MACKO MOMENTS!

(PARIS) The weather in Paris is much cooler than it was in Milan, and that puts everyone in good spirits. The day starts off with a backstage preview of Louis Vuitton with designer Paul Helbers.

The Palais de Tokyo is abuzz by 9:00 a.m. when we arrive. Models are in hair and makeup and the looks are all hung on the racks. Paul explains to us that his inspiration for the collection was Charlie Chaplin, who, despite his reputation for baggy suits and bowlers, was a fastidious dresser. Kanye West and Pharrell Williams are front row for the show, the first half of which is cast in a beautiful shade of white called papier-mâché, which is then proceeded by hues of faded black, grayish blue and coral.

One of the funniest moments backstage is when we notice that one of the models is named "Dallas" and another is named "Texas," and they are next to each other in the run of show. The new Vuitton bags the models carry down the runway are beautiful--soft and very deconstructed, including a navy blue crocodile bag that I will dream about tonight. There are also ribbon medals with a small hanging shoe, sunglass or jacket that the models wear on their lapels--it's the fashion version of a Boy Scout merit badge!

After the Vuitton show, we go to the runway launch of Kilgour. Aston Martin is one of their sponsors and there is one parked in the lobby of the show venue. It is painted matte white (a trend we just covered in Details!). Super chic!

The rest of the day proceeds: Number (N)ine, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yohji Yamamoto, Veronique Branquinho, Richard Chai and Dries Van Noten. Dries follows the white car theme by showing in a car park that is strategically filled with vintage white cars. To make it even better, several of the cars are hatchbacks serving sandwiches, Pimm's cups and ginger ale. The show itself is classic Dries and is beautiful--proving, once again, why he is the master of pattern mixing with his relaxed yet sophisticated silhouette.

The day ends with Vuitton's Meg Carlozzi hosting her annual American press dinner; this season it's at La Coupole, best known for its dining room that resembles an enormous railroad station. We are at a table for 30 and all of the fashion teams are there. We all have a surprise for Meg because it's her birthday and the Coupole waiters bring out a giant cake with sparklers and they all sing "Happy Birthday" to her in French!

Another beautiful day in Paris!
--Till Monday
Michael