Coco Chanel is perhaps best known as the fashion innovator who brought us the little black dress and sportswear for women. But those are only two of her myriad fashion innovations. Another is the cap-toe pump, the first shoe she ever designed, back in 1957. Known for her practicality, Chanel said she created the cap toe because a black toe will hide the scuffs while giving the illusion of a longer leg.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the shoe. Karl Lagerfeld is honoring the style by creating a contemporary take on the two-tone.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

As Neiman Marcus gears up for its 100th anniversary, designers from all over the world are creating items exclusively for the company. Many will be available for only a limited time. Among these is the John Hardy Sunset Colorway and White Sapphire Accent Twist Cuff, which retails for $3,000.

John Hardy jewelry is hand-crafted using ancient Indonesian jewelry-making techniques. Design inspirations are drawn from all over the world, from intricate Indian architecture to the Balinese landscape.

Also in honor of the company's 100th anniversary, the gift with purchase during The Beauty Event through Sept. 16 is even more generous than usual. It's a metallic tote bag filled with a plethora of samples of the latest in skincare and cosmetics from companies such as Laura Mercier, Orlane, Shu Uemura, Molton Brown, Estée Lauder and Lancome. You have to spend $100 on cosmetics and fragrances to get it.

Allow a little extra time at the cosmetics counter to get briefed on the latest in fall makeup: The palette is changing with the seasons.

FASHION FENG SHUI

Feng shui plays an important role in fashion, according to Alice Inoue, an astrologer and feng-shui expert. Learn about the personality archetypes determined by feng-shui principles and how to structure your wardrobe to attract the elements of life you seek at a free talk during Aloha Tower Marketplace's First Fashion Friday event. The free event will be held in the Center Atrium at 6 p.m. today; 566-2337 or www.alohatower.com.

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Lora Nakai, owner of Heaven on Earth spas, loves to shop on the Mainland for lines that she's read about in magazines but has not been able to find in Hawai'i. Now that she has a big new spa in the Ko'olani condominium, she is searching even harder, with many new hard-to-find lines, including: La Bella Donna (make-up); A Beautiful Place (tea sets); Glenda Gies Designs (designer handbags); DL & Company (candles); Heaven Scent (candles); Cain & Able Collection (doggie spa line); Empress Arts (baby clothing); and Sachi Designs (customized Swarovski crystal accessories).

MAKING IT IN NEW YORK

Three former Honoluluans are finding their way in the fashion world in New York. Tina Vines, a member of our Fashion Forum, is working as an intern at Betsey Johnson, where she will be toiling backstage during the Betsey Johnson extravaganza at New York's Fashion Week. "I get to see Betsey every single day!" she e-mailed enthusiastically.

Janet Murphy (formerly Janet Mock), got her master's degree in journalism from New York University and is now working at People magazine. She is heading up the magazine's Web site Celebrity Central section. Check it out at www.people.com/people/celebrities.

Punahou graduate Bliss Lau is finding success in New York as an upscale handbag designer. Her fabulous fall 2007 collection is inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge, under which her little studio stood when she first started creating handbags. She has had ups and downs in trying to get the bags manufactured but has found outstanding artisans in Costa Rica who are able to stitch 'em up according to her exacting standards. Her entire fall collection will arrive soon at Riches Kahala.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.