MILAN FASHION WEEK

SUNDAY: Nhow Hotel. I decided to take the day off from the shows, partly to save my energies for the coming week and partly because I wanted to see the Martin Margiela exhibition, see a movie and to take a look at the Nhow Hotel designed by Matteo Thun. The Nhow is situated in the old General Electric building in the new trendy Tornona/Savona area of Milan. The area of ex factories that now houses photographic studios, fashion and design showrooms, as well as, Armani’s theater. Nhow reinterprets spaces and times, services and functions, in a mood that wraps you as soon as you enter, from the hall to the suites. The common areas are filled with design, (like the Jacopo Foggini chandeliers, above) and unique works of art, as well as, experimental videos and photographs which are projected every day for guests to enjoy and, they are all for sale. Nhow is a new experience in hotel living dedicated to an avant-guard, sophisticated and international clientele.

Note: I loved the detail of the water coming from above in the loos near the lobby. Click on the image to enlarge.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

SATURDAY: Seduzioni Diamonds by Valeria Marini. The showgirl and actress, ValeriaMarini is very happy after her sexy collection for her fashion brand, Seduzioni Diamonds. After the show four bodyguards protect her from fans, press and celebrities while she is being interviewed by one of the many fashion televisions covering Milan Fashion Week.

Inspired by Madame de Pompadour and the Italian cult pop-cartoon character Valentina, by way of Cat Woman and Barbarella, the collection blends elements from the icons to create a feminine figure that is halfway between fetish and comic strip.

Actress, Maria Grazia Cuccinotto commented the whole show live for pop-star turned fashion commentator, Jo Squillo’s TV Moda fashion channel. Elio Fiorucci, whose latest boutique is called Love Therapy, was in his element, not only watching the sexy clothes on the runway, but also to be photographed next to La Cuccinotta. Also at the show, TV presenter, Federica Panicucci, Linda Battisti and fashion designer, Alviero Martini, who makes bags and suitcases printed with the map of the world.

Presented for the first time the VM Jeans line, with the initials of the eclectic designer, the VM - vietato ai minori - acronym also means X rated in Italian. Her seduction thus seeps into the world of five pockets.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

SATURDAY: Balizza. Making its debut in Milan, Balizza is a Turkish pret-a-porter fashion house. The collection was designed by Stefano Guerriero. Stefano called the collection,Future Goddess, a divinity that comes out of a spiritual boudoir. Inspired by the glamor of Grace Jones and the photographs of Jean-Paul Goode, the edgy designs and anatomic creations are a hypnotic rhythm that moves in a dimension of extravagance.

Note: the over the knee boots, either encrusted with shiny stones or in patent leather. The metallics; silver, gold and bronze for evening-wear. And, the grey fox. All trends for next winter.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

SATURDAY: Camera Nazionale della Moda. With a symbolic cut of the tricolor ribbon, Milan Fashion Week, Fall/Winter 2007/2008, was declared officially open by the president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda, Mario Boselli, the minister for youth policies and sport activities, Giovanna Melandri and by the town councilor for productive activities and fashion of the town of Milan, Tiziana Maiolo.
Here are the numbers: 103 fashion shows for 96 brands, 85 presentations and 44 by appointment. 15.000 fashion operators arrived in Milan, as well as, 2000 media representatives from more than 40 countries.
Are you ready? Let’s go.

MILAN FASHION WEEK

FRIDAY: Milano metro. Back in Milan and though I’m more a dog person than a cat person, this advertisement caught my eye in the Montenapoleone metro station. I always like to give you a sense of place and this cat looks so contented after "dreaming" about drinking some Milano milk. Let’s hope I’ll be as equally happy after Milan Fashion week?

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: a bouquet of fifty assorted, Coeur de Roses Rouge from Au Nom de la Rose? Red roses are the ultimate expressions that proclaim "I Love You". The color of fire, a hymn to love, they are the symbol of romantic love and enduring passion.

Contessanally says: have a great Valentine's Day.

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: a vibrant glossy red, Coeur Framboise individually boxed, from Pierre Marcolini? These seductive hearts are filled with delicious raspberry chocolate ganache, enclosed by opulent white chocolate coating, releasing the fruits full flavor. To be placed on your lover’s pillow this valentine’s Day.

