Georgia Jacob, Sharon Jacob, Stella Jacob; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

On the first Wednesday in May, approximately 1400 guests (mainly women but there was a smattering of men and one 8-month-old) almost all wearing some form of headgear, descended upon the glorious Central Park Conservatory Gardens in celebration of the 44th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon.

“Rain or shine, we will sparkle!” – Sharon Jacob, attendee who sits on the Board of Directors, Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy

Fe Fendi center with daughters; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Money raised supports the Central Park Conservancy’s mission to maintain, restore, and enhance Central Park. As a major fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Committee, this wildly popular event raises millions annually—often over $4 million—for essential care, including landscape restoration, tree pruning, and public programs like Adopt-a-Bench.

Central Park Conservancy President Betsy Smith (right); photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Over $5 million was raised this year, exceeding last year’s total. This year’s honorees were Judy Hart Angelo and Janet Ross. Speeches and awards were given out during a lunch of chicken salad in the tent. Harry Winston was the Presenting Sponsor. JP Morgan was the Corporate Sponsor and Tuckernuck acted as the Premier Sponsor.

Subway hat: Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Event Co-Chairs were Darice Fadeyi, Stephanie Hessler and Erin Isikoff Klatskin. FYI, the subject of a 2023 profile, Dr. Fadeyi, who always looks smashing, is a board-certified dermatologist in NY. Back in January, following an accident that required stitches above my eyebrow, Darice made time to see me on a day she is not normally in the office!

Marisol Deluna & Marilyn Kirschner

The Kentucky Derby is said to be the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. IMHO, the Central Park Hat Luncheon is the most fun-filled two or three hours on New York’s social calendar. In a week jam-packed with sensory overload, this event manages to hold its own.

Colorful pair: Stephanie Hessler (right), photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The Kentucky Derby, which took place on Saturday, has nothing over the Central Park hat luncheon when it comes to hats and ensembles. Ascot, Shmascot! You literally don’t know where to look.

Jamee Gregory; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the well turned out guests were Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith, Sharon Jacob with daughters Georgia and Stella, Fe Fendi with her two daughters in tow, Jamee Gregory and Marisol Deluna, who both put their own unique joyful spin on fashion, Jane DiFlorio, Christopher Mason wearing a towering orange feathered creation, and Stacey Bendet who looked marvelous in a floral printed creation of her own design accessorized with a vintage Dior chapeau.

Emmy Award winning reporter Magee Hickey; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

It was hard not to spot Magee Hickey, the Emmy Award-winning reporter and WPIX News reporter. Magee looked adorable in the same ensemble she recently wore for the Inner Circle show, a reporters’ musical lampooning of the mayor, the governor and the president. Magee played a sunflower in a skit about the Elizabeth Street garden, and she had her picture taken with Mayor Mandami.

Susan Magrino and Kokin; photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Among the milliners at the event were Gigi Burris and Kokin. Kokin was minus a hat, but his headwear was well represented today as it was at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Among the guests wearing a KOKIN design were Sharon Jacob and publicist Susan Magrino.

Group picture: photo by Marilyn Kirschner

The Central Park Hat luncheon, which has become more popular each year, put the exclamation mark on a week already filled with an abundance of sensory overload, and it’s not over yet. There’s a reason they call it the Merry Month of May. Even the weather gods cooperated, well, sort of.

Lunch under the tent; photograph by Marilyn Kirschner

While they say, “It never rains on the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon”, the predication was for rain throughout the day but luckily, the precipitation held off for almost all of the hour-long cocktail hour- the key time for arrivals. Naturally, a tent was erected just in case, and it was needed.

Rain or Shine: Photograph by Marilyn Kirschner

While most guests seemed unfazed by the unfortunate weather prediction (after all, hats and outfits are generally planned way in advance), a few actually made it work to their advantage, using matching umbrellas as a colorful statement accessory. It’s called turning lemons into lemonade!

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All in a row – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

“When I’m wearing a new bonnet, all the figures I ever knew go right slap out of my head,” to quote Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. No one was doing much math yesterday, except for tallying up the $4.3 million raised for the upkeep and improvement of Central Park.

Center: President & CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, Betsy Smith; Right – Katherine Birch; Left – Melanie McLennan – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

This annual event, presented by the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, was sponsored by Harry Winston, Inc., JP Morgan Chase, and Oscar de la Renta (who had a very popular dress represented here, which I spied on multiple women).

