A house is very much like a portrait,’ says Christian Louboutin. ‘I cannot disconnect houses from people. The thought of arrangement, the curves and straight lines. It gives an indication of the character at the heart of it.’

So what does the shoe designer’s romantic 13th-century château in the Vendée region of France reveal about him? Each room is unique: a dramatic wrought-iron spiral staircase greets guests in the entrance hallway, filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows; the grand salon is crowded with Italian Baroque armchairs, Louis XV mirrors and delicate pencil sketches by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. ‘They were done early on in Ingres’ career but one of them is the exact profile of Meryl Streep! It’s quite fascinating,’ he says.

Shared with Bruno Chambelland, his business partner of more than 20 years — ‘one of my dearest, oldest friends’ — the property sits in seven hectares of enchanting landscaped gardens, with outhouses and a renovated oak barn that is used as an archive of more than 8,000 pairs of Louboutin’s most fabulous footwear.

The fanciful interiors are much more Chambelland than Louboutin. ‘It’s really Bruno who took care of decorating; he used to be an auctioneer. The château was owned by his family three centuries ago, but when the Revolution happened his great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Chambelland, was cut into 200 pieces and the property drifted from owner to owner.’ When Château de Champgillon came back on the market in the late 1980s, Bruno snapped it up and the pair set about restoring it, drawing heavily on 18th-century style. A number of pieces that had been kept in the Chambelland family, including an antique grandfather clock, were returned to their original home; other items, such as some 16th-century Spanish portraits and a woven tapestry by Alexander Calder, were purchased at Paris’ Drouot auction house, and more still were picked up by Louboutin on his travels (he spends more than half the year visiting his 70 stores, from Manhattan to Delhi).

Inside the barn conversion alone there are free-standing Indian rococo columns, Mexican totem poles and searchlights from the Suez Canal. ‘If there is something I like, I buy it and then find somewhere for it. I buy first then I think.’ The restoration of the château is an ongoing project — ‘restoration in France is never finished!’ — but of Louboutin’s five homes (an apartment in Paris’ ninth arrondissement and houses in Portugal, Egypt and LA), it is Champgillon that he holds most dear ‘because this is the one most painted with history’.

The fourth child of Roger Louboutin, a carpenter, and his wife Irène, Christian was born and raised in the 12th arrondissement of Paris with his three older sisters. Inspired by the dancers’ costumes at the nearby Folies Bergères, Louboutin’s childhood dream was always to design shoes and at 16 he dropped out of school to pursue his ambition. A chance encounter in 1982 with Countess Hélène de Mortemart, then fashion director at Christian Dior, led to a year-long internship at the atelier of Charles Jourdan, the brand that designed and manufactured shoes for Dior.  After this, the fledgling designer went freelance, designing shoes for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. In 1987, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris announced a major exhibition of Roger Vivier’s work, and Louboutin became the assistant and secretary of this go-to shoe designer for chic Parisiennes.

With the end of the exhibition came an unexpected sideways move into landscape gardening. In his book, Christian Louboutin, he explains, ‘The garden allowed me to see blends of colours and materials, juxtapositions of gloss and matte surfaces… It was highly instructive.’ The change of direction coincided with the purchase of the château and, while the interior was left to Bruno, Louboutin immediately commandeered the gardens and began restoring. His enchanted idyll was inspired by the great gardens of history, from the Mughal astronomy garden in Jaipur to Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire. The grand project consumed all the pair’s energies and they ditched the Paris party scene, which revolved around the famous nightclub Le Palace where Helmut Newton and Grace Jones were regulars, for weekends at the château.

‘I never entertain people here — it’s not in my nature. A good host is someone who really takes care of everyone, from the food to their daily programme. I can’t. If I’m in the country, my big idea is to do nothing. It means talking, it means cooking with the leftovers in the fridge — l’art d’accommoder les restes — it means gardening.’

In the early 1990s a chance vacancy in Paris’ historic galerie Véro-Dodat compelled Louboutin to abandon topiary and return to high heels. He opened his first boutique in 1992 and his earliest clients included Princess Caroline of Monaco and Catherine Deneuve. Louboutin’s designs have since become a celebrity fashion staple, with fans including Victoria Beckham, Daphne Guinness and Inès de la Fressange. He still has the original boutique at Véro-Dodat.

