A few nights ago, I was coasting through the Netflix menu looking for an appropriate babysitter for my 21 month old grandson, Jude, when I happened upon an exquisite marine documentary, “Under the Sea”. Filmed for IMAX, the close up slow motion photography was mesmerizing. I was completely seduced. The collage of colors and shapes undulating beneath a shimmering light was exquisite. Even Jude was transfixed as we watched this treasure trove unfold. The photography … Read More
One of my favorite shopping haunts are museum gift shops; in particular, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Several years back I purchased a tote bag designed with this William Morris print. I carried it for a while until my daughter kidnapped it to use as a book bag in college. Her affinity for textiles and the intricate weaving and dying technique developed by Morris was right in line with her studies at the Glasgow School … Read More
By Ellen Lewis
My affair with the Shell Belle Couture Luxury Lifestyle Collection began several years ago when I first discovered the brand at Curve. The artistry and workmanship that seduced me at the time moved me enough to highlight a few pieces in my show wrap up. It’s no secret that I have been enamored ever since, writing previous articles about Michelle Blenkinsopp’s exquisite design hand. Handcrafted in England with the finest fabrics, I … Read More
What I love about the NK iMode brand from the Canadian based Kenan group is their grasp on key item merchandising and product expansion. Once they hit a bull’s-eye, they know how to exploit it. The Morgan silk charmeuse chemise has been a best seller at retail since 2007. In fact I originally highlighted this style in Dec of 2011 and it is still going strong. Based on the stellar sales of this full busted … Read More
A few days ago, I attended an intimate fabric exposition that was hosted by industry leaders Eurovet and Invista™. It was an elegant party replete with a beautiful venue, excellent food, plenty to drink and superior resources. We will be touting its virtues in another blog soon. What struck me most was the technology demonstrated by the presenting brands and the promises they offered for the future of Lingerie product development. They will help designers … Read More
Yesterday I got caught in a flash flood here in Connecticut. I was taking a riding lesson when a wicked downpour exploded over the ring. Thunder and lightning forced an immediate dismount. By the time we got the horses back to the barn, there was water everywhere and rising fast. We took refuge in the hayloft to wait it out. That storm defies the fact that summer is over even if this weekend is 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