Star Studded Trophee Chopard Cannes Soiree

Inside the prestigious Hotel Martinez, overlooking the French Riviera, a glistening and glamorous group gathered for the 11^th annual Trophee Chopard award ceremony. Artistic Director of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele, President of the Film Festival, Gilles Jacob and the beloved Sean Penn had the honor of awarding two promising young actors, Shailene Woodley and Ezra Miller.

Sean Penn, Shailene Woodley, Ezra Miller, Caroline Scheufele

20-year-old Shailene Woodley plays George Clooney’s rebellious daughter in the Academy Award nominated film, The Descendants, and she continues to hold the Hollywood spotlight. The budding actress, who accessorized with Chopard 18 carat diamond gold earrings and a white gold bracelet, celebrated her award alongside Marion Cotillard, Bérénice Béjo, Sean Combs, Harvey Weinstein and Dolores and Carmen Chaplin.

Berenice Bejo; Eva Herzigova; Marion Cotillard

Lana Del Rey, who donned a plethora of grey, pink and black diamonds from the Animal World Collection, performed for the VIP group on the top floor terrace of the hotel, where Boizel champagnes and Grey Goose cocktails were plentiful.

Caroline Scheufele, Sean Penn; Ezra Miller, Sean Combs

19-year-old Ezra Miller, who starred as a troubled youth in the 2011 Cannes Festival selection We Need to Talk about Kevin, is well on his way to years of success. Even though he was nicknamed the “King of Teen Pain,” by an American magazine, Miller is ready to show us his funny side in the upcoming film The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The rising star wore a stainless steel Chopard watch from the L.U.C collection.

Harvey Weinstein, Shailene Woodley, Lana Del Rey, Caroline Scheufele, Marion Cotillard and Ezra Miller

Miller and Woodley join an elite group of actors, including the stunning Marion Cotillard, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Diane Kruger and Gael Garcia-Bernal, who have been noticed by Chopard for their unmatched work and bright future.

A long-time supporter of the arts and a Cannes Festival partner since 1998, Chopard has an expert eye for style and talent. This annual gathering is a celebration of cinema, young talent and dazzling diamonds!

Take a peek inside…

Visit: Chopard

CFDA and Vogue Celebrate Uma Wang’s NY Arrival

Chinese designer Uma Wang checked into Manhattan’s Downtown W Hotel and headed to the fifth floor Living Room Bar & Terrace for quite the welcoming party.  The cocktail soiree, hosted by Vogue’s Meredith Melling Burke, CFDA’s Steven Kolb and W Hotels Global Fashion Director Jenne Lombardo, celebrated Wang’s arrival to the city where she will be an integral part of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s China Exchange Program over the next six weeks.

Uma Wang, Steven Kolb, Meredith Melling Burke, Jenne Lombardo

Designers, models and actresses gathered inside the swanky Living Room to enjoy cocktails, champagne, and music by DJ Eiko. Guests included J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, designer Peter Som, Lauren Remington Platt, model Alina Baikova, Vogues’s Phoebe Papadopoulos, designer Eddie Borgo and Vogue China’s Nicoletta Santoro.

Uma Wang, Caitlin Fitzgerald; Jenna Lyons, Uma Wang

Uma Wang, an alum of China Textile University and Central Saint Martins, is the perfect liaison between the Chinese and U.S. fashion markets. After ten years of designing for Chinese labels, Wang matured into her own unique style, defined by oversized knits and elegant silhouettes. Traveling her way around the world, Wang has successfully created a brand that strikes the perfect balance between fashion and functionality.

Christian Leone, Peter Som, Jenne Lombardo, Yara Flinn

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s China Exchange Program is an opportunity for top designers and industry leaders to meet and share their experiences. This incredible networking event is just one of the many provided by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which offers up-and-coming designers with financial awards and business advice.

In just nine years, the Fund has granted $2.8 million to twenty-four design companies! If you are ready to break into the fashion industry or know someone who is, check this out. Some of our favorite designers like Billy Reid, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam and Rodarte, have received this golden ticket!

Visit: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Uma Wang

Photo Credit: Billy Farrell

Parsons MFA Graduates Celebrate with Donna Karan

Robes, tassels and diploma’s are in season right now, and this year one group of Parsons graduates had quite the celebration. The school’s new MFA Fashion Design and Society program honored its first ever graduates with a party showcasing their innovative and award-winning work. Co-hosted by Parsons alumna Donna Karan and Marie Claire’s Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles, “The First Eighteen,” was a reception filled with passion and inspiration.