These days Louboutin is happiest growing kumquats and mandarins in the 19th-century orangerie, and each season he assiduously selects seeds from catalogues (‘Thompson & Morgan, and Baumaux — between those two I hope to create miracles in the garden’) to cultivate by hand, no doubt under the watchful eye of his partner of 15 years, Louis Benech — one of France’s most fêted landscape architects.

Louboutin’s continually expanding business (there will soon be more menswear and a make-up line) requires constant attention from its creator, and Champgillon offers a much-needed respite. He has just flown from Mumbai to New York and will continue on after the international fashion weeks to Bhutan and Cuba, before taking a well-deserved rest at the end of March: ‘After that I don’t plan on travelling much more this year. It will be summer in Portugal and weekends here. But I have to be careful — I find that if I spend more than four days at the château, I could never leave.’

from standard.co.uk

We’re very excited to syndicate one of our favorite columns, ‘What Is It? What Is It Worth?’ from one of our favorite magazines, Country Living. All text and images below are provided by Country Living. Get ready to be surprised!

“I picked up this chair, along with its mate, at a garage sale 15 years ago. How old is the pair?” -M.D., New Palestine, Indiana
country living what its worth

Professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.

The outdoor seat, named for its resemblance to a peacock’s fanned tail feathers, was likely imported from Mexico or Europe in the 1970s. The design imitates the ornate style of Victorian lawn furnishings — the peacock motif was popular back then, too.

But that delicate aesthetic belies your piece’s sturdiness and durability: Lacy wirework adorns a wrought-iron frame. While not particularly rare, this chair feels on trend and is in nice shape. Plus, the fresh green color adds to its overall good looks.

from huffingtonpost.com

by Jeanne Beker

Speaking of torch bearing, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli continue to wow Valentino devotees by remaining true to themselves and to the legacy of the house.

They, too, got their gardening gloves out and cultivated an achingly romantic collection that paid homage to the classic Roman garden. Presented in the swish salons of Hotel Salomon de Rothschild, there were riffs on filigreed wrought iron gates, masterfully recreated with swirls of piping, and embroideries that suggested garden mazes. Many dresses featured long sleeves, and novel cape-dresses were particularly modern.

A rested-looking Valentino watched from the front row, leaping to his feet at the show’s end to hug the designers as they passed by to take their bows. Evidently, the master is as proud of this talented duo, who have blossomed so beautifully.

from thestar.com

The Versailles Collection includes the Louis XV Bed, Louis XV Sofa, and Small Sunburst Mirror.

Louis XV French style bed features a high headboard with projecting curved wings. Its footboard is characterised by undulating rails, all bearing an entirely olive velvet upholstery. Its frame dons a gilt finish and is set on cabriole legs with shallowly carved classical leaf motifs.

Louis XV Sofa is draped in maroon velvet. It consists of intricate leg carvings and a classic French Rococo silhouette.

The design of Small Sunburst Mirror is reminiscent of the original 17th century Louis XIV-style mirror. The mirror dons a brushed gilded iron finish which is similar to sun’s shining rays.

The Anvil collection includes Hammered Iron Console, and Hammered Iron Writing Desk. Hammered Iron Console is a laurel burr veneered console table sporting a rectangular shape. It has inset brass beading and single drawer and is made of hammered wrought iron. The piece is supported by an X-shaped frame.

Hammered Iron Writing Desk dons a laurel burr veneer finish and features a rectangular shape. It consists of inset brass beading and black leather surface. The piece is made of hammered wrought iron and features an X-shaped frame. The desk contains three shallow drawers.

from home.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com

What! No more sex in the saddle or rocking through the night? Just love in the afternoon, hair flowing loose, a cuddling velvet cape, a moss green dress, wispy black chiffon shaded with embroidery and the blue green of peacock feathers?

Frida Giannini did a volte face at Gucci on Wednesday, from sexy to sensual, making a bold and beautiful start to the Milan winter 2012 season.

Reaching back to the Art Nouveau period, with its “greenery yallery” colors, its wild orchid patterns and its wistful decadence — but bouncing that against a previous Art Nouveau revival in the 1970s — this Gucci show had as much depth and variety in the decorative clothes as in the music, which ranged from light romance to grand opera.

“Romantic — the 19th century, looking at tapestries, playing with transparency — and a lot of the 1970s,” said an emotional Ms. Giannini backstage.