Fe Fendi, Marilyn Kirschner, Cecily Waud, Alessia Fendi – Photo by Laurel Marcus

The weather gods smiled on us with a perfect day, which meant all the ladies turned out in their finest (and sunniest) fits while millinery was top of mind and head. Derby season and hat luncheons, which are now turning up in various parts of the country, account for much of the springtime interest in headgear.

Putting your heads together – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Hats from Suzanne Couture and Kokin are always popular choices, but anything goes and can be found on sites like Etsy (which is where I found mine). And no, it came from the UK, not China, before the tariffs.

Jean Shafiroff, Martha Stewart, & Susan Magrino

Attendees included Mayor Bloomberg (whom some lamented they wanted back), Martha Stewart, Fe Fendi, Alexandra Liebenthal (who wore a black cocktail hat from the William J. Bill Cunningham collection at auction), Jamee Gregory, Sharon Jacob, Jean Shafiroff, Gillian Miniter, Muffie Potter Aston, and a black-clad and hatted Scarlett Johansson.

Butterflies are free – Marilyn Kirschner

There were the more traditional floral, bowed, feathered, frilled, or sculptural hats, and some that could be called more novelty. I spotted a merry-go-round carousel, a woman with rose-filled wine glasses perched atop her head, various swans (but no Flaco owls like last year), multiple clusters of butterflies, an intricate gold pagoda, a model of Central Park, a bedazzled ice-cream cone, giant cherries, apples, who knows what other foodstuffs and the list goes on. Oh, and a duck’s ass if you can believe that one accompanied by a dress printed with all the ducks in a row.

Laurel Marcus – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

This is my fourth year at this event, and I can say that the beautiful Central Park reservoir site puts everyone in a good mood. People are smiling, friendly, and just happy to be out in the sunshine, taking photos with large groups of others they may or may not be acquainted with, just because their outfits match or they like what someone else is wearing – that kind of energy.

Lemons everywhere – Photo Marilyn Kirschner

Of the approximately 1,400 people, nearly all were women, and most wore color, but there were a few outliers in all black and even a woman covered in black turkey feathers literally from head to toe. Since the weather is so changeable this time of year here in NYC, I often wonder if some women have alternate outfits planned in case of hell or high water, similar to what we had here earlier in the week.

Luncheon – Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

After the cocktail hour spread past the luncheon tent to the garden fountain, a Primavera salad of roasted chicken and vegetables was served, followed by a meringue tart accompanied by rose or Chardonnay. President of the Women’s Committee Tracey Huff presented the Frederick Law Olmstead Award to Jenny Price, Former Women’s Committee president from 2022-2024.

The post Frederick Law Olmsted 43rd Annual Luncheon appeared first on lookonline.

Paul Morelli Boutique – Photos Ernest Shmatolla

Madison Avenue’s annual event celebrating the return to fall fashion and shopping – is back with a new initiative, “Step Up For Fashion On Madison.” Organized by the Madison Avenue B.I.D., the Saturday, Sept. 21 edition, 10 percent of sales from 30 participating stores on Madison Avenue between East 57th and East 86th Street will benefit the CFDA Scholarship Fund. This event promotes local businesses and helps support future fashion designers’ education.

Model on platform

“Step Up For Fashion On Madison” offers a diverse range of experiences. Some retailers sponsored a “platform style show,” replete with models standing on small outdoor platforms previewing the fall offerings and in-store shopping events.

These platform-style shows were held in front of participating stores at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Shoppers enjoyed refreshments at in-store shopping events and viewed the fall 2024 collections, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere.

Carolina Herrera boutique – Photo courtesy Madison B.I.D.

It was such a lovely day that I decided to walk down Madison Avenue from 86th Street to 59th Street and see how this “Step Up For Fashion On Madison” worked. After stopping in about half a dozen boutiques and speaking to some models, doorkeepers, and managers, I asked if the models standing outside the boutiques attracted more store traffic and sales.

Bogner Boutique

The answer was pretty much the same everywhere. The “educated guess” of those I asked said store traffic increased 5-10%. One boutique owner said she got one new customer who made her day — while others lamented only sales from established clients.

Delcore Boutique

Some models were more enthusiastic than others standing outside the boutiques. Those ladies who were more friendly to the passing parade attracted more people to go inside, while other models stood unresponsive and bored.

