BlackBook Magazine

From the front rows to behind-the-scenes, our flâneur with film discovers beauty from every angle during Fashion Week in the City of Lights.

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THE KAISER: Karl Lagerfeld at the Fendi party.

In Paris, the answer to every civic problem might actually be: more fashion! Indeed, anchoring the Docks de Paris project revival of a downtrodden Left Bank industrial site along the quai D’Austerlitz, La Cite de la Mode et du Design is set to be the capital’s fourth museum dedicated to matters sartorial. As the name indicates, this one will also address a broader spectrum of design, and up the fab factor by incorporating designer boutiques and a chic rooftop restaurant from the people behind Georges, the Pompidou’s futuristic eatery in the sky.

Whether or not Interpol’s Carlos D and/or The Horrors can claim all the credit, it’s certainly hip to be Goth again. So it’s fitting that the world’s most fashionable city pay homage to history’s most enduringly sexy beast. Jacques Sirgent, France’s premier practitioner of Dracophilia, has now opened Musée des Vampires, his vampiric stash to all the macabre-hearted and Kohl-painted amongst the living. His salaciously creepy collection ranges from film posters to costumes and weapons; and private tours might include parlour games, discussions (no doubt many regarding the virtues of the new Bauhaus record), and even dinner parties—though you might want to scrutinize le vin rouge before imbibing.

From the London West Hollywood to the Pantheon in Paris, these contradictions promise luxury and decadence aplenty.

Encanto Beach Club at El San Juan Hotel & Casino
Strip House at Condado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
elsanjuanhotel.com, condadoplaza.com

San Juan has been edging toward new-world trendiness for some time, and there’s nothing that says “new world” louder (or more specifically) than a high-powered beach club. The brainchild of nightlife guru Stephane Dupoux (Buddha Bar, Cielo), Encanto Beach Club is all about modern extravagance—the poolside cabanas feature WiFi and flat-screen televisions (in case you find looking at half-naked sunbathers a bore). And the club offers gambling lessons, on the house, as well as Spanish lessons, on the casa. Also of note in Puerto Rico’s capital is the new Strip House restaurant at the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino (above). The interiors, by David Rockwell, are gorgeous—and the spinach, you ask? It’s done up with truffles and cream. Rico, suave.

Dior turns 60! And goes all out, bashing at Versailles and displaying a collection of romantic femininity

Dior’s show was a celebration of the house’s 60th birthday, from the outrageous nighttime party at Versailles to the accomplished strutting of great supermodels like Linda, Naomi, Amber, Shalom, Gisele, and more. Galliano focused on who the clothes are made for—women—and less on theatrics. His beauties marched down a runway inspired by painters, fashion illustrators, and photographers, each linked to significant historical periods and the corresponding Dior look (starting with 1947). Every model enjoyed a perfect ensemble, be it a perfect curvilinear shape, a glistening duchesse satin skirt, or a sparkle on sequin. Needless to say, all came complete with the signature Dior glamour as well.