New In - Balmain Scarf

Two thousand and fourteen has arrived and ushered in the coldest winter New York City has seen in some 30 years. Media outlets around the world are calling it a "polar vortex" and I can personally assure you that it is as cold as it sounds. I found this to be as good of time as any to add some cold weather essentials to my accessories collection. Naturally, I opted for Balmain. In a bid to face the cold and brave the elements, I purchased this PRINTED CASHMERE BLEND SCARF from the 2013 Pre Fall collection. In spite of the arctic chill, I've chosen to stay fashionably warm.

The SCARF ITSELF IS QUITE LARGE measuring nearly 54 inches by 54 inches and features black, gold scallops, and shades of blue and pink. It is a printed scene with birds, koi, and bamboo that is a nod to Olivier Rousteing's referenced inspiration of Diana Vreeland and her oriental screens. This SCARF IS OF A MEDIUM WEIGHT and will serve me through multiple seasons. That makes it a great investment; but of course, Balmain is always a great investment.

PHOTOS BY AAP 

Carine Roitfeld is Mademoiselle C

I was recently invited to attend a screening for this year's best Fashion documentary CARINE ROITFELD IS MADEMOISELLE C. The film, by Fabien Constant, follows Roitfeld as she embarked on a new career as creator of CR FASHION BOOK and the challenges she faced with starting a new magazine. Surrounded by friends and family, Roitfeld creates the most beautiful stories and dreams all while arguably becoming the chicest grandmother around. After only a few minutes of viewing, you will see that Roitfeld has a great sense of humor and a super cute son. As per requisite, a host of Fashion's major players make cameos and all lend their personal insight about Roitfeld. Bottom line, she is the stylist and editor we all want to be. 

Afterwards, I was so very privileged to have been invited to a round table discussion with filmmaker Constant and the IRREVERENT CARINE ROITFELD. A small group of us waited impatiently as Roitfeld came in with trademark black eyeliner and her I just wake up like this hair. Constant sported a gray t shirt with the word Parisien emblazoned across the front and a serious mustache that reminded me of Freddie Mercury. She told us that she always has her family around and that having friends in Fashion is possible. Roitfeld is tired of the cliche about Fashion being pretentious and declared the filming therapeutic. Constant stated he wanted to tell a story about Carine, a story about the work that is behind the picture. 

Everyone had questions for Roitfeld about the film and about the upcoming issue of CR FASHION BOOK, however there was only one query I could think of. "Who are you wearing?" The answer: a Celine white summer top and a knee length denim skirt from Mui Mui. She told me it was her summer uniform. Roitfeld is known for the exotic work she did with Tom Ford and you will see her push the envelope even further with CR FASHION BOOK. After all, a leopard can't change its spots. Expect some nudity. 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO COHEN MEDIA GROUP 

From the Fashion Library - The Coat Route Craft, Luxury & Obsession

A fruitful trip to Strand Book Store has yielded another great find in the way of Fashionable books. Next from the Fashion Library comes THE COAT ROUTE CRAFT, LUXURY, & OBSESSION ON THE TRAIL OF A $50,000 COAT BY MEG LUKENS NOONAN. The book is the story of a journalist who travels the world to decipher the origins of a custom made overcoat. Along the way, she essentially meets every person who had a hand in creating what should be considered a piece of art. Her journey even finds her in a remote village in Peru to observe the shearing of vicuna, a distant relative of the camel. The animals live high in the Andes and produce fleece that is finer than cashmere and subsequently much more expensive.

As Noonan weaves an account full of interesting historical tidbits she poses the question "In today's world of fast Fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat?" As we learn, the answer is yes. I followed the author as she traced the several steps it takes to create such garb from the outer fabric to the silk lining to the golden hand engraved name plaque that hangs inside. One part I found unusually riveting was a chapter about buttons and how buttonholes essentially changed everything. As Fashion obsessed as I am, I realized I had never really thought about their origins. How could I have let something so necessary go overlooked?

THE COAT ROUTE is an excellent well written read encompassing a bit of history, the business of fashion, and the stories of true artisans. It is a highly recommended addition to any collection.

PHOTOS BY ADC