St. John Boutique

While the event successfully raised money for the CFDA Scholarship Fund, it’s important to note that using models on platforms will likely not become a familiar marketing trend. Several managers shared the thought that their regular clients would not be keen on seeing them standing in the doorway.

Thus providing you with some perspective on the event’s impact.

Latest Comments:

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   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

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3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

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   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

9. 

   as always, Marilyn is right on time ….. terrific piece ….. and thank you for the inspiring photos of deRibes,…

10. 

    Our comments section is back online again! We would love to hear from you.

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    Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday looked like the ultimate celebration—so iconic!

The post “Step Up For Fashion On Madison” appeared first on lookonline.

Photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Just as the Met Gala is always the first Monday in May, so the Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon (more familiarly known at the Central Park Hat Luncheon) is always the first Wednesday in May which, this year, fell on May 1st.

Alexandra Lebenthal, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Much like the Met Gala this event just gets bigger and more costume-y every year – this being the 42nd Annual and the third time (the “hat trick”) that I’ve attended.  You could say that it’s becoming “old hat” but I don’t want to exhaust all my headwear puns so quickly.

Jean Shafiroff, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, & designer B Michael

The Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy is behind this shindig with proceeds raised (a hefty $4.65 million this year) earmarked towards the upkeep of the Conservancy– some of which is currently undergoing a makeover– as well as towards the Park’s general operation.  Total (wait for it) “head count” — a whopping 1,400 attendees (mostly women) at the sold out event – about 200 more than last year.

Photo by Laurel Marcus

Honorees were Diane Schaub, Curator of Gardens, Central Park Conservancy and The Conservatory Garden Staff.  Harry Winston, Inc was the Presenting Sponsor along with Corporate Sponsor JP Morgan Chase and Premier Sponsor St. John.  Co-Chairs were ILA Paliwal, Jennifer Saul Rich, Barbara H. Scott and Gillian Steel.

Photo by Laurel Marcus

The surprisingly bright sunshiny day was absolutely perfect if not a bit too warm especially inside the luncheon tent.  Besides every kind of hat/fascinator there was all manner of dress – from fur coats and fur wraps to bare sundresses and everything in between.

Center: Andrew Yu, Left: Katherine Birch, Right: Katherine Gage Boulud, photo by Laurel Marcus

Barbie pink seemed alarmingly resilient as well as other bright neon colors but so were pastels, primary colors, flower prints (I know – groundbreaking!), with a smattering of Chanel tweeds and designer botanicals.  There were those who majorly overdid it and those with a little restraint leading me to comment that in this situation perhaps “less is more.”

Center: Marilyn Kirschner & friends, photo by Laurel Marcus 

Joshua Kamei, the man behind the IG account Ladies of Madison Avenue who sported a black ESENSCHEL hat by Rodney Patterson (his hats were also worn by Dr Darice Fadeyi, designer Lela Rose and our own Marilyn Kirschner) with his gray suit, pointed out that he was not looking for the most outrageous but rather the most elegant to feature.

Left: Sharon Jacob & Right, Dr, Darice Fadeyi, photo by Laurel Marcus

As an eye palette cleanse of sorts there was a bridal theme of several donning all white and white lace including Sharon Jacob who regularly appears in full bridal regalia.  She had her dress but had left the making of her all-important bridal headpiece into the capable hands of Kokin – not seeing it until the last minute.  Too late to get bridal jitters but luckily it all worked out.

Three ladies, Photo by Laurel Marcus

Of course there was all manner of headwear from the sublime to the ridiculously over-the-top.  Obviously, nature inspired flora and fauna were popular including a few tributes to Central Park themes as well as the more avant garde headgear with interesting shapes, heights, and widths — some more face obscuring than others.

Photo by Laurel Marcus

Two women paid historical homage to the Park’s founders with cardboard figures of Olmsted, the Park’s superintendent and Calvert Vaux, the English architect who won first prize in an 1857 design competition to layout the expanding Park with the Greensward Plan – later hailed as a landmark in the history of landscape architecture. Another woman had a hat with a revolving clock tower facsimile of the Delacorte Clock outside the Central Park Zoo. 

Homage to Flaco the Owl, photo by Laurel Marcus

Speaking of the Zoo, Randi Zuckerberg (entrepreneur and sister of Mark) and Michelle Kluz (CEO of Stila Cosmetics)  presented a tribute to Flaco the Owl  — who you may remember escaped the Central Park Zoo in February 2023 after someone cut the protective netting around his cage. 

