Paris Fashion Week:The Iconic Pierre Cardin "60 Ans de Creation" Book Signing

Photos By Armand De Foucault

Pierre Cardin "60 Ans de Creation"

Sir Pierre Cardin (Left)

Paris March 8, 2010: The iconic Italian-born fashion designer, Sir Pierre Cardin celebrated 60 years of extraordinary innovation and iconoclastic contribution to the world of couture, fashion, and perfume with the publication of "Pierre Cardin, 60 ans de creation." I was able to attend the unforgettable moment of his book signing at Maxim's, the historic Parisian Belle Epoque Restaurant, that he owns and has turned into a global brand.

It was a memorable time in Paris...I grew up admiring his view of the world of fashion, his brand, his designs...HUGE!! As a Peruvian, I didn't get too much of the fashion world, but Pierre Cardin was an icon and a legend in Peru!!! For my and my fashion world, every moment was a dream come true!!!

Sir Pierre Cardin

Pierre Cardin, Anne De Champigneul

Armand De Foucault

Paris Fashion Week: Wine Tasting at Le Cinq

Wine Tasting At Le Cinq

George V

Sonya Rolin, Afsaneh Akthari, Ivonne Cohen

Karen Tamblyn and Victoria Sawyer

Within the Paris we know, there is another layer of Paris where only the cognoscenti have explored, "the private and Privileged world of exclusive pleasures and hideways. That was the case of my very private and privileged "wine Tasting" at the The Four Season Hotel George V.

George V, the most exquisite and prestigious Hotel in Paris is graced on a daily basis by fresh and spectacular flower arrangements cautiously and beautifully designed by floral designer Jeff Leatham. Flowers are flown in twice a week from Amsterdam. Although, it is not my first time at le Cinq. This time, it was different. I was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience wine tasting.

Victoria Sawyer, Sonya Rolin, Afsaneh Akthari

Karen Tamblyn

14 Meter Underground Wine Cellar

Petrus (3000 Euros)

The Ambience

The Exquisite Wine Collection

The Ambience

The Exquisite and Prestigious Wine Collection

Upon arrival, I was escorted through the kitchen to the hidden and spectacular wine cellar located 14 meters below floor level, below the Siene and the metro. Here, Cedric Mountpoint led us to the amazing infrastructure of carved stones and history where the most exquisite and prized rare bottles of wine are stored at the perfect temperature including Corton Charlemagne by Coche-Dury, a range of Musignys, and the rare Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 (36,000 Euros)

The building foundation goes deep into the stone quarry where quarriers extracted the stones to helped build the nearby Arc de Triomphe. Victoria Yaeger Sawyer, Afsaneh Akhtari, Fashion Designer Sonya Rolin, Ivonne Cohen, Asim Abdullah were transported to the magical world of wine, hors d'oeuvres and a first class display of the fabulous 50,000 bottle collection of the world's best wines. Such a treat was led by Director and Sommelier, Eric Beaumard. It was without a doubt, the best wine cellar I have ever visited! It is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe!!!! Thanks Sonya Rolin for such an amazing treat. The history along behind the cellar was unforgettable.

Paris Fashion Week: Emanuel Ungaro Pre-A-Porter 2010

This trip to the last leg of the global catwalk was short, but rewarding. The Ungaro Fashion Show was my next stop on Monday, March 8. The Pre-A-Porter Automne-Hiver 2010 collection was showcased at one of the exquisite rooms at the Westin Hotel, a first time for the venue after being held previously at the Carrousel du Louvre- Salle Le Notre. The front row here included fashion editors from around the globe, as well as the regulars fashionistas. And, of course, San Francisco Elite including: Joel Goodrich, Afsaneh Akthari, Victoria Yaeger Sawyer and Joy West joined house owners Isha and Asim Abdullah, too.

Front Row: Global Fashion Editors

Joel Goodrich, Afsaneh Akthari

Victoria Yaeger Sawyer, Joy West

Karen Tamblyn

The stylist room was set for a catwalk with beautiful chandeliers and draping red curtains framing the room. Paparazzi, photographers, and the A-Listers eagerly awaited the show as they set their flashes to be the first to capture the new look on the runway.

Leopard prints, bright colors, polka dots and a combination of different textures including men's wear fabric dominated the collection of draped and rouched party dresses, tailored jackets and jumpsuits. The collection was very wearable, but yet missed the essence of the Emanuel Ungaro: Fun and elaborate designs with finesse. Estrella Arch, the new Chief designer who joined the house on September 2009 designed this collection without Lindsey Lohan collaboration.

First Look onThe Catwalk

Chief Designer Estrella Arch

It's been a rough path for The house of Ungaro. Controversy has surrounded the iconic brand in last few years: the constant change of designers, either negative reviews or less than stellar retail sell-through, the addition of the controversial Lindsey Lohan as the Artistic Advisor, to the sudden departure of the latest CEO Mounir Moufarrige. We can only wish the best to The House of Ungaro and to our friends, San Francisco-based Owners Isha and Asim Abdullah.

