BACK with a bang/

Balmain.  My first show in Paris this season and a great way to come back to you!  Everyone is still in love with this house and so am I.  It all starts out innocently enough w/ simple hair and lounging around the hallways of Le Grand Hotel but as soon as first looks are called..  BAM!  The girls come to life and the game is on!

PIECE of the Pie/

Viktor+Rolf showed their opinon on the world's economic situation today by cutting-out and slicing-up their own collection. What can't you live without??  Fortunately, what seemed like would be a somber collection, quickly showed new life. A true comment on our economic outlook - and hopefully this season's retail life!

LACROIX is a rose / and Givenchy is an axe!

Christian Lacroix showed what may be his last collection today.  It was a very sad and somber backstage, w/ seamstresses and staff shedding a tear and toting cameras to remember what may be, to me at least, one of his most modern and best collections.  Even the models felt the mood, and makeup rolled down the cheeks of more than a few.  I will truly miss visiting this house as they are some of the nicest people in the business and it's always a pleasure to be part of their shows.

On the other end of the spectrum, Riccardo Tischi at Givenchy proved that the ball is in his court.  His was a stellar collection and most likely the best we will see this season.  Interestingly enough, M. Lacroix was in attendance and you can see him in the background of one of the photos below.

ASIAN Import / US Export

Looking back on NY, and it's bit of a blur. Yes, there were more presentations than usual - but still plenty of shows. Among those, of course, a few stand out more than others - and many of the top collections happen to be from Asian Americans. I'm talking specifically about Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Doo.Ri, and Richard Chai. Here's a few from Alex's show on Feb 14 at the Roseland Ballroom. Let me know what you think: