Paul Poiret: Visionary, Icon and Cultural Revolutionary
“He was not just a designer; he was a visionary, a man of the theater, a cultural force.” Caroline Evans Paul Poiret, one of the most creative, innovative, energetic and influential designers the fashion world has ever experienced is also, paradoxically, one of the least known. The term “Renaissance man” was first used in 1906 […]
The Man Who Defined Modern Elegance: Farewell to Giorgio Armani
“I love things that age well – things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best”. Giorgio Armani It is said “All good things must come to an end.” One of the best in the world of design came to an end with the passing […]
From Baudelaire to Birkin: The Story of Boho Chic
“Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence” Osho Boho is shorthand for Bohemian which referred to the people believed to have originated from Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It was a condescending and unflattering term used to describe those who lived a nomadic and unconventional life in early 19th century Europe — a time of […]
Perfect Harmony: Black and White in Style
“Women think of all the colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White, too. Their beauty is absolute. It is perfect harmony.” Coco Chanel We live in a color filled world. There are currently over 2,000 colors identified in the Pantone Matching System. So it is interesting that […]
Every Color Has A Story
“Nothing is Black or White” Nelson Mandela WHITE: It’s a given that brides will wear a white wedding dress and that the color is reserved exclusively for the bride. Why? From where did this tradition originate?Once upon a time, brides wore their “best” finery in whatever color it happened to be — even red! Then on […]
Purely Personal Tips for Destination Wedding Dressing & Packing
They say a person needs just three things to be happy in this world; someone to love something to do and something to hope for.” Tom Bodett Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for weddings and vacations. It seems that more and more couples are deciding to combine the two with Destination nuptials. […]
Uniform to Icon: How Military Dress Became Purely Personal Style
“Luxury must be comfortable otherwise it’s not luxury” Coco Chanel The Battle of Waterloo may have ended Napoleon’s career and his empire but it created one of fashion’s most enduring designs — the Raglan sleeve. On June 18, 1815, FitzRoy Somerset, the 1st Earl of Raglan was shot in the right arm by a French […]
Yellow : The Power Color You Are Missing
“Yellow is capable of charming God” Vincent Van Gogh Yellow, along with red and blue, form the triad of primary colors. As a primary, yellow is necessary to create the secondary and tertiary colors that enhance our world in art and textiles. While the original, natural sources for red (insects) and blue (lapis lazuli), were […]
A Night at Versailles: Dressing For The Court of Louis XIV
“One king, one law, one faith” “L’état c’est moi” Versailles, the court palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King, was built as a symbol of his absolute monarchy; a reflection of his personal power and grandeur. For decades Versailles was home to opulent and decadent parties, grand theatrical productions and the display of great art. […]
A Worthwhile Revolution: How One Man Defined Couture
“It is not a little singular that Worth… should take the lead in what is supposed to be a peculiarily French art.” The Times, London Imagine arriving at an opulent ball, the opera, or ballet in a horse-drawn carriage. Or, arriving at a palace to dine with European royalty at a table set with gleaming crystal […]