A HELPING HAND: Paco Rabanne's metallic minis may be a distant glimmer, but at a recent retrospective in Kiev, Ukraine, he took a shine to a new designer he claims is full of Eastern promise. To ease her on her way, Rabanne helped coordinate the first couture show of Ukrainian designer Vernika Jeanvi, which was shown at Paris' Galerie Nikki. "Let's just say I've taken on the role of the grandfather," said Rabanne. Jeanvi's collection includes a dress enrobed in metallic chains as well as a line of summer furs.

JEWEL TONES: Is Marie-Hélène de Taillac mulling an expansion into clothing? At a party for fashion editor Marko Matysik, attended by the likes of Peter Dundas, Yves Carcelle and Becca Cason Thrash, the Indian jeweler chatted about a capsule line of clothing inspired by her vibrant stones. The limited edition items, to be exhibited at Isetan in Tokyo next month, include designs by Lucien Pellat Finet, Treizeor and Indian cashmere brand Kashmirhandloom. "I even designed a kimono for it," said de Taillac. Ramdane Touhami is also a busy bee. Having just opened a boutique called La Maison de Cire Trudon, at 78 Rue de Seine, stocking candles by venerable French wax-makers, the designer disclosed he's behind the costumes for the avant-garde opera "Il Tempo del Postino," which will be part of the Manchester festival later this month. The "group opera" will feature work by a host of high-wattage artists such as Matthew Barney and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster.