Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/293658
APRIL | PAGE 6 | 2014 R evelatory" might not be sufficiently exclamatory for my reaction to seeing the work of Álvaro González for the first time. Design director at Italian leather- goods company Valextra, González launched a namesake line of sandals and belts last spring, with his men's items immediately picked up by Mr. Porter, among others including Paris' Colette. His work exemplifies the sophistication of an industry insider — which he unquestionably is, with stints at Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Tod's, Loewe and Loro Piana. His men's spring collection is composed of four sandal styles in both simple vegetal tanned calf and alligator (with a galvanized brass buckle integrated into two styles) and skinny, slim and wide belts executed in an identical manner. From $395, at mrporter. com … Zing went the strings of my heart when I discovered the wonderfully witty work of lifelong friends turned business partners Alexis Zambrano and Jesus Torres, who hail from Monterrey but now live and work in NYC. After reconnecting while at school in the city, they realized neither could find the unique accessories they were seeking, so they opted to make them. After a stint apprenticing under a New York jeweler, they founded M. de Pochas, a name inspired by the macabre fin de siècle masterpiece by dandy Frenchman Jena Lorrain. Almost more exciting than their cuff links — what's not to love about an enamel iris on one's wrist? — are their splendid stickpins; current designs include diamond-studded enamel pansies and splayed banana peels, and sunny-side-up eggs in a sterling-silver skillet. From $250, at mdepochas.com … You've been asked to a gala but don't own a tux? Forgo the bleak rental options and acquaint yourself with theblacktux.com, a sartorial site that reimagines renting tuxedos. Three styles are available, including one in midnight blue with satin peak lapels, as well as shirts, vests, ties and bow ties, studs, cuff links, and shoes. The process is painless and affordable, with free shipping both ways. Making the venture even more alluring are the curated looks: tailored odes to menswear style, such as The Royal Tenenbaums and The Rat Pack. From $160 for a complete outfit, at theblacktux.com … Hamilton Shirts' spring collection has me pining for an occasion to wear short-sleeved linen button-downs. Highlights of the nearly 40-piece collection are the 1883 work shirt in solid khaki twill, the classic button-down in polka-dot poplin, linen pullovers, five new designs that continue Hamilton's collaboration with Lyle Lovett and a geometric poplin patchwork button-down in juxtaposed blues. From $225, at hamiltonshirts.com, Cheers, chaps! Seth Vaughan Raffish Rake C artier's newly minted fragrance, La Panthère, draws inspiration from the French jewelry house's indelible symbol: the panther, an emblematic embodiment of Cartier's unique notion of femininity, an uncommon composition of the divine, exquisite and rebellious. The animal first inspired a perfume of the same name in the 1980s, but the blend was in need of a contemporary silage. Cartier perfumer Mathilde Laurent began the reimagined composition with gardenia, contrasted with notes of chypre and musk at the scent's heart. Heightening the relaunch is the fragrance's glass bottle, which depicts a panther's head in bold geometrics, its features carved from the inside of the bronzed glass bottle. Greek philosopher Theophratus once observed that the panther, of all animals, is the only one with a naturally pleasant scent that lures her prey. $72 to $135, at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom. Megan Pruitt Winder Follow the Scent The house of Nina Ricci and its ingenious designer, Peter Copping, descend upon Neiman Marcus Downtown Thursday, September 11, to celebrate the milestone 40th anniversary of The Crystal Charity Ball's Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon. The 2014 honorees, announced April 2 by ball chair Robyn Conlon and fashion show and luncheon chair Pat McEvoy, and PaperCity as exclusive media sponsor, share this exciting announcement real-time via our social media channels, so get connected! Always the official launch of the fall social season, Neiman Marcus pulls out all the stops, and this year is no exception. Designer Peter Copping, inspired by the musings of leisure time, takes the essence of relaxing at home to a night on the town, with a story of style that's subtle, sexy and languid. The collection was revealed in February during Paris Fashion Week on a runway backed with deep-red damask: boudoir- style fur-trimmed heels; a playful Iris floral-print dress draped with a blush-pink fur; black lace, velvet, silk and sequins coalesced perfectly; a slender-sleeved dress, a two-piece capped-sleeve top and mini-skirt ensemble in rose- gray metallic brocade shimmer with silvery blue and deep red floral; and, with hints of almost nude, a ladylike knee-length dress in gray guipure, accented with black sequins. And let's not forget the cream cashmere, silk wrap skirts and drawstring trousers in PJ style that soften the style further for a cozy stay on the sofa … albeit an elegant one. For information on underwriting and to purchase tickets to the fashion show and luncheon, call 214.526.5868 or click to crystalcharityball.org. Max Trowbridge Cozy with Copping Nina Ricci New York: I want to buy the entire collection of Delpozo. It was that good. The sequined skirts at Michael Kors are a must, the coats at Derek Lam were fantastic, the beautiful python skirts and tops at Reed Krakoff were divine, and the colored cashmere and mink at Altuzarra were just a dream. ADILOVA LOVES … Burberry Prorsum Mary Katrantzou Christian Dior @FASHIONTOMAX (MAXIM SAPOZHNIKOV) The month-long schedule of fashion weeks is finally over, and I can catch up from my crazy travel frenzy. Here are a few of my favorite looks and must-haves for Fall 2014. Nasiba Adilova London: Mary Katrantzou blew everyone out of the water with her unbelievable and unexpected collection. She pushed all boundaries and proved she can do more than just digital prints. The Burberry collection was one of their best and so very memorable. The hand- painted theme was refreshing and different, yet modern and cool. Paris: At Christian Dior, Raf Simons showed an incredibly beautiful collection with bursts of color, futuristic shoes and quilted dresses. I can't wait until it hits the store in Highland Park Village. Rome: I also took a quick trip to visit the Valentino Haute Couture atelier. It was remarkable seeing the army of women hand-stitching, cutting and sewing in a studio with about four sewing machines. I have a whole new appreciation for couture making! Backstage with Michael Kors Backstage with Michael Kors @FWSTREETSTYLE (VALENTINA FRUIUELE) Front row at Nina Ricci with Miroslava Duma and Carine Roitfeld Nasiba Adilova in Delpozo @KEITHEMORRISON (KEITH MORRISON) Reed Krakoff Delpozo With Miroslava Duma in Paris @DXPRUTTING (DAVID PRUTTING) Christian Dior Altuzarra Valentino mother-of- pearl clutch Valentino Haute Couture THE A blacktux.com delivery M. de Pochas cufflinks Hamilton Álvaro González men's sandals