Modern civilisation should always look to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii for a lesson on humility and destruction.
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Look to Pompeii
Tag: inspire
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You Never Know
I have a saying “You Never Know Where People Will Be In The Future. I meet all kinds all the time. Some are starting their career. A few months or years later they are on the upswing. I met Patrick at a presentation in Milan. I grabbed a pic for my Hot Face Collection.
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Headlines 11-1-2021
A quick take on Headlines from around the world.
Tech Banning
Donald Trump got banned from the big tech platforms. Facebook and Twitter shut down the accounts of the soon to be ex President over the storming of the Capital last Week. It sets a dangerous precedent. Who’s next? Why? I am not a fan of the 45th American leader but a full shut down goes too far. Tech companies have a lot of enemies. Now, they have more even more.
Covid
What is a day without Covid News. Europe struggles to get a grip on the virus. As it rages across the continent governments are caught between a rock and hard place. As more restrictions are placed on an already burdened population this winter looking for a way out, fatigue is setting in. Vaccines roll outs have been less than competent. Skepticism is high, pressure is building.
Trump Impeachment
Once Again the current Commander and Chief is facing yet another impeachment from House Democrats 9 days before he leaves office. This performative exercise stands no chance of getting past the GOP Senate. In a country wrecked by political division, Pelosi decides to add fuel to a flame. The House Speaker known as a Washington insider with unmatched Beltway skills looks over the top.
Sex and City Redux
The iconic show to fabulous materialism is making a comeback on HBO Max. I have mixed feelings. The centre of the old show was fawning over a pair Manolo’s. In the 2021 Depression this looks out of place. Secondly, Kim Cattrall is absent. Let’s face it. Without Samantha’s sexual man-eating quips it won’t be the same. Some ideas are better left in a discussion room.
Fashion Weeks
Tis the season of the fashion week calendar. Mensweek kicks off with some very muted events. With a population holed up inside and home offices the norm. The demand for suits look dim.
Stay Safe. If you going through a bad time. Keep Going until until you hit a Sale at Ferragamo. Then Treat Yourself!
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Happy December 1 2020
This year has been tuff. We made it December 1st. This is a time about celebration. Thinking about what we enjoy.
The inspiration for this tree came from Star Wars.
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Queens Speech
We wonder what is the purpose of the British Monarch? A gilded bubble, of an elite class. A relic from the Imperial Age of a fallen Empire. Queen Elizabeth’s speech last night put that to rest. When an American wants to hug a Union Jack, the emotional level was high. Inspiring. From Windsor Castle, the Royal head gave a speech drawn off her personal experience from the Blitz. Taking the phrase by Vera Lynn “We will overcome this” showed her mettle. A type of maternal assurance one gets the night before a test.
During her 5thnational address her majesty praised front line NHS workers battling Coronavirus. “Selfless” individuals appreciated and needed by the country. With 48.000 infected cases, 4.935 dead, the UK continues to reel from the pandemic. There will be hard times ahead. Daily life upended. Disruptions as the UK faces it biggest challenge since World War 2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted to the hospital with complications to Covid-19. But seeing the head of state in her 67thyear on the throne giving a composed address will be material for for leadership classes. Perhaps a certain US President should enroll now.
None are alone in this fight. A phrase from the address; “better days will return”. Indeed they will.
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#Milano Never Stops
Italy is reeling from the Coronavirus outbreak. As fate would have it, I was in the country at the time. The Lombardy capital, Milan, went under lockdown. Suddenly a feeling of panic overcame Fashion Week. A deep sense of unease rippled through out the metropolis. All went silent. Milanese stayed indoors. The bustle stopped.
CNN recently added salt to the wound by reporting “affected Global areas from Italy”. Not cute in my opinion. Another example of the channel’s Airport Lounge journalism lacking context.
Recently, the fashion house Etro launched the #MilanoNever Stops campaign to promote a positive spirit for an always proud city.
This is from the brand’s Instagram Account:
MILANO NEVER STOPS: ETRO gifted a statement T-shirt to its friends, who were born in Milan or who chose Milan as their home, as a message of positivity and hope. Not available for sale.
