All I Want for Christmas is Grace Kelly's Wardrobe

I will be making a trip to London in April. The spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular and iconic actresses of the 1950s, will be on display at the Victoria & Albert museum in London from April 17th - September 26th 2010.

Tracing the evolution of her style from her days as one of Hollywood's most popular actresses in the 1950s and as Princess Grace of Monaco. The display will present over 50 of Grace Kelly's outfits together with hats, jewelery and the original Hermès Kelly bag. Dresses from her films will be shown as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar award in 1955.

Grace Kelly as Tracy Lord in 'High Society', 1956.

The exhibition will feature dresses from her films such as 'Rear Window'. The dress Kelly wore for the film, above, inspired Carolina Herrera to design her own version.

The belted, short-waist dress, by Barnell of New York, which Kelly chose to wear for the announcement of her engagement, will feature at the V&A.

The display will also include the lace ensemble worn by Grace Kelly for her civil marriage ceremony to Prince Rainier in 1956 and 35 haute couture gowns from the 1960s and 70s by her favorite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Yves St Laurent.

Azzaro

If you are not familiar with theOutnet then point your browser HERE. Created by the team behind the award-winning fashion website NET-A-PORTER.COM, theOutnet is a global shopping destination devoted to selling discounted designer womenswear and accessories. As Natalie Massenet, Founder and Chairman of NET-A-PORTER explains, "Great fashion won't disappear - it will go to theOutnet."

This week, theOutnet.com turns the spotlight on Azzaro – the iconic brand to wear now. The “it” label since the 70s, it is a byword in refined glamour with a timeless appeal. With discounts up to 60% off, it’s worth a click.

Karl Lagerfeld

Photograph by François-Marie Banier

For as long as I can remember I have felt a connection to people who relentlessly embrace their dreams and strive for the best. As a young girl my affinity was fostered through books. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood with two local libraries. During the long lazy days of summer my mother would drop me off at the library for regular rendezvous with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Truman Capote.

Then, as now, I loved nothing more than the thrill of being surrounded by endless stories of intrigue, fashion, parties and travel. But most of all I loved the encounters with captivating subjects. Along with my childhood home, these were the inspired worlds that profoundly shaped my young thoughts, ideas and views.

Photograph by François-Marie Banier

I am most fascinated by the complexing genius that is Karl Lagerfeld. My interest was fuelled several years ago after reading Where Karl Lagerfeld Lives by John Colapinto and Alicia Drakes' brilliant book The Beautiful Fall.

The uniquely confident and iconic Lagerfeld (born Karl Otto Lagerfeldt) is widely recognized as one of the most influential fashion designers of the late 20th century. Over decades he has collaborated with many fashion houses including Chloé and Fendi. However, it was his appointment to the House of Chanel in 1982 that elevated his reining status in the world of fashion.

Photograph by Karl Lagerfeld

Since moving to the UK I have become smitten with the shelter magazine Elle Decoration. Just when I think I’ve seen their best issue ever I am proven wrong the next month. Yesterday I picked up my April copy for the plane, but had to take a peek at the exclusive photos of Karl Lagerfeld’s Paris apartment. As Diana Vreeland once said, “Few things are more fascinating than the opportunity to see how people live during their private hours.”

Photograph by Karl Lagerfeld

The entire issue, including the 12 page Lagerfeld spread, is jaw dropping. My advice, get yourself a copy and find a cozy spot to read and devourer each photo. The last page features a fantasctic 1970 photo of style icon Gloria Vanderbilt - sheer perfection. Enjoy!

Fun + Flirty for Spring

Photo via Garance Doré

I was pondering Hollister Hovey's post on nail polish when I fortuitously came across the above photo while searching my files. It got me to thinking about spring and the fact that it may be time to abandon my dark nail polish for awhile. I have also switched my perfume in anticipation of warmer weather. Here are a few of my favorite finds for the season. What must haves are on your list? Either real or imagined...we can always dream.

Bold tones rule for Spring 2009. Just as brighter colors turned up the runways for Spring 2009 Fashion Week, nail polish colors have followed suite. For a quick update try Essie One of a Kind Poppy Red Kiss or Deborah Lippmann Purple Rain, a shimmering lilac frost created by Zac Posen.

For spring think pink! I love the color pink, but can't force myself to wear pink clothes. Now I can added it to my wardrobe in a very fashionable way. The ever-popular Plasteramic Watch goes Neon.

The asymmetrical silhouette is huge for spring. Shoshanna's version, with a banded waist and ruched skirt, makes for the perfect little black dress.

