District L

Retreat back to Roitfeld's reign with this editorial from Vogue Paris (September 2006) -- shot by by Craig McDean.

Carine Roitfeld shocked the industry by announcing her departure from French Vogue this morning. After 10 years as editor, the waif-like, candid Parisian admits, "I have no plan at all."

With killer heels and a nearly shadowless silhouette, young Carine got her start by modeling. Roitfeld began appearing in the pages of magazines like French Elle when she was 18-years old. Her evolution from model to muse was effortless, eventually becoming the consultant to Tom Ford at Gucci and Yves Saint-Laurent.

Maintaining that French Vogue would ultimately impede her creativity, it's assumed she might return to her a-muse-ing ways. Olivier Zahm is already set to publish her biography by Fall 2011, which will undoubtedly result in additional media reaction.

We're hoping a migration to New York? Diddy already took that last train to Paris, but we're sure she'll make it out in time.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Another New York Fashion Week has come and passed, but not without one last District L review of the week’s wild events.

Friday the 13th spelled bad luck for Yigal Azrouël who apparently did not want Ashley Dupré, Eliot Spitzer’s former call girl, in the front row of his show. Yigal claimed that when he reviewed the seating chart with Kelly Cutrone, this scandalous celebrity’s name was nowhere to be found. The fabulous designer concluded to WWD, “I’m not going to work with [Cutrone] anymore.” He then added, “I’m really not happy about it.”

Paris and Nicky caused a paparazzi stir on Monday as they entered The New York Free Library for Jill Stuart’s show. While I adore the fun-loving Hilton sisters, attendees found it annoying that they were fooling around for the duration of the show. This further reinforces my beliefs that, for the most part, Young Hollywood and New York Fashion Week do not mix.

Later that evening, guests were surprised to see Carine Roitfeld at the William Rast show. For some reason, Justin Timberlake and Paris Vogue don’t seem all that compatible.

On Tuesday afternoon, Behnaz Sarafpour was cut a raw deal. While his invites read 2:30pm, the IMG schedule said 2:00pm. The time discrepancy caused his venue to be half-empty at the start of his show (or half-full, depending how you look at it.)

The Armani store on 5th had its opening party Tuesday evening. Anna, Carine, Chace Crawford and the Beckhams were on the guest list. PETA protestors also made an appearance… outside.

3.1 Phillip Lim showed on Wednesday the 18th. Surprisingly, the show was not well attended and some standing room guests even snagged first and second row seats! On the other hand, Kanye and his entourage didn’t give up their first row spots. He strutted in just as the lights dimmed.

Richie Rich’s first show as a solo designer was also on the 18th. While Kanye didn’t make it to this show, 40-something sexpot Pamela Anderson was there to grab the spotlight.
“She totally embodies the Marilyn Monroe of our times,” Richie Rich gushed. Really??

Speaking of Marilyn, Marilyn Agency celebrated their 10th anniversary at Rose Bar last night. There’s no better way to toast the end of an eventful Fashion Week than with a glass (or three) of Veuve.

…and that’s just what District L is about to do! Cheers!

Post by Amanda LaMela

7:00pm: Carine Roitfeld spotted at the Armani Store opening on 5th Avenue. Not at your son's event, Carine?

8:40pm: Final preparations are being made downtown for The Faces of Fashion Week. Get the Gin Bath ready for Angie Pontani!

8:45pm: Domenico Vacca's runway show attendees pour out of the Salon, causing confusion for the buzzing Narciso Rodriguez PR girls. Huffing and puffing ensues.

10:35am: The once-empty lobby is now mobbed with guests for Carolina Herrera, including designer Tory Burch, stylist Rachel Zoe, and the multi-talented Robert Verdi.

11:15am: French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld was overheard asking a security guard where she could find the Promenade. Haven't you had enough experience with this, Madame?

11:45am: Two overdone high school students tried to get in through the front entrance by claiming their parents were inside the tents and they couldn't get in touch with them. When asked what show their parents were seeing, they replied, "The next one."

12:30: Paris and Nicky show up at the New York Public Library for the Jill Stuart show sending paparazzi in a frenzy.

2:55: The DKNY show finishes at its off-site location without any word of PETA protests.

Post by Amanda LaMela