Joy West, Joel Goodrich

Victoria Sawyer and Emily

Paris Fashion Week Pret-A-Porter 2010: My Journey

I have to admit that this season, I was not sure whether to attend the always anticipated PFW or the extravaganza of the Oscars in LA. Between the chaos of both ends overlapping with pure fashion, I needed to make a decision.....I chose Paris!! And without any reservation, I must say that My Paris Fashion Trip was absolutely divine!!!!

In the midst of the cold weather the beauty and energy of Paris has refueled and fed my inner fashion spirit and creativity.....How could it not? Being a city of fashion, beauty and romance, once you inhale its beauty you become immersed in it....living and breathing it, all at once.

My first stop was Costes, one of my favorites lunch/dinner and after hours drinks place. What started as late lunch ended up with after hour drinks...what a surprise!!! Here, we saw many familiar faces and friends from all over the world. Sometimes I forget that Paris is my second home. The ambience is chic and sophisticated and surrounded by the most fashionable and beautiful jet-set....from super models, fashion editors, designer and entrepreneurs to local Parisians, Tres Chic!!!

At Matignon

Rohan Virmani and Joel Goodrich

Matignon was my next stop. Located at 3 Avenue Matignon, it is the latest and newest restaurant/club. The food was to die for...cooked to PERFECTION!!! Here, fashion goers attended the latest after fashion parties. And if you are off to something more intimate while rubbing shoulders with parisian VIP's, then just around the corner, literally a few meters away, there is of one of the most exclusive address in town, Le Mathis at 3 Rue de Ponthieu.....the intimacy of the small bar draped in red provokes a strong reaction. You either love it or hate it....I particularly loved it!!

If you are in Paris: Here are a few of my favorite places to eat, drink and enjoy the beauty of the Capital of the FASHION WORLD!!

NY Fashion Designer Sonya Rolin

Matignon

3 Avenue Matignon

75008 Paris

Le Montana:

28 Rue Saint-Benoit

Boulevard Saint-Germain

75006 Paris

Societe

4 Place saint Germain

75006 Paris

+33153636060

L'Avenue

41 Anenue Montagna

750008 Paris

+33140701491

Le Blitz Tequila Bar

40 Avenue Pierre Premier De Serbie

75016 Paris

Le Baron

6 Avenue Marceau

75008 Paris

+3314720041

San Francisco Bulgari's New Store Grand Opening

Photos by Drew Altizer

Mayor Gavin Newson and Tatiana Sorokko

Denise Hale and Willie Brown

Gallery Owners Oliver and Karen Caldwell

Vanessa Getty

Lindsey Bolton

Mark Rhodes and Karen Tamblyn

Pink Magazine Editor Mark Rhodes

San Francisco Luxury Living Publisher Damion Matthews

Jorge Maumer and Bahya Murad

Designer Lisa Alexander (Left)

Sobia Shiakh (Left)

Paul and Elizabeth Tauw

Willie Brown and Sonya Molodetskaya

Gary and OJ Shansby

On March 2, 2009, San Francisco's energy was radiant, the crowd exquisite and the ambience to die for....all the stars were aligned to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Bulgari store in San Francisco, the largest store in the U.S.

The spectacular soiree was hosted by Nicola Bulgari, vice Chairman and grandson of founder Sotirio Bulgari, and USA Managing Director, Veronika Treint, and produced impeccably by Allison Speer PR .

Without a doubt, it was the most anticipated event of the year. The extended VIP list of nearly 300 were treated to special libations inspired by Bulgar's signature fragrances and created with Grey Goose, delicious caviar, and of course, the float of Veuve Clicquot. Just as the cocktails delighted our palates, our ears enjoyed amazing jazz by Patrick Wolfe and DJ Max Chipchase.

The elegant three level and 13,000 square feet store displayed a spectacular collection of one-of-a-kind jewels and minaudieres from Bulgari's Vintage Archive Collection, previously displayed at the brand's 125th anniversary retrospective exhibition in Rome.

And, of course, San Francisco's most fabulous elite were dazzling with glam and glitz showcasing some revolutionary Bulgari pieces: Denise Hale, who was spotted with a super-sized diamond encrusted bracelet, custom made for her by Giorgio Bulgari, Mayor Gavin Newson, Vanessa Getty, Trevor and Alexis Traina, Oj Shasby, Marissa Mayer, Willy Brown, Sonya Molodetskaya, Dede Wilsey, Tatiana Sorokko, Angelique Griepp, Maggie Rizer, Paul and Elizabeth Touw, Lisa Alexander, Elizabeth Thieriot, Jenna Hunt, Sobia Shiakh among others.

BRAVO Allison Speer PR, your production was exquisitely tres chic!!!