Rather unbelievably, the song “Cruel Summer” celebrates its 25th birthday this year. And rather more unbelievably, for anyone who spent the summer of 1983 trying to look exactly like her, ex-Bananarama star Siobhan Fahey looks even better now than she did then. Proof? Fahey stars in designer Katy Rodriguez’s fall ad campaign, and to judge by the pics, time has not only treated her well, it’s bathed her in milky splendor. “It was one of those, oh my God, that’s HER moments,” Rodriguez recalls of her first impression of
Fahey. “That’s the woman who should be wearing my clothes.” The two have a mutual friend, and Rodriguez had found herself seated across from the singer at a dinner party; the rest is, well, ad-campaign history. Though Rodriguez may have known instantly that Fahey belonged in her clothes, Fahey confesses
to being “flattered and bemused” by the designer’s overtures. “Er, I’m 5′5″ and I’m not a model,” she says. “My initial response was, why me?” Forget Botox. Apparently, humility is the elixir of youth.

—Maya Singer

Photo:
Courtesy of Katy Rodriguez

Though summer is just getting underway (or so we hope), it’s the nature of the fashion business to look ahead a season. While I’m certainly not ready for a return to winter temperatures, I am looking forward to wearing something from Julia Jentzsch’s Fall ‘08 collection, preferably one of her cleverly seamed lean jersey skirts, salt-painted silk cocktail dresses, or her belted rain capes, all of which were loosely based on the life and work of by Lee Miller and forties work wear. “I’m inspired by subtle and abstract [things], rather than direct inspirations—and always a mix of several different references,” says the German-born designer, who’s done stints at YSL (under both Alber Elbaz and Tom Ford) and Calvin Klein. “I want to create new possibilities for clothing by merging future technologies with luxury fashion.”—Nancy MacDonell

Photo: Courtesy of Julia Jentzsch

We’re not sure if this is a standard intern duty, but Sean Avery is heading to the couture shows next week as part of the Vogue team. “It looks like I’m going to all of them,” he told us. “Which is exciting. It doesn’t get bigger or better than the Paris couture, right?” Any show he’s particularly looking forward to? “The Chanel show. From what I’m told, that’s the show that gets the most ridiculous.” Don’t let Karl hear you say that, Sean.—Derek Blasberg

Photo: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

How does this sound for a designer roll call: Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Sonia Rykiel, Hermès, Lanvin, and Miu Miu. Not bad, hmm? Welcome to the world of Etienne Russo, the Brussels-based event producer who will ensure that there is indeed no business like show business this season for the aforementioned brands. “They’re all magnificent in their own way, and of course, they’re all love stories in one way or another,” says Russo, who works with the Villa Eugénie production company and is affectionately regarded as the man with the master plan for most within the industry. With such a distinguished clientele list, we couldn’t help but wonder if there was perhaps one designer presentation guaranteed to break new ground in Paris this week? “I’m not giving any hints away,” Russo told us last night. “But I will say this: For Dries Van Noten on Wednesday afternoon, I’m doing something I’ve never done before in my career thus far.”—Linlee Allen

Photo: Linlee Allen

When you’re 29 years old and you’ve been strutting your stuff for the better part of the last decade, sooner or later you come face to face with the fickle nature of the modeling industry and its preference for the, er, fresher-faced. Enter model/actress Angela Lindvall, who we caught up with yesterday. “I don’t give a shit about the shows,” she said with bracing frankness. (Hey, you can take the girl out of Oklahoma…) “Don’t get me wrong, I love Paris and that’s why I’m here. But half the people don’t want me anymore because I’m not 12. The shows that you see me in this week are the ones that stay loyal to me, and that’s what’s important right now.” If you ask us, Lindvall has a point: We’re already on record saying that the girls these days don’t quite carry off the clothes the way they used to.—Linlee Allen

Photo: Linlee Allen

Who should we find backstage at Hussein Chalayan but Peter Beard? Though he’s most famous for his images of Africa, the photographer’s no stranger to fashion (legend has it that he “discovered” Iman). “Sure, I’m used to finding faces in unfamiliar territory, but I’ve found some of the most beautiful women around here, like her,” he said pointing to Hye Park. “Which makes sense, I guess. They are models.” For now, Beard’s staying put in Paris, but in ten days he’s heading for familiar territory—Kenya—and getting back to work. In fact, he was showing off the cover of his newest book, an aerial shot of hundreds of elephants in the desert. Would he consider himself a fashion fan? “Nah, probably not. But I’m always glad when it works out that I’m here at the same time. For me, it’s just fun.” And we can confirm that—he was at the Crazy Horse for the Cavalli party on Tuesday night until the wee hours.—Derek Blasberg

Photo: Greg Kessler

Thursday, February 28

9 a.m.

I’m looking over last-minute requests for the Giambattista Valli show, which is today. I’m also having breakfast: Earl Grey tea, cereal, fruit, and yogurt. I’m definitely going to need the energy today, especially since last night was a long one for everyone. From the design studio to some of the PR team, we were all in the office until 11 going over last-minute details.

10 a.m.

