Roopal’s Paris Journal – Day 4
6:45 am: Wake up….a bit stressed today. I need to complete my trend report this morning. All the images and text need to go to our New York office to be formatted.
8:25 am: Trend presentation is complete! As usual, the file is too large and I am having difficulty getting the report to New York for formatting. Stress!
9:40 am: Meet Ken Downing in the lobby and head to the Louis Vuitton show.
9:57 am: True to form, Marc Jacobs starts a few minutes early. The curtain lifts to show a merry-go-round in the center with models perfectly placed.
The curtain rises on Le Carrousel at Louis Vuitton
The clothing is very feminine, ladylike, and light.
Louis Vuitton, S/S 2012
The colors are all soft.
Louis Vuitton, S/S 2012
Floral lace cut-out dresses and white pumps with silver cap toes – very pretty.
Louis Vuitton, S/S 2012
The whole collection is dreamy. Such a great way to start the day!
10:20 am: Still dealing with technical issues with the report. Head over to Christian Louboutin.
11:05 am: What a unexpected surprise! Christian himself is at the showroom when we arrive! He looks amazing and is one busy man. He celebrates his 20th anniversary in 2012 and is pulling out all the stops. I can’t say too much, but know that there will be global Louboutin mania. Think of Christian’s greatest creations for a limited period of time. Don’t be surprised if you see me camping out to get a pair! There is going to be a frenzy! I see it now.
Famous foot molds at Christian Louboutin
12:33 Stress relief. The report gets to New York, thanks to our Paris office.
1:00 pm: Arrive at Celine. Kel is already working his magic when Ken and I arrive. Hard to keep focus…the clothing is even more beautiful and luxe in person. I have to say, Phoebe Philo knows what we want before we do…everything about this collection is directional. You will see her influence and color palette everywhere next season. The Phoebe factor…
We all love the multi color envelope bag that was on the runway. You may want to wait list yourself. These bags are going to the next big thing worldwide.
Celine S/S 2012
2:00 pm: Arrive at the Miu Miu show. Last show of Spring/Summer 2012… Somehow, everyone is still abuzz with energy.
Miu Miu, S/S 2012
Mrs. Prada designed the collection in 15 days.
Miu Miu, S/S 2012
Patchwork, lace, capes, stoles, velvet boots, bandana prints, floral tulle boots, bra tops and A-line skirts.
Miu Miu, S/S 2012
Miu Miu, S/S 2012
3:03 pm: Grab a quick lunch at Le Castiglione (it may be the official Neiman Marcus eatery). Great place for a quick bite on the go.
4:20 pm: Drop Jonathan Joselove off at Chanel and our car blocks none other than Karl Lagerfeld! He and his driver are trying to pull out onto Rue Duphot and our van is blocking his path. Ken and I can not believe it! What are the chances?
4:25 pm: Go to VBH and meet our super chic handbag buyer Sabrina Mitchell. She already has her eye on the new Brera styles in orange, yellow, and python. (Our CEO Karen Katz carries the VBH Brera in orange). The yellow catches Ken’s attention, and works perfectly for Spring!
Ken shows us his favorite bag ay VBH.
5:15 pm: Head to Giambattista Valli‘s showroom with Ken Downing. The Zebra print dresses catch my attention immediately. Pretty shades of lemon and petal pink mixed with silver. A cool studded white dress with pleats looks perfect. Daisy lace cutout coat.
I see Giamba in the corner, already looking at next season’s fabrics. Such dedication and passion. It shows in this gorgeous collection!
Giambattista Valli
6:00 pm: Head to YSL to meet Kel and Howard. Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz is already walking through the collection, and has spotted some great pieces. The colorblocked handbags and shoes are going to be on everyone’s list.
Yves Saint Laurent, S/S 2012 Photo by Dan Lecca
7:15 pm: Walk to the hotel with Ken. It was so nice to have the day together.
7:45 pm: Depart to dinner at Chez George. My first traditional French meal since my arrival in Paris. Bonsoir!
