Paris Party Writing Samples By Stacie Fleming

Below is a sampling of some fashion parties, and events I attended in Paris over the past few years, and wrote articles about for Vogue Ukraine, France 24, Paris Girl Couture and Paris Cherie.

Vogue Ukraine – A/W 2013-14 Couture Week Parties –Please see the tear sheet on page 3.

Versace – (Cocktail Party) was back on the Runway strutting her stuff opening the Atelier A/W 2013 show in a provocative barely-there jacket and black lace bra. After the show guests continued their night at the historical Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris with a cocktail party to view the dazzling fine jewelry collection. Starlets Mena Suvari, Uma Thurman and Emma Roberts oohed and aahed over such pieces as the Medusa diamond necklace Naomi wore to open the show.

Bvlgari - (Launch of new Diva haute jewelry collection party) Bvlgari celebrated the launch of its new Diva haute jewelry collection in the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel Potocki mansion. The dazzling collection was inspired by “La Dolce Vita” meaning the sweet life, and celebrates the beauty icons and actresses of the 50’s and 60’s such as Sophia Loren, Ava Gardener and Elizabeth Taylor. Brunette beauty and France’s former First Lady Carla Bruni was the muse and new face for this collection. Wearing a magnificent necklace from the Italian designer Bruni mingled with the likes of Bradley Cooper and Milla Jovovich at the lavish soirée.

Dior - (celebration of haute jewelry collection party) hosted an opulent dinner for 100 lucky guests at Château de Versailles in celebration of their haute jewelry collection. Beautiful pink bouquets lined the elegant table as Dior jewelry aficionados dined on garden inspired cuisine from celebrity chef Michel Guérard. American actress Leelee Sobieski, Russian model Daria Strokous, French jewelry designer Victoire de Castellane and Raf Simons were some of the guests at the regal affair.

Fendi - (Store Opening and ‘Glory of Water’ Launch Party) hosted two fabulous soirées on the same evening during Couture week. The opening of their stunning new Avenue Montaigne boutique, and the launch of ’s photography exhibition “The Glory of Water,” which was followed by an exclusive dinner at the Petit Palais. The exhibition featured beautiful photographs of the fountains of Rome shot by Karl himself. It was a star-studded event with the likes of Sharon Stone, Chiara Mastroianni, , Naomie Harris and Christa B.Hallen among many others stepping out for what proved to be one of the chicest parties in Paris.

Lanvin - (Makeup Collaboration with Lancôme Party) A candilicious carnival-themed fête was thrown at the plush Théâtre Trianon to celebrate designer Alber Elbaz’s makeup collaboration with Lancôme. Guests nibbled on couture candy such as lollipops, cupcakes, petit-fours and cotton candy. Glittering showgirls shook their hot pink tail feathers for the crowd. The alternative rock band Texas played a live set while Elbaz danced with the likes of and Gemma Arterton in the sultry VIP section.

Aforementioned Articles Featured in Vogue Ukraine September 2013

Piaget’s Pink Party - (Paris Cherie Link http://www.parischerie.com/23911/piagets- pinkparty/?theme=twentythirteen)

In honour of the beautiful Yves Piaget rose, the first annual ‘Piaget Rose Day’ was celebrated in Paris, and around the world. In an ode to the luxury brand’s founder and the new rose jewellery collection, special events were organized in Piaget boutiques – but the biggest party was in Paris.

Piaget celebrated in style and sophistication with a private soirée at the Orangerie Ephémère in the Jardin des Tuileries. Guests arrived on a beautiful long pink carpet that lined the entrance of the gardens. The lavish event was held in a luminous white tent filled with sweet smelling pink roses and softly lit candles.

The party included a private concert with the lovely Melody Gardot, the brand’s ambassador, and the Israeli beauty Bar Refaeli was spotted at the event wearing a body hugging Dolce &Gabbana floral dress. A black tie affair, guests sipped on pink champagne, while listening to Melody croon the classic French song ‘La Vie En Rose’.

Colette’s Sweet 16 - (Paris Cherie Link - http://www.parischerie.com/22451/colettes-sweet- 16/?theme=twentythirteen)

Super Sweet Sixteen—Colette, the chic Parisian concept store on the rue Saint-Honoré, recently celebrated its 16th birthday by hosting an American- style “Sweet Sixteen” party at the boutique. The festivities included Kawai- inspired karaoke, and chic cakes from four top Parisian pastry chefs. Guests were transported to a pretty pink party; every teen girls dream birthday!

