We're Back...

Hello fashion darlings, do you miss me? First, I'd like to apologize for my one month hiatus 'cos there's so many things to do, plus a number of vacations and yes, shopping news. Gosh, after a month away from the fashion and shopping world, I've almost forgot what happened but thankfully my fashion spies are always on the go reporting me what's opening, what's closing(haha) and what's upcoming in town and around the region.

First, let us start with two boutique opening and reopening. After almost a decade of its closure, Parisian fashion house Lanivin is back with a new store at KL's most luxurious and quiet shopping destination, Star Hill Gallery. Located on the Indulge Floor, the boutique offers ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women. For Spring, designer Alber Elbaz brought subtleties, express modernities and minimalism feeling into each of his women's ready-to-wear creation in forms of zipped-up narrow skirts, shirts, and ties; kimono-derived dresses; and tapered pants, pulled in with wide patent or elastic belts. For men, trench coat is the Lanvin look of the season and an essential feature in every sophisticated yet elegant men's wardrobe. For the upcoming Fall/Winter 2006 collection, which is scheduled to hit stores between mid-August to early October, expect a fierce, streamlined, high-platformed collection with a mixed elements taken from Dior's New Look, Balenciaga's volumes, Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealism and Yves Saint Laurent's pantsuits.

Now let's move to the most anticipated event of the year for all fashionistas in Malaysia, especially Dior fans. It is the reopening of Dior's revamped flagship boutique. Opened last May, the new boutique boasts a larger floorspace with 300-square meters and showcasing a new architecture feature of transparent glass façade that leads into a mainly white interior, mixed with silver carved oak counters and mirror trimmings, grey wool carpet, leather poufs and Napoleon III chairs. The wall covering alternates between modern glossy display units and mirrors that are crowned with hand-carved mouldings with a traditional touch.

“The architecture concept and design of the boutique are developed by the Paris team and we are thrilled because the enormous façade of the Dior boutique at Starhill is one of the most stunning façade we have seen in the world,” said Peter Cheung, Dior Couture Asia Pacific regional marketing director.

The event was graced by socialites, celebrities and Dior fans alike. To add pizzaz, Dior Malaysia proudly brought in its first Fine Jewellery Exhibition in Malaysia. featuring works of Dior's master jeweller Victoire de Castellane, there are plans in the near future to make the Dior Fine Jewellery a permanent feature in Malaysia. Also debuting in Malaysia is the new Chiffre Rouge watch for men. Designed by Dior Homme's Heidi Slimane, the watch is a must have accessory for men and is a available in a numbered limited edition.

Both Christian Dior and Lanvin are located at Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.