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: one of these John Derian Valentine inspired decoupage plate, paperweights or coasters? Take your pick: The Eden heart shaped plate. A set of the Love Letter coasters. A crystal dome, Heart or Love paperweight. Available in Paris, from the mesmerizing Assouline bookstore boutique, on the rue Bonaparte, or from the John Derian's Flagship store in New York City.

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: a Jean-Paul Hevin boxed, Lace Chocolate Heart, tied in yellow ribbon and filled with assorted chocolates inside? The prize winning chocolatier says “Take the chocolate out of Valentine’s day and you won’t be able to call it a real romantic holiday.”

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: a blood-orange solitaire hessonite stone surrounded by eighty-nine black diamonds and set in blackened 18k. white gold? Or, a very large oval, red coral cabochon ring with two sculptures on the sides in molten onyx with forty-two rosewood colored diamonds, also set in blackened 18k.white gold? From Muriel Grateau’s jewelry line called Collections Precieuses. Muriel explains “These jewels appeal to women with personality and a sense of style.”

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

photograph courtesy Fifi Chachanil

How About: a sexy black lace, over pink flowery nylon, padded underwire bra, called Bagatelle Rose from Fifi Chachanil? Fifi declares "The main function of the underwear we choose every morning is to turn us into a good mood. It is linked to our personal imagination and can be either excessive or sweet. It can express a natural frivolity that deals with insolence and lightness. Choosing one of my designs means that you want to see la vie en rose.” If you can’t make the Parisian Boutiques, Fife’s lingerie can be ordered online.

photograph by Gregoire Phulpin

How About: a pair of demure gant Parfum from Fifi Chachnil’s Autumn/Winter collection 2007/2008. The tailor-made gloves display Fifi’s medal and pink bow. They accompany the lace timeless parures. Fifi says “Matching your gloves to your lingerie, is the ultimate refinement in living l’amour avec les gants.”
Contessanally Suggests: how about making a donation to breast cancer research? Like: www.breastcancer.org or www.bcrfcure.org or www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer

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from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

How About: covering an armchair in your boudoir with this erotic toile fabric? Or, just adding a cushion to a sofa? Or, papering the downstairs guest loo with the wallpaper version? Or, making up the bed with the sheets? Original Toile de Jouys, generally depict fairly complex pastorial scenes. This erotic version, called Toile de Jouiii, designed by Pascale Risbourg, for K-Lou Design, is a clever play on words, because Jouir in French, also means to have an orgasm! It is available in Paris at Chantal Thomass or in New York at Kiki de Montparnasse.

from: MILANO - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

photograph courtesy Lula

How About: a chocolate box, designed by Antonio Ponte, for Lula, and inspired by Peynet’s famous Parisian amoureux, filled with delicious orgasmic chocolates?

from: PARIS - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Why Not: create a floor puzzle with these black and white heart-shaped LOVE pouffe’s designed by award winning designer, Rosita Missoni for MissoniHome collection, by T and J Vestor. The assorted pouffes fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

PARIS - Rosita Missoni's Cocktail Dinatoire

Seen at Rosita’s Cocktail Dinatoire. At home in Paris, Rosita Missoni very happily poses, by a crystal Eiffel Tower (the real one can been seen from the balcony), with Maison et Objet’s president, Etienne Cochet. Maison et Objet voted her Best Designer of the Year for the MissoniHome Collection. Rosita’s motto is, “Feeling at home everywhere. Because the home moves with you, greets your friends and expresses your dreams, creative furniture should open the doors to an imaginary journey “at home.” It’s a philosophy based on two principles: daily life and openness to the world of the art of living; or how the interaction between interior/exterior envelops the entire house. And, it was “at home” in her eclectic and colorful Parisian apartment, that her friends celebrated the Italian designer. Brava Rosita.

Seen at Rosita’s Cocktail Dinatoire. They could be mother and daughter, the lady painted on the 1940’s screen and the charming and chic, Pamela Golbin. Pamela is curator of twentieth-century and contemporary fashion at the Musee de la Mode et du Textile. She has organized various exhibitions, the latest, Balenciaga Paris, and has written the accompanying publications. She is wearing a blouse by Chanel and black velvet trousers by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Rosita found the sceen at the Marche aux Puces and she thinks that it originally belonged to an atelier de mode or was used as a back-drop in a photographic studio.

