SCENE is overly obsessed with the unlikely, yet genius scarf collaboration between Hermès and Comme des Garçons, two labels we crave and collect for different reasons. We love the old-world equestrian chic of Hermès and the totally cray-cray chic of Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons that never fails to inspire and amaze us. Read More
The Observer positively loathes the yearly shopping-and-style populist event known as Fashion’s Night Out. While we certainly understand this social philanthropic “fashion for everyone” affair championed by Anna Wintour and friends, it absolutely obliterates the little decency that remains in luxury shopping in this city. Yes, we all find the attitudes inside the gilded foyer of Hermès to be a bit frigid, but isn’t it completely understandable that if someone was overseeing the aggressive push of $15,000 ostrich-skin merchandise to a marvelously affluent and demanding clientele day after day that they would develop an extreme snob complex? Besides which, unwelcoming as shops such as Hermès may be, the atmosphere does establish some sense of order and brand image, and people can actually browse and shop in peace.
Order means nothing during the evening of Fashion’s Night Out. Peace? Fuggetaboutit! Instead, posh shopping establishments become laden with breathing and mobile fashion atrocities. These individuals bring an uncouth, boisterous je ne sais quoi to boutiques such as Rebecca Taylor, Brunello Cucinelli, Oscar de la Renta, Alexis Bittar and Rag & Bone. They purchase nothing, spill their drinks frequently, scream, hiss, push and even fight. But occasionally order presides, publicists greet attendees and pleasantries and frivolities are exchanged. Donna Karan’s Stephan Weiss book launch party at her boutique on Madison Avenue was one such example. Read More
“When you arrive in Millbrook, you are transported into another place and time,” says shipping businessman Peter Georgiopoulos. And although he had grown up spending family summers in Southampton, appreciating the Long Island windmills and sea views, a trip to Millbrook, N.Y. had lured him to buy a house in horse country instead. “No matter what is going on in my life, I feel I’m in a peaceful place when I’m in Millbrook,” he says.
Georgiopoulos knew he was in love when he met Kara, a Vogue model with coltish long legs and a winning smile, but considering her occupation, he had a nagging worry that she would be a girl who wanted a house in the Hamptons. Driving up the dusty road of US Route 44 without a car in sight—unlike the congested Montauk Highway—and overlooking the rolling hills, apple orchards, horse farms and vast verdant open spaces, he observed his girlfriend’s reaction like a hawk, as she breathed in the air and scenery. Both a smile of relief and satisfaction spread on his face when she turned to her future husband and said, “I love this place.” Read More
What do you get for the Hilton or Hearst who has everything? How about a $2 million Hermes handbag, courtesy of Pierre Hardy, who created four tres-tres-haute “mini-bags” for the luxe line. Based on the company’s Birkin bags, these homages will have fun little twists…like being made out of solid gold, or having 1,160 tiny diamonds attached to them. Read More
