As the owner of Gold Coast/River North boutique Sarca, Alexis Cozzini is charged with stocking the stylish shop with a range of clothing and accessories that are both on trend and essential wardrobe staples. She travels the globe, making stops at Fashion Week in New York and Paris to discover designers and pieces that her devoted clientele will covet. In short, she’s one of the reasons that Chicago women look so good.
We were dying to live vicariously through this style maven, so we had Cozzini document her recent trip to Paris Fashion Week for Splash. Take a look, get inspired and then head over to Sarca (710 N. Wabash) to scoop up the goods.
9 a.m.: After checking in to the new Mandarin Oriental on Rue St. Honore, I arrive at the tents and hit the ground running. The show, which takes place at the Jardins de Tulleries, is much larger this season (four tents instead of two) and since it’s early, I take advantage of the fact that most people are still sleeping off last night’s parties and do a full walking preview of the collections.
Jardins de Tulleries in Paris
Cozzini roams through the tents
I pass Michel Perry’s store — he has a great selection of color and texture mixture— and I pick him up for Spring. Next a meeting with the designers behind to-die-for shoe line Bionda Castana. So hard to narrow down my selection, and I can’t get over the oversized clutches! I stop by Nicole Miller Artelier and the dresses are exquisite. It looks like the high-low hem is still in!
I stop by Jerome C. Rousseau, one of my favorites, not only because the shoes are so comfortable, but also because Jerome is among the kindest designers in the business. I pick up an amazing lace bootie that I’ve been dreaming about lately. The glitter pumps are a must too but it’s so hard to pick just one color!
Glitter pumps from Jerome C. Rousseau
After lunch at Le Meurice, I meet up with the editors of Footwear News at Hotel Costes to talk about spring footwear trends. I spot Rachel Zoe and Roger heading to Viktor & Rolf show, and later I spot Kanye West shopping in Colette. It’s 3 p.m. and time to hit the accessories tents. First, Aris Geldis. This season is looking very Navajo meets Dynasty, and our clients will love it.
Aris Geldis vintage-inspired earrings
Next, a fresh look from Jane Carr scarves! We carried the collection in the past and will be back on board this season. She is so creative. Her prints range from ikat to tribal to jewel-studded.
Designer Jane Carr and her assistant rifle through her brightly colored scarves
It’s 5 p.m. and time to have a a pre-dinner nap, and outfit try-on session. At 9 p.m. I head to La Societe to meet up with some friends. The next morning, it’s up and back to the tents for another round of style scouting!
