I knew that appointing Riccardo Tisci to Givenchy was a smart move by LVMH. He showed promise from the start, and I really enjoyed his Fall 2009 prêt-à-porter and Haute Couture collections. Well, he just keeps getting better and better. Tisci’s Spring 2010 clothes were bold, inventive, beautiful.

His range is beyond. As in the past, he began with the classic black and white contrast and used them to great effect on tuxedo blazers and dresses that were angular up top but draped more softly below the waist. His perfect tailoring really balances edgy and refined. He pushes the boundaries but never goes too far as to make his designs unwearable. 

Further into the collection, he moved into very dense patterns that covered blouses, blazers, pants and even the shoes. Very rock and roll. Finally, he finished with feather-light wrapped tulle and lace babydoll dresses in nude and white shades.

The totality of the collection was just incredible. Riccardo fuses Arabic, rock, and pop art references to create something totally modern and original. Givenchy right now is what fashion is all about! It’s exciting, it’s fun, and it’s creative.

This show always attracts a cool crowd. It was packed, and the number of fashion and celebrity VIP was staggering. Just look at all these cameras! I actually wore Pucci and not Givenchy to the show, but they’re both part of the LVMH family.

With legendary fashion icon Anna Piaggi

With Amanda Lear

Rihanna; Joana Preiss

Vanessa Traina; Leigh Lezark

I connected with my friend Imran Amed, founder and editor of The Business of Fashion. I last saw him in New York at Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2010 show. I also said hello to Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo. She always looks amazing.

With Imran Amed of Business of Fashion

With Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo

Peter Dundas, the designer of Pucci, actually happened to be at the show. I introduced myself and we thought a photo was in order since I’d selected his label for the occasion…

Before the show, with Pucci designer Peter Dundas

Yves Carcelle, Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton and President of the Fashion and Leather Goods Group of LVMH, was on hand as well. I imagine this has been an especially busy week for him. Below that I am pictured with French fashion journalist Jean Paul Cauvin.

With Yves Carcelle of LVMH

French fashion journalist Jean Paul Cauvin

And, of course, here I am backstage with the man of the hour, Riccardo Tisci.

Backstage with Riccardo Tisci

After the show, I dined at L’Avenue with some friends from San Francisco. I love this place.

Outside L’Avenue with Joel Goodrich and friends

From there, it was on to the Ungaro cocktail party at the Plaza Athénée before finishing the night off at Maxim’s. It’s always a fun scene there, and Riccardo Tisci showed up late night! He deserved some celebrating after showing another outstanding collection.

runway images via style.com; candid photos by Marie Goujon