Colorful Duo, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Sightings of Flaco, a rare Eurasian Eagle-Owl in and around the Park were covered by the media and a growing number of fans, while attempts to recapture him proved fruitless. 

Pastel ladies, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

Out of his natural environment and surroundings he valiantly survived for about 9 months in Manhattan but eventually the poisoned rats that he hunted got to him and he crashed into a building and succumbed to his injuries.  I asked one of the ‘owl gals” (who’s EA created it) about the weight of the hat – “It didn’t seem bad at first but now I’m feeling it.”   Heavy is the head that wears the owl – lol.’

Photo by Laurel Marcus

Another interesting but confounding ‘fit was worn by Andrew Yu in what appeared to be beekeeper netting over his face with a black magician’s cape festooned with hot pink sequin embroidery.  When I asked him what was his inspo for this lewk he told me that everything was recycled but he was interested in thematically echoing the world today.  “Everything is so dark now,” he explained citing family members and friends of Slavic and Jewish heritage and the dual wars having their chilling effect.

Laurel Marcus of Lookonline, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

A few others had politically motivated messages — Israel, Ukraine, an ERA banner (on former U.S. representative Carolyn Maloney) among them in their attire but mostly it was just a mass riot of color, pattern, shape and size. Speaking of darkness, I am always inclined to hole up in an unlit room with no visual stimulation of any kind after this event in order to restore my eyesight and equilibrium lest I go mad as a hatter.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

9. 

   as always, Marilyn is right on time ….. terrific piece ….. and thank you for the inspiring photos of deRibes,…

10. 

    Our comments section is back online again! We would love to hear from you.

11. 

    Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday looked like the ultimate celebration—so iconic!

12. 

    The MAD About Jewelry benefit looks like a stunning event—so much talent on display!

The post The 42nd Annual FLO Awards Luncheon at Central Park appeared first on lookonline.

I f You are still searching for a present for someone who is hard to please or you are simply a procrastinator, these gourmet gifts may be just what you are looking for.

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods

This popular, Boston based, restaurant chain is famous for their fresh seafood and classic dishes like clam chowder and lobster bisque. You can have a taste of New England delivered right to your door with the Lobstah Lovers Box. It includes 4 Gulf of Maine lobster tails and a 24 ounce Lobster Mac and Cheese. Preparation instructions are included and since it serves four people, there is enough to share.

https://shop.legalseafoods.com/products/lobstah-lover-box $100

Yoku Moku

Yoku Moku

The name Yoku Moku comes from a village in Sweden where Japanese chocolatier, Noriichi Fujinawa first discovered European style butter cookies more than 30 years ago. He turned his love for these delicious treats into a Tokyo cookie company, known for their all-natural butter creations made with no additives or preservatives. This assortment of 26 cookies includes 5 individually wrapped varieties. They are packaged in a holiday tin that is decorated with original artwork by Clyv.

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/yoku-moku-holiday-petit-cinq-delices-cookies-prod254450332 $38.00

Harry & David

Harry & David

Who doesn’t love Cinnabon’s Classic Rolls? Harry & David ships six of the largest Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, freshly baked and ready to serve. An extra container of the signature cream cheese frosting is included to make this indulgence even more decadent.

https://www.harryanddavid.com/h/bakery/cinnabon/27395?searchTerm=cinna $54.99

Williams Sonoma

Sasanian Caviar

This trio of sustainably sourced Sasanian Caviar is hand packed to order and shipped overnight to guarantee freshness. The varieties included are Royal Polish Osetra, Osetra Supreme, and Siberian Sturgeon Baerii, each packed in a 1 ounce tin.

Two mother-of-pearl serving spoons are included.

