Chanel's aisle runway. Photo: Getty Images

January 23rd continued…

16:06 – View Vionnet’s pre-fall collection, the first done by new design duo Barbara and Lucia Croce. This is the first time the Italian twin sisters have worked together professionally and it looks not to be the last. The accessories are particularly chic.

16:45 – Rush back to le Meurice to answer emails. New York is awake!

19:30 – Walk over to l’Hôtel de Crillon for the Giambattista Valli show. All the usual international socials are mixed into the front row with Selma Hayek, Lee Radziwill and Diane Kruger.

19:55 – Diane Kruger uses her iPhone to snap a pic of a gorgeous black, beaded cocktail dress with an exaggerated ruffle at the bottom. I love the little silver metal bow belt; it adds some edge. I wonder if we will see it on the red carpet any time soon?!

20:13 – Back to le Meurice to catch a taxi to the Tod’s event

20:47 – Arrive at Hotel Amour, the scene of Jefferson Hack’s voyeuristic installation for Tod’s. The hotel was divided into vignettes filled with models doing very French things: drawing each other from life, playing cards, getting a massage…all while wearing Tod’s, of course. The party continues downstairs and there’s time for one quick glass of champagne before calling it a night. Must head back to the hotel to begin securing looks from what I have seen that day for our annual Women In Music issue and its cover…and to answer more emails!


Jefferson Hack's No Code for Tod's. Photo: Tod's

Tuesday, January 24th

10:21 – Hurry out the door to begin a very full day! Today it’s the Céline coat, hair pulled back with a black bow a la Chanel.

10:55 – Arrive at Dior offices for a viewing of their pre-fall collection. Love that the colors reflect the mood of the couture. There is a fabulous black patent leather skirt that is tres chic and tres ELLE.

11:24 – The Dior girls attempt to sneak me upstairs to see the Couture up close in between the very strictly set and secret client appointments. I am only able to get a few photos before I am whisked out of the room again, but I got exactly what I need!

12:05 – Arrive at the Grand Palais, scene of Chanel’s signature mob.

12:11 – Chanel’s know for its elaborate sets which are almost as much a part of the show as the fashion. As I enter, I’m lead down a silver corridor, which feels a bit like a jet way. It empties out into a replica of an airplane cabin complete with passenger-like seats and a steward going up and down the aisle with a cart full of orange juice and champagne.

12:37 – Take off Chanel style! The aisle of the cabin begins to light up from the top of the runway and the models emerge in super galactic stewardess chic. Everything’s in tones of blue; I especially loved the ice blue looks. Sending a picture to our Creative Director Joe Zee while the show is still going on!

12:51 – Cockpit doors open and “Captian Karl” emerges to a roar of applause from the 200 or so attentive “passengers.” Definitely the smallest, most exclusive show yet!

Roberta Armani, Jessica Chastain & Cameron Diaz front row at Armani. Photo: Getty Images

13:04 – Hurry out of the Grand Palais and head to L’Avenue for lunch with TOD’s girl Sarika Rastogi. L’Avenue is THE place for lunch in Paris according to anyone in fashion.

14:15 – After a lovely lunch, must head back to the Grand Palais (this time in the pouring rain) for Armani Privé. No umbrella, must use Chanel Couture folder as a cover—and everyone thinks fashion is so glamorous.

15:11 – From planes to snakes (didn’t someone combine those once?) Armani’s all emerald collection is sssssss-uper ssssss-tylish and reptilian inspired.

Click here to see the rest of the couture collections!