LFW- dates for your diary- Provisional Catwalk Show schedule

Friday 18th September
10.00
Exhibition at LFW Opens
BFC/WC2

10:00
Paul Costelloe
BFC/WC2

10.30
Hat Collective /Opening LFW
BFC/WC2 Reception

11.30
Caroline Charles
BFC/WC2

13.45
Eun Jeong *
BFC/WC2

16.30
Bora Aksu
BFC/WC2

18.00
Emilio de la Morena
BFC/WC2

20.30
Aminaka Wilmont
tbc

LFW Presentations

Cooperative Designs **
tbc

Maria Grachvogel
tbc

Orla Kiely
The Portico Rooms


Saturday 19th September

9.00
Peter Jensen
BFC/WC2

10:00
Mark Fast **
TS/NW1

10.00
Mary Katrantzou **
TS/NW1

11.15
John Rocha
BFC/WC2

12.15
Margaret Howell
W1

13.15
Kinder Aggugini
BFC/WC2

14.15
Danielle Scutt **
TS/NW1

15.30
Osman
BFC/WC2

16.30
Jenny Packham
tbc

17.30
Ashish
BFC/WC2

18.45
Charles Anastase
tbc

20.00
PPQ
BFC/WC2

LFW Presentations

David David
tbc

Louise Gray **
The Portico Rooms

LP.BG **
The Portico Rooms

Sykes **
The Portico Rooms

Maria Francesca Pepe
tbc

Sunday 20th September

9.00
Betty Jackson
BFC/WC2

10:00
Louise Goldin
TS/NW1

11:00
Nicole Farhi
WC2

12.15
Jasper Conran
BFC/WC2

13.15
Matthew Williamson
tbc

14.15
Eley Kishimoto
BFC/WC2

15.15
Unique
TS/NW1

16.30
Graeme Black
tbc

17.30
Julien Macdonald
SW1

18.30
Vivienne Westwood Red Label
WC1

19.30
Richard Nicoll
TS/NW1

20.30
Issa
BFC/WC2

LFW Presentations

Jasmine di Milo
The Portico Rooms

Marcus Constable
tbc

Modernist
tbc

Mulberry
W1

Monday 21st September

9.00
Meadham Kirchhoff **
TS/NW1

10:00
Luella
WC1

11:00
Marios Schwab
TS/NW1

12.15
Todd Lynn
BFC/WC2

13.15
Fashion Fringe
WC2

14.30
Christopher Kane
TS/NW1

15.30
Josh Goot
W1

16.45
Jaeger London
BFC/WC2

17.45
House of Holland**
EC2

18.45
Paul Smith
W1

19.45
Twenty8Twelve
SW1

20.45
Pringle of Scotland
SW7

LFW Presentations

Aquascutum
W1

Body Amr
The Portico Rooms

Charlotte Olympia
tbc

Duro Olowu
SW1

Future Classics
The Portico Rooms

Temperley London
W1

Tuesday 22nd September

9.00
Peter Pilotto **
W1

10:00
Jeremy Scott
BFC/WC2

11:00
Erdem
SE1

12.15
Roksanda Ilincic
SW1

13.15
Fashion East
tbc

14.15
Jonathan Saunders
SW3

15.30
Nathan Jenden
tbc

16.30
Basso & Brooke
BFC/WC2

17.30
Amanda Wakeley
tbc

18.30
Burberry
SW1

LFW Presentations

Antoni & Alison
tbc

Clements Ribeiro
The Portico Rooms

Krystof Strozyna
The Portico Rooms

Wednesday 23rd September

Menswear day - To be announced

Chmapagnista M

Do YOU "heart" DVF?

Why not Pre-Order the DVF Fall 2009 Nomad Collection....

Unless looking like a lost fashion eskimo gone array is not your thing!

I say stick to what you do best DVF, your fabulous print wrap around dresses!

Champagnista M

Straight from the horses mouth...

...CLEMENTS RIBEIRO RETURN TO LFW

News from the horses mouth fellow Champagnista's is...

"The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the much anticipated return of Clements Ribeiro to the LFW schedule. The design duo, made up of husband and wife team Inacio Ribeiro and Suzanne Clements, will show in the Portico Rooms at London Fashion Week’s new home Somerset House, as part of the first ever LFW presentation schedule.

