The other day I happened upon this cute green Camionette parked outside the Ralph Lauren Mansion on Madison Avenue. Yes, Ralph is selling coffee now. He even has a café in his new Fifth Avenue Polo flagship. The beans are roasted by La Colombe. It’s really great coffee–may even give Starbucks a jolt.
Christian Dior is one of the most intriguing figures in fashion–not only because he made such an impact on mid-20th century style with his famous New Look collection, but also because he was the first couturier to transform his name into a global brand. My friend Nathasha Fraser-Cavassoni has a new book out that is a real jewel. With numerous interviews and anecdotes she draws an intimate portrait of Dior the couturier, and Dior the quintessential Frenchman. The photos are also beautiful, with many I’ve never seen. Order it here.
A friend from Washington D.C. recently emailed to ask where she could find great winter boots for a decent price. A little research online led me to this new Soho store from the people at H&M. And Other Stories, which opened a week ago on Broadway and Prince, has a terrific selection of well-priced boots–everything from classic riding boots, to platform suede wedges. They also sell apparel–I particularly liked the knitwear and outerwear–and beauty products. The store is the brand’s first in the U.S. (they’ve already taken London by storm). I like it because the pieces are well cut and good quality for a decent price (sweaters are $100, coats are $275, boots are $225). I’d call the styling a mix of Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Jil Sander. You can shop online at And Other Stories but if you’re in New York City it’s worth a trip (and probably ultimately better to try on the merch–shoe sizing runs quite large, for example).
I remember Oscar de la Renta best from moments like these, backstage at his New York Fashion Week shows, about to take his bow on the runway, always letting the models go first and lingering modestly in the back of the podium, always surrounded by smiling employees who were so proud to work for such a generous and elegant man. He understood, better than most designers, that style is about so much more than what you are wearing.
Its funny how sometimes you have to read a French blog written by someone in Paris to discover a new shoe designer in Los Angeles. The internet is magical that way. I found these great-looking Birkenstock-esque sandals on a French blog called What Domino Wants. I wore Birkenstocks on and off all summer well aware that they are in no way chic or flattering. But they’re so comfortable! Charlotte Stone an L.A.-based shoe designer whose sandals might just be the answer to the Birkenstock style vs. comfort conundrum.
"Style is about so much more than what you wear. It’s about how you live, what you say, how you stand, what you stand for."
fashion journalist, editor, author, francophile, foodie
I first met Liya Kebede back in 2000 when she was starting out in Paris, modeling for Tom Ford at Gucci and Saint Laurent. Liya always impressed me with her intelligence and poise. At the time she was balancing a new family and a demanding career, all with incredible ease and grace. Read more…