Up, Up & Away

When the September issue of Palm Beach Illustrated magazine hit the newsstands last week, one of my closest friends called immediately to inquire about the brilliant conception of utilizing balloons within the fashion story. I must back track somewhat and state that this friend doesn’t always quite get my fashion editorial ideas, much less compliment them, so to receive this phone call was somewhat of a career highlight… my dear Philip, that statement is just for you! All laughing matters aside, its always a collaborative creative effort putting a fashion story together, conceptually and physically, and its most always done within the very small yet impactful force of 3, myself, Olga Gustine - Design Director, and Daphne Nikolopoulos - Editorial Director, who has likened herself to the infamous Tim Gunn phrase “Make It Work!” So within the vivid brilliant balloon editorial, I wanted to focus on the acid brights that are taking center stage amongst fall’s typical somber palette. Audacious pinks, yellows and oranges, mixed with bold prints make way for a punchy delight to liven up any winter wardrobe. And what better way to showcase these highlighter brights and bursts of bold color then adorning the beautiful Kira with the must-have palette of the season. I last worked with Kira on our December 2007 fashion editorial and would welcome the opportunity again, its always most wonderful when you can collaborate with the same creative team time and again. Enjoy our behind the scenes video and photos capturing all the fabulous action and intense shades for the fall season. –KL
To see more of the September issue of Palm Beach Illustrated visit www.palmbeachillustrated.com.

Up, Up & Away - Palm Beach Illustrated September 2009
Photography by Robert Adamo

Each month I'm responsible for 3 different covers, 1 for each of our 3 luxury markets, Palm Beach, Naples and Tampa. Here are the 3 that made the grade for September. Which one is your favorite? Email me at kldeuxluxe@gmail.com with your vote.

Palm Beach Illustrated September 2009
Photography by Robert Adamo
www.palmbeachillustrated.com

Naples Illustrated September 2009
Photography by Robert Adamo
www.naplesillustrated.com

Tampa Bay Illustrated September 2009
Photography by Robert Adamo
www.tampabayillustrated.com

Here are a few behind the scene photos from the day of the shoot. A special thanks to Hotel Biba for the very kind hospitality. www.hotelbiba.com

Photographer Robert Adamo sets a shot. Kira wearing a bold dress by Oscar de la Renta, a definite statement maker of the shoot and investment piece of the season.

Final prep, hair and makeup touchup and proper balloon placement

A bright pink lip enhances the bold palette for the editorial

Kira in Michael Kors acid yellow dress, great for day or night. Pair up with khaki accessories and bold silver jewelry.

Versace orange pops against Biba's violet walls for a great story opener.

A Deux Luxe State of Mind

After a long trip abroad, I missed my creature comforts of home. While basking in the Maui sun, mojito in hand, and trade winds blowing - I was actually pondering on a home cooked meal! A typical Sunday usually consists of a leisurely day (sans helicopter rides, zip lining, and a bartender!) until I break out into full-on cuisine mode and start the early evening with a cheese course. I adore my new (a.k.a. belated wedding gift) Lagioule cheese knives with ivory resin handles. Artisanal fromages never looked so chic next to this cutlery! I have also been taking note on how the Japanese (and certain 'tenders in Hawaii) pay special attention to the art and style of preparing a perfect libation. What better way to present a cocktail than on my vintage thrift store cocktail napkins in coral-pink linen with a cornflower blue stitched border and what else --- someone else's monogram! These always evoke a laugh when I set them out for display. As for the main course, I have yet to "master the art of french cooking" a'la Julia Child (Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child,Louisette Bertholle and Simone Beck) but I do have a fondness for Thomas Keller's Braised Short Ribs w/Root Vegetables and Sauteed Bone Marrow, pg. 188 of The French Laundry Cookbook by Thomas Keller. Amidst this romantic haze of food, drink, and entertaining, I caught my eye scoping out a Japanese fashionista poolside in black leggings (yes, in Hawaii!) with little white skulls all over them by Alexander McQueen! I then was transported to two of my favorite memories and possessions in the world...my first McQueen skull scarf purchased eons ago that I still love, and the 4-legged angel that tugs at my heart strings daily, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Delphine. Aaah, it's good to be home! - BH