The presentation schedule will run alongside the official catwalk schedule and add a new dimension to how designers at LFW can choose to show their collections. Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, said “We are delighted that Clements Ribeiro have joined the rosta of names coming back to London Fashion Week for our 25 year celebrations. The presentation schedule adds a new level to our offering - allowing designers to show in a more intimate way. September’s London Fashion Week is shaping up to be the best, busiest and most exciting yet”. ‘We are very excited to come back just as the BFC unveils its new space at Somerset House.

The setting will add grandeur to London Fashion Week’ the designers declared. ‘The rooms have wonderful proportions and are perfect for the intimate setting we want to create for our salon presentation’.The collection comes hot on the heels of Clements Ribeiro’s limited edition projects, which the designers launched last year. These unique, hand-crafted designs sold out at Net-a-Porter as well as select stores around the world including Barneys New York, Colette, 10 Corso Como, Isetan, Liberty and Dover Street Market. “The Projects were a warm up to getting back to ready-to-wear, and this collection has been built around graphic fabrics and knits”, says Inacio Ribeiro, who designs with his wife, Suzanne Clements. “When developing the collection we thought of strong individual pieces, using innovative craft that sat outside of trends. We believe there is a strong demand out there for craftsmanship and quality products which are unique, desirable and that have timeless appeal” says Ribeiro.

The designers are also re-launching their highly acclaimed shoe line.Clements Ribeiro, who made their debut in the nineties, when their collection rapidly became one of the highlights of LFW with its haute bohemia style and innovative cashmere knitwear, last showed on the catwalk in September ’05. "

So be sure to have the correct dates pencilled into your calender ladies and gentlemen- London Fashion Week will take place from 18th – 22nd September at its new cultural home Somerset House. The move to a more centrally located and iconic venue is part of the council’s 25 year celebrations. Other names returning to the London schedule are Burberry, Matthew Williamson, Pringle and Jonathan Saunders.

Champagnista M

Taking a fashionable glance at Banksy

Yesterday morning i found myself in Bristol, yes thats right Bristol. I can admit it is not the first city that pops into ones mind, nor is it linked to fashion, but i had my reason and that reason was Banksy.

Banksy is the famous grafitti artist who has gained notoriety in recent years for his stencils and paint images on an array of outside locations. His fame has now led to the Bristol Museum presenting a unique collaberation between the citys foremost cultural institution.

So i found myself queuing at 11am with my fabulous companinion, my sister, waiting to enter the museum. Forty minutes later we entered the free exhibition. On my first introduction to Banksy's work I must say I found his collection to be full of irony that made strong social comments on our existence today.

I loved this mans message in his work, i found it amazing and breath taking. So my advice to you my fellow champagnistas is that you need to get your £14 National Express return ticket and make your way to Bristol to take in the exhibition- it is worth the two hour journey. If Banksy is not your thing then you can always take in the sights and sounds of Bristol- a city made famous fro tip hop (what ever that is) and slavery (that i didnt know).

From a more cultural (lol) Champagnista M

The September Issue- the must see fashion movie of 2009 if not ever!!!

OMG fashionista's, the must see fashion movie (after the up coming Chanel movie) is cooming out this coming Autumn. It is a docusoap by R.J. Cutler on Anna Wintour and the creation of the most important Vogue issue- The September Issue. The documentary is not directly critical of its subject, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, but the trailer definitely seems to play up her reputation as an ice queen and is also keenly aware of some of the excesses of the fashion world.

So click on like and go on, take a peek- and enjoy!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9-bAwz9uWk&feature=player_embedded

Champagnista M

When a fashionista takes a chance on WAKA.

As I waited at the designated gate at Hyde Park corner on a chilly Thursday evening, I found myself wondering what I was letting myself in for. My introduction to WAKA Kickball all began when an American friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) recommended that I join the London WAKA kick ball team. Her reason being; “it is all the rage over here in America”.

So having no clue about the game (although she did try to explain it), I found myself standing alone at 6.15pm during rush hour and wondering how I was going to spot my new team mates. I really did not relish the idea of approaching random strangers and whispering “are you part of WAKA?”

As the clock struck 6.30pm, I decided that I had reached the end of my patience (yes 15 minutes is just about my limit). So I made the decision to head on home and catch up on the episodes I missed of my guilty pleasure Gossip Girl. It was as I turned on my heel that I noticed a small gathering of people dressed in shorts and t-shirts. Why had I not spotted them before? Could this be them? I decided then and there that if I even heard a whisper of an American accent coming from their direction that I would put my fear of approaching strangers aside and walk right up to them. So straining my ears I tried to listen to their chit chat whilst trying to not raise too much suspicion. It was then that I spotted a girl walking towards the group holding a rather large and unusual ball. I called out “Lauren” ( that’s the name of the girl who organises the London team) and she turned round and answered “yes” with an American accent- I gave a sigh of relief because it was in that brief moment that I realised that the American accent has never sounded so sweet- the wait was finally over!

As we all walked over to the grass area to try and locate a nice patch to play on, I took a good look at the members of the WAKA kickball London team. At first glance one could see that the team was made up of individuals from all different walks of life with different reasons for being there. There was the British Barrister, the Irish jock, the friendly Austrian, the fun filled Australian, and the happy go lucky Americans and me- the London fashion girl whose entire aura just screamed “will this game ruin my fresh manicure”

Once a patch of grass was found we split into two teams of 5 aside and then it was time to play ball! Being a total newbie, my lack of skills certainly showed as I kept missing the ball. To be quite honest I was scared it would hurt luckily I had patient team mates who whopped and yelled encouragement whenever I attempted to catch a ball. Luckily for me, I was not alone in my bad ball catching ways, there was one team mate- who shall remain nameless- who actually managed to make catching the ball a comical event by always running towards it with arms opened so wide that it made catching the ball an impossible task.

As the game progressed and the clock ticked on, I found myself huffing and puffing painfully. I had never realised I was so unfit. I was constantly thinking of giving up and throwing myself onto the mercy of the grass that was worsening my allergies by the minute. But like a trooper I soldiered because if the truth be known I had caught the WAKA bug. I was enjoying the company of my new team mates as we laughed over some quite bad playing and screamed with excitement when someone made an inning. Once the game was over we forgot our pains, tears and aches as we headed to the pub for the promised glass of Chianti for me, and some cool pints of beer for the rest of my team mates- a worthy reward.

Lastly, as a Brit I can admit that I was quite cynical, unsure and rather proper about the whole WAKA game. Now I have had the WAKA experience all I can say is “Bravo”. It is indeed a great game that magically manages to create a great vibe among strangers and turn them into friends. So will I be returning to play? Definitely! I have unofficially dubbed the London team the Breakfast Club of WAKA. It is definitely a team I consider myself to be part of, meaning that the tale about the London WAKA kickball team is without doubt to be continued...

from the rather aching,

Champagnista M

Who made the New Gen list?

Yesterday at LFW's new home Somerset House, Sarah Mower announced the winners of the BFC's NEWGEN scheme which is sponsored by Topshop for September 2009-

so drum roll please...the winners are:

(by the way be sure to click on their names to learn more about each designer)

CATWALK:

House of Holland

Mark Fast

Mary Katrantzou

Meadham Kirchhoff

Peter Pilotto

PRESENTATION:

Danielle Scutt

Louise Gray

LP.BG

SYKES

EXHIBITION:

Cooperative Designs

Craig Lawrence

Danielle Scutt

KTZ

Louise Gray

LP.BG

Mark Fast

Mary Katrantzou

House of Holland

Michael van der Ham

Peter Pilotto

SYKES

ACCESSORIES:

Atalanta Weller

Dominic Jones

Fred Butler

Congratulations to all you fabulous designers, we look forward to seeing your talents on show at London Fashion Week this coming season.

Champagnista M

Taking a step on wild side

Ohhhh I must say this chick flick girl has found her latest crush in the form of Sam Worthington, all because i decided to take a step on the wild side.

I came across my latest crush on a warm Sunday evening when i decided to catch a movie that was not my usual romantic boy meets girl. boy looses girl, boy begs on knees for girl take him back, girl takes boy back and they live happily ever after - end credits. I decided to dare to be different and took on board the recommendation to watch the wham bam thank you mam Terminator Salvation.

Sitting on my lonesome in the cinema I was ready to put my brain into the deadzone as I was sure that not much thinking would be needed to follow the movie, so settling down with my sweet popcorn and slush drink I was now ready to get my £10 worth.

As the opening sequence begun, i took in a sudden deep breath and thought "who is that yummy man on the screen?" then I realised that i had said it out loud and that the viewers heard my gasp- super embarrassing!

So as the movie banged and crashed on, i sat there and stared at the very tasty Sam. OMG where had they been hiding this guy? He totally overshadowed my now former crush Christian Bale.

I found myself cheering on the machine man, begging him to make to the end of the movie. I was prepared to walk out if he even so much as croaked half way through.

As the end credits rolled i looked out for his name, because i had every intention of googling this piece of totty and learning more- which i did- he is australian, born 1977 and he is to appear in the yet to be released movie Return of the Titans ( a remake).

