The parfumeur Louison Libertin of Paris-based label “Technique Indiscrete,” has launched a limited edition fragrance line to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which hit hardest in North East Japan.

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF), New York City’s foremost French cultural center, will once again welcome top créateurs de mode for its annual Fashion Talks series. Pamela Golbin, chief curator of the Musée de la Mode et du Textile at the Louvre Palace, will host the discussions, which will feature Tory Burch on March 16, Lorenz Bäumer (the Place Vendôme jeweler sensation) on March 30, and the legendary Oscar de la Renta on April 4.

The talks serve as a rare opportunity to engage in intimate dialogue with reputable fashion industry leaders and gain insight on their experiences and wisdom.

This week marks the opening of a new double-store space from Helmut Lang and Theyskens’ Theory. The concept boutique, located at 93 and 93.5 Mercer Street in SoHo, looks to push the contemporary design envelope in fashion retail. Fusing two distinct environments into one store presents an interesting juxtaposition in style and design innovation; both brands are hallmarked by varied, progressive and modern aesthetics.

As the 2011 New York Armory Show braces for the art and creative frenzy to flock to the city; studios, museums and galleries are gearing up for an increase in well-heeled foot traffic. Buyers, critics and enthusiasts should investigate what is sure to be one of the most unsettling shows likely to hit town: Involuntary (opening March 2) at the recently opened, fordPROJECT. The exclusive vernissage kicks off The Armory Fair’s VIP program and is invite-only—so expect the art glitterati to attend in full force.

Having long held court on Madison Avenue (since 1996), Etro has recently expanded with an impressive new outpost in the hub of SoHo on 89 Greene Street, at the corner of Spring Street. Now, aficionados of Etro’s Milanese classic tailoring, bold kaleidoscopic prints and paisleys, lavish fabrics and fantastically loud colors, can invest in the choicest pieces from the most recent collections downtown.

It’s not secret that many downtown New York hotspots start sizzling before they even open. Fitting the bill is the new boîte Mr. H, located inside at the un-opened Mondrian SoHo. Kicking off the craze with an illustrious and unruly bash was designer Prabal Gurung, who fêted his autumn/winter 2011/12 collection on Saturday, February 12th at Mr. H.