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subscribe to style file blog via RSSBag Lunch
May 24, 2012 5:39 pm
As standard logic goes, being called a “bag lady” is a bad thing. But yesterday, at the sprawling Beverly Hills home of socialite Shanna Brooks (which is also Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s former love nest), the term was one of endearment at the ninth annual P.S. Arts Bag Lunch.
“There are worse ways to spend an afternoon,” mused How I Met Your Mother actress Becki Newton of stylists George Kotsiopoulos and Elizabeth Stewart’s yearly designer handbag auction sponsored by Dior Beauty, which raises funds for the L.A.-based arts education organization. With Jimmy Choo, Mulberry, and Ferragamo bags on offer, starting at 60 percent off their standard retail prices, we would have to agree with the actress. Naturally, Newton and fellow attendees, including designer Magda Berliner, artist Kimberly Brooks, and Two Broke Girls star Beth Behrs all clamored to get in on the for-charity deals.
“I have that sample sale mentality,” Newton explained. “So I kept doing laps to see what I could find and by the time I got back to the ones that I wanted they were gone.” Not everyone left empty-handed. Kristin Davis (pictured), who has lent her name as a host of the event since its inception, went home with a muted blue leather Chanel tote at the advice of Stewart (her stylist and the event’s co-founder). “I have a blue Chanel and it goes well with jeans,” Stewart said of the classic choice. “And I envy it!” said Davis. The most coveted (and fought over) piece of the day, however, turned out to be a brown ostrich bag by Tom Ford, which went for $6,000. By auction’s end, the crowd raised nearly $200,000 for P.S. Arts. And for one afternoon, at least, being called a bag lady was a badge of honor.
tags: Brad Pitt, Dior Beauty, Elizabeth Stewart, George Kotsiopoulos, Jennifer Aniston, Kristin Davis, P.S. Arts Bag Lunch, Tom Ford
Harvey Nichols’ Secret Garden
May 24, 2012 5:32 pm
For its tribute to the Chelsea Garden Show, Harvey Nichols asked some of London’s brightest designers to create floral installations, unveiling the results last night at its Secret Garden cocktail party on the retailer’s fifth floor. Roksanda Ilincic, Marios Schwab, James Long, and Mary Katrantzou all showed off their masterpieces, which included Ilincic’s “wall” of live flowers, Katrantzou’s window treatment, and Schwab’s gazebo made to feel like a confessional booth.
While Katrantzou, Joan Collins, Tali Lennox, and Astrid Muñoz sipped cocktails from tiny watering cans, Bianca Jagger (who had her grandchildren Amba and Assisi Jackson in tow) and Schwab offered up the best moment of the evening. As the two sat in the “confessional” gazebo and stared at its ceiling, Schwab asked, “Can you see it?” He was referring to well-hidden erotic/pornographic scenes crafted in the Perspex tiles. Whereas it took some guests hours to catch it, if they did at all, there was no getting past Jagger—the queen of seventies decadence (pictured). “Of course, darling, but don’t make me say ‘penis’ in front of all these people…”
tags: Bianca Jagger, Chelsea Garden Show, Harvey Nichols, James Long, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic
Of Bags And Babies
May 24, 2012 2:09 pm
While a certain set is still hitting the red carpet in Cannes, producer and director J.J. Abrams, wife Katie McGrath, and Coach put forth a decidedly more low-key affair, benefiting the Children’s Defense Fund, last night in Santa Monica. “J.J. and Katie are really known in the entertainment circle as people who really walk the talk,” Mario Bello praised of the night’s co-hosts. And like Bello, Ali Larter (pictured, left) became a supporter of the cause, which provides advocacy for children in need, when she had her own son. “As a mother, you begin to realize how important a cause that supports children is.”
