Christian Dior Couture: Calm & Masterful Craftsmanship

Prior to the Christian Dior SS22 haute Couture show, Maria Grazia Chiuri spoke with Vogue about her passion for construction and craftsmanship. The collection — all black, white, and greys — is a quiet testament to to this passion. My favorite PF22 shirtdress is repeated here, and the floor-sweeping pale coat and delicate rings are sublime.

Winter To-Do List

While tucked up at home, I’m keeping busy taking printmaking classes online at the Whitney Museum of American Art, reading Claire Messud’s new novel A Dream Life, and watching films on the Criterion Channel. Broadening my world without leaving the house.

Save The Date for the Chanel SS22 Haute Couture Show

Charlotte Casiraghi, a world-class equestrienne and Chanel ambassador, wears a black tweed jacket from the upcoming SS22 Haute Couture collection. The film of the show will be presented on Tuesday January 25.

Images by Norwegian photographer Ola Rindal and French contemporary artist Xavier Veilhan

The Manolo Blahnik Basiana

I may have my eye on a pair of Celine pumps in the previous post, however, when these Manolo Blahnik Basiana pumps popped up in a “What’s New” email this morning, my heart skipped a beat. Inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s personal style, they tick all the boxes, and then some.

A Very Short List

The Saint Laurent chain belt is one of my favorite purchases of 2021 — I wear it all the time. When I spied this smaller, curb-link belt in the Giambattista Valli PF22 runway images earlier this week, it went directly onto my wish list. As much as I love these Celine SS22 shoes, I already have the Manolo Blahnik Turgimods that may be too similar to justify another pair. Perhaps in a different color… I know I’ll want a slouchier bag so I’ve kept the Celine Romy in it’s dust bag waiting for spring.

Charlotte Tilbury’s New Foundation

I saw that Charlotte Tilbury launched Beautiful Skin Foundation earlier this month, but I’ve been preoccupied with skincare so I’m late to the game on this news. I’ve used her products for years and only once strayed to try the Westman Atelier line. Gucci’s products are great, but way too heavy for my dry skin. CT’s Beautiful Skin is touted to be hydrating — I’m in.

On My Inspiration Board

I started casting right out of college and went to Vogue to be the bookings editor at 26. I was young and the models were (sometimes really) young. Thankfully, as I’ve aged our beauty ideals have evolved and many of the models I started are still working some 30+ years on. I look back and realize the obsession with youth wasn’t aspirational, it was foolish. Carla Bruni, above right, was one of my favorite models and I cast her often. Farida Khelfa, bottom right, too. Mr. Penn photographed Farida for a number of memorable Vogue stories. And Kate, my beloved Kate, is just as beautiful now as the young teenager who came to meet me a lifetime ago. These women, as they are today, have replaced the vintage images of Jane Birkin, etc. on my inspiration board. “The past is a place of reference, not of residence” Roy T. Bennett

Isabelle Huppert, Carla Bruni, Farida Khelfa, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu at the Ami menswear show in Paris. Kate on her 48th birthday this past Sunday.

Circling Back

Circling back to two posts:  The Biologique Recherche products are worth the commitment and I’m dutifully doing all the steps twice daily — so far, so good. Socks are my current obsession. I wear them in lieu of booties and alternate them with tights (or wear them with tights).

Vanessa Seward: The Gentlewoman’s Guide

As a long-time fan of Argentine-born designer Vanessa Seward, alum of Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel, I’m excited for her new book “The Gentlewoman’s Guide“. A decidedly non-Parisienne style guide (thankfully), but rather her personal take on style in general. A proponent of grown-up, polished, and feminine dressing, I’m sure Ms. Seward’s book is right up my alley. Both Vogue and WWD have good Q&As with the designer.

Switching It Up: New Balance

I’m giving my Adidas Sambas and Gazelles a rest and have pulled out my grey and beige New Balance sneakers — time to switch it up a bit with classic pairs I already own. I love the New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore collaboration, which has been instrumental in the brand’s revival.

Image courtesy Vogue France 2019