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sasanian-caviar-trio-gift-set/t $179.95

Eastern Standard Provisions Company

Eastern Standards Provision Company

These handcrafted, artisanal soft pretzels take snacking to a new level. The “Holly Jolly” Holiday Gift Box includes 2 Wheelhouse pretzels, a bag of pretzel bites, and 6 pretzel sticks, accompanied by White Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Classic Pretzel Salt.

https://esprovisions.com/products/holly-jolly-holiday-gift-box-1 $34.99

Ladurée

Ladurée

The French macaron was created by Ladurée 30 years ago and you or someone special can experience this delicacy at home with this holiday gift box. The Céleste Gift Box is decorated with snowflakes and filled with 16 assorted macarons.

https://www.laduree.us/celeste-16-macarons-gift-box.html $66.00

Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies

Located in Hilo, Hawaii, Big Island Candies celebrates the heart of gift giving, believing that what they produce must bring happiness to others, using only the finest ingredients. The Ho Ho Holiday Box brings a piece of Hawaii to your door. It features 14 shortbreads, including the limited edition Cinnamon White Dipped Macadamia Nut flavor, 2 brownies, and 2 mints.

https://www.bigislandcandies.com/gifts/ho-ho-holiday-box-8892.html $22.00

The post Better Bets: “The Eleventh Hour Santa” appeared first on lookonline.

NAUMY Store – all photos Vicky Tiel

When I blog on Paris fashion I always cover two streets, Rue de Roi de Siècle and Rue Fbg St Antoine on the corner of Rue de Charonne. While covering fall fashion last week I sat in my usual cafe on Rue de Charonne and watched women pouring into a new store. I crossed the street and found the brand new NAUMY store.

I looked into the window and saw gorgeous dresses all priced at around 20 to 29 euros. This is unheard of. Even Monoprix cotton dresses are up to 59 euros this year.

Inside NAUMY I find a large two story store that has everything: women and men’s clothing, fragrances, handbags, luggage, lingerie and children’s clothing. They even have wedding gowns and dresses for children to wear to weddings. Almost nothing costs over 40 euros.

Among the women’s selection are these gowns that sell for 30 euros.

A perfect “Chanel” jacket is 52 euros. It is the most expensive item in the store. (Coco would be proud). In most stores it’s at least 250 euros for a nice copy.

I spoke with the manager and salesgirls (all tall beautiful Chinese young women). I was told that NAUMY is a Chinese company and this store opened in Paris in April 2023. She said they have opened 50 stores in France this year! Oh my!

They even have my red draped jersey short gown that sells for 3000 euros…for 37 euros. Having had my VICKY TIEL shop in Paris for 45 years I was in shock. Dresses that resemble my beaded couture gowns, sequin sheaths or diamond studded black jerseys are selling for the price of my rayon linings. How do the Chinese do it? They must use African labor as there were many African prints.

Who is making these dresses for $30 to $50? Well, no matter what, they will have killed the ready-to-wear French fashion industry and maybe 7th Avenue as well, thanks to their gorgeous knockoffs. Women can use their dress savings to buy electric cars and add pools to their backyards.

I left Paris to spend the weekend with my kids in the French village of Arpajon, south of Paris, near the Chateau du Fontainebleau. I told my daughter in law about NAUMY and showed her the photos of the inexpensive dresses and told her there were 50 stores built in France just this year. She looked up NAUMY in her computer and saw one was 10 minutes from her home. She raced there in her car.

The store in the countryside south of Paris is in a new mall three times the size of the Paris store. It is half the mall, in the middle of nowhere! THEY WERE STILL BUILDING IT…BUT IT WAS FULL OF PEOPLE.

What do I think of the Chinese taking over the world of fashion? Except for the few women fashion snobs that need to wear Couture, most women will love these inexpensive fashion styles either from NAUMY or the online NAUMY’S.

High priced stores will go bankrupt and couture will always sell handbags and cosmetics.The windows in Paris couture are now often just handbags, not a dress in sight.

So sad, but we had the great years.

Latest Comments:

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   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

The post Vicky Tiel’s Paris Journal: NAUMY Is Taking Over! appeared first on lookonline.

All photos and Sketch by Vicky Tiel

Fashion has taken its time, but today in 2023, we have a glorious return to 1964 when Mia Vicky launched in Paris the miniskirt, the bra for a day, and baring skin everywhere. 1960s fashion was about women’s liberation and “look at me.”

Say goodbye to the stretch pant and hello to the extra-extra wide pant. It is worn with a short undershirt showing the waist and the belly button. Show as much waist skin as you can.

It is also worn with a gold, silver, or hot pink sequin beaded top. Sequins for the day are sexy and new and worn as a beaded sequin minidress under a tailored mid-thigh long tailored jacket.

The sixties is now in dresses and skirts, or the accordion pleated skirt to the ankle is worn with the short midriff top and long tailored men’s jacket.

The man-tailored cross-button jacket extra long is worn with shorts or a mini skirt, often in gold leather. The mini look is back.

