Charlotte Moss ~ A Visual Life

That Charlotte (no) Moss (grows under her feet) is at it again.  In her 8th book titled Charlotte Moss: A Visual Life, she shares a lifelong passion of scrapbooking, creating collages and the inspiration that makes her one of the great decorators of our time.  She invites other great ladies with a flair for living to share their journey in bits of paper and picture as well.

We all have an instinct to gather things and surround ourselves with those things that comfort us.  We may do it in different ways or it may take on different forms; such as starting a collection of some sort, journalling, even pinning pictures on Pinterest or creating videos.

It can be quite relaxing to just stop a moment and capture pictures that move us.  Whether you are cutting pictures from a magazine or taking your own photos, which Charlotte does, prolifically; It helps you step out of your day, explore, capture a moment or a thing of beauty that you might otherwise not have noticed.

The book is organized by themes:  travel, gardens, interiors, entertaining.  It's a great way for you (and by you, I mean me) to be inspired to get those files off the floor, out of drawers, and onto a working, visual board of beauty.

What's next for Charlotte you ask?  The beautiful photo (below) of a formal garden will soon be transformed via digital printing into clothing a la Mary Katrantzou.  Remember my story on Mary?  I am a huge fan, and I do love this new medium.  It has become very popular with many a designer.  I'm sure Charlotte's rendition will be as exquisite as everything else she has done.

One of the women Charlotte spoke of as an inspiration was Gloria Vanderbilt.  She just happened to be exhibiting her collection of art and collages, so I took a quick peek.  Check back next time...

Net~a~Porter ~ New York

Chic just happens in New York when my all time favorite on line shopping mecca, Net-a-Porter ( I am a worshipper after all) as well as The Outnet and Mr. Porter opened an office in the city this past July. Keeping its identity intact on the other side of the pond was a priority for the design team at Studio Fibre .  The London office, with its Parisian apartment inspiration, was so mesmerizing when that was unveiled there was no question that the overall design convey continuity and be thought of as a "working wonderland."

Natalie Massenet has a lot to smile about with the growth of the companies she founded at 73 % this year and that's in the US alone.  Net-a-Porter is described as having a masculine presence with a feminine finesse.  I like the sound of that.

LONDON ~

The question was how to take an airplane hanger like space and humanize it.   The cavernous space was designed to be a hybrid between business, a photography studio, retail and event space.  That's a place I'd want to spend my day!  Its mix of hi/low materials, matte/hi gloss finishes, Murano chandeliers and industrial lighting create a picture perfect backdrop for a fashionable design driven business.

Now I know where all my money is going!   If you haven't visited Net- a- porter , The Outnet or Mr. Porter I encourage you to do so but caveat emptor; I cannot be responsible for the possible addiction.


Ph: NY via Hypebeast, London via Dezeen by Pantling Studios

Prabal Gurung : Spring 2013

The invitation for Prabal Gurung's fashion show was one I had hoped to get.  It was a HOT ticket and I have more than a curious desire to see the fashionable and fabulous during fashion week.

Long story short, I knew a boy who drew magnificent, extravagant outfits in his journals.  They were fanciful and meticulous.  I said, "He's going to do wonderful things one day!"  Fast forward ~ Tyler Rose met Prabal Gurung when they both worked at Bill Blass.  Tyler is the creative director at Prabal Gurung.  The little boy I knew grew into a successful, recognized talent on the fashion radar of every editor (and first lady) and "it" girl alike.
It was fun and funny to see the paparazzi swarming after the celebs in the front row (Kate Bosworth, Alison Williams, Andy Cohen).  I was more interested in the editors across the aisle.

The inspiration for the show came from the work of artist Anish Kapoor.  Most notably, the red, silver, and black color scheme that predominated.  The collection had undertones of a Southern Asian woman's  dress; specifically the kurta.  Kapoor is Indian and Gurung is from Nepal, so they are kindred spirits and share a deep sense of similar homelands while living abroad.

The leather, lace, embroidery, sheer panels, skeletal prints, and feathers created an interesting tension.

They wanted a dark, moody venue, and they got it.  Hence, my pictures don't do the clothes justice.  I loved how the designs were edgy while they simultaneously remained polished.  I would wear almost any of these pieces, especially the sheer, asymmetrical tops.  They are key updating pieces and I love the layered effect they create.  I'll take one please!

Tyler Rose and his mom Faye.  You go Tyler!  (I hope I didn't embarrass you). You are most certainly the man behind the man!

The verdict: Red carpet ready. It's no wonder that Gurung is such a hit in Hollywood. His flair for creating entrance-making clothes is unmatched among his American peers.

                                                                                 ~ Booth Moore, LA Times

Ph: Monica Feudi and me