Now, as I write this, the corona virus pandemic is crossing the globe in a death march that is devastating most countries... more specifically, those countries most associated with the fashion world Italy, Spain, France, and the US.   So, while it might seem like an unlikely time for me to refocus my efforts here, I think we need a distraction from the news more than ever.  While I know millions are facing financial hardships and stress, please think of this as eye candy.  Daydreams, clicks, and just entertainment, because at the moment, luxury fashion seems almost too much of a luxury to entertain in reality. 

With that in mind, I will also make an effort to focus on smaller brands that are focused on hand crafted goods. Worth noting however, even the biggest luxury brands, can have employees living on a very tight budget, depending on those luxury items.

PLEASE BE VIGILANT ON THE CDC AND WHO GUIDELINES TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF THE CORONA VIRUS.  STAY HOME / FLATTEN CURVE   - IF YOU MUST LEAVE HOME - PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

DIOR BIKER JACKET - Black goatskin - Made in Italy Spring has sprung, but this Summer, weather is all over the place. 

The chicest fashion houses have some pieces to dream of, wish for, invest in???? However you justify them.. these beautiful little treasures are worth your time.. and worth a visit to the boutique near you.  It's not that they scream "Summer" - but they are available NOW, and will be gone by the time the temps dip in the Fall..   DIOR - Biker Jacket in Goatskin - $4,800.00 - Made in Italy

LITTLE DARLINGS - These two jackets and a hobo handbag will take you from day to night, from LA to Paris, shopping, working.. wherever!  No regrets..promise.

DIOR - The biker jacket... forever a classic.  Dress it up.. dress it down.  It's DIOR.. so dress it any way you like.  Maria Grazia has created this uber cool Black Goatskin version- $4,800.00 - Made it Italy. 

Across town from Dior at LOUIS VUITTON -that master of logo relevance reinvention - Nicolas Ghesquire took the iconic LV Travel Trunk and inspired a leather jacket that will spin your head around the world!  Save your travel tokens, because this calfskin jacket is $7,850.00.  However, let's face it.. NO ONE else you know will have it, and you will be wearing it for life! Made in Italy.LOUIS VUITTON Trunk Print Leather Jacket in Calfskin - $7,850.00

A few blocks away from LV, the House of CHANEL has countless offerings to carry all the things you need this Summer.   *RIP Karl Lagerfeld.   This pale petrol blue hobo calfskin small "Gabrielle" bag has all the iconic details of a CC bag, but they come together in such a hip, chic way with that matte gold hardware that this bag can dress up or down.   Invest in this $4,100.00 bag from the French House that made the handbag a necessity. CHANEL - GABRIELLE - small hobo bag in Calfskin - $4,100.00

There's a reason why so many fashion professionals say that Paris is the place to find the most beautiful design, and Italy is the place that produces the most incredible leather goods. Desgined in France, Made in Italy, it's a winning combination.  

SHOPPER TOTE - NAVY CALF - $795.00Richard Lambertson and John Truex are two creatives responsible for one of the brightest spots in American Accessory design from the last 25 years.  The duo's namesake collection - LAMBERTSON TRUEX - launched in 1998, a palette cleansing,  understated collection that leveled the luxury field at a time when Logos were leading the way in mainstream fashion.  Chic shoppers at luxury spots like Neiman Marcus quickly made the bags best sellers in the industry.  SHOPPER TOTE - WHITE CALF - $795.00

SHOPPER TOTE - COGNAC CALF - $795.00SHOPPER TOTE - BLACK CALF - $795.00

Lamberston Truex, the persons, went in-house at TIFFANY & CO. in 2009 to help launch that iconic jewelry house's first leather goods accessory collection.  They were STUNNING.

In 2015 the two joined SHINOLA, the Detroit based emporium backed by deep pockets and deeper ideals about Made In America products from bicycles to watches to leather goods.  John and Richard elevated the brands status by taking the creative direction reigns of all leather categories.

Lucky for luxury shoppers in late 2018 the guys are back with their own collection.  Lamberston Truex is BACK! 

A few months later and the duo have found their stride again giving us chic, sophisticated designs with subtle detailing.   Luxury accessories that will be classic today, tomorrow, and probably years from now when you appreciate your investment in these well priced handbags.  Made from the finest raw materials and hardware, designer shoppers will immediately recognize the value. GRAND SHOULDER BAG - COGNAC CALF - $1,895.00

Click images to shop now.

