Stella McCartney

This is a week of memories… I remember when. Well I do remember when I saw my first pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. Beverly Hills, Oscar week, L’Ermitage Hotel. One of my colleagues popped out to buy a pair because they “looked great and are SO comfortable.” The look then was sling back, not so high heel and yep, kinda fabulous.

I’ll tell you something, I don’t think making a name for yourself in the shoe department is the easiest thing to do. From a PR standpoint, getting great press on shoes can be a challenge, because they are on the feet after all. When we get one of our fashion clients shot on the red carpet, it’s all about the dress. We work pretty hard to make sure our jewelry is covered. But shoes. Wow.  

We did a big to-do a few years ago when our client, Kwiat, partnered with Stuart Weitzman and did a pair of “million dollar” slippers for the Academy Award red carpet. I give his PR people credit, they did an incredible job getting press, and it’s just not easy. BUT here’s the thing. Of all our personal fashion items I think it’s safe to say that shoes rank pretty darn high. And Jimmy Choo broke out and made it happen, on the red carpet and off. They are a success story that other brands should consider studying. And now they are partnering with H&M to bring fabulous to the masses (not unlike other brands that have gone before, Stella, Karl Lagerfeld and Matthew Williamson). I think it’s a good thing. I’m a fan!

I’ve always said that there are two ways that I’ll know I’ve “made it”: Owning a dog and attending Paris fashion week. That said, I have not, as of yet, “made it” but thanks to my friends’ terrier, Lucho, and the World Wide Web I keep a hand in it.

On to Paris. So there are a few huge trends stomping down the runways making them impossible not to notice: Jade and orangey fire engine red are the colors du printemps without a doubt. Also, sunnies are the number one accessory coming down the runway—see Giambattista Valli and Dries Van Noten among others. Oh, and khaki is chic once again as seen at Stella McCartney, Dries and Celine.

That said, here are some of my favorites—and can we have a moment of silence for Viktor & Rolf’s BRILLIANT illusion ball gown? I mean, please. More to come this week!