The Crossbody bag is the point of focus for 2023. It is worn in the center of the outfit, not hanging on the side. It is the focal point of the outfit and should stand out. The handbag is today’s most expensive item and the leading investment in the clothing fashion industry.

Women no longer need to wear expensive clothes if they can own and display a $1000-$3000 handbag. Most couture shops don’t even display dresses, only bags.

Electric colors Barbie pink, grass green, turquoise, and orange, but the number one color is yellow for the summer shoe.

Gold shoes, boots, or gold sandals are the top shoes for summer.

The long slit up the front of the skirt to the top of the hip is worn with the slit under the left bust ( as in many evening gowns) or on the side. The skirt is mini length, not to the ankle, and always black.

The Blue jean fabric has become the hot fashion fabric. For the first time, designers have used the jean material in each collection cut into very high-fashion dresses.

In clothing, art, and home, African print fabrics are used everywhere. The African ART gallery is the most opened in Paris in the last 20 years, with African Mali fang masks selling for millions.

Long hair is it. Worn free down the mid back.

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   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

The post Paris Street Fashion: Summer 2023 appeared first on lookonline.

The timeless allure of the tomboy – Photograph, Instagram

There’s nothing new about women wearing menswear, but it seems even more appealing than ever as we can’t seem to escape “Barbiecore.” I don’t know about you, but I am officially Barbie-d out.

Quite frankly, I want to go in the opposite direction, which is not a stretch since I’ve long subscribed to a certain “comme des garcons” in my wardrobe. It’s very freeing to find a system for dressing that goes beyond the vagaries of fashion’s ins and outs, suits you perfectly, and takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Photo courtesy of Instagram

Notwithstanding the ongoing gender diversification in fashion and continual blurring of the lines between masculine and feminine, the essential elements of a man’s wardrobe remain as relevant for women as ever, if not more so. There is a timeless appeal that never goes out of style and always looks formally correct and appropriate.

We have Yves Saint Laurent to thank.

“I wanted women to have the same basic wardrobe as men. Blazers, trousers, and suits. They’re so functional. I believed women wanted this and was right.”

Yves Saint Laurent, 1977

Women had worn suits and trousers before Saint Laurent came on the scene, but as Pierre Bergé said in 2008, “Gabrielle Chanel gave women freedom. Yves Saint Laurent gave them power.” When Yves debuted Le Smoking in 1966, it was still controversial for women to wear trousers in public.

Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking, photograph by Helmut Newton, Vogue Paris 1975, The Helmut Newton Estate Maconochie Photography

Le Smoking was, at its heart, a garment of rebellion, androgyny, and glamour, a challenge to the status quo.

Of course, it’s no longer shocking or rebellious, and you won’t be considered a fashion renegade if you wear a tuxedo, but you will stand out in a room filled with overdressed women in cocktail dresses and ballgowns.

“A fiercely private person who avoided press and public events, Katharine Hepburn’s aversion to ‘glamour’ only made her that much more alluring.”

The Cut

Katharine Hepburn, circa 1947 – Photograph by Haynes Archive for Popperfoto

Katharine Hepburn was one of the early “female adopters of trousers.” Daring to wear wide-legged and roomy pants when her colleagues would stick to dresses with cinched-in silhouettes, Hepburn marked herself as a fierce leading lady with loafers and wide-legged slacks.

Combining androgyny with glamour, Marlene Dietrich wore masculine three-piece suits and an impressive array of hats, from fedoras to berets. The 1960s muse Francoise Hardy was the queen of Parisian chic, friends with Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne, and described by Mick Jagger as “his ideal woman” – and she did it all with a dash of tomboy style. Her love of Breton t-shirts and winged eyeliner was coupled with mod caps, slouchy trousers, and oversized overcoats.

Jean Seberg – Photo by glamourmagazine.co.uk

Ask any girl with a pixie crop who inspired her to go for the chop, and she’ll probably reference Jean Seberg at least once. The American-born actress was the queen of the French New Wave films in the 1960s, and her style – slouchy, rolled-up denim, striped t-shirts, and oversized knits – was the perfect partner to her boyish crop.

Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, left, and attending the 2014 Golden Globe Awards, Photo by kipperclothiers.tumblr

Diane Keaton’s wardrobe in Annie Hall, which consisted mainly of vintage men’s clothing, including neckties, vests, baggy pants, and fedora hats, made her an unlikely fashion icon of the late 1970s. Soon after the film’s release, men’s clothing became popular attire for women.