Seen at Rosita’s Cocktail Dinatoire. Beautiful and elegant fashion entrepreneur, Joyce Ma was chatting to interior and jewelry designer, Chahan Minassian.

Seen at Rosita’s Cocktail Dinatoire. Vittorio and Tai Missoni give a double thumbs up to Rosita for being awarded Best Designer of the Year by Maison et Objet, for the MissoniHome Collection.

Seen at Rosita’s Cocktail Dinatoire. Famous Canadian theatre and opera director, Robert Carsen stopped by the Missoni's Parisian apartment to toast Rosita for being elected the Best Designer of the Year. Carsen was on his way to Japan to direct Wagner’s Tannhauser, conducted by Seiji Ozawa. He is wearing an Etro suit with a Dries Van Norten scarf and a Muji T-shirt.

PARIS - A New Hotel

At the Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere Hotel. A corner of the lobby of the luxury Fouquet Barriere Hotel on the Avenue George V, next to the legendary restaurant on the Champs-Elysees. With architecture by Edouard Francois and decorated by renowned hotel interior designer, Jacques Garcia, it boasts a spa, swimming pool, bar and separate restaurant, as well as, trendy audio ambience by Beatrice Ardisson

Detail: The “walk of fame” leading up to the entrance to the famous restaurant, Fouquet’s built in 1899, on the Champs-Elysees, immortalizes all the stars that have won the Cesar Film Awards, since 1975.

PARIS - Dries Van Noten boutique

At the Dries Van Noten Boutique. The Louvre across the Seine is reflected in the windows of the new Dries Van Noten boutique at 7 Quai Malaquais. At last, we have a boutique with a personality. It looks more like a Parisian apartment than a clothes store; it is luxuriously decorated with mixed eclectic pieces from different periods. Formerly a bookstore, the boutique, in the heart of the rive gauche, is surrounded by antique dealers and art galleries and, if you don’t look too closely, could easily pass as an antiquaire.”I wanted to preserve the identity and the history of this18^th Century building, of the quartier and the surrounding environment.’ Van Noten explains. Put it on your “to do list” on your next trip to Paris.

PARIS - Bar restaurant L'Eclaireur

At the Bar Restaurant L’Eclaireur. A detail of the bar area of the Bar Restaurant L’Eclaireur, the new hot spot in Paris for an exotic cocktail or for a meal simply assembled with the best fresh products. The decor is based on the 1950’s pastry shop in Milan, Dulciora, designed by Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti. Piero’s son, Barnaba searched the archives and, designed this marvelous trompe l’oeil decor. Black and white, as well as, tinted collages adorn the walls with drunken monkeys, stacks of playing cards, urns, cake on cake stands and a library full of books. Open from 11am to 2 am, you can hang out any time of day for a snack, a coffee or a tea, but don’t forget to try the cocktails, especially the unusual ones like; Cucumber Martini, Monkey Cane or Old Teenager.

Bar Restaurant L’Eclaireur – 10 rue Boissy d’Anglas – 75008 – tel:1 53 43 09 99

At the Bar Restaurant L’Eclaireur. Barnaba Fornasetti sits in a corner of the new L’eclaireur, bar and restaurant. For seventeen years, Barnaba has been selling the Fornasetti range to the L’Eclaieur boutique, the very first concept store in Paris. It was natural therefore, that when Martine and Armand Hadida decided to open a restaurant, they asked Barnaba to collaborate with them to design this unique and unconventional space, homage to the great Piero Fornasetti.

Detail: see how beautifully this silk Fornasetti waistcoat works well with tweed. In fact, it could look just as chic with grey flannel or even black tie.
Contessanally tip: click on the photographs to see a bigger image. Click on the blue print to go directly to the website.

Paris - A Patisserie Boutique

At Pierre Herme. You must add this stylish patisserie to your gourmand tour of Paris. Famous, award winning, French patissier, Pierre Herme has only just opened up in Paris after being present on the Japanese market for the past ten years. Herme creates delicous seasonal desserts and pastries “I want everybody to enjoy an incomparable gastronomic journey in the universe of taste, sensation, and pleasure.” I adored these gigantic macaroons called, Ispahan Individuel, stuffed with fresh raspberries and raspberry jelly.

