Amy Larocca’s Milan Fashion Week DispatchThe ugliest bag the fashion director has ever seen, plus loveliness at Gucci, Brunello Cucinelli, and the Vionnet store opening.
John McCain’s New Strategist Basically a DickLoads of colorful anecdotes about the personality of the man McCain affectionately calls “Sgt. Schmidt,” some of which would make even Machiavelli cringe.
Joe Bruno Gets a New JobThe former State Senate Majority Leader will be the CEO of an information technology firm — which, of course, has contracts with the state government.
show & tell
Vionnet’s New Designer Says Modern Women Want an Amazing Bust
At Barneys this weekend, we met Sophia Kokosalaki, the 33-year-old Londoner who has taken on the daunting task of resurrecting the legendary French fashion house Vionnet, which invented the bias cut and was favored by Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Greta Garbo in the twenties. Vionnet shuttered its doors at the beginning of WWII in 1939, which means Kokosalaki’s collection is the first to emerge from the house in 68 years.
party lines
Party Preview: The Week’s Best BashesForget about the clothes, it’s the parties! There are too many to fêtes to mention all of them, but here are five you don’t want to miss. Don’t have an invite? New York’s Jada Yuan and the Fug Girls will be there to report back on the glamour and the gaffes. Check our continuing party coverage throughout the week for all the photos and gossip.
What: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kickoff
Where: The Box, 189 Chrystie St., nr. Stanton St.
When: February 1, 9 p.m.
Who: Mena Suvari, Nick Cannon, Michael C. Hall, and L.A. band Shiny Toy Guns.
Why to go: Patrick Bateman may not be there, but Jessica Stam can still cozy up to Dexter.
What: Vionnet launch
Where: Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., at 61st St.
When: February 2, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Who: Everyone. Victoria Bartlett, Gilles Bensimon, Valerie Steele, Phillip Lim, Olivia Chantecaille, Meredith Melling Burke, Padma Lakshmi, Sally Singer, and, of course, Sophia Kokosalaki.
Why to go: To get a first glimpse of the resurrected French label.
What: Rock & Republic after-party
Where: Hiro Ballroom, the Maritime Hotel, 371 W. 16th St., at Ninth Ave.
When: February 2, 10 p.m.
Who: Mark Ronson, designer Mark Ball, and a gaggle of catwalkers. Lady Sovereign will perform at midnight.
Why to go: Promises to be the best concert of the week.
What: Marc Jacobs after-party
Where: The MJ bash is the most sought-after invite. Details are on the deep DL.
When: February 5
Who: The Olsens, the Roitfelds, Jessica Stam and every model worth looking at.
Why to go: If you have to ask, that’s why you’re not there.
What:Heatherette after-party
Where: Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St., nr. Broadway
When: February 6, 10:30 p.m.
Who: Lydia Hearst, Tinsley Mortimer, Amanda Lepore, and Paris Hilton.
Why to go: Best place to fly your freak flag.