“Everything I wear doesn’t put me in the league of women. If I were a boy, I could look a lot prettier than a lot of boys I know”

Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin – Photo by glamourmagazine.co.uk.

The queen of 1960s free-spirited style, Jane Birkin, inspired the highly coveted Hermes bag named after her. Still, Jane’s REAL fashion legacy was her bohemian attitude to getting dressed in the morning, favoring shirt and ties, boyish jeans, and caps accessorized with a straw basket.

Kristen Stewart – Photo by glamourmagazine.co.uk

Kristen Stewart is long considered the “Queen of Androgyny,” subjecting her sharp, delicate features to cigarette trousers and oversized suit jackets. Stewart can even take it one step further, scrape her hair back and wear clumpy loafers – her beauty only fuels the irony.

Amy Fine Collins wearing Thom Browne seersucker – Photograph by Matthew Foley

It’s hardly surprising that many of the world’s most iconic fashion figures, style arbiters, and women whose authoritative, sophisticated style I admire routinely borrow from the boys or add a dash of androgyny to their wardrobes.

It stands to reason that many of Hollywood’s most renowned stylists, whose job is to glamorously dress their celebrated clients for the red carpet, adhere to the essentials of a man’s uniform as the basis for their wardrobes.

Julia Roberts and her stylist Elizabeth Stewart, March 23, 2019 – Photo by hollywoodreporter.com

Elizabeth Stewart has orchestrated many red-carpet moments for Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, and Julia Roberts. Still, her personal style is more tailored and unapologetically tomboyish along the lines of Katharine Hepburn, down to her propensity for mannish footwear.

Speaking of Julia, “The Pretty Woman” is known to have a tomboyish side and a penchant for suits, as noted in an article written by Carolyn Twersky for W Magazine, October 14, 2022: “Julia Roberts Continues Her Reign as The Queen of Suits.”

Elizabeth Saltzman – Photograph by Helene Sandberg for airmail.com

Elizabeth Saltzman is a stylist for some of the best-dressed stars on the red carpet, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Julia Garner, Saorise Ronan, and Sandra Oh. The New York-born, London-based stylist, former Vogue fashion editor, and Vanity Fair fashion director is the daughter of Ellin Saltzman, former fashion director of Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Like her exceptionally chic mom (both have been inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame), Elizabeth believes that “great style is elegance and clean lines.”

Elizabeth advocates for “dead-on simplicity” to eliminate the need to waste time getting dressed. She relies on a fuss free, pared-down uniform predicted on menswear essentials: a white shirt, navy blue sweater, black velvet trousers, black velvet blazer, and a wardrobe of coats, which Saltzman cannot have enough of.

The severity of Saltzman’s look is perfectly offset by her enviable, impossibly long, straight Rapunzel-like head of hair, exceptional jewelry, and statement-making shoes and sandals. “I played and played and played, and now I’ve found my uniform. That’s the fun of age: figuring out it’s not about what you wear but who you are as a person.” Touche!

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   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

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   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

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   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

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   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

The post The Enduring Appeal of Tomboy Chic appeared first on lookonline.

Paris RTW Fall 2023 fashion week filled the Paris streets with the world’s fashion press showing off their interpretation of what women should wear next on the streets.

It’s all about The SIGNATURE BAG. Never before in my fashion life has owning a NAME handbag been so BIG. But as clothing is selling less and less over the years, the accessory business has taken over, especially for many of the windows of the haute couture shops in Paris.

This year the bags are extraordinary. The top bag to own is the VUITTON POLKA DOT. The colored dots, now the Vuitton signature are even covering two tall buildings in Paris, making for a very happy feeling while walking the streets of Paris during Fashion week.

We all need “HAPPY” with the transport strikes starting at the end of Fashion Week. Watching the women walk the streets with fabulous accessories is indeed, a very happy note.

The long MIDI-ANKLE LENGTH COAT is back, either with a big boxy look or belted as a huge trench. They have been popular for a few years but now they are a CHIC MUST, especially worn with gigantic winter scarves some 6 feet long and 3 feet wide.

BROWN is the New Black. Black is OUT (for now at least and except in leather) and all shades of beige, camel and especially milk chocolate are IT. After the couture handbag, the brown coat is the new big look.