She might also have added to her definition of an androgynous Bohemia — “clothes not handbags” — for the show was as light on its fetish accessory as it was rich in jewelry. It dangled in twinkling drops from ears or sat on the crown of the head, buried like a treasure in a bale of straw.

Last season Ms. Giannini riffed on Art Deco, but that stiff rendition of an earlier era did not seem to have much relevance to the Gucci aesthetic.

The idea of bringing the lush romance of the fin de siècle worked so much better. The artistic research and its elegant application went back to the original idea of a male-female crossover in an era when it suggested daring perversity.

Velvet suits with low-crotch pants never looked like costume party clothes. Nor did long dresses — half-flower child, half-Edwardian maiden — presented in off-shades of green or mingled with blue, and with orchid prints or made from peacock feathers.

Black was the shadow cast over flesh, as the designer revived the 1970s peasant look with the laced-up blouse of the Yves Saint Laurent period. But as windows on the body are now so familiar, there was no sense of daring or sauciness. Instead all was sweet and soft, as though Ms. Giannini had let loose her womanly side.

Alberta Ferretti , another woman designer, went the opposite route. She toughened up from her signature delicate prettiness. The backdrop of a wrought iron staircase and a palazzo window looking out from beyond the mosaic catwalk summed up the story: delicacy with strength.

The fashion conversion was to turn those iron curlicues from another era into lacy dresses for modern times.

Add an ankle-length pinstriped mannish coat and inserts of supple leather and the hard/soft, feminine/masculine message came through beautifully.

“I wanted a very poetic woman — but it is important that she has a strong personality,” said Ms. Ferretti.

She used monochrome colors, a lot of black, occasionally with a dab of scarlet and a few fuchsia dresses with the delicate decoration that is a feature of the house.

Significantly, the designer, known for airy red carpet dresses, also focused on tailoring — but however strict the lines they were cut on a curve.

This man/woman thing is not exactly new to fashion. But there was something convincing and compelling about the Ferretti iron lady: Her dresses so delicately wrought, but her attitude steely.

from nytimes.com

1. A dash of green indoors: How about introducing pots and planters to your interiors? Junk yards can offer a wealth of interesting containers. Old chimney pots are frequently seen trailing with beautiful flowers in the corners of gardens; Dublin sinks look lovely with bedding plants in them and even old bath tubs can find a new lease of life in the garden. Buckets, which can no longer carry water due to holes in their base, are perfectly designed as planters.

Use yoghurt pots, mugs with handles broken off, plastic and metal containers; you can always paint and decorate them. Make use of the balcony area by hanging some light-weight pots or placing a step-style planter that can accommodate several pots. Bedroom side tables can be used for holding a single-colour flower stalk or a colourful bunch in a vase. A stem or two can also be placed in bathrooms. Window edges or countertops can be used to hold plants and vases of choice.

2. Potted themes: Imagine bringing in a bit of a Hawaiian island to your home… Or how about that picture perfect picket fence scene with a little boy mowing the lawn? Or a little girl on a bench, against the back drop of huge tree? Miniature gardens are all about creating a small scenario with your plants and some innovative accessories. Try it out at home

3. Light some candles: Candles can create the mood and set the ambience of any space. Available in a variety of fragrances, they can dramatically alter a space. Home decor candles are widely in demand and people prefer to decorate the house with candles as it is an inexpensive way of making the house look elegant.

4. Points of light: Chandeliers with fake candles topped with bulbs, those with little lampshades and ones made of white, icicle-like glass tubes are a nice idea to add light and colour to your space. Medium-sized chandeliers can light up particular spots in kitchens or dining rooms. Mini-chandeliers can hang over kitchen islands, in bathrooms, bedrooms or dressing rooms. Little chandeliers hung low next to the bed can act as bedside lamps even. Outdoor chandeliers brighten up porches and patios! Try them out.

5. Creativity and ceilings: When it comes to the ceiling, the sky is the limit, really! The latest trend used in ceiling options is glass combined with wood, patterned ceilings either in pop or moulds that are set in exposed concrete surfaces. Drop ceiling, cove ceiling, grid ceiling and wave ceilings are other types of ceilings gaining popularity. Try them to give your home a new look.

6. Your own reading nook: Hunt for that unused corner that can accommodate a swivel book shelf or a corner book stand. Now place a small seating arrangement next to it and your personal reading nook is ready. The seating needn’t be a huge set-up; just a small comfortable chair, cases or boxes covered with sheets and cushions too will do.

