BHC 050611 Fashion Forrward

May 06, 2011 Edition

Photos courtesy of Lanvin Models Jeneil Williams, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Ataui Deng and Melodie Monrose cap off Lanvin's highly acclaimed 2011 Spring/Summer RTW fashion show in printed silk jumpsuits paired with studded sandals.

LANVIN Rodeo Drive

O ne of the most notable collections of the Spring/Summer 2011 ready to wear season is now available in Lanvin's new 4,520 square foot boutique on Rodeo Drive. Albert Elbaz, possibly one of the most innovative designers of our time, has created a collection of seductive styles that accent the true importance of movement. From the sultry draped print dresses made of cloque silk, to the superbly cut pant-suit, the Lanvin woman will have no problem finding just the right piece to suit her complex and sometimes contradicting feminine nature. The newly opened store also features a complete men's wear section including bespoke services, the Blanch wedding collections, denim sportswear and accessories.

"Albert has a magical touch with everything ", said store manager, Meg Heinzer. "It's such a pleasure to work with him directly. He loves LA and draws inspiration from its ever present old world glamour, colorful, and free spirited energy."

BEVERLY HILLS

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This week...

• Fashion in Paradise • Hublot

• Tabitha Simmons • Shopping In Wonderland

• Lanvin • Chanel

May 6, 2011 | Page B

BEVERLY HILLS

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Jasohna distinguished Simonian, visionary, founder of Westime, is highly regarded accomplished businessman and true aficionado in the art and commerce of watch making. He recently opened his second mono-brand boutique in Beverly Hills.

Right On Time Hublot Boutique Opens In Beverly Hills

Sto test imonian's stores have allowed him the opportunity drive new brands and marketing strategies which lends itself perfectly to his next venture for Westime - distribution. His son Greg (fourth generation to join the family firm) is President of Westime and oversees sales, marketing and philanthropic programs. Greg brings a relaxed Southern California vibe to the business and appears to have inherited his father's uncanny ability to identify talent and trends.

"The trend is going towards mono-brand boutiques", reports Greg. "A lot of watch brands want to have their own storefront". Case in point, the Richard Mille store on Via Rodeo and more recently the gorgeous Hublot boutique which opened its doors on Brighton Way, April 23rd.

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ublot's history began with Carlo Crocco, who designed his first watch, which he named Hublot, after the French word for "porthole". It was the first watch to feature a natural rubber strap (which alone took 3 years to design) and despite failing to attract a single customer when it debuted in 1980 at the Basel Watch Fair, became an overnight sensation with sales in excess of $2 million during its first year. Preoccupied with his own design work and fundraising activities, Crocco handed over the duties to Jean-Claude Biver in 2004, who subsequently set about creating a new flagship collection. The Hublot "Big Bang" Chronograph was unveiled at the Basel Watch Fair in 2005 and enjoyed a very different reception than in 1980. Orders tripled in its first year of introduction and the watch went on to receive international acclaim (and awards). Just two years after Biver had arrived Hublot's sales were a staggering $115 million.

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ublot opened its first mono-brand store in Paris, in the Rue Saint-Honoré in early Spring of 2007. The second was opened in the summer of the same year, in the Hôtel Byblos, Saint Tropez. In 2008 The luxury goods company LVMH acquired Hublot from its founder Carlo Crocco for an undisclosed fee.

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t’s a certainty that the Simonian family and Mr. Crocco are living their dreams mindful of the ancient proverb “Time Waits For No Man”.

Top Left Hublot at Brighton Way, Beverly Hills Left Greg Simonian President, Westime

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fashion in

Paradise

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he barometer is on the rise and vacation time is tantalizingly close thank heavens! Whether your travel itinerary take you to the sunkissed shores of Hawaii, the pristine waters of St. Barth or simply a long weekend respite in Malibu, it's time to get up to speed on this year's summer "must-haves".

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e're seeing an abundance of tropic and boho inspired elements that are vibrant, exciting and super feminine. Designers are having fun and the offerings are a distinctive shake up from the ho hum sundress and floppy hat combo of years past.

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rada's recent runway show was reminiscent of Carmen Miranda, with palm frond lounge pants, banana blouses (with matching earrings) and embroidered floral totes. Jungle foliage is a key theme and their bold color palette seems to have jumped straight out of the fruit bowl.