Lost in Modernization

Clever pleated fabric/sushi-inspired ad for Issey Miyake's new store in Omotesando district of Tokyo

Having just returned from a multi-faceted vacation comprising of Japan and Hawaii, I was at a mental block as to what to compose for Wednesday's post. One would think I was ripe with inspiration and chomping at the bit to "show and tell!"But the reality is, "where do I begin?"I tossed around avoiding the topic of traveling altogether, since I didn't want to sound like a braggart nor lose my reader with information that doesn't appeal. Japan, afterall, is quite the experience, with architecturally-rich Tokyo being my inspiration for this post. Tokyo, an amazing city, is modern, fast, energetic, and illuminated 24/7! The city sprawls for miles and miles and is dotted with one contemporary building after another. The city did burn down during WWII, thus lending itself to all new buildings with barely a shred of architectural pedigree on the horizon. I'll save my in-depth history lesson (because I sure did learn alot!) and give you my visual lesson of some architecturally designed masterpieces that house some of the top luxury fashion labels in Tokyo and in the world. -BH

Maison Hermes - Ginza

Architect: Renzo Piano 1998-2001

The continuous glass block facade envelopes a 54,000 sq.ft. emporium comprising of shopping, workspaces, offices, multi-media centers and a garden!

Giorgio Armani SpA, Milan - Armani Ginza Tower

Architect: Studio Fuksas, Rome

The facade of bamboo and leaves is the design intent. The 86,000 sq.ft. mini department store(Giorgio Armani, Emporio and Casa) houses a spa, a restaurant, Prive Bar, showrooms, and headquarters over twelve floors.

Interior shot of Armani Ginza

Gucci Tower
Architect: American Architect James Carpenter, Nov.2006
Exterior is a glass panel and metal skin spanning 8-stories with interior of two layers of glass: one layer of clear glass, second layer of prismatic bronze glass.

Photo courtesy of Gucci Japan and http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

Dior Ginza
Architect: Office of Kumiko Inui Inc.
Completed 2004
Building is clad in perforated aluminum with fluorocarbon paint. Design resembles a plaid and diamond pattern.


Photo courtesy of http://www.kikukawa.com/

Tod's Omotesando Building
Architect: Toyo Ito and Associates
Completed 2004
The Tod's building in the Omotesando district has a glass and concrete lattice exterior with shifted tree and branch silhouettes serving as the design concept.

Prada Store, Omotesando
Architect:(Swiss) Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron
Completed 2003
The Prada store is a bubbly structure comprised of alternating flat and concave diamond glass planes creating a stunning crystal shell. This was intended to create a dialogue between merchandise and the city.

This interior view says, "Come hither!"

Amateur photography by Brandie Herbst

Other photos are credited

Queen of Chic

Mademoiselle Coco Chanel

This past weekend I had the pleasure of starting to put a small dent into the reading all of my recently arrived September issues, a warm up of sorts for The September Issue… of course saving the best for last (both magazine and film). I was pleasantly surprised to see a few editorials promoting the much-anticipated September release of Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou. For those that read The Deux Luxe on a regular basis, you know by now that I’m a devoted fan for all things chic, especially all things chicly Chanel, including Mademoiselle Chanel herself. With brilliant sayings… “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different” and “Fashion fades, only style remains the same,” what’s not to love. Audrey Tautou, the French actress best known for her cinematic work in Amélie, has the undaunted task of portraying Paris’s Queen of Chic. Tautou, born in the same central region of France as Chanel, shares her sensibility as well as the same diminutive body frame, including both height and shoe size. Perfect for those iconic striped shirts and tailored suits. Even after reading several Chanel biographies, I’m most definitely anticipating seeing the legendary Coco brought back to life. To by the time until the film’s US release, I’ll be busy reading my September issues. –KL