The one-piece wonder is back! I for one love the jumpsuit. Of course, my sisters tell me that's because I am 5'9. I think this Alice + Olivia flutter sleeve jumpsuit is super stunning. Very Studio 54.

I recently received a bottle of Lea Extreme by Lea St. Barth from the gracious Christine Elia. I am in love with this scent! A powdery almond scent, mixed with hints of vanilla and musk, it's perfect for warmer months.

A pop of color is a must for the men too. This Michael Kors Tie-Dye Shirt is very cool. For a fun look at fashion, visit www.whatisjameswearing.com.

The biggest must have on my spring list is a bee friendly flower garden. My son has been studying the alarming trend of bee decline and is determined to make a difference. Together we are encouraging everyone to plant chives this spring.

Any flowering plant is helpful but bees love chives, which are very easy to grow. Rosemary, comfrey and lavender are also good options. If you don’t have a garden, plant a few in pots or window boxes. Every little bit helps.

Photo credit: model Mélanie Bernier/photo via Garance Doré

Profile: Carlos Souza

When it comes to sophistication and style Carlos Souza defines both words. An internationally recognized style icon, Carlos began his fashionable and formidable career with the incomparable Valentino. In his 20+ years with the Italian fashion house, he served as vice president of worldwide public relations, celebrity liaison and confidant to the legendary designer.

Inspired by his upbringing in Brazil, life in Europe and international travel, Carlos founded his own jewelry line—Most Wanted Design (MWD). An unpretentious mix of metals and precious stones are the foundation of Carlos’ unisex jewelry. Yes, unisex. Carlos publicly acknowledges the fact that it takes “guts" for men to wear his jewelry designs, yet many have wisely followed his fashionable lead.

His Most Wanted Design millennium debut took place on a yacht in the Caribbean with Claudia Schiffer, Liz Hurley, Tim Jeffries, Giancarlo Giametti and Valentino. Carlos gave Valentino and Giancarlo his unique, inscribed Charlemagne crosses, and thus his collection was born.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
My travels, fabulous friends and my sons.

What are your most prized possession?
I prize my health, sanity and acute intuition.

What are the things life you cannot live without?
Love, peace of mind and yoga.

Who has inspired your personal style?
I have lived and worked in the very high altar of Haute Couture when exercising my PR activity for the house of Valentino. Nowadays I find that inspiration comes in the simplest forms and from nature.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
My sons. They have very good direction in these hectic times that we are living.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Coetzee and always some Rumi.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
I love to retreat to my farm outside Rio when I want to shut off the phone and my PC .

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
To feel love, peace and harmony inside my heart and to share that feeling with the people closest to me.

Past or present who or what has most influenced your direction in life?
The love of my family and close friends. They influence me daily in my quest to be a better person. A good direction indeed.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Kenneth Paul Block

Always fascinated with anything Truman Capote, I just finished reading Deborah Davis’ book Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and His Black and White Ball.

Intrigued by the illustration of Amanda Burden, in the borrowed black and white striped gown designed by Cecil Beaton for My Fair Lady, I was reminded of the work of Kenneth Paul Block.

One of the most influential fashion illustrators of the twentieth century, Kenneth Paul Block made his mark on the world of fashion at Women's Wear Daily in the 1950s. Long identified and celebrated for his drawings and water colors of such society icons as Babe Paley, the Duchess of Windsor, Jackie Kennedy and C.Z. Guest, he also became a favorite of the leading fashion designers.

Scores of designers hired Mr. Block to illustrate their collections, including, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Pierre Cardin, Garavani Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Oscar de la Renta. Block also documented the work of up-and-coming designers Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and Halston.

Attending the shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York, Mr. Block was one of the first to capture the latest trend-setting styles of the 1960s and the post-war shift of couture to prêt-a-porter through illustration.

More of Mr. Block’s work can be seen in the beautiful book Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block by Susan Mulcahy, with a foreword by Yves Saint Laurent and an introduction by Isaac Mizrahi.

'Runway to Change'

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be a political commentary, nor is it meant to alienate McCain supporters. I just find it fascinating the way fashion and design can permeate so many facets of life. Recently several designers including Derek Lam, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Rag and Bone, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Diane von Furstenberg sketched and designed clothing items and bags for the Obama campaign. Runway to Change is an unprecedented political collaboration from New York's fashion industry.

For the record, I did search the MaCain website for a similar project and would have posted similar items had they existed.

Designed by Tracy Reese

Designed by Tory Burch

Designed by Derek Lam

Designed by Diane Von Furstenberg

From the Obama website: All of products are union and USA made and produced. All purchases made on the Obama Store are 100% contributions to the campaign and count towards overall contribution limit.

Claridge + King

Few things are truly sexier than a woman wearing her man’s button-down shirt. Ask any man or just look at the new Estee Lauder Sensuous perfume campaign with Elizabeth Hurley, Gwyneth Paltrow, Carolyn Murphy and Hilary Rhoda.




Realizing this universal truth and a desire to find a proper fitting, but comfortable men’s shirt, sisters Laurann Claridge and Lizbeth King decided to create their own. Their new line Claridge + King, a collection of menswear-inspired clothing for women, debuts with the “His is Hers Oxford’ shirt. The result is a beautiful garment tailored for women with extended tails for coverage and mother of pearl buttons. Each shirt comes packaged in a petite gray and white striped pillowcase.

Sisters and founders Lizbeth King and Laurann Claridge

“Ever since I was a teenager, I loved wearing my dad’s and, later, my boyfriend’s worn-in, button-down shirts,” Claridge recalls. “The problem was, while the sleeve length might work, the tails where too short. Or it was roomy enough, but the cuffs extended past my fingertips.” Laurann and Lizbeth worked on prototype after prototype to get the proportions perfect before launching Claridge + King.

Having met Laurann on several occasions, I know first-hand her impeccable taste and style. I have a feeling this new line will become an instant classic.

Shirts start at $89, with monogramming available.

Dressing the Home

Gilles Mendel

Giambattsta Valli

Giambattsta Valli

Earlier in the year I read several good reviews of Dressing the Home: The Private Spaces of Top Fashion Designers. Of course I immediately put it on my “to buy” book list. Lucky for me I was able to snag it for a bargain this summer and the photos and content did not disappoint!

With New York Fashion Week fast approaching this seemed an appropriate post, not to mention that this book is now listed in the Amazon bargain book section.

Dressing the Home looks inside the homes of more than twenty of today’s hottest fashion designers. A few designers include Christian Louboutin, Catherine Malandrino, Patrick Cox, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, as well as Dolce & Gabbana, who wrote the foreword.

I especially love the homes of both Gilles Mendel and Giambattista Valli. I suppose that would stand to reason, as I adore the clothes they design. If you love fashion and design I think you will love this book too.

Fashion Icon

Kate Spade Ads/Photographer Tierney Gearson

Kate Spade Fall '02 Campaign/ Photographer Larry Sultan and Z Photographie/Stylist Karen Patch

Marc Jacobs Ad/Photographer Juergen Teller/Model Sofia Coppola

I love books! Almost as much as I do fashion. This summer I spent several hours (more than I care to admit) shopping and combing through hundreds of titles at the local Half Price Books. In the end, I purchased far more clothing items than books. I did however come across one really great find—Fashion Icon: The Power and Influence of Graphic Design by Mike Toth.

Fashion Icon is a glossy portfolio of ingenious design work inspired by fashion trends, and packed with examples from print advertising, retail space and packaging. Each photograph is accompanied by descriptions and explores the role of industry players—art directors, photographers, models, magazine editors and stylists.

This book is a visual treat for graphic designers or anyone who loves fashion and advertising. Of course the Kate Spade ads sealed the deal for me, these are some of my very favorite.

Carla Bruni Sarkozy

France's new First Lady made a demure first impression when she arrived in the UK for a state visit. Many papers have called her wardrobe a cross between Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana.

A picture of elegance.The Dior handbag was a permanent fixture.




Carla Bruni Sarkozy has been all the rage here in the UK over the past few days. The new First Lady of France has garnered much press and attention. Of course her wardrobe choices have given the papers and magazines much to photograph and discuss. The sheer volume of press coverage over a two-day period must be similar to that given to Jackie Kennedy on her first visit to France as First Lady.

I for one adored everything she wore, not only was her choice of clothes very chic, but diplomatically correct. The famous French fashion house of Christian Dior and its London-raised and educated couturier and designer, John Galliano CBE, were the mastermind behind the senses. A move fully-supported her husband’s initiatives on the political front for a new Anglo-French alliance.

Getty Images

Hats

I love hats! I have very fond memories of my mom taking me and my three sisters shopping for new Eater dresses and of course 'bonnets' each and every year. Even now as an adult it's just not Easter until I have my hat. I found these amazing Ascot photos on Flickr. Anyone else donning a hat this weekend?

Shopping on Saturday

Today is just a daydream shopping trip. I have been a huge fan of Giambattista Valli for a few years, but I am in love with his spring/summer 2008 collection. I personally love big, chunky turquoise jewelery, especially when paired with black, pink and yellow. I just picked up the Hello! Fashion Special (UK version) replete with beautiful photos and clothing. Oh to dream of spring!