ShopEatDrink

This is going to be THE fashion event of the year.  At 8 am ET on Saturday, November 20, fast fashion retailer H&M opens the doors to hoards of fashionistas who will snap up every single piece of the Lanvin for H&M collection.  If you are lucky enough to live near one of H&M’s flagship stores (NYC, San Francisco) you can wait in line for your chance to grab no more than two of the same item.  I’m bummed that I will not have that chance, to buy a couple pieces of Lanvin for the masses.  I predict the stores will be cleaned out within hours.

OK I could drive up to SF early tomorrow morning and stake out a place in line.  But it’s cold, and it might rain, and I’d have to leave home about 5 or 6 am to get a good spot in line.  Even then it might be too late.  Oh, the unfairness of it.  Why can’t H&M bring Lanvin to every store? And, why can’t H&M have an online commerce site?

Both H&M and Lanvin have been building anticipation over the last several weeks.  First it was a rumor.  Then the rumor was confirmed.  Then little bits of video of the collection leaked out.  Finally, a full blown webisode featuring all the pieces.  Brilliant.

If you must have Lanvin NOW, you can start bidding on the half dozen or so Lanvin for H&M dresses already up on eBay.  Who are these people who have advance copies?  A few of the dresses that retail for $199 are being offered for $599.  We’ll keep an eye on the auction action.

H&M is no stranger to designer collections.  In the past few years, we’ve seen lines from Madonna, Matthew Williamson, to name a few.  But teaming up with uber designer Alber Elbaz of Lanvin takes this not just to the next level, but to the stratosphere.

Here’s the entire collection.

Let me know if you score any of the collection!

His pain is palpable, his dream crushed.  On Thursday’s finale part 1 of Project Runway, Michael C’s elimination for a spot to go to New York Fashion Week is the most gut-wrenching of any over the past 8 seasons of the show.

Whether or not you thought he should have been chosen doesn’t matter.  I think we all cried a little bit with him.  But man, that was tough to watch.  Remember the open to ABC Wide World of Sports, where the ski jumper dramatically crashes off the ramp and into the crowd.  Well now we have a replacement – Michael’s total breakdown on the runway and in the backroom.

Seems many viewers thought Gretchen should have been auf’ed and I agree.  WTF.  Her collection isn’t just granola, it’s downright dowdy.  Whatever.  We all know Mondo will win, or will PR/Lifetime just screw with our minds on that too?

What I want to know is, was this episode taped before or after the Spring 2010 collections in September?  At that time, PR was only a few episodes into the current season 8.  So not to spoil the surprise of the show, many of the PR designers did create and show their collections – as decoys – at the new home of fashion week at Lincoln Center.  Yes, Michael C. got to show.  So did Casanova for that matter.  Their runway debuts were on September 9, 2010.

If they showed before the finale was taped, then Michael’s reaction does feel way over the top.  He got his Lincoln Center fashion show, and the entire line photographed and watched countless times online.  Great exposure for him, no doubt.

If the shows happened after the finale taping, Michael’s emotional outburst is absolutely more real, as he believes he won’t get to make it to the fashion week runway.

Yet, I couldn’t help feel the PR producers were milking Michael’s crushing disappointment for all it was worth.  I just want to say, shame on you, at least let they guy be auf’ed with what little dignity he may still have.   You know when reality TV has gone way overboard if you squirm in your seat, as we all did, watching the PR finale play out.

Best wishes to you, Michael C.

It’s always so much fun to discover a new designer or line of clothing. I just came across the Sarah Pacini line (from Belgium) and I just love it! Knits are the focus, and the shapes and construction are very architectural. They’re easy to wear and flattering. Moderate price point, so one piece won’t break your bank account, but you’ll get so much wear out of it.

The other line is the French company Crea Concept. A similar aesthetic as Sarah Pacini. Knits featured here too. Great layering pieces and easy and comfortable to wear.

What’s fabulous about both lines is that they are unique — and not so widely available that you’ll see lots of other women wearing it. No doubt you’ll get a lot of compliments wearing these tops, dresses, bottoms.

One of the hottest jewelry designers around happens to be in wine country.  Robindira Unsworth’s studio is based in Petaluma, CA (Sonoma Co.). Her jewelry was just featured on the cover of The New York Times Style Magazine and also in the editorial feature.  But Robindira made it big time when her jewelry was worn by the model on the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated.

Happily I can say I knew her when.  I met Robindira at Wine Women & Shoes three years ago.  That lead to shooting a feature of her for In Wine Country.

Now you can shop at her studio.  She’s just opened the Atelier at Robindira Unsworth and oh is it ever stocked with goodies!  Lots of great scarves, the most beautiful leather jackets from Blur, and tees, cozy sweaters and fab leather bags from Calleen Cordero — all lines that Robindira just loves.  And of course, you’ll find her jewelry here too.  It’s definitely worth the trip, especially if you’re in wine tasting in Sonoma.