Chanel Captivates in Paris

Coco Chanel may have passed away in 1971, but her spirit survives. Fittingly, Audrey Tatou, who played the fashion designer in Coco Before Chanel, was on hand for Chanel's cocktail party in Paris on January 28th. The soiree honored Kirsten Dunst, who once graced the cover of Lula magazine in a Chanel frock. Hey, any excuse for party, right, especially if it includes Sofia Coppola (She directed Dunst in Marie Antoinette and The Virgin Suicides.), Karl Lagerfeld, Rachel Bilson, and Courtney Love, who were all there to toast this pre-Twilight bloodsucker (Remember Interview with a Vampire?).

Earlier in the week, Chanel dazzled the crowd at the Pavillon Cambon with its stunning Spring-Summer 2011 Haute Couture show. See for yourself here. Inspired by Coco's affection for Byzantine-type baubles, the Paris-Byzance show glittered with gems, and I'm not just referring to the bejeweled, but wearable, outfits on the runway. Kristen Dunst, Diane Kruger, Jerry Hall, Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, and Johnny Depp's gal pal Vanessa Paradis all sparkled in the audience.

Oh, to savor the easy life in Paris. Tyson is giving away $5,000 in their Life Made Easy Sweepstakes, so you can do just that. Ease up and enter.

Voilà - the link to Tyson's Life Made Easy Sweepstakes:

http://www.fitpicks.com/tyson/

And Sew It Goes - Christmas In July

It may be sizzling outside, but that doesn't prevent winter haute couture from gracing the Paris catwalks in July. Karolina Kurkova kicked off Elie Saab's show, while burlesque artist Dita von Teese titillated on Jean-Paul Gaultier's kitty ramp. Gossip Filles, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, along with Jessica Alba and Milla Jovovich, generated a lot of, well, gossip, at Karl Lagerfeld's celebfest show for Chanel. Elle show pony, Olivia Palermo, was snapped on the red carpet at Hugo Boss, looking annoyed. (Hmm... did she just bump into Erin or get caught on the red carpet committing another faux pas? Guess we'll have to endure another season of The City to find out. Cross your legs that Joe will muster the nerve to chew her out again.)

Yes, The Last Emperor has retired, but Valentino capitalized on fashion week by throwing a fête champêtre on the opulent grounds of his Louis XIII chateau, Wildville. Liz Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claire Danes, and other lovelies, joined the glam gala to commemorate the launch of his archives.

Sew... want to see how some designers work? Project Runway struts into it's 8th season tonight on Lifetime. Plus, you could win $10,000 in their You're In Or You're Out Sweepstakes. That ought to cover a trip to the next fashion week and The Valentino Garavani Archives. Ramp it up and enter.

Voilà - the link to the You're In Or You're Out Sweepstakes:

http://www.mylifetime.com/sweepstakes/project-runway-youre-in-or-youre-out

Restoration Comedy

For the past four years, designer Ralph Lauren has been meticulously restoring 173 Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris. Built between 1681 and 1683, this French Rococo building with a strong Beaux-Arts influence was renovated in close cooperation with historical advisers, artisans, and highly skilled craftsmen to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the building's architecture, style, and finishing. How ironic that this magnificent French maison, which had it's grand opening April 15th, now houses a clothing brand from the States as well as a lavish American restaurant, Ralph's, that will dish up - what else? - burgers! Ubiquitous French film stars, Gerard Depardieu and Jean Reno were on hand for the elegant debut, along with Karl Lagerfeld, and
Marisa Berenson. Among the Americans in Paris? Kevin Spacey, and Lauren Bush.

And while we're on the topic of restoration, Elle is running a Clinique Foundation Brush Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize is $1,000, plus some Clinique products that will best restore the winner's skin. That's enough to buy a ticket to Paris and chow down a burger at Ralph's. (You know I'm not referring to that grocery chain!) Get ready for your own renovation and enter.

Voilà - the link to the Elle magazine Clinique Foundation Brush Sweepstakes:

http://www.elle.com/Sweepstakes/Hidden-sweeps/Clinique-Foundation-Brush-Sweepstakes