I was only 20 years old when my sister was married at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, but the litany of details that earmarked the occasion absolutely drove me crazy at the time. The piѐce de resistance was when my mother asked me to pick up the monogrammed dinner mints the day before. Upon opening the box, two of them were smudged and I was commissioned to return to the store to have them re-done. … Read More
Today Paris feels like the Paris I know; temperate weather that beckons you to outdoor cafes and city parks. Of course, I spent most of my day ensconced at the show digging deeper for ideas that were worthy of bringing home. I spent some time at Interfiliere, the major fabric exposition that is a destination for lingerie and swim designers worldwide. This show was more robust than in January. Major themes dominated: Charmed, Enchanted and … Read More
Even though Fleur of England has been on my radar for several years now, I have tread carefully as I always do when analyzing its potential here in North America. It’s very difficult to cultivate a brand business that is based overseas: in this case England. The logistics alone can be mind boggling, so despite the exquisite collections that continually flow from this company; I needed some affirmation that they were here to stay. The … Read More
By Layla L’Obatti
Flashforward/ Flashback ~ Fleur’s Alluring Take On Sheer Illusion
Flashback: With the illusion of nudity the art of the reveal is mastered by selectively covering and revealing the female form, as seen beautifully illustrated here in this sheer illusion gown from the 70’s via Intimate Retreat on Etsy.
Flashforward: Fleur’s Jasmine slip takes that sheer illusion technique and transforms it into a stunning modern take with the use of artfully placed guipure … Read More
This entry is just a little late today. Another major storm is bearing down on the Northeast as I write. This time it’s snow. It’s quite beautiful out there and will probably remain so for the next 24 hours as this urban landscape is transformed into a vision of white elegance and pristine beauty. This combination of anticipation and charm reminds me of the artistry inherent in the Fleur of England brand and in particular … Read More
By Layla L’Obatti
It’s the 50th anniversary of Bond this year, marked by the newest in the 007 franchise, Skyfall. As iconic as Bond himself, the Bond girls have a fan base and a following all their own. And there is no doubt the varying characters have proven muses to the lingerie industry – whether they’re the villains or the sweeter love interests who fall to Bond’s charms along the way. So in celebration … Read More
I love New York City. It is a microcosm of energy, innovation, and design. It is a cauldron of extreme contrasts: sophisticated, cool, sultry, novel and classic on one stage. Its multinational character propagates an environment of creative diversity. It may be exhausting, but it is always inspirational. The DNA of this city is unique, a balance of established landmarks and new ideas, a platform for growth. It was a fitting location and a prescient … Read More