So Champagnistas, if you would like me to give you a lowdown of what the movie was about, then allow me to break it to you I barely remember because i had a gorgeus man on my brain and when that happens this fashionista logs out of the world and into the world of cute men.

from a besotted girl aka Champagnista M

Fashion gets a Pringle down its spine.

As mentioned in my post last week, LFW has been happily announcing the return of British fashion brands like Burberry and Matthew Williamson to the British catwalks. Now they have announced long standing brand Pringles of Scotlands return to LFW.

I must say i grew up wearing Pringles cardigans and V neck jumpers, so i am one of the many who are curious to see their collection.

So to continue, the news out of the horses mouth is:

"Pringle of Scotland will return to London Fashion Week for the brand’s 195th anniversary and the BFC’s 25 year celebrations.

The move, which was driven by Pringle of Scotland’s creative director Clare Waight Keller and new CEO Mary-Adair Macaire, will see the British brand return to London to show their Spring/Summer 2010 womenswear collection. They will join Burberry and Matthew Williamson, who have also announced their return to London this September. BFC.’ Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, said “We are delighted that Pringle of Scotland are returning to London for our 25th year celebrations. It is fantastic to have a brand with such a strong British heritage showing alongside our emerging stars such as Giles, Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab and Richard Nicoll”.

So fellow Champagnista's be sure to pencil into your diary that London Fashion Week will be taking place from 18th – 22nd September 2009 at its new cultural home, Somerset House.

You can look forward to welcoming Clare Waight Keller, who originally studied for her MA in Fashion Knitwear at the Royal College of Art who is returning to London to show here for the first time since graduation. She will join other RCA alumni including Erdem, Julien Macdonald and Nathan Jenden.

Lastly, be sure to note that the British Fashion Council will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary this season which gives us fashionistas the chance to toast them with a yummy glass of Moet- then again do we ever need a reason to indulge in a glass of bubbly?

Champagnista M

Champagnista Photo of the day.

Does this photo tell us the story of what fashion continues to stand for- skinny always being Vogue fabulous? Well i guess it will to those who are too sensitive to truely understand fashion's needs for its version of perfection.

For me it is a Champagnista photo of the day for obvious (or maybe to some not so obvious) reasons...!

Champagnista M

Introducing into the fashion arena- SPON DIOGO...

SPON DIOGO is a fashion label founded by Mia Lisa Spon & Rui Pedro Andersen Rodrigues Diogo in spring 2008. Mia and Rui have worked together as design team for over four years and live and work in Copenhagen.

As a team they have over the years designed for various companies on projects such as male / female prêt à porter collections, jewellery, bags, identity programs etc.. Mia Lisa Spon is a trained tailor and has worked for Danish and Swedish fashion and apparel companies. Rui Andersen Rodrigues Diogo ran a design studio, an art gallery and boutique in Reykjavík. He has worked as arts editor on Danish fashion magazine III and with industrial and graphic design.
Our approach is architectonic, structural, rhythmic, graphic and strongly founded in the love for luxurious materials and detail work tailoring.






The Spon Diogo woman is urban, social and self confident, and it was this look that they debuted mid October 2008 when they showed their first 10 piece collection, exclusively for Danish boutique PARISTEXAS (http://www.paristexas.dk/) . Then they created a capsule collection- a pre-collection spring / summer 2009 collection entitled FACETS.






Their autumn / winter 2009 collection is a full collection and counts 36 pieces, and they will do our first catwalk show in August in connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week - August 2009.
They will be showing our Spring / Summer 2021 collection in Copenhagen in August and Paris in October.


So why not raise your glass and welcome to the fashion arena SPON DIOGO.



Champagnista M

The Prodigal son of fashion returns.

I am happy to report straight from the horses mouth that the British Fashion Council will be welcoming Matthew Williamson back to London Fashion Week. They have stated...

"Matthew Williamson is delighted to announce the return of his mainline Spring/Summer 2010 collection to London Fashion Week this September.

His return (after seven years showing in New York) coincides with the BFC’s 25th
anniversary celebration (25 years of the British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week
and the British Fashion Awards) and the move of London Fashion Week to its new home
at Somerset House.

Matthew Williamson continued to maintain a London base while showing his collections
at New York Fashion Week. His close association with London was reinforced with the
opening of his celebrated flagship store here in 2004 and by his return to London
Fashion Week in 2007 to celebrate the label’s 10 year anniversary. The label continues
to grow and expand on a global basis - recently opening stores in New York and Dubai.

Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, said “We are delighted that
Matthew has accepted our invitation to return to London this September and to help us
celebrate 25 years of British Fashion. Our schedule has a rich mix of iconic, established
and new talent. The return of labels such as Burberry and Matthew Williamson will
further strengthen the extraordinary showcase of innovative design during London
Fashion Week”.

Commenting on the move Matthew Williamson, said “London Fashion Week has always
been very special to me. I am proud to celebrate with the British Fashion Council in its
25th anniversary and return to showing in London this September. I am really excited to
be part of a fashion week that will showcase such a wide breadth of talent with a new
home at Somerset House”.

London Fashion Week will take place from 18th – 22nd September at its new cultural
home, Somerset House. The move to a more centrally located and iconic venue is part
of the council’s 25 year celebrations."

Also returning to the bossom of LFW is british posh label Burberry. With a third return yet to be confirmed, it seems this coming season is definitely shaping up to be the one of many returns.

Reporting from the front line of fashion,

Champagnista M

EDITOR NOTES:

For more information about London Fashion Week contact:
Gemma Ebelis at the British Fashion Council Tel: +44 (0) 20 7636 7788
gemma.ebelis@britishfashioncouncil.com
For more information about Matthew Williamson contact:
Rachel Brandrick at Matthew Williamson Tel: +44 (0) 7814 514785
rachel@matthewwilliamson.co.uk
1. The British Fashion Council (BFC) is a not for profit company limited by
guarantee set up in 1983 to promote British fashion and co-ordinate this promotion
through fashion weeks, exhibitions and showcasing events.
2. London Fashion Week is organised by the British Fashion Council.
3. The British Fashion Council is ‘Celebrating 25 Years of British Fashion’
throughout 2009. This encompasses 25 years of the British Fashion Council, 25
years of promoting London Fashion Week and 25 years of British Fashion
Awards.

Champagnista M's wish list- hint, hint!!!

With pay day weekend looming, I have spotted a few fashion pieces that i am totally crying to have, but with my bank manager hot on my foot regarding my overspend in the city that never sleeps, these gorgeus pieces might never see the inside of my already bulging wardrobe- sigh!!!


This is definitely my pick as La Perla's beautiful must have. So as you all know now that i have a guy who just might be Mister right now, this litte number might come in handy, then again at £253.00 will it be worth it- i will let you know (wink).


This amazing DKNY (£265.00) dress is a classic for any fashionista who does the 9-5 meetings all day thing like myself!

How beautiful is this dress? especially if one was to wear it on a first date. By Issa it certainly holds the very wallet emptying price tag of £350.

Stella Macartney is sure cornering the boot market. These amazing boots scream more autumn then summer, but there is nothing wrong with being prepared for the autumn season- everyone knows London only gets two weeks of summer a year. A beautiful addition to my 100 shoes at a cost of £545.

How innocent would one look in this Fendi dress? I feel it is a dress you can be very naughty in and get away with it. Its like fabulous looking halo, which you can buy at £1,800- a very expensive halo!

From the rather "budget trying" Champagnista M

This fashionista's man of the moment is no banker...

On my last night in the city that never sleeps I found myself on a date with, lets call him “Josh”. I had decided to let him take me out to dinner as I was super curious about him. Since arriving in NY he had left me hanging for nearly 3 weeks .

So when he called out of the blue to arrange a dinner date I was suspicious- I mean why now mister. Putting my reservations aside I met “Josh” on a rather balmy and beautiful evening at a restaurant called Le Monde on the upper west side. When I saw him, he literally had me at hello. Not to be corny or anything but I could not believe that this hunk that stood in front of me was the guy I had been talking to on match.com. Yes that’s right this Champagnista tried the online dating thing, and instead of the man with the glass eye and dodgy lisp I met a very cute and ridiculously goodlooking Josh.

The next thing I noticed about my beautiful date was his impeccable manners. He made sure I was seated first before he sat down, he allowed me to choose the wine (although it is usually frowned upon for a woman to choose the wine) and he let me stare at him for at least a full minute without making me feel that I was some weirdo- which I was soooooo being!
As soon as we ordered our food and our wine was poured I took another good look at my date, and thought why do they not make them like him in London. I feel starved for male attention and good dates in London. I mean I had only been in NY for a few weeks, and I already dated here more than I ever do in a year in London. Why is that? I mean come on British men grow some balls already and ask a pretty lady out- and I do not necessarily mean moi.