It’s time to head over to the venue for a run-through with the production and security teams. I also need to finalize the seating arrangements and check that the entrances and exits to the venue are cleared.

11 a.m.

Jump back into a cab and go to the Gilmar office, where I will meet Mary-Kate Olsen. She’s flying in from L.A. and is coming directly from the airport to go to the GBV show. Giambattista is very excited because she’s not going to many other shows, and is in town mostly to work. While in Paris she’s going to interview GBV for her upcoming book.

Noon

Mary Kate arrives and takes a look at the new collection. She picks out her outfit: a black coatdress with ruched chiffon peeping out from underneath it.

12:30 p.m.

Hair and makeup people arrive for Mary-Kate, but first we take a break to eat and relax a little bit before getting ready. The show’s at the Espace Ephémère, right underneath the Eiffel Tower. You don’t get more Parisian than that.

2:30 p.m.

Backstage is buzzing. GBV is about to give his briefing to the PR team and important editors. The theme of the collection is “Little Red Riding Hood Ate the Wolf”—it’s a metaphor for his inspiration, which is a girl whose look is very innocent and pure, but who’s wearing clothes that have very extreme volumes and proportions and who is not intimated by anyone or anything.

3 p.m.

The doors open. In a matter of 15 minutes, the whole venue fills up and we’re ready to start.

3:45 p.m.

The show closes with four great gowns in very intense shades of red. Though I never assume that the guests like the show, the mood in the room is one of excitement.

5 p.m.

Backstage starts clearing out, and we finally get to have some food and quiet time. This only lasts an hour, then we’re off to the office to follow up on everything that’s happened during the day.

8 p.m.

I head to the hotel to freshen up and change. I’m going out to dinner with some friends to talk about things other than fashion. Not sure where we’re going, but my favorite place is Caviar Kaspia, which has excellent fish.

10 p.m.

We head out to see Rihanna perform at the Swarovski party and hang out with her and Lysa Cooper, her stylist. After a little bit of fun, it’s time to go to sleep, as the following day will be busy—we’ll be collecting all the press that comes out for the show and sending thank-you notes to everyone who made it happen.

Men’s Vogue kicked off its yearlong Critics’ Choice series last night with a toast to “The Wire.” The lauded HBO show wraps up its fifth and final season this Sunday, and cast members Dominic West, Andre Royo, and Michael K. Williams were on hand at the newly opened Astor Center to let the crowd in on a few backstage secrets in a panel discussion moderated by Men’s Vogue deputy editor Ned Martel. After more than a few laughs over the trials and tribulations of filming in Baltimore, West—better known to “Wire” fans as irresistible rebel cop Jimmy McNulty—raised a glass of cognac from Critics’ Choice series sponsor Hennessy and gamely gave himself over to the obsessed. At least one fan forgot his cocktail-hour cool and requested a photo with his favorite character on the show; another guy kept gee-whizzing over the fact that West, a native of Yorkshire, wasn’t speaking in McNulty’s pitch-perfect Baltimore accent. “After this, let’s see, first I’m doing a costume drama—I’m playing Oliver Cromwell,” West reported, poshing up his accent a bit for effect. “And then, George Pelecanos, one of writers from ‘The Wire,’ he’s got a heist movie that I’m hoping gets off the ground soon.” Throwing a nod to Williams (a.k.a. noble loner thug Omar), he added. “It’s been a good run. I’d like to keep things in the family.”—Maya Singer

Photo: WILL RAGOZZINO/PMC

Name: Jessica Trent

The look: Arden Wohl West

Wearing: Ksubi silk T-shirt dress, satin ribbon from a wrapped present, tights from Le Bon Marché in Paris, Givenchy shoes

Occupation: L.A. office director for People’s Revolution

Favorite brands: Jeremy Scott, Julia Clancey, vintage Chanel

Spotted: In Chinatown, picking up last-minute treats for interns en route to Smashbox Studios

Highlight of the week so far: “Definitely talking with André Leon Talley. Especially because he’s a Southern boy and I’m a Southern girl.”

The lowdown: “Believe it or not, I’m really excited about Nicky Hilton’s show later this evening. I’ve seen the collection and there are plenty of things I’d wear.”—Linlee Allen

Photo: Linlee Allen

Last night’s party celebrating “I Was Told There’d Be Cake,” the debut collection of essays from Sloane Crosley, book publicist-turned-author and general book darling, had cake in abundance, courtesy of the Treats Truck parked outside the Helmut Lang boutique in the Meatpacking District. It was a funny mix: sprinkles, deconstructed outerwear in neutral hues, Paula Froelich of Page Six, the boys from Rag &Bone. But Crosely, 29, whose friends in high places started her on her writing path (an editor at the Village Voice suggested she turn a mass e-mail into an essay), seemed comfortable with the assortment of guests—for the most part. “I think I’m a pretty fashionable person,” she confided. “But I was in the Condé Nast building today, and I felt like a schlep. I was like, ‘Why doesn’t someone just hose me down and re-douse me in Chanel when I’m done? I feel like an idiot.’” She paused, and amended, “Not even Chanel…just nice.”—Alison Baenen

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/WireImage.com