Life is stressful enough, then throw in working in publishing and fashion and there are days where I don’t know which way is up. That day (or night as this epiphany happened) came to me just the other day. I needed a massage and an exceptional one by powerful hands. The heavens shown down on me because I found out about Dao Spa via Google and am absolutely hooked. This two and a half month old spa has an ambiance that is soothing and Zen-ful like, with a heavy Asian influence throughout the décor. As soon as you walk through the door, you are greeted warmly by owner Pak To Adrian Cheng, who was very helpful and charming. I had an Indian Head massage, which literally put me to sleep (massage therapists who know their craft well, should be able to do this), thanks in part to masseur Chris, whose hands are a godsend. I recommend, enthusiastically, the Dao Spa, masseur Chris, and the Indian Head massage.

Dao Spa is located at 28 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0RE. Their store hours are Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 6pm. You can find about additional services and price information at www.dao-spa.co.uk or contact Adrian at (44) 0 786 125 7786.


images courtesy of www.dao-spa.co.uk

Valentino shunned Paris this season in favour of a more decadent setting:Rome. Needless to say he painted the city red with a 3 day celebration fit for Hollywood royalty. His affinity for lavish and expensive taste climaxed, as Uma Thurman, Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld (to name a few) attended the show located near the Vatican in a 12th century basilica.
As talks of Valentino’s retirement thicken, the man placed the icing on the cake, with a catwalk celebration fit only fit for….well, Valentino. Although the 70 year old designer denies plans for retirement, a show like that would surely be the best way to go.

Since the Armani Privé line debuted not long ago as a new addition to the steadily dwindling world of couture, it has received standard approval. However this season something changed. Giorgio Armani, a man who rarely strays from his clean linear looks, revealed a newer direction with this collection. Critics, Kate Blanchett (and other celebrities alike) and other faithful followers have been calling this a great stepping stone as the colours, shapes were freshly new and unlike that of anything previously shown by the label. What do you think?

HOT DAMN!!! Sienna Miller debuts her new clothing line twenty8twelve in stores 1 August 2007. The line is a collaboration between Ms. Miller and her sister Savannah Miller, who is a Central Saint Martins graduate that has worked with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, and Betty Jackson. The collection features well-cut coats with pleated skirts, blouses done in collaboration with artist David Cooper, who designed the print, and jeans with zips up the back that were apparently the idea of Sienna. The price range stems from coats costing GBP 345.00 to blouses costing GBP 40.00. The line will be sold at Harvey Nichols, Matches, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Holt Renfrew (Canada). It is also expected that Sienna Miller will be opening up a store in London’s Notting Hill area in September 2007.
Image courtesy of www.fashionising.com

Ungaro head womenswear designer Peter Dundas has left the label, for creative reasons. Apparently the designer and the brand had very different views on the direction of the French brand. Given the more recent history of the label it seems this is a common problem since Dundas is the third womenswear designer to quit since 2005 (when Emanuel Ungaro retired). A replacement is still to be announced.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the launch of the iPapier blog. I’m normally not a fan of letters from the editor, but then again I don’t subscribe to Vogue (although I do read it), I think Rachel Zoe just had timing as opposed to talent, and I actually like Victoria Beckham’s style (give the lady credit – she’s come a long way). However, if a formula works (the letter from the editor) stick with it!

This launch is a labor of love and a testament to how much my staff and myself are devoted to and determined to give you, the readers, the comings and goings, through Papierdoll’s eyes, of international fashion. Because fashion is more than the clothes you wear, but the lifestyle you live. We don’t claim to be great arbiter’s of fashion…yet, but what you do have to look forward to in iPapier is an eclectic array of content from street fashion to boutique and designer profiles to international news to our own rants and raves.

We hope you enjoy iPapier blog just as much as we enjoyed putting it together and we would love to hear any comments or suggestions you may have.

Enjoy!

Tenisha Anderson
Tenisha@papierdoll.net