*Those NY shoppers "in the know" about New Preston, CT - there is a very special pop-up happening with Lambertson Truex.  A special selection of bags are in-store now at Privet Lives.   John and Richard are often seen in the store and can monogram bags on request!  Click links above to visit websites.

GRAND SHOULDER BAG - GRAY CALF W/ SIGNATURE BLUE LEATHER LINING - $1,895.00GRAND SHOULDER BAG - GRAY CALF - $1,895.00

LADY GAGA WEARING THE TIFFANY DIAMOND AND ALEXANDER McQUEEN GOWN AT THE 2019 ACAMADY AWARDS. GAGA WON THE OSCAR FOR BEST SONG - "SHALLOW" FROM - A STAR IS BORN. PH: STEVE GRANITZ / GETTY IMAGESLady Gaga lit up the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards on Sunday Night in Hollywood.  Wearing a beautiful black Alexander McQueen strap-less gown with matching opera length gloves.  The dress flattered Gaga, but nothing could compete with the infamous 128 carat Tiffany Diamond around her neck! 

The yellow diamond was discovered in 1877 in the mines of South Africa, and this is only the third time in history it has been worn in public! Previously the most famous wearer was Audrey Hepburn herself, who wore the diamond for the premiere of #BreakastatTiffanys.   Read more about this world famous gem at Tiffany & Co. LADY GAGA STUNS THE CROWD IN TIFFANY & McQUEEN PH: GETTY IMAGES

Gaga took home Oscar for best song "Shallow" from A Star Is Born. 

To perform her now Oscar winning song, Gaga wore a racer back black gown by long time friend and supporter Brandon Maxwell.  The designer posted live shots on instagram as he was heard crying tears of joy watching his friend win Oscar gold... and wearing his design! 

Click over to the Tiffany & Co. Insta page for more stunning diamond images. 

For more information on this years Oscar winners, click over to the Academy Website.

BRAVO LADY GAGA!!Lady Gaga wins Oscar Gold for SHALLOW . Gaga wears a Brandon Maxwell Gown PH: Kevin Winter- Getty Images

 TIFFANY YELLOW DIAMOND - 128 CARATS - EST WORTH - $30 MILLION  

Click images to see SO MANY MORE options form these French masters of luxury goods.   

CHANEL / DIOR / HERMES / LOUIS VUITTON

DIOR SILK SCARFLOUIS VUITTON SILK SCARF

HERMES SILK SCARFCHANEL SILK SCARF

TRAVAUX EN COURS WOOL FELT FEDORAS - $110.00 - CLICK IMAGE TO SEE MORE AND SHOPNiche lifestyle brand Travaux En Cours had a very Happy Holiday this year! SAGE The brand known all over Europe for their chic bags, hats, aprons, and loafers made "the list".  Yes, that list.. "Oprah's Favorite Things"- the mega shopping list that gift givers all over the world look forward to each year.  The editors at O Magazine spend months shopping the world in search of just over 100 items that can appeal to everyone on your list.

Team Oprah chose TEC's wool felt fedoras - some with mohair bands, some with grosgrain trim.  The hats are unisex, and offered in two sizes that fit most - S/M-56, and L-58.  A range of colors means anyone can find a flattering shade.

The hats ship in the US from Christophe Pourny Studio - the brother of Cecile Fernez, one of the two women that design Travaux En Cours in France. NAVY  PINTo keep this all European, it's worth noting the hats are Made In Italy.GARNET

Click images to shop now.  Several are offered on Amazon Prime

A RANGE OF COLORS IN WOOL FELT FROM TRAVAUX EN COURS - MADE IN ITALY - $110.00

HERMES - OCTOGONE 23 HANDBAG w/ SHOULDER STRAP - $6,050.00 - shown in black2018.  Quite a year.  Fashion trends?  Ad campaigns and fashion mags will have you thinking "MORE IS MORE"... When one handbag has zippers, buckles, gems, decals, embroidery, and stickers - are you ready for the runway - or the circus?  Who's the ringleader?HERMES- OCTOGONE 23 BAG IN PROFILE

Well "Step Right Up" to see the sleek minimalist counterbalance that has made French luxury house Hermes a legend. HERMES- OCTOGONE 23 w/ SHOULDER STRAP- IN PROFILE   With a company credo - that LESS is more, of course Hermes has always known what is chic year after year.  The perfect proportions, the perfect details.  Functional.  Fashionable.  Timeless.  Versatile.   Your purchase is an investment.  Hand crafted by artisans, you are buying a piece of French history, as well as a future indulgence.