PARIS - Thiou Restaurant

At The Thun’s dinner at Thiou. Matteo and Susanne Thun hosted a small dinner party at the trendy hot spot in Paris, Thiou, on the Quai D’Orsay. Thiou takes its name from the lady chef, allegedly the best Thai chef in Paris. She calls her cuisine “Modern Thai Fusion.” How many more ways can you eat chocolate? The Chocolate dessert, was an orgasm, to die for. Though the décor is a bit sparse, the atmosphere is great with lots of beautiful people and le tout Paris.

Thiou – 49 Quai D’Orsay – 75007 – Tel: 01 40629650

PARIS - Thiou Restaurant

At The Thun’s dinner at Thiou. Our beautiful and chic hostess Susanne Thun is having a tete a tete with Visonaire magazine’s Giorgio Pace. Visonaire is the multi-format quarterly album of fashion and art produced in exclusive numbered and limited editions. The magazine is very difficult to find, making it even more precious. Giorgio lives between Paris and New York. Amongst his latest projects are a series of elaborate designer pop-up books. Watch out for them, they are fabulous, we were lucky enough to see a prototype at dinner.

Detail: A Contessa with style, Susanne Thun is always wearing something special, note this crocodile handbag, which used to belong to her grandmother in the 1950s. She is also carrying a bag from Laduree filled with their famous macaroons. “I eat them, because, aesthetically I love the colors. They remind me of Marie-Antoinette.” She confided. Founded in 1862, Laduree is famous for its macaroons, in many colors and flavors, they are made daily and they sell 15,000 macaroons a day.

PARIS - Thiou Restaurant

At The Thun’s dinner at Thiou. Globetrotter, Marva Griffin and Relais Chateaux owner, Ivana De Marchi Zanon pose for my camera. The last time I saw Marva was in Miami, though she is Milan based, it is easier to bump into her abroad. She is a busy lady in her role as curator of the Salone Satellite and as the director of the International Press for the Milan International Furniture Fair, not forgetting that, she is also on the architecture and design committee of MOMA. She was in Paris on her way to London and New York for press conferences regarding the next Milan International Furniture Fair. Ivana, was in Paris for the Maison et Objet fair, buying for her beautiful Relais Chateaux Villa Abbazia boutique.

Thiou - 49 Quai D'Orsay - 75007 - tel: 01 40629650

PARIS - Another Chocolate Boutique

At Pierre Marcolini. Let’s carry on with our gastronomic chocolatier and patisserie tour of Paris with a stop at Belgian chocolatier, Pierre Marcolini on the Rue de Seine. From the outside the store looks like a jewelers, the walls are painted white with black lettering, that so reminds us of a certain Mademoiselle...but after all we are in Paris. The extensive collection boast unique flavors such as liquorice, Earl Grey tea, passion fruit, violet and most centers are ganache-based. I also adored the chocolate covered marshmallows. Marcolini say’s there is some truth in chocolate being an aphrodisiac “It contains Theo bromine, methyl-xanthenes, phenyl-yalanine, which together act as stimulants, inducing the emotion of falling in love.” If you can’t make the Paris boutique, don’t worry you can find them in his other stores in London, New York or Tokyo.

PARIS - Boutique Assouline

At the Boutique Assouline. If you enjoy looking at fashion, design, art and architecture picture and coffee table books as much as I do, you’ll never leave this fascinating bookstore on the Rue Bonaparte. And, when you do, your wallet will be a lot lighter. Beware! Assouline is more a boutique than a regular bookstore. Their latest book is called The Light of Paris, photographs by Jean-Michel Berts, and text by Pierre Assouline. This black and white photographic book is a moving homage to Paris. The photographs are taken at dusk or dawn after the swarming crowds have deserted the streets and the hum and buzz of traffic has subsided. Separately, you can also buy beautiful framed photographs printed from the book. As King Francois I once said “Paris is not a city it’s a world.”

