Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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FASHION 411 Louboutin signs autographs for fans of his signature red-soled shoes at Saks. Minaudière case in red lacquer with onyx cabochons ($7,000) OUT OF THE BOX sole desire CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SHOWS HIS FALL 2012 COLLECTION IN PERSON AT BACK BAY'S SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. T Pigalle Spikes nude patent leather pump ($1,195) he famed French shoe designer made a grand appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue this season, autographing hundreds of pairs of shoes from his latest collection and thoughtfully musing about footwear— from menswear-inspired detailing to flip-flops. His favorite shoe in this collection is his tone-on-tone high heel with spikes. "I like the idea of the spikes becoming more of a decorative rather than rock 'n' roll element," he says. He was inspired by young showgirls—"what I call va-va girls." When Louboutin is designing he imagines a woman in a moment of her life. "She's moving her leg or showing off her ankle," he says. While masculine motifs inform his feminine line, the designer has made the official leap into men's shoes, opening his first men's boutique in Paris in 2011—just in time for the brand's 20th anniversary in 2012. He's been surprised by the response. "When I first designed them, I had no idea who would be the customer," he says. "I have seen actors, entertainers, athletes, but what unites most of them is that they love women. Men have said to me that they were jealous of the excitement their girlfriends feel about shoes. Now they can share in it." While he enjoys the architectural construction of his new collection, among other styles Louboutin says he most admires is sim- ple Havaianas. "They're like jeans—they work in every culture. They are sexy on both men and women, and the classical design goes back to ancient Egypt and China. I wish I had designed them." But we're very glad he's perfected the pump. Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500; saks.com BC 86 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM Stunning Cartier evening bags will take you from the Teddy Bear Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel to the Annual JCC Winter Benefit. Inspired by a vintage jewelry box found in the Parisian maison's archives, Cartier's exquisite octagonal box clutch showcases winter's classic rich tones of crimson, black, and gold, in luxe fabrics such as lace and silk. The bag's delicate silver clasps are studded with black onyx, which references the panther—an iconic symbol of the house. Two Russian- faceted cabochons in chrysoprase, onyx, or cornelian sit at either end of the clasps, while semiprecious stones adorn limited-edition styles. No doubt the sophisticated clutch will be one of the most coveted accessories of the season. 40 Newbury St., 617-262-3300; cartier.us ring in the new year BOTTEGA VENETA CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON IN AN EYE-CATCHING COLLECTION OF FINE JEWELRY. INSPIRED BY THE VENETIAN SYMBOL of good luck and protection, Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta's Sfera collection reimagines the ancient sfera in an alluring collection of yellow-gold cocktail rings. Whether encircled by a single row of pavé diamonds in a variety of colors or com- pletely enveloped in brilliant stones, the handwoven spheres call to mind images of a glittering New Year's Eve ball, to make for a festive and sophisticated accessory to ring in 2013 during First Night or the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay's Big Night event. By special order, Natick Mall, 508-652-9707; bottegaveneta.com Bold diamond Sfera ring ($7,000) PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BLANCHARD (LOUBOUTIN)