There was definitely no shortage of gorgeous footwear during Paris Fashion Week — we were dazzled by Alexander McQueen's sky-high, inverted platforms, Lanvin's pencil-thin stiletto heels, and the shiny, sophisticated kitten-heel loafers from Jean Paul Gaultier. It's been a whirlwind, but now it's time to say farewell to Fashion Month with 50 of our Fab-approved picks. Click through to see the gorgeous pairs, and let us know your favorites!
>> For the better part of a year now, Stefano Pilati's standing at Yves Saint Laurent has been under intense scrutiny. After reports circulated that he had renewed his contract at the house for three more years in October, the rumors of his imminent departure subsided — until Saint Laurent CEO Valerie Hermann, who with Pilati restored the house to profitability, announced last week she was stepping down to become CEO of Reed Krakoff on April 1. She helped recruit her successor at YSL, former Lanvin CEO Paul Deneve.
Then, a couple of days ago, someone tweeted under Kenzo's PR handle: "Just heard BIG news about this being a certain designer at an established French house's last season and being replaced by someone major!!" and "CEO has just left and now the designer replaced by someone who has moved away from design the last couple of yrs but stayed in fashion." The tweets — which seem to point to Pilati as the deposed and Hedi Slimane as the successor — have since been taken down (Note that YSL is under the PPR umbrella, whereas Kenzo is part of LVMH).
Now, Hint is reporting that according to sources, Hermann didn't leave her post last week, but rather was let go because of low sales volume. And Slimane — who designed for Saint Laurent before Dior Homme — has been chosen as Pilati's replacement, partially due to his friendship (read: ability to get along) with Pierre Berge. Word is, one way or another, the matter will be addressed by a spokesperson around Paris Fashion Week.
And in the aftermath? There's already been suggestions that Carine Roitfeld with consult for Slimane at the brand, and of course, there's the rumor that Pilati is set to take over at Giorgio Armani after the designer's retirement.
If you love Kenzo's luxe skin care and you're in the mood for some holiday Internet shopping, you can get 25 percent off everything today (Dec. 15) and tomorrow. All you have to do is enter the code FFAM2010 at checkout. I suggest checking out popular fragrances Flower By Kenzo ($92) and KenzoAmour ($92), each of which would be $69. If you're looking for a bargain on a luxurious gift, you might also want to take a look at the Hands and Feet Fantasy Kit ($56), which will cost you $42 and comes with massage balms, mitts, and furry socks.
It's important to follow all the Fall ad campaigns because they are the windows into what each house is feeling for the upcoming season. We saw the clothes on the catwalk, now it's time to see them in real life. Judging by this colorful ad with Lily Donaldson and Sasha Pivovarova, it's safe to say Kenzo is feeling energetic, adventurous, and print-tastic! Love the color synergy between the background and the clothes. Other fabulous Fall ads not to be missed are Moschino, Céline, Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Step inside to experience them all.
>> Is LVMH, which has owned Kenzo since 1993, ready to put the brand on the block? WWD reports that LVMH has been gauging potential buyers' interest in the brand; sources indicate that investment firm Credit Agricole was recently hired to evaluate the French fashion house, founded in 1970 by Kenzo Takada, for a possible sale.
It seems that whether a deal actually goes through could go either way: it is understood that LVMH would be "fussy," in WWD's words, about selecting a buyer, because it aims to hold onto the Kenzo perfume business, and it's also possible that LVMH will decide to keep the brand, after all. All a LVMH spokesman would say on the matter was, “The company does not comment on rumors."
For those who don't know Leigh Lezark, allow me to introduce the model/famous MisShapes DJ. Not only is she cute and talented, she also has mad styling chops. During Paris Fashion Week, the American beauty made her rounds to runway shows showing off her unique flavor. For the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac show, she mixed black and white prints, giving off the ultimate eclectic vibe. At Christian Dior, she opted for a girly, moody print dress. However, it was John Galliano who brought out her fiery side with a flaming red coat and super fresh heels. She then changed into a black fringed Chanel frock for Karl. At the Kenzo show, Leigh paired a gray jumper with gold brocade jacket. Each outfit had its own quirky cool touch — which was your fave?
Paris Fashion Week is the creme de la creme of all fashion events. New York had its highlights; London wowed me with its revived schedule; and Milan is always beautiful, but Paris? Undeniably thrilling. Here's a roundup of my favorite looks, ranging from the spooky, kooky looks of Gareth Pugh to breathtaking frocks from Yves Saint Laurent. Peep McQueen's ethereal alien-like ensemble here. Keep on to see magical delights from Hermes, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, Lanvin, and more.
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