PARIS - Cafe de Flore

At The Cafe de Flore. From one icon of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, pictured below, to another landmark, the Café de Flore. You just can’t go to Paris without stopping there for a drink, a coffee, a cup of tea or a little snack, it’s de rigueur! The clients are a subtle mix of artists, writers, intellectuals, reporters, politics, designers, It was there that Appollinaire coined the word “surrealism”, it was there that Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone De Beauvoir invented “existentialism”. De Beauvoir recalls “We installed ourselves completely: from 9 to 12 am, we worked, then we had lunch, and at 2 pm we came back and spoke with friends we had met, until 8pm. After having dinner, we received people with whom we had fixed an appointment. This could seem strange to you, but at this café we were at home.” In the ‘60s the cinema seized the café: Roger Vadim, Jane Fonda, Roman Polansky, Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, as well as, the intelligentsia of the times: Sagan, Barthes and the world of fashion: Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld and the most beautiful models. The American Cinema likes to go there too: Sharon Stone likes to sip Champagne, Robert de Niro, likes to people watch, Jack Nicholson enjoys a cigar. But the Flore, is first of all a literary Café where writers of yesterday and of nowadays gather. Sitting next to us, as you can see by the manuscript on the table, were French author Fred Pages going over his new novel with his publisher Maren of Maren Sell Editeurs.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. This model of the Tour Eiffel on the Chelini stand, was part of the decoration, Michele Bonan pictured below is not only artistic director for the company, but he also designs his own line of furniture called Michele Bonan by Chelini.. Maison et Objet is the best trade fair in Europe that brings together top-of-the-range furniture and accessories, decoration and design. The fair is divided into six sectors…the best of what decoration has to offer.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. Florentine Architect, Michele Bonan. Bonan is best known for his elegant and modern boutique hotels in Florence for the Ferragamo family. He is currently working with Italian developer, Ugo Colombo on the Cipriani Resort and Residences in Miami Beach.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. Visual designer, stylist and expert on art and interior design, Samuele Mazza, was presenting his collection for Visionaire. Visionaire is Samuele’s most recent grand design project. And, as you can see from the photograph, in his aesthetics, he has banished all minimalism. This is his free standing, Bird Lamp which was designed for people who can’t hang chandeliers. “For this collection I was inspired by the grandeur of the French Chateau.” He said.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. Architect and designer Matteo Thun. Matteo is currently working on airport hotels. His latest, are the Radisson SAS Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, and the Airport Stuttgart Movenpick Hotel in Germany. “The stay for the business travelers should be made as uncomplicated and comfortable as possible, providing all services without wasting time.” Thun Explained.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. British, interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, looked great and festive in red. One of her latest projects, due to open in early 2008, is a fifty-five room boutique hotel, on the Rambla de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain for the Majestic Hotel Group. The style will be the classic contemporary look she is well known for.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. The best and the chicest gardening equipment and clothes can be found at Le Prince Jardinier. Prince Louis-Albert de Broglie story began when he bought, with his brother, Philippe-Maurice, the chateau de La Bourdaisiere in the Loir-et-Cher region of France. They transformed the Renaissance castle into a magnificent hotel and the surrounding grounds into a jardin a la Francaise. Prince Louis-Albert was presenting at Maison et Objet his new rattan furniture collection called Commanderie. The design for the whole collection was inspired by the detail of an armrest from an old garden chair from his aunt’s castle. His latest project is a magazine due out in March and available at Le Prince Jardinier stores or on request.

Detail: Silver watering cans cuff links, an appropriate gift from a friend.

PARIS - Maison et Objet

Seen at Maison et Objet. Designers, Massimo Rausa, Guido Toschi Marazzani Visconti, Riccardo Priolisi and Paolo Genta. Guido, second from the left, is the best tent designer. He is currently working on the tents in Lindos, for the Hotel Melenos on the Island of Rhodes in Greece. The hotel is one of the hundred best boutique hotels of the world. Talented, Turin based decorator, Paolo Genta, first on the right, has recently refurbished the Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Sestiere and he is currently working on ‘Mr. Faswebnet’s' London apartment.

PARIS - A chocolate boutique

The Artist Chocolatier. Jean-Paul Hevin is one of the three master chocolatiers of Paris. His temple to chocolate, is a must stop on every chocoholic’s list. On the trendy Rue Saint-Honore, just a couple of doors down from Colette’s and just a few doors up from the Hotel Costes, this elegant boutique is decorated with dark warm counters and designer displays. How about taking a chocolate Eiffel Tower home, as an unusual yummy souvenir from Paris?
Jean-Paul Hevin tip: “Chocolate must be enjoyed at room temperature, like a fine wine or a cake. You can recognize a fine chocolate by its dark, warm color and, most of all, its fragrance. As soon as a box is opened, the aroma must be bold, pervasive, delicate and insistent, all at the same time.”