Snow bunny
Christian Lacroix, Pucci’s artistic director, is making some cool stuff for ski-wear brand Rossignol. His collection — which includes everything from gloves to snowsuits to skis — features three abstract patterns: two classic Pucci prints and one quintessentially colourful Lacroix. Even if your ski skills are a little soft, you can still look sharp on the slopes — or sipping a hot toody by the fire at the lodge. Prices range from $80 for hats to $1,200 for jackets; 1-800-267-SKIS.

Vancouver’s latest shopping secret
When she returned to Canada to open her boutique, Urbanity, Julia Manitius just couldn’t shake the 28 years she lived in Denmark. The store, located in Vancouver’s Gastown, has a clean, Scandinavian feel and is the only store in Canada to carry the Oleana of Norway collection of clothes and home fashions. Among Urbanity’s contemporary pieces, such as knitwear designs featuring decorative arts, and silk-taffeta ballroom skirts and tops, are clothes from local textile artist Katherine Soucie and jewellery and accessories crafted by a variety of B.C. designers. There’s more great stuff in the store, but aren’t these enough? 207 Abbott St., 604-801-6262. Viva Italia
Live the good life vicariously through Jean-Pierre Dufreigne’s new book, Dolce Vita Style (Assouline). Through 100 colour and black-and-white images, Dufreigne retraces the charm of joyful living, from Fellini’s La Dolce Vita in 1960, the cult film that launched the movement, to its influence today on music, advertising and fashion. Designers — Valentino, Versace, Dolce & Gabanna – are still savouring this sweet mood in their collections. $60; at bookstores across Canada.

Gem dandies
Dean Davidson has a bling thing going on with Canadian designer Paul Hardy. They started collaborating a couple of years ago on a jewellery line to complement Hardy’s clothing collection. This season, semi-precious stones, like amethysts and garnets, and heavy oxidized chains evoke a modern antiquity. Davidson and Hardy met through Calgary modelling agent Kelly Streit, who had scouted Davidson. He may not have made it to the catwalk, but his designs did. Prices range from $125 for earrings to $855 for necklaces; www.davidson.ca