Resurrection

When she is in the mood to shop for vintage, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld often heads to Resurrection in Nolita. This upscale thrift boutique at 217 Mott Street in Manhattan is lined with a treasure trove of iconic designer duds from mod Pucci dresses to Halston formalwear in the style of Jackie Onassis. The mint condition clothing primarily spans the 1960s to the 1980s and this elegant spot is a familiar source of inspiration for a wide range of fashion folks—designers, editors, stylists, connoisseurs, and patrons make the trek regularly. Resurrection is owned by Katy Rodriguez and Mark Haddawy and has sister stores in Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Resurrection original interior photograph courtesty of resurrectionvintage.com.

Robert De Niro

“Is it really dorky that I’m so excited to see De Niro in person?” was Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's response upon meeting the actor at Chanel's annual dinner party in honor of the Tribeca Film Festival. Mademoiselle, may I suggest that he was enchanted to meet you as well? Since JRR did not cite her favorite De Niro film, I will tell you about mine: Midnight Run. This just might be my favorite comedy of all time mostly due to the running dialogue between Robert De Niro, a cop turned bounty hunter, and Charles Grodin, a former mob accountant wanted by his previous employer as well as the FBI. Their cerebral banter and slapstick adventures will make you laugh aloud throughout the film as they travel from New York to Los Angeles by planes, trains, cars, trucks, and more, forging a friendship despite their opposing goals. A very funny look at the truth and consequences of right and wrong. What is your favorite Robert De Niro film?

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld photograph © 2009 Thos Robinson/Getty Images for CHANEL. All Rights Reserved.
Robert De Niro photograph © 2009 Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America. All Rights Reserved.

Vodka Tonic

What is the fairest cocktail in the land? According to Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, it is the classic vodka tonic. Here she is enjoying a cold one with Monsieur Robert Konjic (rhymes with vodka tonic) at her brother Vladimir's gallery opening after-party. This hot Swede recently earned enough to buy a house for his five days' work as the menswear face for Gucci. Yes, Konjic is a model just like her last boyfriend, Magnus Berger. The Roitfelds certainly do love the model crowd... and let's not forget their affinity for Gucci...

To enjoy a vodka tonic yourself, here's the simple recipe:

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Add equal parts vodka and tonic water.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

À votre santé !

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic photograph courtesy of Style.com
Robert Konjic photograph courtesy of Mostbeautifulman.com

Pamela Love

Pamela Love is the interesting force behind the fascinating jewelry that she crafts singlehandedly. I must admit that I have coveted the gold talon cuff shown below every single day since I first saw it. Apparently me and everyone else on Earth, because it is impossible to buy and has climbed in price from $600 to $1200 over the last few months.

What makes her jewelry so intriguing, so IT? As Love describes it, "It's a bit masculine and a bit feminine. Tough but pretty at the same time. Rock 'n' roll but also really hippy and folky at the same time. Ornate and detailed, but not over the top." Her designs, many of which are inspired by animals, are equally timeless and current with a dash of humor. If only I could possess the talon cuff... the golden grotesque encircling my wrist... its dark beauty guarding me like a talisman...

Alas, despite numerous calls and emails, I have yet to own it. Love will only be growing more exclusive: as of Fall 2009 the collections she has designed for Zac Posen, Frank Tell, and Yigal Azrouël will be available. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is shown below wearing Pamela Love's talon cuff in last year's Gap advertising campaign.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Pamela Love photograph courtesy of fashionista.com
Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld in the Gap campaign courtesy of Fashionologie

Sushi

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is featured in an editorial spread in the June issue of UK Vogue which delightedly I acquired just today. When the interviewer asked her favorite food, Julia replied that she loves Japanese food and especially sushi. Her favorite Japanese restaurants in New York City are Blue Ribbon for sushi and Omen, a classic Kyoto-style restaurant. When Julia visits Los Angeles, she likes to go for sushi at Nishimura on Melrose.