BH Courier Fashion Forward 05-11-12 edition

May/June 2012

Interviews - Parties And Of Course...

Fashion

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14K yellow gold multi-colored gemstones 36� necklace, .

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FEATURED Designer

Peter Copping Captures The Feminine Spirit of

NINA RICCI

By Joanne Galey

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espite several attempts by several designers to forge an updated brand for Nina Ricci, the iconic French fashion house continues to be identified with the heavenly perfume L’Air Du Temps (launched in 1948) over its couture collections. However, British-born creative director, Peter Copping is trying to change all that by striving to close the gap between runway fantasy and modernday reality.

BEVERLY HILLS

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How does one set about the behemoth task of creating a collection based on a fragrance? “Just from its name alone - L’air du Temps, you know that it’s something very light, and romantic,” states Copping.

“Madame Ricci’s legacy is much more about a feminine spirit than iconic pieces of clothing,” he adds.

Italian designer Maria Ricci founded the house of Nina Ricci in 1932 when she was 49 years old. She designed gowns while her son Robert oversaw the company’s business and finances. It was during this period that she befriended and commissioned notable artist Zina De Plagny to adorn her creations with blossoms and blooms. Copping came across these gorgeous print textiles while reading an article about Zina’s daughter, who had stumbled upon a treasure trove of her mother’s designs. “I thought to myself, I should call her, but she called me,” Copping explained. “It was fate.”

Now Copping has given the artist’s work a second life on his spring runway (appropriately naming the collection “Zina”). The collection is exceedingly feminine, très Parisian and exquisitely pretty. Lady-like florals provide the central foundation, but so too does Copping’s interpretation of lingerie detailing, where he suggests underwear be worn as outwear. High-waisted pencil skirts are paired with beautifully structured bras and bandeaus, and topped off with a boxy matador jacket.

Delicate slip dresses shimmer demurely under the designers so-called “Ricci Biker Lady” (a quilted, buttery soft leather jacket). Midnight blue and black are liberally featured, sometimes paired with white cotton lace or pink sorbet satin. Bare shoulders, shimmery gold embroidery, and a cloud of lavender chiffon round out the collection’s red carpet traffic stopping candidates.

The house of Nina Ricci is hoping that Peter Copping’s decade-plus tenure at Louis Vuitton (where he served as Marc Jacobs first ever assistant, before being promoted to Studio Director for LV’s women’s wear) will help to launch his French Revival strategy which includes ramping up the accessories and leather goods; to which end he has enticed a number of senior designers away from Vuitton.

With ardent fans the likes of Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan and Diane Kruger cheering him on, it won’t be long before the Fashion house that is synonymous with L’air du temps is equally recognized as L’air du temptress!

May 11, 2012 | Page E

DAZZLING DOUBLE TAKES

The perfect dress in this season's carousel of trends.

Fashion Director: Tawny Sanders Photography by: TraceyMorris.com Stylist: Bryan Marryshow

On The Cover: Dress, Valentino, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills; Lucille crystal poodle minaudiere, Judith Leiber, Judith Leiber Beverly Hills Boutique; Ruby & sapphire ring, Kara Ross, www.kararossny.com; Pink sapphire cuff, Cezua, Cezua Beverly Hills BEVERLY HILLS

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Assistant Stylist: Kathleen McDonough Model: Svetlana Mukhina of Pinkerton Hair: Sienree at Celestine Agency using Rene Furterer Make Up: Patrick Tummy of Celestine Manicurist: Faire of ABTP Digital Tech: Robert Morris Camera/Lighting Assitants: Daniel Kintz and Christian Shenouda

Location: The Los Angeles Zoo’s newly renovated carousel.

Left side: Dress, Kathy Hilton Collection, www.kathyhilton.com; Gray & black pumps, Walter Steiger, www.waltersteiger.com; Necklace, Lanvin, Lanvin Boutique Beverly Hills; Gold rings, Cezua, Cezua Beverly Hills Right side: Dress, Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique; White satin pumps, Walter Steiger, www.waltersteiger.com; Enamel flower chain necklace and Flapper openwork cuff, Judith Leiber, Judith Leiber Boutique, Beverly Hills

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Dress, Strapless empire, Rafael Cennamo, www.rafaelcennamo.net; Satin pumps, Giuseppe Zanotti, Guiseppe Zanotti Boutique Beverly Hills; Ring, amethyst & diamond, Cezua, Cezua Boutique Beverly Hills; Necklace Coral lotus flower, Roberto Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli Boutique Beverly Hills BEVERLY HILLS

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Left side: Dress, Lanvin, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills; Floral belt, Lanvin, Lanvin Boutique Beverly Hills; Floral heels, Jimmy Choo, Jimmy Choo Boutique Beverly Hills; Gold cuff, Roberto Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli Boutique Beverly Hills, Ring, Cezua, Cezua Boutique Beverly Hills Right side: Dress, Jason Wu, Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills; Black satin heels, Guiseppe Zanotti, Giuseppe Zanotti Boutique Beverly Hills; Flower necklace, Lanvin, Lanvin Boutique Beverly Hills; Heart necklace, Lanvin, Lanvin Boutique Beverly Hills; Starfish ring, Cezua, Cezua Boutique Beverly Hills May 11, 2012 | Page I

Dress: Azzedine Alaia, Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills; Crystal slingback heels, Giuseppe Zanotti, Giuseppe Zanotti Boutique Beverly Hills; Ring and bracelets, Kara Ross, www.kararossny.com BEVERLY HILLS

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Dress, Bouchra Jarra, Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills; Black & white slingback heels,Walter Steiger, www.waltersteiger.com; Bracelet, Lanvin, Lanvin Boutique Beverly Hills; Golden zircon ring, Cezua, Cezua Beverly Hills May 11, 2012 | Page K

FASHIONABLE FÊTES JASON WU/SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, BEVERLY HILLS

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Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a luncheon and fashion show for Jason Wu during his personal appearance and at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, March 27, 2012.

Photos: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages 1. Susan Casden 2. Jason Wu, Mary Martin 6.

3. Model 4. Model 5. Model 6. Susan Niven, Merle Mullin, Marna Schnabel, Ellen Lipson

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7. Atmosphere of Jason Wu’s 2012 collection

THE COLLEAGUES 23RD ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

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The Colleagues 23rd Annual Spring Luncheon honoring Sherry Lansing at The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills, April 17, 2012.

Photos: Taylor Jewell / ABImages 1. The scene 2. Eliza Reed Bolen, Beatrice Reed 3. Model 4. Model

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5. Betsy Bloomingdale, Sherry Lansing 6. Lynn Palmer, Nancy Davis 7. Jolene Schlatter, Lauren King, Linda Thompson 6.

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May 11, 2012 | Page M

Concert Chic Coachella Music Festival 2012

BEVERLY HILLS

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ust last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Indio’s famous Coachella Music Festival. Surprisingly however, despite the amazing music, outlandish painted vans, unexpected rainstorms, and scorching heat--the fashions undoubtedly stole the show. Each year, Coachella VIP’s, fashion bloggers, Hollywood starlets, and models “off duty” wow us with their concert-chic looks; however, this year’s average Coachella attendee was by all means fashion forward. Coachella is the perfect mélange of all things chic; a blend of bohemian casual-wear with a nod to Woodstock and to the 1970’s, and of modern trends that can be seen on any major runway. Popular crazes at this year’s festival paralleled glossy editorials in any magazine, from Vogue to Nylon, complete with crochet, pastel, color blocking, and the ever-growing short in front, long in back dress fad. This year, wide arrays of colors were present, from the bright red denim cutoff, to the chartreuse lace bandeau, with every imaginable hue in between. Crochet and eyelets of all kinds were seen, mirroring the geometric cutouts seen in Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collections. However, Coachella is unlike any other event of the year, as each concertgoer, regardless of personal style, takes so much pride in their appearance and has the confidence hardly ever seen on an average day. Hair is fancifully braided or under an eye-catching sunhat. Wrists are covered in bracelets of all sorts; Cartier “Love” bangles effortlessly blend in with woven wristbands and beaded bracelets. In one direction at Coachella, you can spot a neon bikini paired with high boots, and in the other, a vintage tunic with Grecian sandals. In my opinion, that’s what makes Coachella so great—the fact that no matter where you look, someone is going to be dressed in something colorful, eye-catching, and thought provoking. At Coachella, it doesn’t really matter if you are a fashion icon complete with designer Balenciaga and suede fringe, or if you choose to shop vintage. It doesn’t even matter if you choose to only wear bright body paints. Because at Coachella, fashion is as carefree as summer, as daring as fashion week, and more diverse than any other event of the year.

Photos by Getty Images

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By Paris Sanders

PROFILE Silvia Damiani

A woman of stylish elegance and a new found home in LA Her new life: Living in LA is a privilege for me and a new opportunity to find my own tempo in life. Unlike many of the generations that came before me, I have an opportunity to have many lives. I had a beautiful life in Italy, but when we decided someone from our family should move to Los Angeles, I said sure, why not give it a try. I work from my office at home, just like my mother did when I was growing up, so I’m still available for my 8-year-old son. I also have a fantastic man in my life named Thomas, who makes living in LA all the more special.

Adopting a quote from Coco Chanel: “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” I’m petite so I have to watch what I wear. I choose simple silhouettes and quality fabrics without big patterns so my accessories become my personal fashion statements, and of course I always wear a piece of jewelry.

Fashion Indulgence: Purses ... especially Hermes. My brothers tease me about it, but when I find a great Hermes bag I write the check! ‘

Since moving to LA from Milan a little more than a year ago, Silvia Damiani is forging a path of expansion for her family’s business as vice president in charge of public relations, raising a son as a single mom, and actively supporting charitable causes around the world. Silvia, along with her two brothers, are the main shareholders and operators of the Italian fine jewelry dynasty, Damiani Group. The firm distributes its proprietary designs through 2,500 outlets in addition to managing 60 Damiani boutiques worldwide including one here in Beverly Hills.

Favorite Italian restaurant: E. baldi for the food and I’ve also discovered Drago Centro Downtown. It’s super chic and close to the opera. It has a great private dining room built with glass walls so you have your privacy, but still feel like part of the scene.

Causes close to her heart: I’m passionate about children’s causes and sit on the board of CASA for Children, which advocates for abused and neglected children.

My family’s involved in a humanitarian project with Sharon Stone called “Clean Water” which builds wells for clean water in the diamond areas of Africa. In Italy, I sit on the board of the FIA foundation which was established by the Agnelli family for the preservation of our cultural heritage. Sadly, many old buildings once owned by the ruling families of Italy are in complete disrepair. The money raised by the foundation is used for their restoration then converts them into museums that the public can enjoy.

Cherished treasures: My brothers live in Italy and deal with most of our operational issues, without them I wouldn’t have had the freedom to travel and reside here. They are two of my most important assets.

May 11, 2012 | Page O