Inès de la Fressange Steals the Show at Jean Paul Gaultier

Inès de la Fressange at Jean Paul Gaultier; image via www.blogs.wsj.com

The crowd at Jean Paul Gaultier erupted into cheers as 51-year-old French supermodel Inès de la Fressange closed the Haute Couture show in a slinky black gown and ivory tuxedo jacket.  Inès began modeling in 1975 and became the face of Coco by Chanel perfume from 1983 to 1989, personifying French beauty and Parisian elegance and also establishing herself as the first model to sign an exclusive brand contract.  Gaultier has been a friend and fan over the years, and explained that Ms. de la Fressange “embodied the sexuality demanded by his raunchy Spanish-themed show, which also featured high-waisted pinstripe pants for women, suspenders and elbow-length gloves.”

Haute Couture Spring 2009

Alexis Mabille

Alexis Mabille

Alexis Mabille chose Karl Lagerfeld’s former house on rue de l‘Université to show his couture collection, and he transformed the venue to present a collection filled with a spirit of fresh sophistication unlike any other show that followed this week.  While the other houses remained faithful to the traditional schedule of showing for Spring, Mabille showed his Fall Winter collection instead. It was amazing to see a comparatively young designer showing a collection of fifty pieces. And it was fifty pieces of seduction.

Paris Men’s Collections Fall 2009

WINTLE

The show of young Australian-born designer Jsen Wintle featured an interesting mix of clean cuts and controlled flamboyance. While Wintle does craft a suit close to the chest, he is also able to convey a hidden opulence or understated dandyism in his line.

Swing trenches done in faded mohair tartans with matching bow ties or fabulous leather bike jodhpurs are examples of a new breed of frocks that embody both the decadence of the past and the new sobriety of the post-growth times. Also, check out those glorious shoes!

Wintle; image via coutorture.com

Visiting the Japan Brand Exhibition

Felissimo Design House

Opening in New York on Sunday, January 25, is Japan Brand: Unfolding, a two-week cultural exhibition and commercial fair featuring contemporary Japanese design.  The event is being held at Felissimo Design House, a beautiful turn-of-the-century townhouse located in midtown Manhattan (rumored once to have been the residence of Elizabeth Taylor).  Products from 30 Japanese regions are being showcased.  The selection, which ranges from jewelry and glass art to kitchen goods and furniture, celebrates the “artisan quality, practical beauty and regional spirit” of Japan today.  We stopped by to preview the event, and the following are some highlights from Japan Brand: Unfolding…

Some Thoughts on the First Lady’s Inauguration Attire…

The First Lady in Isabel Toledo with President Obama; image via nydailynews.com

While I applaud the First Lady’s commitment to lesser-known and emerging American designers, her specific choices were a surprise.  I personally love Isabel Toledo.  (In fact, at Thursday night’s Boucheron cocktail party at Place Vendôme here in Paris, I wore one of my favorite pieces by her: a brocade bolero jacket).  However, the color was not what I would expect.