Donna Karan, Joanna Coles

Among those who toasted the talented students to their success were Julie Gilhart, Nina Garcia, Kyle Anderson, Parson’s President Joel Towers, Chris Benz, Victoria Bartlett, Kay Unger and Peter Davis.

Zanna Roberts Rassi; Marisol Nichols

The highly selective group of students including Qianyan Zhoa, Mayumi Yamamoto, Elisa Van Joolen, Talia Shuvalov, and Ruby Hoette, studied under the direction of internationally acclaimed womenswear designer Shelley Fox.

Chris Benz; Nina Garcia

The program, unlike any other in the States and established with the support of Donna Karan, focuses on process and identity. The young designers work in a studio-based environment, developing their unique style within the larger conceptual framework of the “global political economy.”

Claire Diederichs; Carly Ellis

From British designer Carly Ellis’s neon, digitized sportswear collection to Mayumi Yamamoto’s ancient Greek inspired dresses, this reception was buzzing with excitement and promise for the future. Having already received recognition and countless awards for their work, this group is entering the world of fashion with confidence and style. They certainly have set the bar high for the next graduating class!

Visit: Parsons MFA Fashion Design and Society

Newton Vineyard Redefines Art With Wine

Many oenophiles and connoisseurs declare with intent that making a fine wine is an art form, from finding ideal parcels of land, to planting the right varietal, to nurturing the grapes to perfect ripeness, to crushing, fermenting, aging and blending, to finally, after much time, love and dedication you can taste the delicious result of all of this work.

Inspired by the art of making wine and the parallels that can be drawn between fine art and fine wine Newton Vineyard began a program to partner with artists throughout the world to create a piece of art inspired by their beautiful wine. The art would display some of their key beliefs—to be sustainable, resourceful, functional and mindful of the environment, as these examples are displayed throughout their stunning vineyards on Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain.

Newton Vineyard just revealed its fourth annual Eco-Chic collaboration, blending the art of natural winemaking with eco-conscious design—previous artists created everything from a decanter to a full bar. This year Bruce and Stephanie Tharp, owners of Materious, visited the vineyard and winery finding inspiration among the vines for their Puzzle Tray. For 2012, they unveiled only 112 pieces, which are available in very limited allotments.

Designed to be as functional as it is beautiful the Puzzle Tray is made in the shape of a golden rectangle, symbolizing harmony and proportion, with raised intersecting lines symbolizing Newton’s various vineyard blocks, growing different varietals. The tray focuses on the functionality Newton embraces in their work, with each piece of the tray used in various ways. Individual coasters can be removed from the tray, to hold a glass, or to be used as a plate—with sustainability in mind; the tray is made of FSC Certified Walnut Wood.

Named after Newton’s top-tier, estate grown red wine blend, The Puzzle, and the Puzzle Tray are available at Beacon Wine & Spirits or online via the Newton Vineyard website.

Bonjour Paris!

Who doesn’t love Paris—the romance, beauty and magic keep us coming back, not to mention the fabulous food, amazing shops….and oh, the Louvre.  I first traveled to Paris in my early twenties and since that time have stayed at a variety of digs from a modest two-star in the 5th to grown up quarters on the rue du Faubourg, and everything in between.

The first thing to consider when choosing a hotel is location, location, location. Where will you be spending your time—do you prefer the fashion scene on Avenue Montaigne or the Left Bank for a little café society? Will you mind being among a throng of tourists and are you serious about taking the Metro or will you be depending on “le taxi” to get you around?

Hotel Bel Ami.

One of my favorite haunts is Hotel Bel Ami located on the Left Bank. This boutique-style hotel will appeal to your modern sensibilities with its stylish décor and chic quarters. Decidedly low-key which I appreciate, the staff is helpful, should you need a rezzie at “Frenchie” or a car for the day. I always look forward to breakfast in the B.A. café and the property offers a fitness facility and Wellness Center by Esthederm The neighborhood, better know as St. Germain, is vibrant with students, many from the nearby Sorbonne. I love to people watch at the trendy cafes and the one-of-a-kind-shops are second to none.

Hotel le Bristol, suite view.

If you’d rather storm Hermes than the Bastille, consider hanging your hat at the legendary Hotel le Bristol, perched on the posh rue du Faubourg Saint Honore. This old-world gem was once a private mansion and the owners have sought to maintain the sophisticated atmosphere with period furniture, antique tapestries and beautiful gardens. “Epicure”, Le Bristol’s world-class restaurant boasts three Michelin Stars and “Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie” is tops.

Hotel Edouard VII.

If you’re a culture vulture, then the Hotel Edouard VII is the place for you. Situated near the magnificent Opera Garnier now known as the Palais Garnier, the property offers stunning views of this cultural landmark. The Louvre is within walking distance as are galleries, shops and good restaurants. Well-appointed, with a dedicated team, the hotel features two distinct décor styles: Collection Edouard VII, which is more traditional, and the Collection Couture is luxuriously modern.

Paris Residence Club.

If you’ve always dreamed of living like a real Parisian, check out the Paris Residence Club. They offer a variety of elegantly furnished apartment residences in prime locations. Enjoy the spoils of hotel living in your own apartment with pre-arrival grocery shopping and housekeeping. If your love is here to stay, consider the option of fractional ownership.

You can’t take Paris with you, but you can always come back. Au revoir mon cherie!

Decades Host Exclusive Preview Party at The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Thrift Shop

Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos, DECADES’ Founders and fashion darlings, best known for their philanthropic spirit and unparalleled collections of vintage couture, journeyed to NYC last week to host a private preview and shopping event at The Society’s Thrift Shop on the Upper East Side.

Christos Garkinos and Cameron Silver.

Alexandra Vickers and Hayley Bloomingdale.

Co-chaired by Veronica Swanson Beard, Hayley Bloomingdale, Amy Dwek, Kimberly Flaster, Natalie Leeds Leventhal and Martha O’Brien, the event attracted over 70 top clients and members of the Associate’s Committee. The dynamic duo worked their magic with styling tips and fashion advice.

Amy Dwek, Dara O’Hara, Veronica Swanson Beard and Beth Holman.

Lisa Bytner,  Jaime Tashjian, Kate Pickett and Martha O’Brien.

Jennifer Creel and Martha Glass.

For three days, the shop was transformed into a Decades pop-up shop, inspired by the much anticipated MET Exhibition Schiaparelli & Prada. The pop-up featured one-of-a-kind pieces from the estate of Lyn Revson and vintage treasures from Prada, Chanel, Hermes, Pucci and Christian Louboutin. A portion of all sales benefited The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

For more info:  The Society of MSKCC and Decades.

Nicola Formichetti Ready To Expand His Brand: Formichetti

For Italian and Japanese born designer Nicola Formichetti there are no boundaries in the fashion world. If one design represents his unconventionality the most, it is Lady Gaga’s meat dress. His experience as fashion director at Haus of Gaga, Uniqlo, Vogue Hommes Japan and Thierry Mugler, has inspired him to work on his own brand, which should make its appearance mid-2013.

Nicola Formichetti and Nicopanda

The savvy designer plans to integrate technology into his designs, which may result in clothes that could power your phone! He even told WWD, “Why do you have a zipper when you can have a jacket that’s molded to your body?” We are in for some serious surprises next year!

The new brand, to be called Formichetti, will feature both apparel and accessories – two categories the designer is already familiar to creating. His Nicopanda line, featuring hats, T-shirts, phone cases, playing cards and mahjong sets, has been a huge hit with the pop-up stores in China.

Recently, to coincide with Gaga’s concerts, a pop-up shop opened at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. Customers were in for a treat because the designer showcased over 20 of Gaga’s looks for the first time. Formichetti’s next stop is Lane Crawford in Beijing!

A solar-powered inspired brand that “might not have seasons,” sounds quite intriguing. You never know what’s coming next with this artist. I’d love to take a peek inside his creative process.

Visit: Nicola Formichetti

Donna Karan Takes a Bite Out of The Met Gala

Luxury is alive and kicking as Donna Karan has proved with the recent launch of a new high evening collection named: Donna Karan Atelier. Ms Karan debuted pieces from the collection in true celebrity style at the “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum last night.

As The hottest invitation, in the fashion industry, akin to the Oscars, the annual Met Gala red carpet arrivals are widely photographed, and the perfect opportunity to showcase a new brand.  Donna Karan Atelier, red carpet “glamour” took a bite out of vampire actresses Ashley Greene from Twilight and Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries—one demure, the other sexy.

Ashley Green wearing Donna Karan Atelier. Photo: Getty Images.

Ashley looked ethereal in a custom-designed white Grecian, Donna Karan Atelier gown with silk chiffon pleats, accentuated with a stone-encrusted sequin bustier.  A draped beaded fringe intertwined with silver-lined bugles, sea beads, and opaque optic white added serious heavenly glimmer to the red carpet.

Nina Dobrev wearing Donna Karan Atelier. Photo: Getty Images.

Nina oozed seductive charm in a black & antique gold gown with an asymmetrical one-shouldered silhouette that accentuated the curve of the back. Silk chiffon and burnt out metal sequins with gold lined beads and sequin straps, sealed the look in vintage elegance.

Joan Smalls wearing Balmain with designer Olivier Rousteing.

The beautiful Joan Smalls ruled the red carpet and wore a regal long-sleeved, embellished Balmain mini-dress from the Fall 2012 collection and arrived with Balmain design Olivier Rousteing.  SMASH actress Katherine McPhee looked gorgeous in a radiant coral georgette embroidered gown, from the Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection.

Katharine McPhee wearing Elie Saab at The Met Gala.

H. Stern rocked the red carpet, literally, with Lily Collins dripped in H. Stern Zephyr earrings ($8,600) and two H.Stern Zephyr rings ($4,900 & $5,800) all in 18k noble gold with diamonds, Hailee Steinfeld wore a citrine necklace in 18k yellow gold ($18,000), and Malin Akerman wore a Diane von Furstenberg by H.Stern Sutra Bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($296,700).

If Donna Karan has decided to target the realms of Atelier status then luxury is certainly not dead, simply simmering for a raucous recovery.

Nicholas Kirkwood Unveils First U.S Boutique in New York

Shoe shopping in the Meatpacking District just got a little bit sweeter. Acclaimed designer Nicholas Kirkwood opened his first store in the states on Washington Street in New York. The 15,000 square-foot shoe heaven is designed similar to a gallery, where the colorful works of art stand against white, gray and taupe walls.

The mastermind behind the stunning interior is architect, Mehroonsh Khadivi, who worked closely with Kirkwood to incorporate elements from the brand’s first store in London. Customers are greeted with a Corian-framed entryway and an elegant white concrete Versailles parquet floor, which leads to a private garden in the back.

Along with showcasing the complete collection, Kirkwood’s new store features the creations from his collaborations with Prabal Gurung, Rodarte and the Keith Haring Foundation. Rumor has it there are quite a few more on the way!

Since the launch of his eponymous collection in 2004, the British designer has proven that his imagination is truly limitless. Roller skates bathed in Swarovski crystals, crocodile leather, dripping wax heels and pop art prints – this is just a peek into Kirkwood’s dazzling world.

After your Saturday stroll down The High Line, visit the colorful boutique that is filled with florals, bows and snakeskin from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

Where: 807 Washington Street

New York, NY 10014

Visit: Nicholas Kirkwood

Photo Credit via John Aquino

Natalie Massenet Celebrates Frieze New York

My two favorite subjects fashion and art coalesced into sublime artistry this weekend as NET-A-PORTER.com celebrated Frieze New York’s Chelsea Gallery Night.  Hosted by NET-A-PORTER.com Founder Natalie Massenet at the Hotel Americano, guests enjoyed cocktails on the rooftop with sounds from London DJ Bip Ling.

Jenna Lyons, Arianna Huffington, Erik Torstensson, Natalie Massenet and Stefano Tonchi.

Olivier Theyskens and Caroline Sieber.

Esteemed influencers of fashion and art from across the world gathered for the seated dinner with designers, gallerists, artists and art collectors including Olivier Theyskens, Roland Mouret, Nicholas Kirkwood, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Tomas Saraceno, Sarah Burton, Christopher Kane, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou, Eddie Borgo, Erdem Moralioglu, Giovanni Battaglia, the Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and many more.

Jason Wu and Roland Mouret.

Christopher Kane and Natalie Massenet.

NET-A-PORTER.com was an official sponsor for the inaugural season Frieze New York, which ends today, and featured over 150 world-leading contemporary galleries from across the world on Randall’s Island. If you missed out, you better save the date for next year. Visit: Frieze New York.