Later the party moved to the VIP room at Le Privilege where guests sipped on pink champagne, danced to Beats by Dr. Dre, sang karaoke and played dress up with crowns and makeup on the nightclub’s balcony. Australian stylist Catherine Baba, Singer Soko and designer YazBukey were among some of the invitees. In celebration the French retailer collaborated with Baron Von Fancy to create a limited edition Pink Beatbox by Beats by Dr. Dre. Happy Sweet 16thBirthday Colette!

Les Vendanges 2012 –A Chic Cause (France 24 Link- http://parisgirlcouture.blogs.france24.com/article/2012/09/23/les-vendanges- 2012-chic-cause-0)

Every two years Avenue Montaigne rolls out the red carpet for a special event known as Les Vendanges in honor of the grape harvest in France. Celebrating “the great names of wine,” this exclusive event is a champagne soaked soirée with an amazing charitable cause. This year the Montaigne committee chose to support l'association des Nez Rouges du Rire Médecin, an association founded by Caroline Simonds in 1991 that involves clowns offering services to pediatric hospitals. More commonly knows as the “Laugh Doctor,” this organization sends red-nosed clowns into the hospitals bringing joy and laughter to the faces of sick children and their families. In 2011, these heartfelt clowns preformed over 68,000 custom shows for children, their families and their caregivers.

The luxurious street was transformed into a magical promenade filled with beautiful decorations, wine gardens, fabulous flowers and a red carpet that adorned the entire length of Avenue Montaigne. Accessible by invitation only, a select few gathered to attend each maison’s private event to welcome the fruitful harvest of this season. Sipping on fantastic wines while viewing the new fall collections, it was amazing to take part in "The soirée Parisienne.”

Dior was chic and sophisticated serving Cheval des Andes an Argentinian red wine, and my personal favorite Champagne Ruinart, while Jimmy Choo took us under the big top serving up sweet treats and candilicious delights in their circus-themed party. Stylishly walking the red carpet, I enjoyed Château Canon, a glass of Krug at , danced to the electro- house beats of Tribal Concept at Blumarine, drooled over the stunning gowns in Elie Saab, enjoyed the orchestra of the Théâtre des Champs Elysées, and finished the evening relishing Nina Ricci’s elegant floral installation. Wow! What a magnificent evening filled with philanthropy, fashion and wine.

'Ignite the Light' - The W Hotel Launch Party Paris Opéra (France 24 Link - http://parisgirlcouture.blogs.france24.com/article/2012/04/06/ignite-light-w- hotel-launch-party-paris-0)

The fashionable W Hotel first opened its doors in New York in 1998. On March 30, the W made its debut in the “City of Light.” Celebrating their arrival, the hotel hosted ‘Ignite the Light,’ an exclusive launch party that electrified L'Opéra. 700 guests experienced a sensory sensation upon walking in with graffiti styled art, and a dance floor set aglow by a luminous black light.

The champagne drenched soiree featured live bands, interpretive art performances, interactive games, heart-thumbing beats and tempting treats. Mingling with fashion, music and design trendsetters, the picturesque party drew an eclectic, hipster crowd such as Mark Ronson, Romain Duris, Catherine Baba, Edouard Baer, Sliimy, Ariel Wizman and members of the Strokes. Click here to experience the new W Paris Opéra.

The night was full of surprises; French and International artists alike transformed each of the rooms into an experimental playground. Fantastical works from House of Drama, Yorgo Tloupas, Singtank, Zeus and many others were featured. Yours truly was mingling with the contemporary crowd. My favorite room was the EWow Suite complete with a circular bed in the middle of the room and Louis Vuitton monograms secretly hidden on all the walls only viewable with a black light.

The W’s famous slogan “Whatever, Whenever” definitely rang true this particular evening. It was a swanky soiree filled with awe-inspiring delights and marvel.

Inside the Louis Vuitton L’Aventure Pop-Up Shop Party (Paris Cherie Link - http://www.parischerie.com/26488/inside-the-louis- vuitton-laventure-pop-up-shop/?theme=twentythirteen)

To celebrate its luggage legacy, Louis Vuitton opened the L’Aventure pop- up shop on Avenue Montaigne dedicated to globetrotters and jetsetters. Developed in collaboration with Canadian journalist Tyler Brulé, the boutique features a capsule collection of beautiful travel goods including bags, suitcases, trunks and chic city guides.

A cocktail party “Au Voyage” was held to kick off the launch. Guests sipped on champagne, personalized their luggage with monograms, were treated to hand-written calligraphy postcards with special Louis Vuitton travel sayings on them, and received the most recent city guides for luxurious destinations like Paris, Hong Kong and LA. My postcard read in beautiful gold calligraphy: penetrer au pays des merveilles, or “enter the country of wonders” in English.

This chic boutique is open at 22 Avenue Montaigne until December 31st, 2013, and is the perfect place to pick up a cute travel gift, or get a little something special for your own holiday travels.