Pink Coats and Snow Leopard Coats in the Winter are beautiful and happy. The world is going through an elongated war, a financial crisis, and climate disasters, and fashion is a way to bring happiness to the world. Just wear pink with a smile and then wear pink with a red scarf red to match your lipstick.

The red patent leather miniskirt à la Courreges is back and was shown in black in the Balmain collection. It was a big trend in the late sixties and will be again, worn under the ankle length long coats for 2023. THE CROPPED TOP, SHOWING 2 inches of MIDRIFF SKIN IS THE LOOK FOR THE YOUNG, EVEN IN FREEZING WINTER.

The oversized tailored blazer jacket (seen at Fall 2023 Saint Laurent show) is the new top, worn over everything from micro miniskirts to very long pleated or full skirts in a contrasting color. The new wide jacket can be anywhere from 3 to 6 inches wider in the shoulder.

IN OTHER NEWS:

NEW COLORS: BORDEAUX, GREIGE, LIME, CITRON, DARK CHOCOLATE

The PUFFY 3/4 SLEEVE is seen in tops, suits and gowns.

NAKED IS THE NEWS. The left side slit continues to be seen on long straight gowns showing the entire leg almost up to the waist, worn with nude pantyhose, no panties.

FOR EVENING, long gowns entirely unlined revealing chic underpants is new and seen IN EVERY COLLECTION. It’s great, except maybe for weddings.

THE FULL BALLGOWN SKIRT a la BALENCIAGA 1950s is in, and also at midi length.

The full BALLGOWN SKIRT is worn with a shorter version of the oversized blazer for day and worn with lacy see thru tops for day, even for work under a brown leather mini blazer. The top can be cropped above the waist of the full skirt to show 3 inches of skin.

Georgia May Jagger and Ciara during Fall Fashion Week in platform shoes. THE OVER-SIZED PLATFORM SHOE AND BOOT IS BACK AS WELL AS THE 3 inch PLATFORM HEEL. This is A NEW LOOK as well as 1 inch platform high boots in shiny fab colors.

In honor of PACO RABANNE, my designer friend since 1968 (he was another Cafe Flore gang member) Julien Dossena’s collection featured Paco’s silver lined holes everywhere: in the clothes, suits, jackets, dresses , and not just in leather but now in wool, jersey and fake fur. PACO FOREVER!

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

9. 

   as always, Marilyn is right on time ….. terrific piece ….. and thank you for the inspiring photos of deRibes,…

The post Vicky Tiel’s Paris Street Journal: Polka Dots Reign appeared first on lookonline.

Paris Fashion Week Couture Spring 2023 just ended. The nineties are back — as never before. The collections are wearable, colorful and perfect for customers who spent years of anxiety, illness, change of jobs and lifestyles. It’s time to live it up again.

The Trends
THE MICRO MINI
OVERSIZED FUN ARTISTIC COATS OFTEN TO THE FLOOR
SLITS GALORE FOR THE EXPOSED BARE LEG
SKINTIGHT JUMPSUITS IN NEW SLINKY FABRICS
THIGH HIGH PLATFORM BOOTS , FENDI GALORE
AND BARE MIDRIFFS WITH SEE THRU TOPS

What a time to capture a new man, acquire a new job and find a new attitude. The colors for 2023 are HAPPY COLORS:

GORGEOUS GREEN
DUSTY SKY BLUE
PEACHY PINK
CLEMENTINE ORANGE
SILVER AND BLACK AND LOTS OF SEQUINS

Latest Comments:

1. 

   FROM: American fashion designer Ralph Rucci: A major home run! How extraordinary this young lady is, and along with her…

2. 

   test comment

3. 

   Marilyn, You look absolutely fabulous! And this Elsa Schiaparelli bag !!!! We have met a few times at different events.…

4. 

   An Explosion of stunning and playful creativity inspired by the Glorious BEAUTY of ORCHIDS!!!

5. 

   What a great talent Ruben is …… in addition to being a thoroughly lovely man. And the legacy of his…

6. 

   Hi, I am looking to relaunch my website, with an interactive plateform. Can you recommend someone with the creative and…

7. 

   This is all very sad considering what Klein and Schwartz built and what Costa did to advance the history of…

8. 

   A collection of Random Disasters that disgraces what was Calvin Klein !

The post Vicky Tiel’s Paris Street Journal: “Oh Yeah, I Remember!” appeared first on lookonline.