Once More

In mid-November, Versace held a fashion show and charity gala in Beijing to benefit Jet Li's One Foundation. They are in a one-year-long partnership. Here are some highlights from the s/s09 collection:

The hair, the legs, the gold...very Donatella.

Over 900 of China and Asia’s top celebrities, socialites, officials, business and style leaders attended.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Any time's a good time to be thinking about bags and shoes. It's fun when all the new collection news come in.

Giorgio Armani offers the easy-going Montenapoleone sandals.

With a matching bag, this has got to be an easy favourite.

Eccentrically called "Blotchy" shoe.
With a luxurious matching bag, also part of the Blotchy concept.
The younger Emporio Armani line is always fun, offering a "Net" concept with a comfy pair of low heels.
Light as a feather with patent leather handles, the Net bag.

Sunshine, If Only

A special thanks to those of you who left me comments for the first time! I love hearing from you all.

In this damp, grey, stormy weather, I can kiss my sunglasses goodbye. But here is a preview of some of my favourites from the Emporio Armani spring/summer 09 sunglasses collection:

And below are a couple from the Giorgio Armani label:

The Pasta, The Opera...

...the shoes! These are just some of the things for which Italy is famous. Here are some highlights from the spring/summer 09 collection of Gianvito Rossi.

The dizzying height comes with patent leather and python skin. A zipper at the back of the ankle gives this shoe a femme-fatale touch.

Platforms, a safe alternative for daytime, go exotic here.

Going from day to night becomes easy as the urban gladiator goes sleek and elegant.

Burberry in the Hills

While I try to prepare a proper review on the Armani concealer, I have to say that it's really wonderful. Two nights ago, I slept only a few hours. The next morning, I applied the stuff more liberally and the result was luminous. The shimmer was not visible, but what it did was illuminate the dull spots dramatically. I'll post a look with that later.

Meanwhile, this is for those of you in California.

Burberry re-opens in Beverly Hills as a brand new concept store created by Christopher Bailey himself. In this boutique of 7300 sq. feet, you will find Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London, Burberry accessories, ready-to-wear and much more. There is even a separate shoe room!

9560 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Tel: 1 800 284 8480

Faces

An Italian model who came back from Fashion Week in New York told me that the handful of Asian models are very well-paid, because they are simply so hard to book. Here's a look at a few faces. Which one's your favourite?

Ai Tominaga getting her hair done at fall/winter 08 Couture Armani Privé.

Daul Kim, looking very bored backstage at Benjamin Cho's f/w 08 show.

Mo Wandan checks out her makeup backstage at Valentino.

Emma Pei with minimal makeup at s/s08 Dries Van Noten.

Hye Park at s/s 09 Max Mara.

Han Hye Jin, with dramatic purple lips at s/s 09 Zac Posen.

Oh my Pashmy

Du Juan seen carrying Tod's Pashmy bag in Beijing

Tod's, one of the (few) authentic Made-in-Italy brands, just seems to put out one hit after another. From the signature loafers to this Pashmy bag, Tod's seen on everybody.

I really don't mind the idea of a nylon bag. Whether it's a Longchamp or Tod's or Prada, high-tech nylon can be dressed up or dressed down. I'm always surprised at how good this simple Pashmy bag can look on certain people. From the elegant Du Juan to a random 50-something woman in Milan, this bag is a true crowd pleaser. Hats off to Tod's.

Furrrr

Furla, that is. Here is a preview the brand's spring/summer 09 collection, available in boutiques starting around February/March next year. Carmen
Artemide

Amaranto

Ninfea

Mimosa

Magnolia

Erika

My favourite's probably Erika just because it has a bit of a vintage look. Don't forget all of these bags come in different colours too!

Classics

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes! I'm still full from the cake.

So why don't we start with my first entry on fashion news?

This amazing Valentino dress from the spring/summer 08 collection is a dream. Though the Italian master has retired (with a litter of pugs wherever he goes), I still have faith that we will continue to see beautiful designs from the historic fashion house.

I saw this in the Chanel shop window on Via Montenapoleone this week. I saw the satin version, but the lambskin one is pictured here. The fabric version looks younger, and is lighter in weight.
Ah, a good old Longchamp bag...comforting like a pair of slippers. Any size, any colour is the answer to an active girl who has to be in 10 places at the same time. I have a small one in purple for the office. It's modest enough not to worry about thieves, but just big enough for a book and a pair of sunglasses. And then a big one for the gym (pictured here).