Case in Point: The Octogone 23 Clutch in calfskin with hand or shoulder strap.  This highly detailed bag is understated and packs a punch at the same time.  Craftsmanship is key, and this bag is a palette cleanser and grounding tool for any printed dress or shoe.  Available in three colors :  Indigo, Black, and Red.   Decisions decisions.   Price range - $4,525 - $6,050.00  #SantasHelpers  Visit HERMES todHERMES - OCTOGONE 23 - W/ SHOULDER STRAP - Shown in REDay and plan your next trip to a boutique!  NOTHING beats shopping in person.  

SONIA RYKIEL PAVE BAG - CELEBRATING THE BRANDS 50 YEARS IN FAHSION - $990.00 IN A RANGE OF COLORS - CLICK IMAGE TO SHOP BARNEYS

At a moment in fashion when more is more is more... the latest handbag by the house of Sonia Rykiel is a relief.. to both the eye.. and the wallet.  The Pave (cobblestone) bag is shaped like the stones it's named after.  THE LATE, GREAT SONIA RYKIEL - LEFT US IN 2016 AT THE AGE OF 86Meant as an homage to 1968 and the protests and rallies in France, and specifically Paris,  against President Charles de Gaulle.   SONIA RYKIEL PAVE HANDBAG - $990.00Massive street protests by the university students (a stone' throw from Rykiel's boutique) created the change in public sentiment that led to De Gaulle resigning soon after!

It is to that backdrop that designer Sonia Rykiel opened her left bank boutique.  A cultural and sexual revolution were unfolding at one of the most creative times in modern history.  Her boutique was a scene of poets and free thinkers.  Rykiel embodied the "non-fashion" fashion that would make her famous.  Simple, chic style, oh so Parisian, created in luxury fabrics. SONIA RYKIEL HOME COLLECTION - AVAILABLE AT BLOOMINGDALES  The New Pave bag celebrates 50 years of the house.  Sonia died in 2016 at the age of 86, but her legend and creativity lives on with the brand.  Celebrate your independent style, and #RESIST LOGOS this season!!   The bag is unisex, or non-gender specific.  Find them!  BARNEYS has the bags.  Click images to shop there. **If you are really savvy, you might find the version with a guitar strap!**

Worth noting: the brand has a beautiful home collection available at BLOOMINGDALES.  Click images to shop those items. 

 THE EVERYDAY BAG THAT WORKS WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE LOOKS - $990.00

CACHAREL - PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC On a warm evening in May, a select group of NY's fashion and design crowd gathered on the Upper East Side to celebrate the opening of Pamela Berkovic's collection of photographs.  This exhibit : Pamela Berkovic - A Woman's Eye did not disappoint

Known for her ability to pinpoint striking moments in the somewhat chaotic scene of fashion shows, Berkovic works from a vantage point that most people never have access to.  Some of the fashion worlds most celebrated and successful fashion designers invite her backstage during what is probably the most stressful few hours of their year.  They do so because they know her talent, and trust her vision to capture the most beautiful shots of this environment they create just a few times a year.  This is no small achievement.  Considering designers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, for a roughly 20 minute fashion show, to say the day can be a landmine of stressful situations is an understatement.   While "backstage" has become a popular genre for designers and photogs, it's true to say that Pamela Berkovic helped make it so.  She was one of the first (the first?) of her generation to be taking a different view of "fashion" and "beauty".  ZAC POSEN PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC

This exhibit included some of Berkovics favorite shots from recent years, not limited to fashion.  IN BLOOM : PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC Her use of lighting and her focus can take you by surprise, and command your attention.  She is easily one of the strongest photographers to work in the fashion industry in the last decade. 

It's no surprise that the exhibit was such a success.  Within a short time, many prints were sold. LANVIN - PH: PAMELA BERKOVIC

I'm excited to see where Ms. Berkovic will focus her eye next.  Inevitably, talented photographers are recruited for large commercial projects.  Some of the shots in this exhibit from campaigns were among her strongest.  With a portfolio that is so sophisticated, any campaign or project from the studio of Pamela Berkovic would be a first class affair.   Is film next?

For more information click on images.   Additionally, visit PAMELA BERKOVIC. 

PHOTOGRAPHER PAMELA BERKOVIC: DRESS:SACAI / SHOES: SAINT LAURENT