While the likes of Ellen Pompeo, Malin Ackerman (pictured, right), and Kristen Bell enjoyed the rooftop setting at Bad Robot (the headquarters of J.J.’s production company), plenty of guests were busy buying the special edition of the brand’s iconic duffel sac, created in fuschia and teal, with proceeds supporting the charity. And for most, the talk of the evening was how integral a role Coach played in their first “luxury” experience. Jordana Brewster received a bucket bag for her 13th birthday and Alexis Bledel told Style.com that her first Coach bag at 13 meant “you were actually getting older and were kind of a grown-up lady.” For Olivia Munn, the meaning ran deep. “I’m first-generation American and all of my aunts when they first came here had these Coach bags,” she said of her vintage collection that now runs 30-deep. “It was something that they bought that made them feel like they were part of America.”
tags: Ali Larter, Children's Defense Fund, Coach, Ellen Pompeo, J.J. Abrams, Katie McGrath, Malin Ackerman, Mario Bello
Benefit At The Bowery
May 24, 2012 10:50 am
Even though Carey Mulligan couldn’t make it to last night’s third annual Lincoln Center Institute’s Junior Spring Benefit, an event with the actress’ name on the bill as one of its chairs is sure to be a chic one. On that note, it didn’t disappoint, with its host of DVF-clad (the designer sponsored the event and DVF creative director Yvan Mispelaere was an event chair) actresses and co-chairs, Zoe Kazan (pictured, right), Mamie Gummer (pictured, left), Grace Gummer, and Lily Rabe, along with Lily Kwong, Michelle Harper, and Chelsea Leyland, all turning out to the Bowery Hotel for the cause.
“Doesn’t she look sexy? Look at that dress and she got a new haircut—very sexy,” mused Paul Dano as he looked at his girlfriend Kazan. “We haven’t seen each other in three weeks and we are going to be away from each other for the next five. I just flew in for this and fly back to L.A. tomorrow because I’m about to start shooting a movie called The Pretty One,” said Kazan, who will see Dano again when they reunite for their press tour of Ruby Sparks (written by Kazan; the two also play a couple in it). “We just get two days together but it’s nice, though…it keeps things spicy.”
At dinner on the second floor, it was actor and event chair Rightor Doyle who made sure to keep things extra spicy. “For those of you who haven’t slept with me, my name is Rightor Doyle. Most of you are like, ‘Who?’ I am here for Carey Mulligan so this is the best you got. On a serious note, you guys aren’t getting drunk and having dinner for fun, it’s for charity or whatever.” Proceeds from the event benefit the Lincoln Center Institute, supporting arts in education. Recalling one of his early experiences with the arts in school, Dano said, “I remember having to do music class when I was young, and that feeling like you had to pee your pants so badly but then you do it and it feels so good. I had stage fright then and I still do.”
tags: Carey Mulligan, Lily Kwong, Lily Rabe, Lincoln Center Institute's Junior Spring Benefit, Mamie Gummer, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan
Hugo Boss Goes Big In Beijing
May 21, 2012 12:45 pm
In a week when Alexander Wang and Nicola Formichetti were both jostling for attention in Beijing, Hugo Boss needed to step things up. The capital’s not shy of multimedia extravaganzas—Burberry recently upped the catwalk ante with its holographic spectacular—but Hugo Boss literally added another dimension on Friday with its first-ever China runway show and after-party. ”To do something of this magnitude is a milestone for the brand and we wanted to give the Asian market this wonderful boost because it’s already so successful,” said BOSS Black womenswear designer Eyan Allen. (It’s a savvy move on their part—the brand plans to open 60 new stores in the mainland over the next three years.)
After six months of planning, the label presented the BOSS Black Fall 2012 collection for men and women (almost 90 percent of the looks were custom-made specifically for the event), live-streaming it in 3-D across the globe. More than a few big names, however, turned out to see the spectacle at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center in person, including Asian A-listers like Hong Kong actor royalty Chow Yun-Fat, Miss World Zhang Zilin, and Korean actor Jang Hyuk, along with international celebrities like Tilda Swinton, Georgia May Jagger, and China Chow.
