, "0" is 100% pure black. For this project, the artist created a black and white space in the Galleria Carla Sozzani: a table in half black and half white, a black chair and a white chair; black and white tea cups; a tea-pot half black and half white. Guests are invited to have a cup of High Mountain Taiwan Tea, served by Weihong, tea drinkers discover the black tea cups engraved with "255", white tea cups with "0," and the teapot on both side with "255/0." these mimics the T'ai-Chi symbols of Yin (black) and Yang (white). The underpinning of the exhibition is the interactive communication between the artist and the tea guests, which leads into the I-Ching notion of "Change". After the tea ceremony Weihong photographs her guests and then installs these photos on an animated Internet web site. On the walls of the gallery are photographs from previous interactive art installation; Houston, New York and Dali, China. The Milan photos will feature in her next exhibition as well as on her web site. It was fascinating to participate and such an interesting project.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - backstage at Prada. Trudie Styler arrived at the Prada show with her friend, Donatella Versace. After the show, Trudie went backstage to congratulate Miuccia Prada on her beautiful collection. Trudie was in Milan for the premiere of her sixteen minute film Wait, commissioned by Glamour magazine, for which her husband Sting wrote the theme song " What Are You Doing For The Rest of Your Life?", as a gift for his wife. The song won a Grammy Award for best instrumental arrangement. Trudie was wearing Vintage Azzedine Alaia, Louboutin shoes and a Prada bag. Her greatest indulgence, she says is "Sex". Whilst, Miuccia Prada say she has NO indulgences as do English Vogue's editor in chief, Alexandra Shulman and artist Francesco Vezzoli, whose star studded porn trailer for a fictional remake of Gore Vidal's Caligula was just shown at the Whitney Biennial 2006 in New York after it's premiere debut at the Venice Biennale last year (see Contessnally, archive June 2005). V.I.P's who said they Knew every indulgences are art critic, Germano Celant and artist and gallery owner, Ottavio Fabbri who says "I know them all, it would be blissful to find one that I didn't know about!"

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Prada. This was one of the most beautiful Prada collections. I LOVED IT! Miuccia has done it again. The collection is unconformist, it's a refusal against "Politically Correctness", of which she is fed up. On the mood of the collection, Miuccia Prada told Jim Shi of The Fashion Week Daily, it's “Strong, ready to go out in the world, it has a savage energy. The savage side of women is very necessary."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
What can I say I'm partial to dogs and can't resist a stylish one like this one. Here is Jackie a beautiful Jack Russell Terrier. She is wearing a "diamond" collar from Bau per Miao and lots of charms or "tricks" as Prada likes to call her key rings. You can just see the "horn" against evil eye which comes in many materials and sizes from one of the fascinating shops of Milan, L'Oro dei Farlocchi. And, please note her gold mini soccer ball from Nike. Jackie's greatest indulgence is going for long walks in New York's Central Park. Other pet lovers are Interview's editor in chief, Ingrid Sischy and her cat Cassidy and American Marie Claire's editor in chief, Carolyn Cerf Dudzeele and her Jack Russell Terrier called "Jack Russell".

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pollini by Rifat Ozbek. Rifat Ozbek takes the curtain call after his beautiful collection for Pollini. Rifat's greatest indulgence is "My house in the south of Turkey." Other V.I.P's whose greatest indulgences is travel are: Publisher, Inge Feltrinelli - jewelry designer, Angela Pintaldi - Wallpaper's Milan editor, Nik Vinson - stylish journalist, Daniela Morera " I love taking fabulous trips to unknown places." - Driade's graphic Designer, Adelaide Astori Acerbi - Camera della Moda's, Mario Boselli loves " The mountains." - Princess Helene de Yugoslavie - socialite, Evelina Shapira - top model Lily Cole "Loves travel and fruit." - architect and fashion designer, Gianfranco Ferre "To travel in a private plane." - Style setter, Susanne Thun Hohenstein " A P.A., a pilot and a driver." Whereas, journalist and artist, Michael Roberts thinks "It's an indulgence to sit in Milan traffic."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pollini by Rifat Ozbek. This sixties inspired collection by Rifat Ozbek for Pollini is fabulous and wearable and certainly will be snapped up as soon as it reaches the stores. I want the set; matching A line dresses, coats, shoes, boots and bags in geometric prints and rich brocades.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pollini by Rifat Ozbek. Large than life, American Vogue's, editor at large, Andre Leon Talley, better known as ALT sits in the front row at the Pollini fashion show designed by Rifat Ozbek. Andre's greatest indulgence is reading and I so enjoyed reading his two books, called....can you guess? ALT and ALT 365.

