FENDI's new book defines "Made in Italy"

Next week Fendi boutiques worldwide will have something new on their shelves--a 200 page directory on Italian craftsmanship. Fendi's CEO, Michael Burke, believes that showing the diversity of hand-made Italian products provides a broader context in which to talk about the luxury brands know-how. Burke also also states a very important factor I discovered while studying in Florence this past year, "Craftsmanship is only relevant if its connected to whats going to happen in the future." I'm very intrigued by this book theme, not to mention, its roster of fabulous artisans, bottegas, and notorious design houses that have made Italy such a culturally and fashionably significant country!!

"You come to realize that in creating the volume, Fendi meant to pour into it all Italian cultural and artistic uniqueness by including small and bigger names and companies, which irrespective of their size, are all equally important to the country and the preservation of its traditions."-VOGUE.IT

Buy The Whispered Directory of Craftsmanship next week for $54 in select bookstores and Fendi Boutiques worldwide.

OBSESSED: Limelight Marketplace

Limelight Marketplace is a church-turned-nightclub-turned luxury mall, which looks a lot like something straight out of Londontwon. I happened to stumble upon this concept store on my cupcake search through Flatiron today and quickly fell in love. I wish I could have stayed and perused longer--lord knows my taste buds and shopping addiction were tempting me. Check out their website and become obsessed too!

 

LANVIN+H&M-NOVEMBER 20th

This made my week. Cannot wait to grab some of these pieces November 20th-- it's going to be a wild day for fashionistas in NYC!!

NEW LOVE-Chanel Le Vernis Riva

Chanel Cruise collection of nail polishes reminds me why I began to collect polish! The new Riva hits select stores November 15th! This will be perfect for Christmas on the beach in Pine Cay!

HERMES-NEW COMPANY. NEW SHAREHOLDERS

Luxury powerhouse LVMH recently bought up 14% of Parisan leather house responsible for the famous "Birkin" and "Kelly" bags. Hermes joins luxury elites like Fendi, Celine, Givenchy among others who have caught LVMH's interest. The purchase led Hermes International stocks to reach historic heights, with a trade up of 14% in shares today. LVMH traded up 3.5%. The purchase has lots of people asking questions. We will see if this is another potential buy out--hopefully one that keeps Hermes the family business that we all love!

Other changes to Hermes include its launch of SHANG XIA in September 2010. Chinese designer Ms. Qiong Er has set up the SHANG XIA company in Shanghia to create a 21st century brand from the best of traditional Chinese and other Asian craftsmanship and design. Focusing on the home, the collections include furniture, decorative objects, accessories, garments and an extended experience of tea. It will be interesting to see how this move works for Hermes. Will the Asian market accept SHANG XIA?

Source: WSJ.com

BEST FALL BAG--REED KRAKOFF!

American designer, Reed Krakoff, has out done himself with his "Boxer" tote. I am OBSESSED!  The Boxer is an updated take on the ever-classic Hermes Birkin, with a little bit of structured rockstar edge added in! The former Ralph Lauren and Coach designer debuted his own line last spring for F/W 2010,  and is already being copied in ZARA boutiques internationally. Reed is definitely one to watch and snag--if you can! 

Check out Reed Krakoff here

NEW LOVE- RUTHIE DAVIS

I recently discovered the kick-ass, femme fatale shoe designer, Ruthie Davis. Her Robot shoe below was at the forefront of Dennis Basso's SS 2011 show at NYFW. It turns out this high heeled maven had a  history in the shoe industry long before her own launch in 2006. Ruthie Davis has been at the helm of Reebok and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as being responsible for the international fashion success of UGG Australia. Check out a couple of her designs below--and good luck, ALL of her styles are difficult to come by. Check out her website for videos, celeb favorites, and all things RUTHIE!

Burberry- OFF THE RUNWAY!!

The time has finally arrived where you can act like a buyer and receive catwalk looks just weeks after Fashion Week! Since most of us didn't get the special invite to Burberry's "Retail Theater" last week, my go to luxe retailer is helping us out!

Luisa Via Roma presents Burberry Prorsum pre-order today!! What are you wanting??

New LOVE- McQueen Boots

COLA LIGHT GOES LUXE

Italian designers for Milan Fashion Week S/S 2010

When I first arrived to Florence, I thought it was normal to be served a Diet Coke in a Missoni decorated bottle---I was, however, in Italia, land of fabulous fashion and 3 euro Coke's. I quickly learned that this was not the norm, yet, a very generous collaboration called "Tribute to Fashion".  Donatella Versace, Marni's Consuelo Castiglioni, Angela Missoni and Alberta Ferretti are some of the designers who lent their talents to the soft drink bottles. The all-female team came up with the designs to help raise money for the Milan for Abruzzo charity project. An earthquake hit the region last year and the charity helped young women from the area find scholarships.

Gianfranco Ferre

This year, for the second edition of "Tribute to Fashion", Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, Creative Directors of Gianfranco Ferré, drew inspiration from four of the house's signatures: a rich croc texture, an Obi belt, a white silk shirt, and the brand’s identifying symbol: the Signature Pin - all of which celebrate the famous Contour bottle. Ferragamo and Armani Jeans also participated in this years installment for MIlan Fashion Week. Most bottles are available at La Rinascente department stores-- in Italia only--sorry!!

Karl Lagerfield