On the 1,170-square-foot runway, models (Arizona Muse, Carmen Kass, Jessica Stam, and Fei Fei Sun among them) paraded through glittering angular arches that turned the catwalk into a surreal psychedelic tunnel. Of the sleek, old movie-inspired looks, Allen explained, “I’ve added leather corsetry to add some attitude.” As for the menswear, an unusual nicotine shade livened the tasteful mineral menswear palette and man bags came in as chunky businesslike valises.
The second part of the show featured 16 exclusive looks from the BOSS Selection brand. When Chow Yun-Fat did the final turn in a claret velvet tuxedo to the tune of the Beatles’ “Birthday,” the Chinese crowd offered a standing ovation, to the bemusement of the international jet set. It was then announced not only that it was the actor’s 57th birthday, but he will be the face of BOSS Selection for the Asia market. Afterward, the party continued into the early hours to tunes by the Capital Dance Orchestra from Berlin and eighties classics from fashion go-to DJ Michel Gaubert.
tags: Alexander Wang, Eyan Allen, Hugo Boss, Nicola Formichetti
New York Welcomes A New Wang
May 17, 2012 4:14 pm
While it takes a cranked party to drown out the sound of World Trade Center construction, such was the scene at last night’s W Hotel Downtown soirée for Chinese designer Uma Wang (pictured, right), who turned heads this past fashion week in Milan, where her namesake label made its Italian debut. Hosts Meredith Melling Burke and W Hotels global fashion director Jenne Lombardo (pictured, left) took it to eleven, with help from guests like Peter Som, Alejandro Ingelmo, and Kate Foley. Wang, who is here for a month as part of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund China exchange program (a new initiative targeted at expanding opportunities for CFDA designers in China and vice versa for Chinese designers like Wang), kept a noticeably low profile. “I was so happy to come to New York, but I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “I’m just following the schedule.”
She’s right on time for a breakthrough. Wang’s design vibes combine the almost-goth moodiness of Rick Owens with the sharp utility of that other Wang, Alexander. Or, as she puts it: “I only wear black, unless I’m wearing white.” On that note, Lombardo said, “Look at her, she’s wearing all these black layers with long hair and a nose ring—it’s so right-on. She’s more New York than all of us!”
tags: Alejandro Ingelmo, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund China exchange program, Jenne Lombardo, Peter Som, Uma Wang, W Hotel Downtown
Jewelry Designer Sally Sohn’s Postcard From South Korea
May 17, 2012 11:47 am
Sally Sohn makes exquisite (and exquisitely expensive) one-of-a-kind jewelry by finding rare heirlooms at auctions in every corner of the globe, then refurbishing them with precious stones and metal. The results of her work are delicate, whimsical pieces encrusted with pearls and diamonds, sold at retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Ikram, and Lane Crawford.
Recently, Sohn led a group of friends and colleagues (Gilt Groupe vice president Leah Park, video director Cycy Sanders, model agent Agel Raya, photographer Jasper Rischen, and casting director Roger Inniss) on an excursion through her native country of South Korea (she grew up in Seoul). They explored labyrinthine Buddhist temples, the seascape in Busan, local marketplaces, cuisine, and, of course, the zany nightlife in Seoul. Photographer Pieter Henket took snapshots of the ten-day-long trip, which Sohn shares here exclusively with Style.com.
“The beautiful seaside in Busan, and a crazy-in-love couple enjoying the view.”
“While catching some rays, Cycy, Pieter, and Agel were inspired to strip down for the camera.”
tags: Bergdorf Goodman, Gilt Groupe, Ikram, Lane Crawford, Pieter Henket, Sally Sohn
Carine Takes Cannes
May 16, 2012 10:53 am
The amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala is always a hot ticket at the Cannes Film Festival (kicking off today), but leave it to Carine Roitfeld to make it even more extravagant. For the first time ever, the fundraiser at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc in Cap d’Antibes will include a full-on runway show, orchestrated by Roitfeld. On display: black, black, and more black. The show will reportedly feature her idea of the perfect black wardrobe, complete with looks from Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Dior, Christopher Kane, and Givenchy. One lucky buyer will then get the ultimate Carine wardrobe when the entire collection is auctioned off as a single lot at the event.