You may like to make a little provision for pencils, erasers, markers and post-its too. It is a good idea to include a small table by your chair in your reading nook. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of room, just as long as it can support a mug of hot tea, your reading glasses and, maybe, a candle. Under the stairs, there is always the wasted triangular space that can be utilised by fitting small custom-made cupboards or a little table and chair with a set of drawers attached for that secluded cosy room to read.

7. Light up your floors: With so many choices available in the market, a simple home space can be transformed into a cosy, comfortable and chic space with the right floor lamp. If you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your living area, you can have a crystal chandelier floor lamp, creating a dramatic effect.

You can also have flirty, playful floor lamps with lights in a bunch creating just the right play of light and shadow. Moroccan glass lights or stained glass floor lamps bring in grace and style to your interiors. A simple and cost-effective investment in a tiffany lamp adds a whole new dimension to your home while providing the light you need at dawn and dusk.

8. Time to turn traditional: How about some traditional decor? Huge brass urlis with rose petals and little brass artifacts near the entrance add elegance and charm. You can even play with the texture of the walls to make it look more Indian. One of the walls of the living room can have laterite or kota stone for that traditional look. A carved wooden chair, a low dewan seating, a traditional phulkari or silk cover can all look spectacular. A jhoola (swing) is not a bad idea either. You could convert an old brass thaali into a wall clock. This can provide a sleek counterpoint to the white bare wall in the background. Procure an old telephone to add vintage charm.

9. Sheer variety: Skillful window treatments can easily bring magic to a room. Blinds are best suited for smaller windows whereas curtains are best for tall French windows. Roman shades made of rattan, bamboo or other pure fibres are much in demand now. Bamboo, reed textures and exposed wood grain in blinds and shades are also in vogue. Fabrics like silk, velvet, suede, and wool are trendy options for blinds. Trims, beads, and shiny hardware add to the appeal of these materials and can be adjusted for every style, choice and room.

10. Try terracotta: How about terracotta tiles for your floors? Available in many patterns, textures and colours, they can be easily adapted to modern-day architecture. Ceiling and wall cladding are other options you can have with terracotta. Patterned tiles can make for an artistic wall or ceiling. Terracotta can help in controlling the indoor temperature thereby making it a weather-friendly tiling option and is definitely an aesthetic relief from the usual.

11. This is really simple! A simple but effective idea is to bring minor changes in your home to make a difference. Spruce up your laundry space, for instance. Built-in cabinets and shelves are smart, but there are plenty of inexpensive free-standing or between-the-washer-dryer caddies, cabinets and bins too that you can use in the laundry area. Also, brighten up the walls in the area to bring a dash of colour.

12. Look outdoors: Then, there’s outdoor furniture that you can use in your patio, verandah or balcony. To make for a comfortable one-seater, go for a swing type rattan chair or individual cane chairs available in local markets. You can even buy good quality lounge chairs from garage sales.

Cabanas too make for trendy seating spaces, especially for lazing around. Wrought iron has always been a good old option for dining arrangements for outdoor areas.

You can also get bar-and-grill units installed in gardens or terraces for a ready-to-party unit available all time.

from deccanherald.com

By Nandini Santhanam

Hosting a get-together in your garden? Here are a few tips that can make your little soirée fun and festive

First things first : Before throwing a garden party, one essential thing that needs to be looked into is whether your garden is in good shape. “The conditions of the plants and grass make a big difference to the atmosphere of the party,” says Aslam Gafoor, COO at India Grillco-Weber. “The host should ensure there are a lot of green, leafy plants and even bamboo, which adds to the whole outdoorsy feel,” he says. So before having a party, make sure the lawn is mowed, the bushes are trimmed and the flower beds are well-maintained.

Furniture : The first key element to your garden party is the furniture used. This is important not just for the overall look and feel, but also for the comfort of the guests. “Cane furniture or wrought-iron furniture are great choices as far as outdoor furniture is concerned,” says Shreen Malani of Renaissance Gallerie. “Using plastic can give a bit of a tacky look. Also, small, round tables give a nice and cosy feel and don’t take up much space. But the main idea is to keep furniture as inconspicuous as possible and do your best with what you have.” For those who don’t have too many cane or wrought-iron furniture pieces, Aslam suggests weatherproof sofas and chairs. “You get a whole variety of garden furniture today that is both comfortable and practical. You don’t have to worry about anything getting spoilt if left outside,” he states.

