It’s a beautiful spring day in Milan, and Maria Buccellati welcomes me into her magnificent apartment. Benvenuto, she says, in the warm, unmistakably Latin accent she gets from her Cuban mother and Spanish father. Maria was born in New York, grew up in Miami and, after studying fashion design, she modeled in Europe (as Maria Cabrera) at the very start of the supermodel era. Then love and marriage (to husband Andrea Buccellati, with whom she has two children), turned Milan into her adopted home. Now, love is providing more impetus for change–expressed, this time, in Maria’s passion for elegant design and luxurious products. It’s what first compelled her to start her own business ten years ago (the haute swimwear line, MB Beach Couture)–and, just recently, to enter into a special new arrangement with Doriani Cashmere.
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For several years now, the trend for watches has been to render them a little bigger each season, a little bolder, and–as a result–a bit more masculine (in my opinion). But since I don’t follow trends, I’ve stuck with my favorites and continued to wear thin watches. My gold Bulgari watch has long been a staple in my wardrobe; and for something more casual, I love Cartier and Hermès. Recently, however, I’ve noticed a move towards thinner, more elegant timepieces. Hmmm. It’s not that I’m a trendsetter–it’s just that I prefer a feminine look, and I wear what suits me. Here are some new favorites!
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A few years ago, while at Harrods in London, I noticed a beautiful handbag on the main floor. Its creator was Lina Hamed for Analeena, and I tucked the name away for future reference. Soon after, during the Prêt-à-Porter, I met Lina at the Hôtel George V to see her full collection–and I was bowled over! Since then, she’s been a regular stop for me during the Paris shows.
This season, I also met Lina’s sister, Amalie, who was helping to show the bag collection. I noticed a fabulous ring on Amalie’s finger–and since I’m such a jewelry fanatic, I had to ask what it was. Turns out, she’d designed it herself, and put it together using raw diamond slices (essentially, pieces that might be tossed out), which she’d shaved down even further. These stones have a subtle, glimmering appearance, not so shiny as to blind you, just understatedly chic. Now I’m obsessed: I have to have one! For the moment, Amalie makes each piece to order, but I can see great things ahead for her!
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During Paris Fashion Week, I always make a point of visiting the LONDON show ROOMS in Le Loft near St. Paul. Doing this in Paris allows me to see work by new British designers, without making an extra trip to London. And this season, yet again, David Koma was tops for me. He’s simply one of the most creative and talented new designers out there, and I’m always excited to see his collections. I can lose myself in David’s world, because his approach to design feels chic, cutting-edge and innovative, without going over the top.
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I’m a big fan of Giambattista Valli’s designs for Moncler: I have two of his Gamme Rouge jackets (one for Winter, one for Spring), and I’m always on the lookout for at least one more. I love the brand’s overall aesthetic, and the coats, in particular, are chic and very easy to wear. Back in March, while in Paris for the Prêt-à-Porter, I stopped into the newly-renovated Printemps department store (which is now quite nice–cleaner, brighter and much more inviting). I went quickly from floor to floor, but couldn’t miss this gorgeous Gamme Rouge jacket–I love its shape, fabric (mesh over organza), and quirky details, like the small collar and industrial zippers. It’s very me, and I can see it becoming a staple in my wardrobe. It’s what I’m loving right now!
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Join Susan amidst the Deyrolle taxidermy at the restaurant Lapérouse to see Catherine Baba‘s collection of pâte de verre jewelry for Gripoix. Continue to the LONDON show ROOMS for an intimate preview of Fall 2012 lines from designer David Koma and milliner Piers Atkinson–and, finally, attend a party chez L’Éclaireur, for the unveiling of a collaboration between rock & roll-oriented Simon Azoulay and a very talented newcomer, Aurélie Demel.
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Join Susan (along with Daphne Guinness, Jane Birkin and Bryanboy) at the Grand Palais to see Manish Arora unveil his Fall collection for Paco Rabanne. It’s a fun show, complete with chain mail dresses that strike just the right balance between runway and retail. Then, a little later, head back to the same venue to see the Allude défilé, featuring “cashmere for any mood.”
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Join Susan on the last day of Paris Fashion Week for a striking défilé by Elie Saab, who always makes it a point to help women look beautiful. Then, stop by an intimate showroom presentation of gorgeous handbags by Analeena, plus a selection of one-of-a-kind, raw-diamond jewelry by her sister, Amalie.
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Grandmothers often have the very best tips. For example, my grandma used to say, Don’t sit in the sun after 25, and she was right–the sun is terrible for your skin. (Thank goodness I followed her advice.) She also told me about the most extraordinary shoe repair service in New York City, called Pavlos. Simply put, the experts at this little shop make old shoes look like new–and that means brand new. I have a closet full of shoes, but I also have favorite pairs that I reach for again and again. Case in point: my beloved suede mules by Manolo Blahnik (two pairs, purple and orange), which are comfortable and chic. They’re also more than twenty years old. Every time I take them back to Pavlos, the very kind owner just shakes his head and says, Hmm, I don’t know –but then he saves them. Recently, during New York Fashion Week, a friend from Paris was in town with a pair of his favorite boots, which were falling apart. (Apparently, no one in Paris would touch them.) We took them to Pavlos, where they worked their miracle–and my friend’s boots came back looking as though he’d just bought them. If you’re a shoe fanatic, Pavlos will help you maintain your collection. Thank you, Grandma!
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Join Susan in Rome for a whirlwind, two-day trip centered around the latest installment in the Ermengildo Zegna brand’s ongoing series of ZegnArt projects–in this case, the debut of a commissioned piece by Lucy + Jorge Orta at the MAXXI contemporary art museum. Guests enjoy a tour of Imperial Rome; a private viewing of the Vatican Museum; and, of course, a gala opening to celebrate the new work, Fabulae Romanae (Roman Tales). It’s an exciting event, and Anna Zegna, Gildo Zegna and their team prove to be excellent hosts. All in all, a remarkable trip that wraps up far too soon!
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