Fendi's Fashion Week Soiree
Mar 05, 2008 @ 10:35 am
ANG/Fame Pictures
ANG/Fame
Even after a long day of watching the shows at Paris fashion week, A-list guests like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Jessica Alba, and Kanye West stormed the VIP area of Fendi's newly redecorated Avenue Montaigne atelier to hear beehived chanteuse Amy Winehouse belt out some of the bluesy songs at the week's chicest soiree. The revelry lasted long enough to warrant a mid-bash wardrobe change for the sisters Olsen, and though host Karl Lagerfeld's iconic shades stayed firmly in place, the soiree reached a fever pitch as champagne glasses crashed to the ground and fans stormed the dance floor. Viva la Fendi!
-Sarah Wharton
Jessica Alba and Rihanna
Maxppp/Landov
"I've been Paris to work, but this is my first time at fashion week," said Rihanna as she arrived at the bash. "Everyone certainly looks like they're having a good time to me!" And though she called it an early night after the Oscars last week, expectant mom Jessica Alba-in town for the French premiere of her big screen thriller, The Eye-couldn't resist risking a little fatigue to get in on the fun.
Kayne West and Rhianna
"She is more magnificent than ever!" declared Rihanna, who sang along to Winehouse's performance. Fashion week regular Kanye West marveled at the newly re-designed boutique and the allure of the city itself. "It's the incredible architecture," West-who brought along fiance Alexis Phifer for the Fendi bash-said of his memorable trip.
INF Goff
Having thanked Fendi for booking her, Amy Winehouse made herself available for more gigs, joking that she's available for birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs. "Actually not weddings, my songs are too heartbreak for that." Winehouse said after thinking twice. "But if you are getting married, congratulations."
"The scene here is very cool, and very trendy, but also a little bit edgy," said supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who paused to check out the Fendi footwear on display before making her way inside the performance space. "It feels like you're in a big house. It's a Karl Lagerfeld design. It's fashion."
Sophia Coppola, Silvia Venturini Fendi
There was not a cocktail in sight, but guests stayed afloat on champagne while dapper white-coated chefs passed out a raft of pretty canapes. "Paris is such a beautiful place," said Sophia Coppola of the chic scene. "It's a city steeped in history and then, of course, the fashion." The filmmaker also sang the praises of friend-and Fendi heir-Silvia Venturini Fendi.
The night kicked off when Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi cut the ribbon to re-open the sleek new Fendi boutique on Paris' Avenue Montaigne. Invited guests got a first-look at the modern new space, but the real action took place behind doors that were more difficult to get through than the eye of a needle if you didn't have the right name. Inside, LVMH's concert hall became a hybrid of a famous jazz club-complete with satin swagger stage curtain and fringed lamps-and a flashing dance floor inspired by New York City's legendary Studio 54.
Behind the store, a party room was sculpted inside the atrium of LVMH's headquarters. The space was transformed into a chic winter wonderland, complete with black carpet and life-size leafless trees. Miles of black leather banquettes gave avant-guard guests like Sophia Coppola, Milla Jovovich and Jade Jagger the feeling of being inside a giant Fendi handbag.
1 of 8 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
2 of 8 Jessica Alba and Rihanna
3 of 8 Kayne West and Rhianna
4 of 8 Amy Winehouse
5 of 8 Claudia Schiffer
6 of 8 Sophia Coppola, Silvia Venturini Fendi
7 of 8 The Setting
8 of 8 The Atmosphere