An outtake of Audrey Tautou featured in British Vogue August 2009 - The Chanel Suits, Photo by Paolo Roversi

Featured in New York Magazine's Fall Fashion Issue 2009 - Cuckoo For Coco, Photo by Max Vadukul

Tautou, the current face of iconic Chanel No. 5, wearing Chanel Couture at the Parisian premiere of Coco Avant Chanel

The US movie poster for Coco Before Chanel

The French movie poster - does it get anymore chic!

For more chic Chanel excitement, here are few still images from the upcoming film...

Coco Before Chanel will be released in New York and Los Angeles on September 25th

Red Hot

John Rawlings, Vogue, March 15, 1944

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” – Gwyneth Paltrow

There’s nothing sexier then a great red lip. The go-to staple when one’s opting for the look of sophistication, timelessness and passion, as well as the go-to "help me" when you’re looking to spruce up that has-been frock you’ve worn way too many times. Come fall, this hue of lip color lust is finding its decorative self on some of the seasons most fashionably fun accessories. Here are 3 of my favorites that will add a dash of sensual oh la la to any ensemble that screams de rigueur. –KL

Multi-chain lipstick necklace - Dolce & Gabbana, Fall 2009

Lipstick tube drop necklace - Kenneth Jay Lane

Moonriver bracelet - Kate Spade Fall 2009

A Life of Design!

"Decorating is the art of accentuating the best and covering up the worst." - David Hicks

David Hicks is one of the most influential designers of all time. His claim to fame in the 1970s was his bold use of color, fearless layering of graphic patterns and use of lacquered walls and lucite. He created sophisticated, livable interiors that were lively and interesting. His work, to this day, looks very au courant, and is very inspiring to contemporary designers, as this aesthetic may look altogether familiar. His legacy lives on in his new tome, written by son, Ashley Hicks, David Hicks: A Life of Design set to be released October 20, 2009. Magenta, vermillion and red play a strong role in creating exciting interiors as shown below. Inspired by the past, knowing what is relevant, and being forward thinking help create environments that are steeped in tradition but have an edge that hasn't been seen before. David Hicks had this edge in spades and that's what keeps us designers still inspired and moving forward. -B.H.

Images courtesy of http://www.dh1970.com/

Trés Chic Trends

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending Girls Night Out hosted by Neiman Marcus Palm Beach. The shopping event, complete with small bites, chic beats and plenty of great eye candy, is the first of three taking place this month to showcase upcoming must-have trends for your fall wardrobe, and to help kick-off the much anticipated Fashion’s Night Out, a global celebration of fashion, scheduled for Sept 10th (which also happens to be the start date of NY Fashion Week). To keep you up-to-date on the au courant trends for fall, here’s a few outstanding high-style looks and key statement pieces that Neiman’s has included in their Fall 2009 Trend Report. Happy Shopping! – KL

Neiman Marcus Fall 2009 Trends and NM Fashion Director Ken Downing’s take on looking chic for the season.

1- Red
“Red was a fashion-show stopper and the hottest color to emerge in New York and abroad” -KD

2- Leopard
“Leopard roared onto the scene” -KD

3- Motorcycle Jackets
“The motorcycle jacket revved up denim and dresses” -KD

4- Leggings
“Leggings resurfaced and were better then ever - especially when worn with cozy knits and metallic shoes” -KD

5- Metallic Shoes

6- Cozy Knits

7- Major Black Dresses
“The little black dress has always been a safe bet, but today’s versions offer a twist in the form of decorative accents or accentuated shoulders (add high-impact jewelry or a handbag with hardware to make this classic all the more chic)” -KD

8- High-Impact Jewelry

9- Accentuated Shoulders

10- Accessories With Hardware