I recently escaped home to Bermuda to enjoy the pink sand beaches and catch Beyonce, Solange, Alicia Keys, UB40 and reggae superstar Collie Buddz at the Bermuda Music Festival. I wasn’t exactly in a fashion editor frame of mind, but as soon as Solange hit the stage I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her shiny black leather stilettos with hot pink platforms. (Much more experimental with her style than big sister Beyonce, Solange takes fashion risks that remind me of a young Diana Ross in Mahogany. )
The second I got back to New York, I was on the hunt to find out who made the fierce gladiator platforms, praying that they were not custom made for the star. Lucky for me — and any other girl who loves a crazy shoe with an insanely high heel — they’ll be in Giuseppe Zanotti Design Boutiques this month. And for us non-celeb types who actually have to pay for our shoes, they’re $995.
Solange photo by Alex Masters
Spotted: Solange's Insane Shoes
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Fall Footwear: Our High-Low Mix
When it comes to shoes at the office, we really have our ups and downs around here. Take today, for instance. While half the fashion staff opted for low-heeled oxfords or jazz-y numbers, others are sporting full-on platforms. As unlikely as it may sound, the common denominator — our editors claim — is comfort. Carolyn Angel says the cork soles of her sky-high Balenciagas (above right) make them “almost like a Birkenstock.” And Rebecca Ramsey insists she can “run” from one market appointment to the next in her Prada lace-up heels (above left). (Hmmm…we’d love to see that.)
For Treena Lombardo, her much-loved Giorgio Armani oxfords (above left) are equally foot- and wardrobe-friendly. “They always seem to come out at the first signs of fall,” she says, “with tweeds and other menswear fabrics one gravitates to in the chilly weather.”
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Square and Square Alike at Balenciaga
Nicholas Ghesquiere made a strong statement at Balenciaga with his très chic—not to mention très covetable—little square bags covered in stones. (Each model carried her own lizard or croc version down the runway.) The accoutrements, so far, are our front runner for favorite accessory of the season. (See WWD's review of the show here.)
All photos by Giovanni Giannoni.
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Milan's Mile-High Club
The sky was the limit—almost literally—last week on Milan's runways. Designers showed the highest of heels, paired with, in many cases, teetering three or four-inch platforms. So far this season, the trend towards sculptural, decorative (and unforgiving!) high heels is alive and well.
Photos by (from left) Giovanni Giannoni, Stephane Feugere, and Davide Maestri.
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Kissing Up to Manolo Blahnik, Big Time
Blahnik, who was forced to hobble his way down the red carpet due to a torn ligament, seemed bemused by all the fuss around him. Dressed in a pink bowtie, orange velvet slip-ons, and purple striped socks, the designer -- who remained glued to Liu's side most of the night -- played Mr. Modesty. "This is all for me?" he asked.
Elsewhere, Hilary Duff, looking every bit the fashionista in a pair of Blahnik booties and Herve Leger bandage skirt, hung in a corner with a girlfriend (boyfriend Mike Comrie was out of town), while January Jones, fresh off of her Sunday night Emmy win, explained that her sexy red patent Mary Janes were actually the first pair of Manolos she's ever owned. The designer's reps had invited her to pick them out just the day before for the party. "I hope there are a lot more in my future," she said cheerfully.From top: Lucy Liu, Manolo Blahnik and January Jones; Hilary Duff. Photo by Donato Sardella
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Dreaming of Jil Sander
We may be on our way to Paris for the next round of shows, but visions of Jil Sander still dance in our heads. Indeed, Raf Simons' standout collection (see WWD's review) was the Milan highlight. From his smart tailored suits to his fringe festival of dresses, the lineup was sultry, subtle and chic, chic, chic. 
And who can ever forget that dreamy lineup of accessories? Simons' new jewelry
collaboration with Damiani looked exquisite, especially the tribal-inspired diamond, pearl and colored-stone earrings. We also loved those sculptural shoes inspired by Brancusi, as well as the beautiful bags draped in fringe.
Photos by Giovanni Giannoni (three top looks, earrings and bag) and Stephane Feugere (shoes).
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We Heart This Watch
Working here at W, it's not uncommon to silently covet co-workers' shoes, coats, dresses and earrings. But a few weeks ago, when I bumped into Market Director Treena Lombardo in, of all places, the ladies' room, I practically put her in a half nelson so I could get a better look at the ginormous yellow-faced gold watch she was wearing. (This occurred post-hand washing, btw). Asking about the timepiece, I steadied myself for the letdown, ready to hear "Dad's Rolex" or "Baume and Mercier" or some other watchmaker leagues beyond my price range. Instead, she raised her eyebrows and informed me, "Michael Kors. $250. It's great, right?" Needless to say, I shot straight over to the designer's Madison Avenue boutique and bought myself the same oversized Gold Chrono. (Launched last spring, it's intended for either men or women.).With its one-inch wide band and its nearly two-inch face radius, it makes my men's Bulgari watch look downright dainty. I'm happy to report that despite its massive girth, it's surprisingly comfortable. And the compliments! I've been averaging about three each time I wear it, including from the very discerning Leonard Lauder. When I met him for lunch last week, he reached over to my wrist and said, "Now, tell me about this watch, Jane Larkworthy." I was pleased to inform him that it was by a designer whose fragrances are under the Estée Lauder umbrella.
Photos by Alexandra Marvar.
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Arm in Arm
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Stacking Up for Spring
Any combination will do, as the bracelets shown at Marc Jacobs (above left) and Marc by Marc Jacobs (above right), as well as (below, from left) Malo, Alyssa Norton for VPL and Vera Wang proved that all shapes and sizes are up for consideration. We prefer a mix of widths and texture to personalize the look. So start collecting and keep stacking.
Photos by George Chinsee (Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc), Giovanni Giannoni (Malo and VPL) and Robert Mitra (Vera Wang).Categories:
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Extras, Extras
Unless you're sitting front row, spotting standout accessories can be close to impossible. But New York designers have been keeping things in perspective for us so far this week.
At Tiffany's breakfast for its new "2009 Blue book" collection, the fifth floor was transformed into a black-and-white glamour room filled with models wearing dazzling gems, all styled by Jen Rade. Our favorite piece? A beautiful lifelike Lily brooch made of plique à jour enamel and diamonds. --TALYA COUSINS
Thakoon Panichgul added a great oversized shape to his
growing eyewear collection. The sunglasses, with dusty rose tinted
semi-transparent lenses, were a great contrast to Thakoon's playful
collection.
Jeweler Eddie Borgo has had his hands full preparing the launch of his namesake collection while simultaneously providing the bling for several shows including 3.1 Philip Lim, Jen Kao, Frank Tell and Camilla Staerk. At that latter, Borgo's silver, gold and black feather-esque arm bands and brooches were standouts. --BEITRESSA MANDELBAUM
Photos by Carlton Davis (Tiffany), Robert Mitra (Thakoon), and Giovanni Giannoni (Staerk).
