Manolo Blahnik’s New Obsession: Flats

Well, we already know he makes great heels. And we know that platforms are the ugliest shoes he has ever seen in his life. So, about flats? Apparently, Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite designer loves flats. “It’s much more difficult to be beautiful and walk femininely in flats. Bardot in France did it and Audrey Hepburn in America. They looked fantastic and walked like tigers, beautiful and graceful, but you can walk like a beach bum in them - then they don’t look so good.” The secret to impressing the great show designer with your shoes is not their style and pricetag but rather your attitude. “I love any kind of shoe as long as the right person is wearing them,” says the talented Manolo. Except platforms of course.

Armani Opens Largest Boutique Yet in Milan

Giorgio Armani has opened his largest boutique to date in Milan’s Palazzo Taverna which was once home to the city’s most famous poets, none other than Carlo Porta.

Situated on Via Montenapoleone 2, the store is over 2,000 square meters and has three floors. The concept of the store is by Giorgio Armani in collaboration with his in-house architects.The store’s design is in sleek black lacquer and dove gray fabric. Very classic, very beautiful, just like Italy’s greatest Giorgio Armani.

The ground floor has accessories and clothing for women as well as Giorgio Armani Privé fragrances and Crema Nera and Skin Minerals skincare products. The Armani Casa collection features products designed exclusively for the new store, and will be sold only at this store. The first floor has the men’s clothing and accessories’ collections like the Classic Giorgio Armani and Made to Measure lines. The second floor features the evening wear and accessories for women and luxury goods including Giorgio Armani Privé precious jewels and Giorgio Armani Borgo 21 watches.

So, in case you are passing through Milan, make sure you go on Via Montenapoleone 2. Below are photos from the store at the courtesy of Sfilate.

“Paris, Not France”: The Paris Hilton Documentary

Paris Hilton and boyfriend Benji Madden from the band Good Charlotte showed up at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premier of “Paris, Not France,” a documentary film about the life of the famous Hilton heiress. The film is the first feature effort of film director Adria Petty, the daughter of rocker Tom Petty. Adria spent a year documenting Paris’ life, following her to many events and interviewing Hilton’s parents, Kathy and Rick, sister Nicky and personalities such as Donald Trump. Besides the featured insider interviews, the film shows a scene where a make-up artist prepares Paris for a public appearance while she is asleep. Feel sorry for her yet? Paris also openly and apparently repeatedly talks about her infamous sex tape and portrays herself as the victim. “I’m basically being judged, and they’re creating this false person, and I can’t do anything about it,” Hilton says in the film. She also compares herself favorably to Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana, although she does not mention their tragic ends … Director Adria publicly thanked Paris for her “humor, wit, trust and taking me on the most incredible journey of my life.”

Manolo Blahnik Blue Satin “Sex and the City” Pumps Go On Sale!

Remember the blue satin Manolo Blahniks that brought Carrie and Mr. Big together at the end of the Sex and the City movie? Of course, you do. Who doesn’t? Well, the infamous pumps go on sale today at Bergdorf Goodman. While Carrie said in the movie that the shoes cost $525, the reality is almost twice as high at the price of $945. In the movie, Big proposes to Carrie with these exact blue satin pumps in one of the most memorable scenes. To critics, this particular Manolo style seemed like a letdown but fans disagree as the store Bergdorf Goodman has been besieged with more than 100 requests from customers to buy these love shoes. Mr. Blahnik does not seem too impressed saying, “Oh, good Lord … I think that’s quite obscene.” Nonetheless, our very own favourite shoe designer will be at the store on the sales floor at 3 p.m. to happily sign your shoes.

Julia Roberts and Giorgio Armani Collaborate for a Good Cause

Julia Roberts is teaming up with Italian designer Giorgio Armani to create t-shirts supporting the (PRODUCT) RED initiative. The shirts will be for both women and men and will be sold through the Emporio Armani brand. They will be available in grey, white, black and red and will feature the tree of life motif that Julia Roberts created last year in her first collaboration with the designer, when back in December of 2007, the duo created bracelets for the good cause. 40 percent of the gross profit margin of the shirts will go towards the Global Fund, in support of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs in Africa. Roberts specifically requested that the t-shirts will be made in Africa as well. Armani, in great admiration of the talented actress says, “Julia has helped to create beautiful and unique designs for both women and men, which will be a visible reminder of the part that we can all play in fighting AIDS in Africa. I adore working with Julia and appreciate, once again, how she always stands by my side in important collaborations such as this.”

We can show our support for this important cause by buying the shirts when they hit stored in September for the price of $125. They will also be available online at http://emporioarmani.com.

Fashion: Yachting

Going on a yacht and sailing away is becoming more and more about fashion than the sport itself. We have seen famous designers, such as Roberto Cavalli and supermodels, such as Kate Moss indulge in this hot lifestyle over the summer. Yachts are also the set for many designer photo shoots and music videos. Yachting has also inspired many design collections with its crisp whites and linen long dresses. And who can forget the never-ending nautical trend? Many designers have also made collections especially for cruising and “boat dressing.” Whether you will chose to sail from Positano to Provence or from Venice to Santorini, the sun-drenched coasts, the azure waters and the Mediterranean breeze will be the perfect combination to your upscale fashion sense. Now, here are a few tips for your yachting adventure.

Hot Bikini: Chose a beautiful and glamorous bikini. Softer colors and golden tones are preferable. You may chose bandeau, triangle or a one piece bikini. Keep in mind that the most important thing for a bikini, is to feel comfortable and sexy. You can slip into some tiny Brazilian cuts like Rosa Cha or chose from the variety of swimwear at Victoria’s Secret.

Cover-up Essential: As it gets quite windy on the yacht, you need to have a cover-up. Remember to chose wisely in order to be color coordinated with your bikini. If your bikini is neutral, chose a pattern and bolder cover-up. You can be more elegant with a Kimono-style or crocheted cover-up.

Hat Must-Have: Hats are very important and here is your chance to experiment with an extravagant hat. You may chose over sized crocheted hat with large decorations. Just remember that it should fit you well, so that you do not have to chase it in the sea.

Sunscreen: You should enjoy the sun to the fullest but be extra careful. Sunscreens are extremely important to ensure that your skin will be youthful and glowing. Remember to apply the lotions regularly throughout the day and do not forget to protect your face, lips and hair also. If you chose to wear lip gloss, be sure to apply sunscreen on top of it. As an alternative, the Balm Shelter Lip Gloss is a moisturizing, sheer gloss with SPF to protect and it comes in all shades. Aveeno offers good face and body sunscreens and Fekkai has some great leave-in-conditioners with activated UV shield to protect your hair!

Accessorize: Sunglasses are your absolute most important accessory. Remember that fashion and protection will go hand in hand. Over sized glasses are still in but you can experiment with the patterns and colors. Bags are a necessity. Louis Vuitton offers great beach bags, large but classy enough to show your fashion sense and practical side. Jewelry becomes more important as the sun sets. Chose one center piece and remember that less is more. You may decide to wear a large turquoise ring or a white pearls necklace.

Dress Appropriately: When on the yacht, fancy dresses and shoes are not needed. However, when stopping at ports and going to the fancy coast restaurants, note that cotton, linen and silk materials are impressive. White is the queen of chic but do not underestimate all shades of blue. You may chose longer or capri linen pants and short silk dresses. Shoes are preferably wedges or comfortable high slides. The materials can be colorful fabrics and even decorated with crystals or flowers for a more fancy look. Remember that gold tones are especially stunning with a golden tan during summer. If you are looking for high fashion, Chanel never disappoints with Resort wear and its Cruise Collections.

Sea Scent: When going out at night, make sure you bring your sea adventure to the inland. Eau d’Italie from Positano, Italy is a collection of shower gels, scented soaps and perfumes inspired by the world famous five-star Positano hotel La Sirenuse hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This fragrance is so cultural that it is sold only at the hotel and a few London boutiques. It has a fresh and seductive scent especially for the summer months.

Bring Your Camera: You will be spending unforgettable moments at sea. The adventure-romance combo should be pictured. Explore the coasts and azure waters, and at night have some fun time in your fashion outfits and golden tan.