Couture Week: Christian Lacroix's Tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli

Looking to spice up this cloudy Wednesday? See the newly released tribute to Elsa Shiaparelli by Christian Lacroix that kicked off the couture shows this week!

Shortly after the Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit last year, Tod's current president Diego Della Valle, who purchased the Schiaparelli archives in 2006, announced that Christian Lacroix would design the first collection. As promised, the fifteen piece collection pays tribute to Schiaparelli "by interpreting her iconic creations while perpetuating her timeless image". The collection opened Monday at the museum Les Arts Décoratifs and consisted of puffy sleeves, giant ruffles and fabulous hats! NYmag I can see Colleen in many of these hats!

Sadly, this collection was a one time experience for Lacroix, and owner Diego Della Valle has yet to announce the official designer of the newly revived house. Of the collection Lacroix said "my wish is to reposition Elsa at the center of her maison and on the stage from which she once seduced the world". NYmag

Although the collection won't actually be worn, it is still absolutely spectacular! Hope you enjoy it and would love to hear your thoughts on the collection!

Images via NYmag

Sarah Jessica Parker to Launch Shoe Line with Manolo Blahnik

Happy Monday all! Still one more Intrepid post to go, but in the meantime thought this news would bring you some excitement on an overcast Monday.

Fifteen years after Sex and the City debuted, Sarah Jessica Parker announced that she will be collaborating with Manolo Blahnik to launch an accessories line titled SJP. The line will include shoes, bags and trench coats in new unique color combinations. The label is inspired by Charles Jourdan, Maud Frizon and will be priced between $200 and $700. The line will be available early next year and will be available exclusively through Nordstrom. This line will be produced entirely in New York City and Europe which is one of the many reasons I support this line! Can't wait to see the result - can you?

Source

Spring 2013 TREND REPORT - Suzanne Timmons - Hudson's Bay, Downtown Vancouver

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

While I was attending the Carole Tanenbaum vintage collection at Josephson Opticians and the Tiger of Sweden opening, Colleen was busy writing up a storm in Vancouver.  Read her post on The Bay's Trend Report with Suzanne Timmins in Vancouver - one of our favorite shows of the season :)

What a great way to celebrate mid week with yet another gorgeous fashion show at Hudson's Bay!  The scene is always artfully set in a well organized space!  Coat check and Culinary Capers refreshments and tempting array of beautifully plated treats (throughout the evening) welcomed us. Suzanne Timmins, Sr. Vice President and Fashion Director for HBC, kept the looks coming and is just the most enthusiastic host, ever. Fellow commentators included Susie Wall, Vancouver Style Expert, West Coast Reporter for etalk and writer of "Susie Style" for the Province, and Noreen Flanagan, Editor-In-Chief of Elle Canada. Love how the two cities, Toronto and Vancouver, as well as the rest of Canada comes together to highlight the trends. Copies of the latest Elle Canada, much appreciated!  It was helpful to get three perspectives of Spring Must Have's.  Also very useful is the list of all designers and labels for each collection: Graphic Black & White, Florabunda, Dolce Vita, Sweet Chic and Gypset.  Lots of sparkling, chunky jewelry, floral heels and unique sandals and special clutch and evening bags, featured.  Blazers, skinny pants, bling, leathers, jean jackets, soft florals, all pastels but vibrants too, should be in your closet!  Racks were organized with all of the outfits and sales staff (so fantastic) were on hand to help with selection and ordering.  Door prizes were numerous: and generous.
It seemed that everyone in our row won something special. Tracy Cake of Sugar Skull Studios, won  a $250 certificate for Elizabeth and James!  I make it a habit to visit the downtown store at least once a week.  Lovely window displays and consistently friendly, attentive service.  And, of course, the Fashion Shows are the best!  Thanks!

Delicious hors d'oeuvres 

Top trends ready to buy!

Who needs floral pants when you can have these?!

Lucky winner - The Bay always has great prizes in their draw - gift cards!

Ann Taylor Opening - Toronto Eaton Centre

Ann Taylor has officially arrived in Canada!  The Toronto Eaton Centre location is the first International location since its inception.  Ann was founded in 1954 by Richard Liebeskind who received his dress making style from his father.  By 1983 the brand had 47 locations across the United States.

Ann Taylor cares about women in the community and actively contributes to the fight against breast cancer through their support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.  Clients and associates have donated $10 million dollars since 2005.  They also fund 13 Breast Cancer Research Foundation grants across the US and in Canada.  

I first heard about Ann Taylor in Japan from my lovely friend Makensie, who has lived and breathed Ann Taylor for years.  The Ann Taylor brand values "connecting with others, making smart choices, looking and feeling great.  Living life fully means women choose to play all their roles with confidence and style." 

The new store is full of chic, affordable and colorful fashions ready for you to snap up!  I attended the opening last week and met many Ann Associates who were friendly, helpful and very excited about the new launch.  I found several fantastic pieces that I will be back to pick up this week, once the chaos has subsided.  I can't wait to share some of the looks with you and to promote such a positive and truly inspiring brand and team.  Thank you for a wonderful experience and I can't wait to try everything on! 

What I wore!

Lovely ladies from Fashion Magazine left to right 

(Jacqueline Francis and Caitlin Agnew)

and Delia

The looks are all placed so that you can create outfits easily on your own!

They even had stylists present to dish out valuable advice!

Love the color here

Love this entire look!  Chic and affordable too!

Wonderfully helpful Ann Taylor ladies Chelsea and Kim

Love this Ann Taylor bracelet

Gowns Galore - New York Fashion Week

A few more from New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013!  Love these gorgeous gowns perfect for any red carpet.  While black is always flattering, a bold pop of color will also capture attention!  

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Marchesa

J. Mendel

J. Mendel

Diane von Furstenberg

DKNY

Sass and Bide

Badgley Mischka

PPQ

PPQ