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NOT TOO SHABBY: There still may be a silver lining for fans of the now-defunct domestic decor label Shabby Chic. The company, helmed by British-born interior designer Rachel Ashwell and known for its elegantly worn home furnishings, filed for Chapter 11 in January and began shuttering its 15 retail locations shortly thereafter. (Liquidation sales are under way at the brand’s eight remaining stores.) But, when reached for comment last Thursday, Ashwell still seemed optimistic about the business she started in 1989. “Shabby Chic is Montana Avenue,” said the entrepreneur, referring to the address of the company’s Santa Monica flagship. “[It] won’t go away.”
Ashwell chalked the company’s present financial woes up to its recent — and perhaps ill-timed — retail expansion, but insisted she would reopen a store soon. “I can’t imagine life without one,” she said. In the meantime, Ashwell reported she will continue to work on her home accessories line for Target, Simply Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell, and is working on her sixth book, due out later this year.
“It was supposed to be a 20th anniversary book,” said the decorator, “but I have to do some rewriting now.”
SING A SONG: The Verve lead singer Richard Ashcroft will perform at a dinner British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman is hosting in honor of Gucci creative director Frida Giannini on April 1, according to sources. The event will be held at London’s Saatchi Gallery to mark the unveiling of Gucci’s revamped Sloane Street boutique, modeled after the brand’s latest generation store concept designed by Giannini. Gucci’s new chief executive officer, Patrizio di Marco’’ will also attend the dinner for 150 people.
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