Aurélie Bidermann‘s fall collection was inspired by nature, and even more so than usual. The designer used real gingko leaves to create her intricate gold necklaces, and bakelite to mimic old ivory. “I’m being ethical,” she said of the new technique in her Paris atelier. It sure looked authentic—and very Morocco in the early 1970s. (Bianca Jagger and Talitha Getty served as muses.)
Last night fancy fashion folks feted (like that alliteration? hmmm?) the launch of Aurelie Bidermann‘s first collection exclusively for Barney’s over dinner at Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria. Simon Doonan, Barneys Ambassador at Large, was there to welcome editors and socialites like host Garance Dore, Rachel Chandler, Bonnie Morrison, Lauren Remington Platt and Amanda Ross to name a few.
“Welcome to Arby’s! This is Arby’s,” Doonan announced at the start of our feast, which included enough cured and roasted meats to feed a small army (we weren’t complaining). I laughed but not many others did. Later that night Doonan bemoaned his joke falling flat. “Maybe fashion people don’t know about how delicious fast food roast beef is?” I posited.
Personally, I’ve been obsessed with Aurélie Bidermann’s Do Brasil bracelet for nearly two years now. I wrote about it on one of my first posts for Fashionista, and my admiration has never waned.
So it’s with great pleasure that I’ve perused Bidermann’s Do Brasil capsule collection for Donna Karan’s Urban Zen brand. The line, which features muted tones that complement Urban Zen’s earthy aesthetic, isn’t just for show: 10% of all sales will go to the Urban Zen Foundation, which helps to preserve cultures and empower children across the globe. (Prices start at $440.)
