BARNEYS IS BACK

Yes, dear readers. The doors have officially opened at Barneys. And of course the retailer celebrated in style last night. The invitation to the grand opening said to expect a “mind-blowing musical performance,” and I suppose Patti LaBelle fit that bill. Nothing says “super chic department store grand opening” quite like a diva on stage.

Here’s the skinny. All the usual suspects were there: John Reoch, Jan Strimple, Shelle Bagot Sills, Howard Rachofsky, Heidi Dillon, Niven Morgan, Kimberly and Justin Whitman. Interestingly, though, there were many faces I didn’t recognize (out-of-towners?), but I can honestly say that everyone was beautiful—and beautifully dressed, including FIG’s Marlene Fogarty, who was stunning in her Balenciaga (no matter how humble she was about it). How often does that really happen? Let’s face it. There are always a few fashion faux pas at every party, no matter how well-off the crowd.

The store, you ask? Yes, it’s gorgeous, and yes, it’s filled with the designer labels that a girl like me can only covet. The ladies shoe department is, in a word, divine. Moschino, Prada, Christian Louboutin—I want it all. Please god, tell me that Barneys has a fabulous end-of-season sale.

I wish I could tell you about the men’s department, but I never saw it, because I got sidetracked in the women’s co-op. (The only place in Barneys this poor editor can afford.) And of course the store was open for business! So I put down my champagne, let my new best friend Lauren load up the dressing room, and, several hundred dollars later, I returned to the party to feast on beef Wellington and shrimp cocktail. As a matter of fact, what I bought is being couriered to the office as I type. Hello, customer service! But what I really want to know is: can I expense what I bought? I mean, I was working.