Beverly Hills...Louis Vuitton & Ermenegildo Zegna for that special man!

 

In spite of the torrential rains, the tony elite were out Sunday afternoon on Rodeo Drive in droves, in search of a gift or two for that someone special in their love-life over the Yuletide Season.

I was bowled over by the eclectic mix of elegant menswear ensembles screaming out at me on the racks at Louis Vuitton, for starters.

The latest fall/winter collection features a dazzling array of butter-soft leather jackets - cut high on-the-waist for a stylish zesty look - or lower on the hip for those who prefer a garment to hug the body politic and keep out the winter chill.

In addition to the casual offerings, there were a bevy of finely-tailored suits sculpted in sleek silhouettes, fashioned in either jet black or monochromatic hues popular this season.

The sweaters were elegant, and sported luxurious collars with nifty fashion flourishes, capable of singling out the man-about-town with the pizazz to pull the look off.

Slacks, though lean-and-mean (for the most part) were sparked up with leather inserts at the waist and buckle-down flaps on deep full pockets.

Over-the-top?

Never.

A handful of the Vuitton pull-overs and fabric jackets - just right for out-of-doors treks - were dreamy, too.

Shoes, though elegant, were pricey.

 $645.00!

Meanwhile, across the street at Ermenegildo Zegna, a yellow cashmere sweater - weaved with a delicious V-neck - was heaven to run my fingers over.

The full topcoats in rich fabrics - were so perfectly crafted - that they appeared to be hand-made by the fashion Maestro himself.

As for the tailored suits, well, the finery on display was difficult to match elsewhere in the upscale trendy hood.

A gentleman with a taste for the finer things in life (or a discerning male or female shopping for one) a trek down to David Yurman (on Rodeo) may be a worthwhile one.

There - male bracelets, jazzy cuff-links, and a choice selection of designer watches - will tempt the tightest budget-minded shopper.

What the heck, it's Christmas.

Splurge a little, eh?

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Rodeo Drive...PETA protestors in Santa outfits picket fur retailers!

 

'Tis the season to be wary, if you're decked out in top-of-the-line designer duds trimmed or fashioned totally in animal fur (endangered species or not).

No Sir, the argument that minks were raised specifically for the fur trade, doen't hold up with die-hard animal activists.

Today, a Merry band of dedicated protestors from PETA - adorned in Santa outfits - paraded across the street from the oh-so-trendy Fendi retail outlet waving acccusing placards and pointing fingers.

Years ago, during an actor's Union strike, I accepted an assignment as a model for Fendi cologne.

But, in today's political and social-savvy climate, it is doubtful I would sign on for the job.

The gang on Rodeo Drive was quite adamant that the use of fur from slaughtered animals was a definite fashion no-no.

They chanted HO HO FAUX and handed out flyers to passers-by with an urgent query emblazoned on its face.

"Do you have skeletons in your closet?"

The informative pamphlets ranted about the ugly truth of the fur industry and included timely quotes from a handful of high-profile celebrities in support of the cause.

"I don't wear any leather or fur or feathers or any animal products," Natalie Portman - currently starrring in "The Black Swan" - boasted.

Pink was quick to criticize the industry outright with no bones about it.

"Sadly, like any other industry that uses animals, the wool trade uses methods so sadistic that it makes you consider clearing your closet of any animal products. There are lots of clothes to buy for a look that kills without killing anything," she quipped.

Eva Mendes inferred that any fashionista who wore fur products lacked intelligence.

"Personally, I think wearing a baby chinchilla says, 'I'm ignorant'," she concluded.

It was difficult to read the literature on the issue, too, so disturbing were the images!

"Animals on animal farms spend their entire lives confined to crowded filthy wire cages."

"Killing methods include suffocation, gassing, electrocution, and poisoning."

"Animals caught in the wild sometimes remain in traps for days before the trappers return to stomp on their chests or beat them to death."

"Most furs come from China, where millions of animals - including cats and dogs - are skinned alive."

Heard enough?

Shortly after I arrived on the scene in chic Beverly Hills, a small crowd gathered, egging the protestors on.

Bless those upstarts for they know what they do in the name of Nature's defenseless creatures.

Amen!

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