Karl Lagerfeld shows his face in Hollywood

Was Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld's recent appearance in Beverly Hills designed (sorry) to boost the house's sagging image in the aftermath of the 2006 award season dress debacle?

C'mon, you remember that style scandal: Chanel gave Reese Witherspoon a so-called vintage frock to wear to the 2006 Golden Globes that had been previously worn by Kirsten Dunst to a 2005 Globes party? Ouch.

But apparently Herr Karl is above all that mundane mortal stuff. He was here Friday night strictly to unveil and celebrate (er, publicize) a champagne, Dom Perignon Rose Vintage 1996, with ads photographed by Lagerfeld. And you thought all he could do was design dresses! He also shot the ads for 1998 vintage uncorked last year. Yeah, I know. I don't much care either.

Anyway, the party was held high in the hills in a private home and yes, A-list stars came out dressed in Chanel attire: Eva Herzigova, Jessica Simpson, Maria Bello, Thora Birch, Kelly Lynch and Pierce Brosnan. Suffice to say that Lindsay Lohan looked none too pleased about being forced to pose with Lagerfeld and her nemesis Paris Hilton who giggled throughout pal Brandon Davis's recent video rant about Lohan's genitalia. (I'll show you Fire Crotch, you little