Lights : “The lighting should be subdued. A good option for this is mashal lights, a few of which can be left around the lawn. They create a very ethereal atmosphere,” says Aslam If you’re looking to keep it simple, there are plenty of options to choose from as far as lighting up the party is concerned. Shreen gives us some handy tips when it comes to lighting. “I think candles and fairy lights are great. They provide good light and look pretty. Candles can be placed strategically or on every table in glass containers so that they do not get blown out.”

Food : The food of course, is the other main focus of any party. While hosting garden parties, it’s best to keep the food simple and easy to serve. This saves you a whole lot of running around. “A mobile bar is essential for a garden party. It makes the whole process more convenient. Also, as far as food is concerned, I think something like a barbecue is the best option. A barbecue is also an ideal cooking device for both meats and veggies, and makes sense for outdoors,” says Aslam. Shreen agrees and says, “The food should be laid out so that people can help themselves. So a barbecue works well to maintain the whole casual atmosphere. Throw in a lot of garlic bread and salads and you’re set.” In order to minimise the mess, the food can be served in disposable areca plates, which are eco-friendly and look earthy. This also makes cleaning up post-party a lot easier.

Adding that extra touch : An easy way to add to the look of your party is to use floating candles and flowers in glass bowls. There are plenty of other interesting things you can do to add a bit of your own personal flair to the event. “For a garden party, a guitarist playing soft music would create the ideal atmosphere,” says Shreen. “As far as the visual imagery goes, table cloths in red and white, or other bright colours give a very festive look. Also, flower arrangements and bud vases look great too. The key to an enjoyable garden party is to keep it casual and informal,” she signs off.

from dnaindia.com

The many and varied collections belonging to the late Mildred Yates Farrior – a long-time resident of Chipley who, along with her late husband Daniel, amassed a number of collections in a rainbow of categories – will be sold at auction on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Farriors’ former residence, located at 755 4th Street in Chipley beginning at 9 a.m.

The auction will be conducted by The Specialists of the South, Inc., based in Panama City, Fla. Chipley is located about 40 miles north of Panama City, in the Florida panhandle. For the most part, the auction will be absolute (everything sells, regardless of price), with just a few items carrying reserves (minimums). Online bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.

“Mildred Farrior was a beloved member of the community who taught second grade for over forty years,” said Logan Adams of The Specialists of the South, Inc. “Her late husband, Daniel, was the former owner of Dan’s Trading Post in Chipley. Many of their collections sprang from his business, but Mildred was very active in selecting items and knowing their value.”

Mr. Farrior passed away in the 1990s — Mrs. Farrior in August 2010. The couple had no children and would spend their spare time scouring the flea markets and yard sales of Panama City and Washington County, looking for that next big find. In addition to their collections, the couple also accumulated some wonderful furniture items for their home. These will be sold, too.

The furniture will include Heywood Wakefield bedroom chests, 20th century mahogany bedroom pieces, a cedar chest, a sandalwood carved chest, china cabinets, a chaise longue (reclining sofa), an occasional table, side tables, Brentwood side chairs, a mahogany Federal dining room table with 3-turned standards and reproduction Victorian side chairs made by the Liberty Chair Company.

The collections, amounting to between 400-500 lots, are astounding in their variety and depth. They include Carnival Glass, Milk Glass (to include Open Lace), Depression Glass, Haviland China (to include a large service in the mostly Berkeley pattern but with some Oxford as well, white, with gold edge and pen line), Nippon pieces, Fenton Glass, over 30 ladies’ hats, some nice artwork, tons of costume jewelry (some of it to be sold in multiple lots), hand-painted china, ceramic milk bowls, quilts and more.

Individual items of note will feature a gorgeous stoneware pitcher, a wonderful Seth Thomas mantel clock and a steeple mantel clock, a Gone With the Wind-style Milk Glass floor lamp with painted globe plus a variety of other table and vanity Milk Glass lamps, a Weller vase, an Eastlake platform rocker, a wrought-iron bench, a hand-painted Nippon chocolate set, a vintage daguerreotype and more.

