It's the week for big announcements in the fashion world. While Fashion Week moves from New York to London on Friday, Paris plays host to the Biennale des Antiquaires, from today until September 22.
The prestigious art exhibition attracts collectors from all over the world, and this year seven renowned jewellers have been invited to present their collections during the event.
From the names on the list there is one surprising addition - Louis Vuitton, which is relatively new on the jewellery scene. The brand launched its first haute joaillerie collection, L'Ame du Voyage, in 2009 and is hoping to establish itself as one of the major players in the market. In doing so, it has since enlisted the talents of hip French jewellery designer Lorenz Baumer to take the designs to the next level (right). In addition to his intricate shapes and materials, he has created a diamond in the shape of the brand's monogram flowers.
This week Vuitton will also announce plans to open a 1,600-square-foot atelier and shop dedicated to watches and jewellery on Place Vendome in November 2011, in the company of established names such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.
'This store... will allow us to become a major player in the world of fine jewellery. Our craftsmen will help and develop their expertise in our jewellery workshop situated on the top floor of the store,' says Yves Carcelle, chairman/CEO of Louis Vuitton.
Over in New York at Tom Ford's Madison Avenue store, what was supposed to be a private cocktail party turned into the highly anticipated debut of the designer's women's ready-to-wear collection. Ford enlisted friends such as Lauren Hutton, Julianne Moore and Beyonce to model the clothes, which appeared to be inspired by the women wearing them. Thanks to a strict no-camera policy, no official images are available just yet, although the line is said to debut in stores come spring.