To continue, as I sat there with “Josh” my nerves had me waffling on an on about nothing in particular. After 15 minutes of chat I felt it appropriate to ask him what he did for a living. In response he just smiled and said “I am a fireman”. My first thoughts where “what?” and then followed quickly by “yummy”. I have always had a fantasy about men in uniform and NY firemen where right up there on the top of my list. I even have the NYFD t-shirt that I sleep in.

It was with those words that he uttered that my fantasy was realised. I heard myself say “garcon more wine” to the amusement of my rather dishy waiter. As the conversation continued I kept pinching myself to make sure I was there, on a date with a dreamboat whose company I glowed under, and as the night progressed I noticed that other female diners had noticed my rather dishy dates manly arms. It was then I began regretting not having pursued with vigour from the beginning. Yes he dragged his feet about meeting but I should have persisted, even if it had meant that I would have to have shown him my Glen Close side.

As the date ended my fireman walked me to the station to ensure I got on the tube safely and before he left I gave him a tight hug just so I can get a quick preview of what could have been. Talk about cheap thrills, well my excuse is that for a girl whose starved of such yummy men it could have been worse- I could have just held onto him for an unnecessarily longer period of time than is appropriate but I do have some dignity even when it comes to beautiful men, well barely!

Warmest regards from Champagnista M a champion of yummy firemen.

Cannes 2009: a new type of Red carpet glamour

May has come back finally (did I wait for this early Summer month!!!) and with it, the red carpet Cannes festival.

This year, women are in strength in the jury, and not just glamorous women but women who have a voice, women who have strength, women with character and style: Asia Argento, Isabelle Hupert, Robin Wright Penn, Shu Qi, Shamila Tagore, these are actresses who give style and acting another dimension.

Cannes is very much about black ties, champagne and silky open back dresses, but it is first and foremost about artistic achievement, and this is why I rejoice at such a wonderful, diverse yet united jury cast. Daughter of Italian director Dario Argento, Asia has made a name for herself in movies that give food for thought like The Stendal syndrom, after the well-known artistic frenzy the French novelist experienced in Florence. Isabelle Hupert scandalized many in La Pianiste, where she played the deranging part of a masochist (oh combien, I actually had to leave the cinema the first time I saw the movie) piano professor. Robin Wright Penn had such an international career she is not to be introduced anymore, but my personal favourite remains 21 grams. Shu Qi , probably better known for her part in Dungeons and Dragons, made a name playing in sensual movies in Hong-Kong and climbed up the film ladder in the most elegant way. Shu Qi I will confess I have actually never seen on screen, I am not a fan of Bollywood, but I will say this: none of them are first roles, they are all characters, to use the film terminology.

By that I mean they are more Philip Seymour Hoffman than Tom Cruise. I know it might be an odd comparison when it comes to such beautiful women, but they are indeed characters: they never play the same part, never offer the same perspective, always open up a new dimension. They are beautiful women, intelligent women, intellectual women, and, for our benefit, women who have style.

Well, I might withdraw a tiny bit when it comes to Asia's dress, which I find slightly scary. Look at them though: five women on the red carpet, and their outfits exude their personalities: this is a lesson. Do not dress to look pretty, dress to reflect who you are.

Champagnista V

Learning a lesson in dating NY style

In NY the competition to find a man who can provide for you a park avenue apartment, a nanny for the rugrats, a maid for the home and a flashy car is very stiff. The women here are either (a) groomed within in an inch of their life (b) or too fat and frumpy to care. This is a city where a pedicure /manicure can cost you $20.00, so why would you go on a date with shabby nails really confuses the NY men- so i recommend you not to be tight just go and have it done.

To continue, NY men are spoilt for choice here and which means that they usually have a Jenny, Natalie and Chloe on speed dial. Having multiple female partners is what they refer to as dating here, and I have had the pleasure of experiencing dating NY style.

I recently went on a date with a beautiful looking man. He took me to a bar that has cocktail hour until 11pm- that should have been warning enough, but me being me I did not heed. So there I was drinking my $4.50 apple martini and making small talk, when out of the blue he decides to tell me about the date he has planned for the next night with another female.

This is strange to me. You are with me, and I really do not care to hear about Susan or Jennifer. So I smiled politely and asked after her- after all my mother did raise me to be ladylike at all times even situations such as these. I saw the shock cross his face when I remained nonchalant. If he really wanted to know what I was thinking I am sure he would have known not to say such things in my presence. As the date progressed I thought to myself, NY men are cuter than London men, happily pay for everything, but damn them they are heartless when it comes to being faithful even if it is only for the 2 hours you are in each other’s company.

