INSIDE the Lion's Den/

Just before a shoot in Berlin this week, I decided to hop over to Paris to see 2 couture shows:  Chanel and Armani Prive. 2 masters at work, 2 entirely different shows.  The dramatic landscape of Chanel allowed me to watch the cubs dance about the enlarged lion of Karl's throne. For those of you wondering, the lion inspiration was from a small statuette standing on a pearl Karl found in Coco Chanel's apartment earlier this year.

Armani was a bit more intimate showing - in a much smaller space than usual, but a whole lot of fun.

"YOU'RE where?"

"Hotel de Ville! Not around, near, or the metro - but inside!" "What?! For a show?"

This was the conversation I had with a friend about an hour before the Dries van Noten show in March.  I actually have been there for a show and a photo exhibit once, but few really get to enjoy it from within its grand halls.  So first, I must thank you, Dries, for bringing us inside.  Also, I'm sorry but it was me who put his light set-up on the really expensive chairs.  [He was pissed, but we had a good laugh about it later. ]

The collection was great and I can only wonder where we'll end up next season..

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!

OH Canada/

Milan is over and a bunch of us were looking for the olympic hockey final after the last show.  Finally though, after no success, we gave in and headed to dinner at the Missoni's - only to find everyone watching it there!  It was Margherita's bday but we when we arrived everyone was huddled together to watch overtime and WOW!  Congrats Canada and HAPPY BDAY MARGHERITA!!!

MAYBE a little too easy/

I'll keep you guessing on the bag post below but think it may be a little too easy. Try this one on for size: This bag's keeper is an artist by trade and once was rumored to have designed her own bag. Who am I?

WOO hoo/

Happy Saturday all! Busy day in Milan but it's time to lighten it up a little and play the Bag Game... Can you guess who owns this pretty satchel? Here's a first hint.. She's everybody's favorite girl.

I'M just sayin/

The first day of Milan, only 3 shows for me and jet lag took its toll early. Let's just say synapses were not firing, nor did lunch or dinner happen. Clearly not my day, but I did manage to take a few decent snaps along the way. Below are a few from Just Cavalli. Check out style.com for Prada and Fendi.