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subscribe to style file blog via RSSInes de la Fressange Has Pink Credit Cards
December 3, 2008 12:06 pm
To celebrate the arrival of Roger Vivier’s new made-to-order Cut-Up bag, Inès de la Fressange (pictured here with bag in tow) hosted an intimate cocktail party last week among friends at the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré boutique. On hand were her daughters Nine, 15, a budding actress fresh off a mother/daughter shoot for French Elle, and Violette, who at 9 shows all the signs of having inherited the fashion gene. Noted her mother, “It’s practical to have a stylist in the house!” De la Fressange took a moment to talk to Style.com about the beauty of both customized handbags and cheap-chic woven baskets.
What are your style tips for tough times?
The crisis is formidable for style: One is not rich enough to make mistakes! My staples: a men’s cashmere sweater from Monoprix in black, brown, or beige—better to have one good cashmere sweater than 42 from H&M—with tube pants, nice ballerina flats, and a pretty bag, which should be expensive and beautiful. Otherwise opt for a pannier [editor's note: a basket tote à la Jane Birkin. Très chic!]. With that you can go anywhere. At night, you add makeup, perfume, and a piece of Granny’s jewelry. When I am in New York I stock up on inexpensive T-shirts at Urban Outfitters.
What about gift-giving?
The Internet is great for that. All you need to do is take a photo, put it in black-and-white—which is artier than color—and put it on a mug, or a canvas for framing, or a calendar. Everyone loves personalized gifts. After that, if you have a bit of money, you can go to Serge Lutens and engrave a bottle of perfume. I’m into customization. I’ve already personalized all of my credit cards. They are pink.
Is that how you came up with the bag?
No! It started as a gift for Suzy’s [Menkes] 20th anniversary at the IHT, even though she is known for not wanting gifts. Diego Della Valle saw it and said, “We have to do this,” and here it is. I wanted to call it “my one and only.” You pick the color of the bag, then letters, font, and symbols. It’s great for men who have no idea what gift to give—and in a world where everyone has the same thing, it’s good to know you’re the only one who has it.
The Cut-Up bag can be ordered in Roger Vivier boutiques only, €1,700; allow three weeks for delivery. Until Christmas, 15 percent of proceeds benefit Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, an association that makes it possible for children around the world to come to France for heart operations and treatment.
tags: Ines de la Fressange, Roger Vivier