So how did the date end? Well we ended up sharing a beautiful goodnight kiss, and all that kept going through my mind was "damn, he will be kissing Susan or was it Jennifer this way tomorrow night. Damn him and his beautiful lips". Then as I pulled myself away from him, I bid him goodnight and waved down a cab to take me home. After all a girl needs her beauty sleep if she is to look fabulous for her evening date the next day, now who did I pencil in, was it Josh or Henry?

Love from NYC, the city that will not allow me to sleep,

Champagnista M

REPORTING FROM NY: Could YOU buy Canal?

I want to put a question to you Champagnista Readers, would you ever contemplate buying a Canal? If you are unsure of what I am referring to let me put it another way. Imagine you have spotted this amazing Gucci bag that just has you foaming at the mouth with pure joy, but you realise that at £1300, you can never afford it, even if you live on basic food for 6 months, what would you do?

Well I am going to let you in on one of fashion’s dirty secret. I have heard whispers of fashionistas who save up enough money for an air ticket to NY, just so they can go and buy the Canal they desperately want.

Have you ever heard of Canal, as in Canal street in NYC? It is a fashion haven for those seeking designer fakes. To understand it you have to be on Canal Street on a bustling Saturday afternoon. It is here that you must look out for these fashionistas because they are easy to spot. They are the shoppers that look uneasy, wear big sunglasses and try to remain un-noticed. They talk in whispers and carry in their handbag a picture of the bag they seek close to their chest.
When there, the fashionistas have mastered the quick look that they give as the right signal to illegal sellers who take them through a normal looking shop, before leading them through a secret door which leads them to a dungeon like corridor where at last they enter a small room that has all the fake designer bags.

In this room a few words are exchanged as the fashionistas examine the bags closely. If they like what they see they nod, and a price is bartered before money is exchanged, and then like a frightened creature of the night the fashionistas usually quickly scurry out of the shop, into day light and straight into a cab which whisks them towards 5th Avenue, leaving their shame behind.

Usually the fakes cost from $20- $300 for a Birkin, and if you are curious to experience this place yourself let me introduce you to the three types of people you will encounter:
(1) The first type are those who sell t-shirts, souvenirs, generic handbags, and cheap perfume from a rented storefront. Merchandise can sometimes be knockoffs. If they are, they usually they don't want to advertise that fact because they can be raided by the city, and shut down.
(2) The second type are the illegal street peddlers hawking knockoff sunglasses, handbags, and DVDs out of shabby suitcases on the sidewalk. These guys always run away at the first sign of police as they are breaking several laws all at once (no vending license, blocking traffic on the sidewalk, and selling counterfeit merchandise.)

(3)Then there are the touts who hang around street corners and subway entrances uttering 3-4 magic words to every passing woman, "Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Coach?" They show you pictures of the handbags they have, and if interested, you follow them to secret locations to buy these so-called better quality fakes. Most of these people carry mobiles and are constantly looking back for police and private investigators.

So I ask you again Champagnista readers will you buy Canal? because I know that being the true fashionista I know I am, is that I do not think that I could live with the shame of it. I would rather survive on fashion party canapés discretely put into my Zara handbag for 6 months and save up enough money rather then strut around town proudly carrying a Canal.

With love from the city that never sleeps,

Champagnista M

The Jeunet-Tautou duo reinstated for Chanel No5

After Sofia Coppola for Miss Dior Cherie, it is the turn of Jean-Pierre Jeunet to penetrate the world of fashion with the new advertisement for legendary perfume Chanel No5.

As Audrey Tautou is starring in the new film on Coco Chanel, it makes sense that the fashion brand would have asked Jeunet to accept this contract: the young actress has been his muse from their encounter on the shooting of Amelie Poulain to the filming of A Very Long Engagement.

However, it is a bold choice for a fashion house so well-established as Chanel to entrust their flagship perfume to the young creator of Delicatessen and The City of Lost Children.

More than an ad, it is a short film that Jeunet gave birth to: set in the Orient Express, it narrates the story of a young woman and her night encounter with a fellow traveller. The colours and staging reflect the uncanny aesthetics of Jeunet's filmography, and with the accompaniment of the melancholy lyrics of Billie Holliday's 'I'm a Fool', the ad renews the image of the flagship perfume in a skillful way, conserving it all its strength and making the scent almost palpable in a mysterious chain of images.

