Les Journées Particulières

The Givenchy Atelier (Fall/Winter 2011 Couture)

Dior Avenue Montaigne Headquarters

One of the most delightful aspects of this blog is that it affords me the opportunity to share my love of craftsmanship, connoisseurship and style with such lovely readers. I have tremendous admiration for the artisans, whose vision and talents are the backbone of the storied fashion ateliers I love. It goes unmentioned that tailors, embroiderers, and pattern makers often spend their entire careers at one house. Last weekend LVMH lifted the curtain on more than 25 of its facilities throughout Europe for the inaugural edition of its Les Journées Particulières initiative. Les Journées Particulières focused on fashion, perfumes, cosmetics  wines and spirits.

The initiative provided visitors with a variety of experiences that highlighted each brand's expertise and allowed artisans to demonstrate their skills. The Louis Vuitton ateliers in Asnières, Palazzo Fendi, Givenchy's haute couture salon and the Salon de Prestige (where Christian Dior use to present his collections) at Dior's Avenue Montaigne headquarters were a few of the sites visitors were able to tour. These facilities are usually closed to the public. One of my biggest frustrations with fashion is that few understand how labor intensive it is to produce luxury goods. LVMH is attempting to engage the public. It's nice to see such a rarefied world unveiled. 

Dior Avenue Montaigne Headquarters

Dior Avenue Montaigne Headquarters

Tailors at work at Dior

At the Givenchy atelier, artisans walked visitors through the process of pattern making, embroidery, drapery and lace application. The embroiderers at Dior spoke to heavily embroidered dresses taking 250-300 hours to complete. I'll never forget when I heard Prabal Guring speak about how his experience at Bill Blass was invaluable because of the access he had to pattern makers and artisans. An independent designer simply doesn't have these sorts of resources. I'm looking forward to the expansion of LVMH's initiative. I hope that other luxury groups consider doing something similar.

PS- The tuxedo just turned 150! How could I not include a picture. 

*** All images courtesy of Les Journées Particulières***

Modern Elegance

Behnaz Sarafpour Blouse and Skirt, Miu Miu Shoes, Tiffany & Co. Hand Engraved Bracelet 

One of my favorite aspects of New York City is the unparalleled access to designers. I always enjoy visiting designer studios and showrooms. When I received the invite to the Behnaz Sarafpour Press, Friends and Family Event I couldn't pass it up. I'm fond of many large fashion houses, but there is something refreshing about a designer making beautiful clothing independently. I fell in love with Behnaz Sarafpour when she was working for Isaac Mizrahi.

Elegant feminine silhouettes are essential to the Behnaz Sarafpour aesthetic. There's a sophisticated uptown elegance that is very much in line with my style. Not to mention the use of luxurious fabrics. Gorgeous fabrics will always win me over. When I saw this blouse and skirt I was instantly charmed. The blouse is an exquisite silk, but the details make it unique. The collar's rosettes, black silk buttons and open sleeves are the types of details I'm constantly in search of. The skirt's deep front pleat and beautiful structure ensure that it will quickly become a wardrobe staple. 

I usually don't wear one designer from head to toe, but these two items compliment each other so well. Not only was I able to shop the Fall 2011 collection with assistance from the designer's seamstresses, but they even provided alterations. These women have such a love for craftsmanship. Although my favorite  part of the shopping experience was stealing a peak at the wonderful fabrics for Spring/Summer 2012.

Lace Embrace

My Personal Photos

Necklace: Tiffany & Co, Shirt: Banana Republic, Skirt: Proenza Schouler, Shoes: Kate Spade

If there is one trend from the Spring/Summer 2011 collections that I can't get enough of it's lace. Lace is one of my all time favorite looks for warmer weather. The inherent femininity gets me every time. What impressed me most about the use of lace in the Spring/Summer 2011 collections is the multitude of ways in which designers worked with it. 

At Dolce and Gabbana the inspiration was a bride's trousseau. Whereas Balenciaga combined a multitude of materials with plasticized lace. Lace is one of those fabrics that truly shows off a designer's craftsmanship and precision. It requires restraint on the part of the wearer. Too much lace can easily become overkill. It's about finding the perfect balance. 

For the past few years, I have acquired at least one lace item before summer's end. I generally gravitate toward a neutral color palate, but when I saw this skirt I couldn't resist. In typical Proenza Schouler style, this skirt combines a beautiful silhouette with a strong and unexpected color pattern. The word powerful comes to mind. The color combination prevents the skirt from appearing too precious. 

As soon as I saw this skirt I instantly gravitated to it. To put it simply- I was charmed. While this skirt is inexplicably different from the items in my closet, I firmly believe that every well-edited closet needs a few special pieces.