ETRO decided to give its contribution to the ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco Hospital, supporting the scientific research, led by Professor Maria Rita Gismondo and her team, to help overcome this moment of global difficulty.
When the next fashion week happens in Milan. We will be there supporting a city that has been good to us.
Milan Mens Week start June 20th.
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An August & September Read
Exhibitionism-50 Years of the Museum at FIT
Clearly, at 96 pages this book is not a long read. Even so, size did not curb my enthusiasm. On Page 10 seeing the costumes of MGM costume designer Gilbert Adrian in color for the first time. I became hooked. I had a bit of a swoon seeing the red dress worn by Crawford.
Edited by Valerie Steel and Colleen Hill, the pictorial pages engaged me with brief descriptions and histories of curated exhibits at the museum. The selection covers 33 important exhibitions with background, context, and inspiration. The authors give references for each exhibition.
Paul Poiret Looks
Madame Gres, a one time rival to Chanel, created exquisite looks for film actress Dietrich. Sadly, many today do not recognize the name. The great designer covers 2 pages. I appreciate the images of Gres’ form hugging collections. All designed for the feminine shape. “Sculptural Beaty” is the quote from book. I felt inspired reading through the pages.
Gothic Dark Glamour
Without a doubt, there is something for all fashion lovers; covering topics on Asian Fashion Designs, the influence of Ivy League looks on menswear to Global Fashion Capitals.
Madeleine Vionnet
Long sleeveless evening dress in ivory bias-cut silk georgette shaped through torso with pintucked design of roses; slit neckline, shirred shoulderline with self tie attached at right; flared circle skirt; matching crepe chemise underdress with camisole neck and scalloped hem; couture, with picot edge and hand stitching
Valerie and Coleen made a book that is cosy when it would have been easy to overwhelm. Indeed, Exhibitionism-50 Years of the Museum at FIT fits as a perfect August read while on a terrace. I recommend soaking in a few chapters before the fashion week calendar starts in September.
The Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology celebrates its 50 anniversary this year. Founded in 1969, it continues to be an innovative space for fashion curations.
To order a copy go to Amazon or a local book store.
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Enjoy the Simple
I love simple walks on the beach. The picturesque resort town of Usedom is a treasure for holiday goers. I go every year to unwind to detox.
High season can be busy but during March, April, May front row hotels are available at good prices.
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Where to Go?
Thinking about your next holiday, check out the ITB coverage. Add a destination to a bucket list.
Just walk, enjoy.
Montmartre is the romantic Parisian neighborhood on the hill with many local establishments, but what I like are the food stores. The display of goodies of all kinds are heavenly! For me, a casual stroll turns into a wonderland of food spotting, “gastronomic inspiration” through a window S’il vous plait? What is that? I want to try a bit. It looks delicious.
Cheese Store 
Asian Food 
A small cafe 
Fish
Even with a throng of tourist making their way up or down the streets, a rewarding time is to be had for those who love gastronomy.
Making the experience more memorable, I stopped in front of a shop window admiring the prepared delights. I was about to walk away when a patron said, “This is the best bakery in the area. Give it try.” Judging by the line in the small space I had to suppose he was right. The problem. What did I want? Hot or cold? Sweet or savory? I decided on sweet for later with coffee, strawberry pastry with whip cream and of course, some macrons. I am not sure how it happened, but,, the pastry managed to make its way back to my hotel for coffee. The delight did not disappoint. The whipped cream had melted, taking away some aesthetic points, but I enjoyed every sweet bite.
Strawberry Delight 
Quiche 
Berry, Berry Good
Sadly, I do not know the name of the bakery. If you are on a Rue Lepic, it is on the left side, going down, look for the Moulin Rouge at the bottom on Blvd Clichy. A flower shop and fish store are next door. There is no place to sit, as I said, it is a small, 25 meters, the establishment does not offer cafes, to my shock! Just go in and buy. If you use a credit card, the minimum is 10 euros.