tags: Alexander Wang, amfAR gala, Balenciaga, Cannes Film Festival, Carine Roitfeld, Christopher Kane, Dior, Givenchy
Designer’s Best Friend
May 16, 2012 9:58 am
If man’s (and woman’s) most loyal companion is the dog, designers are no exception. The latest issue of the menswear biannual Man About Town pays homage to a few that know more than most about the inner workings of fashion. For the canine-themed 10th issue—featuring shoots not only by the usual fashion suspects like Paolo Roversi and Willy Vanderperre, but this time, by famed Weimaraner enthusiast William Wegman, too—the magazine sought out the pups of the fashion elite, who are photographed by Erwan Frotin.
The dog’s life: Not bad, if you’re a designer’s pet. Azzedine Alaïa has eleven animals (including one owl), but it’s his St. Bernard, Didine, who gets the close-up. “Animals make people better,” the designer says. That may explain the care Alaïa lavishes on his creatures, like the mastiff, Shamsi, he used to carry in a baby’s sling. “I took him on the Concorde,” Alaïa remembers, “where I said to the stewardess, ‘this is my son, he’s traveling with me.’ She didn’t spot him so she just said, ‘Oh, of course, sir.’” Dries Van Noten’s Airedale, Harry, is treated to fashion heirlooms: Van Noten and his partner, Patrick Vangheluwe, bought him a cushion that originally belonged to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s French bulldog, Moujik, at the Christie’s auction of items from the couple’s country estate. (The original Moujik has long since passed away, but his successor, also called Moujik, appears in the issue alongside an interview with Bergé.) And in her interview with Jo-Ann Furniss, Donatella Versace reveals that her Jack Russell, Audrey, is a full-on diva. “She is the top, the toppest model of all,” Versace says. Has she as big an ego as Kristen McMenamy? Furniss asks. “Bigger.” What about Linda Evangelista? “Hmmm. Well, not on that level, no.”
Man About Town 10 launches next week at Colette.
tags: Azzedine Alaia, Donatella Versace, Dries Van Noten, Paolo Roversi, Pierre Berge, Willy Vanderperre, Yves Saint Laurent
Virginia Is For Lovers? Jennifer Connelly And Dustin Lance Black Think So
May 15, 2012 5:54 pm
“Unpredictable,” “untethered,” and “unconventional” were three words Jennifer Connelly summoned last night to describe the character she plays in Virginia. The actress (pictured, left) went blonde and donned some wacky florals for her role as a Southern single mom who’s got more than a little drama in her life—including a kinky affair with the upstanding local sheriff (Ed Harris). “She doesn’t have a lot of resources, but I like the idea that she has these fantasies about a better life for herself and her son and she’s trying to live them out,” an Alexander McQueen-clad Connelly told Style.com at the Cinema Society’s screening of the film at the Crosby Street Hotel. (The evening was sponsored by Shiseido and Grey Goose and drew the likes of Billy Bob Thornton and Alexa Chung.)
Virginia is the feature directorial debut of Oscar-winning Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (pictured, right), who researched schizophrenia for Connelly’s character and based the film on his childhood in the Mormon South. “We were more married to our dreams than reality, and that’s a really Southern attribute,” he said. “It’s not something you necessarily find in the bigger cities, where people define themselves almost by the present and a more tangible future, whereas in the South and even in Mormon culture, it’s all defined by how big your dreams are.”
Black had to keep his own hopes for the film aloft a while: He first showed the script to Connelly about five years ago. But for the actress, playing a troubled woman who lives life as though she’s on the big screen was worth the wait. “She’s thinking, I’m kind of fabulous, I’m out of a storybook,” Connelly said of her character.
tags: Alexa Chung, Alexander McQueen, Billy Bob Thornton, Jennifer Connelly
