TALK TALK: Barneys New York is loving Jerry Weintraub these days, and the affection seems to be mutual. To celebrate the uberproducer’s “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead” book, the store just unveiled three windows at its Beverly Hills unit devoted to Weintraub, whose credits include flicks such as “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Nashville” and “Diner.” “I think that it’s one of the greatest and most important and exciting things that’s ever happened to me,” Weintraub told WWD. One of the windows features quotes from the Hollywood legend, such as “If a bunch of men are discussing you, meeting about you, and scheming to destroy you, it probably means you’re doing something right” and “If I had been around with Van Gogh or Melville, they would not have had to wait so long for fame.” The 72-year-old producer, who is doing a book signing at the store Tuesday, had just one problem with the windows — he wished his parents, who always kept a book of all his hits, were still alive to see them. “It would have made my mother smile ear to ear, and I would have liked that,” he said.
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FLOWER POWER?: LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has been fielding interest from potential buyers for one of its less visible fashion properties — Kenzo, WWD has learned. According to market sources, the luxury giant engaged investment firm Crédit Agricole to evaluate a possible sale of the French fashion house, founded in 1970 by Kenzo Takada. The likelihood of a deal, and the identity of the interested parties, could not immediately be learned. An LVMH spokesman said Wednesday, “The company does not comment on rumors.”
It is understood LVMH, which has a strong cash position, would be fussy about selecting the right potential buyer, as it would be expected to hang on to the Kenzo perfume business, part of LVMH’s perfume and cosmetics division. Still, as the economic rebound gains traction and the mergers-and-acquisitions sector heats up, it’s an opportune time to gauge market interest. It is understood LVMH also could decide to hang onto the brand, one of about 60 in a portfolio that spans leather goods, retail, watches, beauty products and liquor. The Kenzo businesses, including fragrances, were acquired by LVMH in 1993 for $80.5 million.
LOVE BOAT: Jennifer Lopez sure knows how to vacation in style. Currently holidaying in the South of France, the American starlet, joined by her kids and hubby, Marc Anthony, is staying aboard Roberto Cavalli’s boat. The Italian designer has even provided a special wardrobe for the singer and actress for two major events she’s due to attend in the region. On Tuesday, Lopez will perform at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, where she will receive an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts. Then, on May 20, she’ll join Eva and Roberto Cavalli as their guest of honor at the amfAR dinner at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
MORE THAN A CARDIGAN: On Tuesday night, Nina Persson of The Cardigans took over the basement bar at the Ace Hotel to celebrate her upcoming collaboration with Swedish label Hope. The two have paired up for a 10-look capsule collection of Thirties-inspired threads for fall — coats with fox collars, draped dresses, print blouses and, yes, knit cardigans — that launches exclusively at New York boutique Project No. 8 and LaGarconne.com. “[Designing] is something I’ve always denied that I should do,” said Persson. “I was too scared to do it myself. I can’t actually construct clothes.” Partnering with Hope designer Ann Ringstrand, who approached Persson in August, made the project less daunting — though the singer is quick to emphasize she’s not adding “designer” to her CV anytime soon, à la Gwen Stefani or Beyoncé Knowles. “That’s why we emphasize that they are my creative ideas but her brand,” she explained. “For me, it’s a lot like my music collaborations. I’m just taking my music to a new place.” Persson capped off the event with a rousing performance to a roomful of guests, including James Iha of The Smashing Pumpkins.
OOPS: Jane Krakowski certainly knows how to titillate her audience. She’s famous for playing overly flirtatious characters such as Jenna Maroney on “30 Rock.” During the Tuesday night debut of her new cabaret act, “Jane Krakowski Has Sold Out…Tickets Available,” at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, however, she may have titillated a little more than usual, thanks to an Yves Saint Laurent dress. The actress, who also wore Alexis Bittar jewelry and Brian Atwood heels, had to contend with a loose and shifting bodice. “I put an extra snap in there and just put my trust in Yves,” said Krakowski, who unveiled two new songs that night — a hilarious ditty about tweeting (to the tunes of “Zip” from the musical “Pal Joey”) and a hip-hop version of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” with shout-outs to Tiffany & Co. and Cartier. Maybe her fiancé can offer some tailoring tips for the show’s weeklong run — Krakowski is engaged to men’s wear designer Robert Godley of the New York-based label Psycho Bunny.
PHOTO FINISH: Photographs by Evelyn Lauder, senior corporate vice president of the Estée Lauder Cos., will be on display and up for sale in Paris’ Galerie des Galeries exhibition space (part of Galeries Lafayette department store) from June 2 to 12. All the proceeds from the photos will help back a France-based research project run by The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which Lauder founded and chairs.