GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . not often one for prints and patterns, but there is something about derek lam's current collection, with its leather skirts and golden oxfords, cotton twill blazers and herringbone coats, silks and knits and sumptuously billowy dresses, that one is hopelessly drawn . . .

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. . . after the holidays, there is always a quiet lull, a little lapse in time, where the daydreams begin -- of the new year ahead, of fresh starts and unbroken promises, and the pastel daydreams of winter's quiet deference to the flimsy dresses and fluttery spring days that lay ahead . . .

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. . . the lanvin fall 2011 rtw collection was filled with holiday-perfect party dresses, festive hair adornments, and impossibly chic crystal-embellished opera gloves . . .



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above: tory burch's manhattan home, designed by architect & interior designer daniel romualdez, who also decorated the new flagship store


e d i t o r ' s n o t e : h e l l o f r o m r o s é l i n e

. . . as you know, a few weeks ago in the early morning light of late summer, stopped in for coffee & mimosas at the opening of tory burch's new flagship boutique on 797 madison avenue in new york, for a glimpse of the beautiful interiors spanning across five floors of a 19th century townhouse . . .



. . . and while browsing the new collection and in between a glass of champagne for me, and a freshly brewed coffee from a gilded service for laily, had the chance to catch up with tory and ask her a few questions . . .


from the fall 2011 collection

. . . the summer linen totes and wicker carrying cases have been all but stowed away for the season, and in their place, rich textures and soft leather -- like this wonderfully warm leather tote, perfect for bouquets from the flower markets, a half dozen custard tarts, a pair of glittery shoes, or anything else that the heart desires . . .


{la tropezienne leather tote by clare vivier in tan, available at bodie and fou}

. . . there would seem to be no shortage of lovely leather accessories on etsy -- first, the paris-perfect handstitched luggage tags by harlex, and now, beautiful leather keychains & storage totes by gildem modern housewares, a perfect mix of clean lines, white & natural leathers, and simple elegance . . .

. . . this morning's walk with the dog was already quite blustery, calling for a belted cardigan, a favourite combination at this time of year, and especially if the belt is beautifully and artfully knotted, as these from rilleau . . .

created out of necessity during the second world war, when metal production [along with petrol and sugar] was diverted to the war effort, causing the unavailability of metal buckles, [normally made of brass, nickel and iron or steel], these knotted belts also have no rivets or stitches, and each is cut freehand, without a pattern, and hand finished -- wouldn't they be lovely against pale pink cashmere?


{images: rilleau leather via n'est style; shown from top, the tapered belt & the knotted belt}

. . . every once in a while, a collection comes along that is sheer perfection, and the kaufmanfranco fw11 collection, a stunning collaboration between designers ken kaufman and isaac franco, is just that -- with its sweeping camel coats and shimmery halter dresses, belted knits and sexy details, it is an altogether beautiful combination of rock & refined . . .



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. . . yesterday was one of those beautiful august days spent traipsing about town for meetings & appointments, visiting many, many design shops for research for an exciting new project, a café date and late lunch date, and best of all, a stop at the art gallery on the way home -- gilded frames and arches of colour, eighteenth century chandeliers and heels on herringbone floors . . .

. . . if you were to ask, anyone would happily tell you that was born in heels, and yet, these sweetly chic handmade palest pink leather ballerinas tied with organza ribbons may just change everything . . .





{images: from eclecchic, originally from elehandmade on etsy, shoes available here}

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

. . . and after unexpectedly falling for a decidedly masculine black leather sofa a few weeks ago, {juxtaposed, to be certain, against crisp whites and a perfectly ornate mirror}, have been thinking about notions of masculinity and femininity recently, how they interrelate, and most of all, how they can intermingle to create something altogether new and utterly beautiful . . .



















{p.s.} also, first there were the ipad cases, then the charmingly chic luggage tags, and now, also from from etsy, this {fifth from top} impossibly lovely hand-stitched doctor's bag/carry on . . .


{images: one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten via {wit & delight}}