Saturday, March 04, 2006


MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Summer 2006 - Stuart Weitzman. These are more my style, Swaroski studded jelly flops by Stuart Weitzman as seen in the window of one of my favorite Milanese Boutiques, Marisa. Called Diamond Lil (Acqua Jelly) they are the "must haves" for the beach this year. The celebrity shoe designer will also be designing a special Oscar shoe this year. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan said, "I am thrilled that Stuart Weitzman is designing a pair of shoes inspired by my mother, Rita Hayworth, by incorporating some of her favorite jewelry. Funds raised through auctioning the shoes will help the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization I have been dedicated to since its inception, to fight this horrible disease that afflicted my mother."
Marisa- Via Sant'Andrea 10/A - tel +3902 76000905 www.stuartweitzman.com www.alz.org

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Rene Caovilla. Fur, fur, fur is everywhere, in every collection, so it's not surprising to see it on these glamorous Rene Caovilla evening sandals mixed with colorful gems. Caovilla is Italy's answer to Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. Caovilla brings refined 1950's elegance and luxury to his shoes. In his Autumn-Winter collection he unites Swaroski cystals, pearls, embroideries, velvet, cashmere and mink entwined together for the woman who needs luxury and elegance and is not prepared to give up her fantasies!
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MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Alberto Biani. The Sozzani sisters need no introduction. Italian Vogue's, Franca Sozzani's greatest indulgence is "To sleep." And, Corso Como 10, Carla Sozzani's greatest indulgence is "To sing." Both sisters are devoted admirers of Alberto Biani. In fact, Franca was already wearing one of the new trouser prints from next season.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Alberto Biani. Backstage. You can almost feel the collection from looking at these gorgeous men's fabrics - pinstripes, regimental stripes, tie prints and then the satins, brocades and fur. In the Biani collection all these fabrics translate into wearable feminine tailored thoroughbred clothes where the jacket reigns supreme.

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Alberto Biani. Ex social columnist for the Corriere della Sera and now editor in chief of Anna magazine, Maria Latella's greatest indulgences is "To chat with my girlfriends about clothes." This isn't difficult to achieve in the front row of the Alberto Biani show, where she sits next to the minister for equal opportunities, Stefania Prestigiacomo, who is, by a long run, the most attractive member of the Italian government. Stefania's greatest indulgence is seeing the show of "My dear friend Alberto....."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pucci. Sitting in the front row of the Pucci show, ex P.R. for Armani and Prada, Carla Maria Orsi Carboni is now reproducing one of a kind snake bracelets. This luxury accessory, in gold, enamel and diamonds is a re-edition of a 1970's design. Carla Maria has called the collection Bibbi Khanum, after the Mongolian princess and favorite wife of Tamerlane who constructed the grand jami masjid, or Friday mosque, in Samarkand in her honor. So unless you are a friend of Carla Maria's or a friend of a friend, sorry but, you won't be able to buy one. She only sells her exclusive design at very private trunk shows!

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pucci. British actress, Sienna Miller, without her "on-off/off-on" boyfriend, Jude Law flew into Milano to support her friend Matthew Williamson in his first collection for Pucci. Backstage, before the show she had full model "treatment" of hair, make-up and change of clothes. She looked very attractive in her new mini Pucci-Williamson dress. Sitting next to her in the front row, Delphine Arnault, eldest daughter of Bernard Arnault, CEO of the luxury group LVMH of which she is also on the board of directors. Delphine's greatest indulgence is "My husband.", Alessandro Vallarino Gancia, heir to the wine and aperitif industry. Their marriage last year was billed as "the wedding of the year!" Whereas, Sienna's greatest indulgence is smoking like model Trish who can't give up " Coffee, cigarettes and rock and roll." And, English Vogue's Isabella Blow also indulgences in " Cigarettes, hats and lipstick." Whilst, Valentino's CEO Michele Norsa " I enjoy my cigars."

Friday, March 03, 2006


MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pucci. Called "Cupola" this is one of the main prints of the new Pucci line designed by Matthew Williamson. It was originally inspiredin 1972 by the stained glass windows of the Duomo in Florence. With, stylish, Princess Fiona Corsini's help the original Pucci prints have been elaborated and modernized with computer graphics. Fiona is also known as the "Princess of Prints" and chocolate is her greatest indulgences, as is Interview's editor in chief Ingrid Sischy "I have so many indulgences, hot chocolate, my cat Cassidy and dark bitter chocolate."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pucci. American Vogue's European editor at large, Hamish Bowles, sits with his boss Anna Wintour at the Pucci show. Anna always arrives early as a sign of respect. She has been seen around New York City with her new best friend, her daughter Bee Schaffer - in the front row at fashion shows, shopping in SOHO and at her favorite shop, John Derian in the East Village. Anna's greatest indulgence is "Candy."








MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Pucci. Did I say Pucci? But, I meant Biba, but it's Pucci....are you getting confused? So am I. The truth of the matter is that the Pucci collection, designed for the first time by Matthew Williamson brought back memories of London in the swinging sixties not only the shapes, but also the accessories, like the woolen hats and long scarves. It's a beautiful collection and very wearable, it's more Matthew Williamson rather than Christian Lacroix's last Pucci-Pucci collection, which is in the stores right now. Matthews greatest indulgence is "Peace and spare time." Spare Time seems to be the greatest indulgence of quite a few vip's like; Rosanna, Silvana and Roberta Armani - actresses, Anna Kanakis, Anna Valle, Anna Galiena - Prince and Princess Serge de Yugoslavie - jewelry book author, Maria Cristina Buccellati - fashion designer, Alberto Biani - Gioia and Marie Claire's editor in chief, Vera Montanari - Vittorio Missoni, fashion retailer and talent scout, Joan Burstein and last but not least the president of Pitti Immagine, Gaetano Marzotto and his beautiful wife Albertina who besides enjoying her spare time also loves to indulge in Mortadella!

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
This product is only Milan related because I bought it in London for a Milanese girlfriend's birthday. I was having lunch in Yo! Sushi in Harvey Nichols with the most amusing author and journalist, Betsy de Lotbiniere and I was telling her that I was looking for something special that one couldn't find in Italy, as you can find everything everywhere now. She told me that Eve Lom's Kiss Mix lip balm was very popular in London because ".... all you can think about is your lips as they begin to hum and buzz with chemical reaction that teases your brain." I tried it and was "hooked", it's sort of kinky, a great moisturizer and looks good over lipstick too. Some "Sexy" related greatest indulgences are; For actress, producer and director, Trudy Styler "Sex.", for Missoni's muse, Margherita Missoni "Boys.", for Italian actress, Eliana Miglio "Love.", for Elle U.S.A.'s editor in chief Gilles Bensimon " I love women.", and for Tatler's editor in chief Geordie Greig it's" Having a very beautiful wife."
www.evelom.co.uk www.harveynichols.com www.missoni.com www.elle.com www.tatler.co.uk

Thursday, March 02, 2006


photograph courtsey Armani Press
MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Armani. Spanish actress, Elsa Pataky is one of the most exciting young actresses to burst onto the international scene. She has just finished working in a supporting role in the film Snakes on Planes starring Samuel L. Jackson and directed by David Ellis. And, Chinese actress of international fame, Zhang Ziyi star of Memoirs of a Geisha, which is nominated for six Oscars, both attend the Giorgio Armani fashion show. You might also remember Zhang Ziyi in her enlightening (and physical) performance in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or in Rush Hour 2. Did you know that Memoirs of a Geisha isn't being shown in Cina, because the Chinese are furious that Zhang Ziyi dared portray a Japanese geisha?

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Armani. English rose, Lady Helen Taylor, nee Windsor, is an ambassador for the Giorgio Armani Fashion House. Mother of four and the wife of art dealer, Timothy Taylor, she is also 25th in line of succession to the British Throne. Lady Helen's greatest indulgence is "I love to spend hours in the Giorgio Armani Boutique in Milan." Other shopping related indulgences are; American Vogue's European editor at large, Hamish Bowles "Vintage clothes." Sak Fifth Avenue's, Terry Schaefer "wristwatches." The Daily Telegraph's fashion editor, Hilary Alexander "A shaved mink coat by Alexander McQueen." And, Italian Vogue's Anna Piaggi " I'm into longuette's right now so I can read menus in restaurants."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Armani. Ex Miss Italy and dark beauty, Anna Kanakis, who is also known for her low décolletés and outgoing mayor of Milan, Gabriele Albertini take a front row seat at the Giorgio Armani fashion show. Anna's greatest indulgence is " Time for myself and my thoughts." Mayor Albertini says "It's an indulgence for me to be here and not at work."

MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007 - Armani. Italian beauty and film star Ornella Muti was interviewed on her arrival at the Giorgio Armani fashion show. She is a regular guest and great friend of Giorgio's. Ornella's greatest indulgence is Breakfast " Coffee in bed in the morning.", as is Marina Prada's " I love to have breakfast in bed with lots of silver and flowers on a tray".

Photograph courtesy Armani press
MILANO Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007. The Giorgio Armani show used to be the very last one, but this season it was the first big show. It was like jumping in at the deep end! Not only that but, where were all the beautiful trouser suits the designer is so famous for? This collection was very, very feminine with ruches and ruffles galore. Perfect for the Oscars, these clothes were made with the red carpet in mind but, what will the working woman wear to the office next season? Giorgio Armani's greatest indulgence is "To say what I think."

Wednesday, March 01, 2006


MILANO: Pret-a-Porter
Autumn/Winter 2006/2007. Back in Milan for the collections. The weather was miserable, it rained, it was grey and cold. Therefore, it was so nice to come across this Martini poster in the window of the Diana Majestic Hotel. Red lips are always so glamorous and Martini's advertising is usually quite "sexy" and the slogan "What's your Pleasure?" was so appropriate for this season's question, "What is your greatest indulgence in life?"
www.martinirossi.com www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton