House of  Worth deisgn currently in the Metropoliten Museum of Art, Charles Frederick Worth

We look to all kinds of designers for inspiration! One that has laid the path in fashion history and that we look to is, Charles Frederick Worth. Who is known as, “The Father of Haute Couture.”  Worth’s designs, “House of Worth” were monumental. He is credited for popularizing the crinoline (also known as the tutu to all of us), as well as creating “walking dresses” simply by raising the hem an inch or two. He was the first designer to sew his own label into the garments, and the first to show an entire collection in advance. Worth clothed the royalty and nobility of Europe, including Queen Victoria and Empress Elisabeth, as well as Americans like Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Astors, and Rockefellers. Many of his clients would travel from all over, from as far as New York to Paris just for a “House of Worth” gown. His clients would sometimes spend $10,000 for a wardrobe, and others would spend that on one simple gown.

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Tom Ford – Spring 2011 Women’s Collection from vogue.com

After a six year hiatus from designing women’s fashion, Tom Ford has returned to the scene.  With an intimate private viewing this past September, Mr. Ford (as he now wishes to be called according to Vogue) presented his collection to a small group of guests- with his own style muses and fashion favorites modeling his pieces.  The collection is classic, wearable, and most pieces are suitable for all ages (targeting 25-75).  It is truly a departure from the trendy Gucci label he pioneered in the nineties, which had an equally specific customer.  Yes, it is incredibly exciting that Ford has returned to the design scene, but is also promising that he has chosen to embrace a sleek and timeless style.

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from left: Gwyneth Paltrow, Sara Jessica Parker, and Mary-Kate Olsen in Marni from instyle.com

In 1994, Swiss-born and Milan-based designer Consuelo Castiglioni began the label: Marni.  The Castiglioni family wanted to not only be known as fur producers for major designers, but for its own name in fashion, which resulted in the now well-known fashion label.   Known for bold fashion, an eclectic flair, and unique prints, Marni is now one of the most celebrated Milanese design labels and has quite a star-studded following. With both a fashion and accessories collection, at Marni, there is certainly something for every stylista.

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Tamara Mellon (left), the new Jimmy Choo fragrance (right)

When it comes to luxury, it’s all about the Choo’s.  Especially, when your founder and chief creative officer is as chic as your footwear. Tamara Mellon, (above) founded Jimmy Choo, the luxury fashion company well-known for its to-die-for pumps and stilettos.  When asked about the new scent, Mellon says Jimmy Choo is all about accessories for women and perfume is something that women wear each and every day.  The Jimmy Choo fragrance is to be launched in February.  The bottle was inspired by Murano glass and WWD reports the scent to be “a modern, fruity chypre with green top notes, along with notes of exotic tiger orchid, sweet toffee and Indonesian patchouli.”  Mellon notes that the fragrance is feminine and empowering.  Sweet and sexy?

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Encyclopedia of the Exquisite by Jessica Jenkins

Who says you can’t be a stylish nerd?  And, these three bedside delights won’t provide you fluff (that’s your luxe pillows job).  Cozy up to all or one of these enticing reads and your friends will certainly be singing your smarts all the way to the bookstore- for their own copies!

The first must have is the newly released The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite by Jessica Jenkins.  Once the Eye editor at W magazine, Jenkins used to keep pictures, photographs, postcards, newspaper clippings, and anything that inspired her in a file folder which became the origins of the book. This is a well-researched historical reference hardback for all that is priceless, esteemed, grandiose, and is for anyone with a true appreciation for life’s delights. From champagne, to Cupid, to the Renaissance, this beautifully bound book leaves you wanting more.  Each entry is concise, cleanly written, and incredibly informative.  So take a peek and start well on your way to learning more about: kimonos, top hats, and even the trapeze.  An Encyclopedia has never been so stylish!

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