Summer is still here, but at Via Rue, we can’t help but look forward to fall. Come September 22, we will be hosting a Girls’ Day Out in San Francisco with a bevy of Hermès devotees. Our girls’ day out will begin with a champagne brunch which will be followed by a tour with Hermès. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Hermès’s craftspeople and to discover the artisan secrets that goes into creating their iconic leather goods and signature pieces. Each guest will receive a special gift bag after the event. The event is limited to only 25 guests and are available at: http://viaruetravels.eventbrite.com/. See you there!
Anna Piaggi, aged 81, died in her home in Milan last Tuesday. Eccentric, flamboyant, glamorous, original… With azurean hair topped with a Stephen Jones hat, and a resplendent outfit to match, Anna was a fashion fixture that commanded everyone’s attention. Way before street style eccentrics came to the spotlight, Anna was one of the rare birds who truly dressed as a form of self-expression. She will be missed. Click here for a roundup of the italian editor’s most memorable outfits.
Last night, we attended Madewell’s first anniversary party in San Francisco. Erika Chan of HonestlyWTF.com held court at the DIY crafts table with an array of embellished buttons, jewels, and crystals. A group of women surrounded her, with a cocktail in one hand, while busily gluing the miniature charms on jeans and various forms of chambray. On another side of the store, shoppers were treated to Bi-Rite cupcakes and local beer. The scene was something out of a quirky fashion blogger meets sorority girl gathering.
Since its relaunch in 2006, the 76-year old workwear company (as in painter overalls and utility pants), has found a new army of fans. In place of utility workers, the brand is now the casual but hip uniform of the likes of Rachel Bilson, Jessica Alba, and Naomi Watts. It’s not hard to love J.Crew’s younger sister. The capsule collections with Alexa Chung were effortlessly girly and fresh. And the fall collection promises more of this style direction - lots of print mixing, patterns, polka dots, quirky graphics paired with skinny jeans, tulip skirts and varsity wear. The “disheveled cool-girl” look has been here for awhile and it looks likes it’s here to stay.
Our favorite looks from the Madewell Fall Lookbook
When given the task of creating a functional and practical hand bag, fashion scion Silvia Venturini Fendi did just the opposite. Instead she dreamed up a small bag that would be carried under the arm like a french baguette. In the last 15 years, we’ve seen many editions of the original “it” bag - from simple and casual to couture-like pieces that boasts of intricate embroidery, crystals and exotic skin - all which sparked a frenzy in many Fendi stores across the globe. In celebration of the iconic bag’s birthday, Rizzoli issued a 344-page coffee table book featuring 1,000 designs. I have a soft spot for art collaborations and the custom pieces by Richard Prince and Enoc Perez will constantly remain on my wish list. But for now, perhaps a framed version from the Baguette book will do.
