YSL’s Opium Den

In between looking at the fishnet dresses at Maison Martin Margiela and the torn blazers at Yohji Yamamoto, I went to the cocktail party for the new Yves Saint Laurent boutique at 6 Place Saint Sulpice. The entrance was lined with a red carpet and was flanked by the usual group of YSL boys with slicked back hair who look as though they are waiting for their close-up.

The decor was inspired by the brand's Opium fragrance and so it is all thick lacquered cinnamon-colored walls with flourishes of black. But there are lots of windows. So there will be plenty of natural light during the day so everyone can get a good luck at the little black dresses with capsleeves adorned with metallic stars. Personally, I don't think the dresses look any better in the store than they did on the runway, but hey, that's just one woman's opinion.

I said my hellos to designer Stefano Pilati, who appears to be growing a faux hawk, or a faux, faux hawk. Whatever the plan for the hair, he looked dapper as always and I wished him good luck on the show, which will be on Thursday.

I wanted to capture the atmosphere at the party, which was tricky with my little camera, the crowds of people and the fact that I am not a photographer. Luckily, Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing came to the rescue and offered a bit of art direction. He didn't have much to work with, but he at least managed to prevent me from taking a photo of my own reflection in all the mirrors.