Also sold will be a World War II-era parachute and uniform (no insignias), Coca-Cola collectibles (mostly recent), vintage children’s books, over 40 collectible teapots (many of them antique), primitives (to include crocks, Mason jars, about a half-dozen insulators, an egg scale an old washboard and vintage tools, to include hand-saws and planes), Goofus glassware, a huge collection of Rosepoint glassware, Herringbone and Iris glassware (marigold and clear), other glassware in many desirable patterns (Floragold, Cabbage Rose, Cherry Blossom, Mayfair Open Rose, Sandwich, Manhattan), fur coats (including two mink stoles, a full-length mink coat and a cashmere coat), sterling silver (to include a large flatware service, Alvin Chateau Rose), rugs (not Persian antique), beautiful handbags (including evening bags), and vintage camera and movie equipment.

The Carnival Glass will include highly collectible single- and double-handled nappies. Also sold will be wall pockets (Hull Art and Japanese Castle), Goebels (angels and Madonna), sad irons (molded cast-iron triangular irons, about 6 inches on each side), cast-iron skillets and other cast-ironware, punch bowls and cups, and vintage linens.

Returning to furniture, other lots will include a mahogany dumbwaiter and drum table, a diminutive oak entry table with two drawers and backsplash on an overshelf, rocking chairs, a medium-sized mahogany fall-front secretary, a sturdy 20th century Windsor chair, several nice Renaissance Revival chairs, and an upholstered Victorian sofa with coffee table and end tables.

Daniel and Mildred Chipley were both lifelong residents of Chipley, Fla. Mildred was active in organizations such as the Garden Club, the Women’s Club, Friends of the Library and the Daughters of the Confederacy, She was also a staunch, lifelong Democrat. Declining health forced her to spend the years 2005-2010 in a long-term care home, leading up to her passing.

Daniel came from a long line of professionals in the area – doctors, lawyers and judges –and his father was sheriff of Washington County. Daniel broke the mold by becoming a retail store merchant, but the business thrived and without it he and Mildred might not have been the dedicated collectors they became. Mr. Farrior succumbed after a long battle with lung cancer.

from ecommwire.com

“This Eclectic mansion was built between 1860 and 1890. The wing running on a north-south axis was raised before the main building. The two are connected by a corridor with wooden columns. The mansion and its gardens can be entered through a double wrought iron gate by coaches and a single gate on foot.

To the left of the path leading to the mansion is the wing running on a north-south longitudinal axis that was begun around 1860. A single-storey building with a corner projection facing the gardens, the facade has a terrace in the middle. Its raised roof section is adorned by a lookout tower with a gallery, the roof of which resembles vernacular wooden belfries.

A banister once ran between the wooden columns of the veranda built on the facade along the courtyard. The mansion belongs to the architecture of Romantic summer residences, despite its symmetrical structure uncharacteristic of Romanticism.

Demonstrating neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque features, the main building was probably erected between 1880 and 1890. The facade looking onto the gardens is enclosed with a protrusion at either end. The ground-floor sections of these projections protrude more, thus forming terraces with a balustrade and a banister.

The eastern wing adjoining the original mansion building is the result of a more recent construction phase. The architecture differs from both the north-south wing and the main building. A single-aisled chapel raised in 1901 joins the main building to the east. Built with an octagonal sanctuary, the single-nave chapel was later divided into two sections. The 14-hectare park belonging to the mansion was declared a nature reserve in 1980.

A stud of thoroughbred English horses operates next to the mansion and in 1998 a new equestrian sports wall painting was finished in the mansion salon. In the hall next door, an exhibition displays the trophies of the prize-winning horses and the medals of their riders.

from xpatloop.com

For Spring 2012, Jonathan Saunders took an extremely juicy trip to 50s ladylike dressing, giving us a collection of ultra-feminine dresses and separates in an array of colours in Juicy Fruit shades.

Add to that Indian-inspired prints and a curlicue print that reminded us of a Palm Beach grandmother’s white wrought iron fence, and you have a bold collection that channels the ladylike dressing of the 1950s without any real primness, but a real sense of fun.

There were more boyish options too, via slouchy bermuda shorts and silky pyjama tops — intented for a platform shoe and boyfriend blazers.

• Trends: Bright colour, bold print, ’50s ladylike dressing, pyjama dressing, bermuda shorts.

• Colours: aqua, lemon, lime, orange, bright pink.

• Key Piece: the printed full-skirted dresses, slouchy bermuda shorts, but really anything in the curlicue print.

• Accessories: bright, tropical-looking platform espadrilles.

• Who Would Wear It: It’s a versatile collection that could be worn by England’s current fashion leading ladies like Kate Middleton or Samantha Cameron, or style cuties like Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung.

from fabsugar.com.au