A strangely beautiful testimony to a perfume with decades of history.

Champagnista V

Remembering Lebanon, part 2

Roman city next to the Syrian border... if only I had had my passport on me I would have crossed the mountains and not turned back.

Map of the fertile croissant. As in many other Arabic countries, Israel is not recognized as a lawful state so it does not exist on the map.

Loulou in front of the temples of Venus

View from Baalbek on the Syrian border

Baalbek, the city of Baal. One of the most ancient cities in the world, you can see stratas of centuries of Art on the site. The city was called Baalbek for Phoenicians who worshipped Baal, the god of gods, god of rain, fertitility and regrowth, the lord of heavens. Then it was rebaptized Heliopolis by the Greeks, city of the sun where the sky was a pure blue for 315 days a year. After the Roman and Northern African occupation, it is now back to Baalbek and holds treasures of History.

My computer crashed before I could finish uploading my Lebanese pictures last week-end: this is the man who discovered and salvaged the biggest monolith in Asia. He personnally cleaned out the rubbish dump around it and fought over several years with his fellow inhabitants to educate them into not dropping their trash around anymore. For this purpose, he started a trash collection, which the city adpoted 11 months afterwards. He has a small souvenir shop next to the monolith and offers his visitors short cardamone coffees as thick as fuel when they enter. A lovely man, former soldier, simple and passionate, who made a big difference in this world.

Champagnista V

Lights, camera, fashion

Me (guess which one i am- ohhhh mysterious ) and my girls!

I have now been in NYC for a week and all i can say is "wow". Anyone who knows me, knows that NYC stole my heart many years ago. No other city, except Paris, excites me as much as the city that never sleeps.

The buzz of this city continues to live on even with the threat of swine flu all around us. People are still shopping, partying and working just like nothing is going on. I feel that New Yorkers are so thick skinned that they take the "we survived 9/11 we can live through the swine flu" approach to everything.

I must my friends and I initially panicked and it was less about catching this dreaded virus but more because we were afraid that New York would come to a complete standstill and blight our party all night shop all day plans. Luckily NY is still NY and people continue to plough through life.

Happy that our plans where not thwarted we decided to go shopping on broadway. The clothes shops here are quite questionable. I am not a big fan of American fashion. I always feel that they are decades behind us in style- more circa 1985 rather than 2009. Anywho i was far from impressed. London definitely gives one a better shopping experience, unless you have the funds to shop on 5th Avenue or the energy to seek the elusive stylish boutiques in the village.

With a couple of weeks left in this amazing city, i continue to seek my lights, camera, action moment, and a yummy man to be the icing on the cake!

With love from NY,

Champagnista M

Remembering Lebanon

The biggest Monolithe in Lebanon. It is in Baalbek and used to lay in a garbage dump

The Plateaux in Lebanon

A lot of Lebanese go away to find fortune in another counry. When they do, they come back and build a huge house in their hometown, however small the town might be, to prove they have made it.

Green and yellow colours of the Hezbollah in the back country

Youth of the party of the future demonstrating on the 4th anniversary of Hariri's death on the Place des Martyrs

Soldier vigilantees. Tricky to get a pic of the army or check points as it is rather a sensitive subject. Soldiers get quite upset about it.

Men going to the commemoration of Hariri's death, 14th February 2009

Beirut coastline

Tanks in Beirut

Hariri as God

Beirut

Post-war Bar architecture in Gemmayzeh

'The Pigeon Hole'

Derelict 19th century building in Beirut

Checkpoint

Beirut traffic... still wondering how they got out of this one

The Intercontinental Hotel, first building rehabilited after the war

Chauffeurs waiting outside the Intercontinental

Bombed cinema outside center city

Roman Baths

Place de l'Etoile in Beirut, the new center

The new Mosque in the center of Beirut, Saudi Arabian Architecture

Center city, Beirut

The souks of Byblos, a bit touristy

Church in Byblos

Byblos, the Harbour

Tempest in Byblos

The Virgin who appeared to save Lebanon, Harissa

View from the scariest cable car in the world on the way to Harissa

Man waiting in the street

The only train in Lebanon

Lebanese beauty

Beirut by night

Do your remember our childhood soda cans? They are still opening the same way there, and the dates of perish are always about three weeks away... It looks like they are exhausting Occidental that were produced centuries ago

Beirut style, black tailored jacket, Russian scarf, red umbrella, all in strong colours

La Corniche