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nthropologie, who reign supreme on the bohemian trail, take us back to the ‘70s with billowy caftans cinched at the waist, patchwork silk maxi skirts and gauzy fringed ponchos. Breezy cotton tanks and flutter-sleeve blouses are accented with touches of beading and embroidered flowers; perfect for getting us into that carefree, lazy, summer frame of mind.

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alypso St. Barth's captures that quintessential Island vibe and a singular focus on comfort and ease threads its way through their gorgeous beach collection. Crisp white jeans, GI shorts, skirts - long and ruffled, blouses - floaty and feminine. Scarves are wispy and embellished, hats are woven and hand-finished with beading, ribbons and raffia flowers. A visit to a Calypso boutique feels like a vacation in itself.

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latform sandals are ever-popular, with natural elements of cotton, wood, cork and raffia. Flip flops get a jolt with a splash of neon leather and the supremely comfy ballet flat is available in abundance and perfect for pairing with shorts, maxi skirts and summer denim.

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hatever your destination, remember to keep it effortless, relaxed and don't forget to pack a punch of color and a great book!

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May 6, 2011 | Page F

1.) Louis Vuitton, Key West wedge, $785.

2.) Prada canvas tote, $650.

3.) Louis Vuitton, Feline flats, $675 4.) Natori, tie-dyed silk caftan,$450.

5.) Manolo Blahnik, exclusively available at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Matte alligator sandals in Fuchsia, Acid Green, Turquoise, $1,645 6.) Tods, Gommini suede moccasin, $395 7.) Miu Miu, Hemp wedge sandal, $550

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May 6, 2011 | Page H

Our pick for Mother’s Day!

Rodeo Drive

BEVERLY HILLS

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TABITHA SIMMONS

By Juli Russ

The Courier met with famed stylist-

turned-designer, Tabitha Simmons, at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Simmons brings a lot of fashion do’s to the table with her references Dolce & Gabbana, Marchesa and the contributing editor for Vogue. Simmons’ shoe collections are each influenced by her personal style which can go from tom boy to girly, so it’s important that her line fits all lifestyles. Her use of patterns and stripes in the past continues to wow us. Simmons’ unique style and unconventional shape gives us much to be excited about for fall. Some of our personal favorites – a heel that was amazingly enough influenced by a chandelier, chunky heels, and lower heels with flat points.

Here is our peek of what’s in store.

May 6, 2011 | Page J

Shopping in

Wonderland

By Joanne Galey

Enter the world of Solange Azagury-Partridge

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he old adage; "Do what you love" couldn't hope for a better poster child than British jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. This self-taught Londoner and mother of two embarked on her "bejeweled" path when she created her own engagement ring in 1987. After graduating university, Solange took a brief stint at London costume jeweler Butler & Wilson before working for George Watson, an antiques dealer with a bevy of vintage jewelry from the houses of Van Cleef & Arpel, Cartier and Boucheron. She opened a small shop in London's Notting Hill in 1995 to showcase her own creations and the rest, as they say, is history. Boutiques in London, Los Angeles, New York and Singapore delight her loyal coveters, comprising of rock stars, fashion editors and the just plain fortunate!

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“Fringed palm trees and

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fluffy white clouds in a blue sky make Rodeo Drive a shopping heaven

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Solange

tepping inside her Beverly Hills boutique feels rather like Alice jumping down the rabbit hole. The store, which won the Beverly Hills architectural award for its stunning gold ziggurat facade, is sumptuous and dazzling.

The rich velvet walls meet with a Swarovski crystal ceiling and lush carpeting (which took 6 months to loom by hand in Morocco) create an ambience of hushed exhilaration. Aside from the incredible jewelry collections, everything; from the pencil holder to the chain fringed coffee table, to the metallic leather armchair has been designed by Solange herself. "Fringed palm trees and fluffy white clouds in a blue sky make Rodeo Drive a shopping heaven" says Solange. Her customary rainbow carpet was changed to a constellation of stars as a nod to LA's celebrity crowd. Sleek, unassuming employees greet you effusively like old friends. Fresh blooms grace the trinket box-style display cabinets, adorned with dramatic and spectacular treasure.

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er work explodes with mystical pop art, brilliance, raw energy and a smile. Solange has blown the dust off the prim world of fine jewelry and made luxury jewels highly desirable, relevant and fun.

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Courier photos by Tawny Sanders pages E-I, K-L

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