Stylemaker: Christian Louboutin

SHOE DESIGNER Christian Louboutin is a scavenger. During his constant globe-trotting adventures, he collects, well, everything: Egyptian sofas, English farm chairs, feathers from the Amazon, African masks, Brazilian mid-century anything, Damascene tiles and so on. He squirrels these away in a warehouse in Paris, which he visits regularly, like going to see old friends. When it’s time to decorate yet another residence—he has five now, in Paris, Portugal, Egypt, Los Angeles and the French countryside—he rummages through his treasures, looking for just the right pieces.

Louboutin, who is 48, knew he wanted to design shoes since he was a boy growing up in the 12th arrondissement in Paris. He doodled them in his books, ogled them at the Folies Bergère (where he worked as an intern) and boldly responded to any nosy adult who asked what he wanted to be: “A shoe designer!” When he received a book of legendary shoe man Roger Vivier’s work, Louboutin was bowled over: “How amazing,” he thought to himself. “You really can make a living designing shoes!” Louboutin dropped out of school at 16, traveled to Egypt and India, hung out at the famed Paris nightclub Le Palace and put together a portfolio of designs, which he took to various couture houses, looking for a job. He landed an entry-level spot at Charles Jourdan, which produced shoes for Dior. In 1988, he met Vivier and helped put together a retrospective of his work at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Louboutin so loved working for Vivier that once it was over he felt he could never work for anyone else except himself. He launched his company rather haphazardly in 1992, when his friend, the antiques dealer Eric Philippe, mentioned that a neighboring shop in the Passage Véro-Dodat was available for rent. Louboutin took the space, then designed and produced shoes to fill it. Two months in, a fashion writer was in the shop and overheard Princess Caroline of Monaco gushing about the shoes. After an article appeared mentioning this, Louboutin was on the fashion map.

“The thing I always try to remember is that feet are attached to the leg, and that you must prolong the silhouette,” he explains. “The shoe elongates the leg and does it discreetly.

 

5 Ways to be Charming

It’s easier than we think.  Remember the 5 A’s:

Acceptance – The greatest gift we can give to other people is to accept them just as they are.  Never criticize or find fault.  Totally accept everything about them, as if they were a miracle of nature.  That is the starting point of being charming.

Appreciation – Say “thank you” on every occasion, for any large or small reason.  Make it a habit to thank everyone in the world for everything they do.

Approval – People who continually express approval are welcome everywhere they go.  We all need approval like we need food and rest.

Admiration – Compliment a person on an article of clothing.  Compliment someone on a trait,.  Compliment for small things as well as large things.  Always be looking for something to compliment.

Attention – Pay full attention to other people.  It is the key to instant charm.

Style Icon: Tommy Hilfiger

WITH HIS BOYISH HAIRCUT and mischievous grin, it’s hard to believe that Tommy Hilfiger is about to receive the Geoffrey Beene lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. But the man whose Nantucket-meets-hip-hop designs helped define late ’90s cool is now 61—with four of his children grown, his business long since sold to private investors and a quieter, comfortable life with second wife Dee Ocleppo and their 2½ year-old son, Sebastian.

Yet with his recent gig as an image adviser for “American Idol” and his investment last year in luxury British biker brand Belstaff, quiet certainly doesn’t spell boring for Mr. Hilfiger. While his main men’s line is now overseen by British designer Simon Spurr—and his women’s by Peter Som—Mr. Hilfiger still has the final word on more than a dozen annual collections as principal designer of the Tommy Hilfiger Group, the company he founded in 1985. As for Belstaff, Mr. Hilfiger will serve as a board member and adviser for the 88-year-old label, which plans to open a New York boutique this fall, followed by a five-story London flagship in 2013.

The growing international presence makes sense for Mr. Hilfiger, whose name has become a global brand, not just an American one. “Our style of American heritage has this ‘cool factor’ that appeals to cultures world-wide,” said Mr. Hilfiger last week. “From cowboys and Indians to the Las Vegas Strip, I’ve lived my life steeped in Americana and pop culture,” he added. “I’d like to think I’ve had a part in spreading it across the globe.”

My [older] son lives in Los Angeles so we spend a lot of time out there. Usually we stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, which has outstanding service, an incredible location and the food is above average. The rooftop cabanas let you feel like you’re on vacation.

My favorite beaches are on the island of Mustique, where we have a home. The sand is white, the water temperature is perfect and the weather is amazing. The place has this primitive feeling of elegance.

I’m not regularly attacked by the paparazzi but we do have our occasional run-ins with them. It’s intense; I wouldn’t want to be Brad Pitt.

Vintage shopping in Los Angeles is much more interesting than in New York—particularly boutiques like Decades, American Rag, What Goes Around Comes Around and Lily et Cie. Their owners are like curators and are more daring than in Manhattan.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and ResortsLeela Palace Hotel in Bangalore, India

I recently fell in love with the Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore, India. The hotel’s design blends Art Deco with royal Indian styles and was built by my friends, the Nair family, who own magnificent, six-star palace hotels across country.

Splash NewsMr. Hilfiger’s yacht

My favorite New York restaurant is Cipriani on Fifth Avenue. It’s close to my home, the food and service are great. Serge, the maître d’, is one of New York’s best. I’m a terrible cook, so I eat there often.

I met my wife, Dee, in St. Tropez and every year we yacht along the French and Italian Rivieras. I like the privacy of yachting, the ability to gather my entire family in one place.

I wanted to be a professional athlete when I was young, but was too small to play football or basketball. I wore bell-bottoms and had long hair, but wasn’t talented enough to be a rock star. Maybe I would have been an actor—though I’m very happy with the way things turned out.

l grew up on classic rock—the Beatles, the Doors, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. Back then, we didn’t download singles, we bought entire albums—and listened to every single word of every single song until the next album came out.

When you’re raised in a family of nine kids you quickly learn to group together and work as a team. But you also learn to respect a wide range of styles and points of view, which was of enormous value when I developed my business because there are many different consumers with many different tastes.

The last great gift I received was a magnificent Hautlence watch from my wife. I gave her a great book and a piece of jewelry to go with it.

Nothing beats private jets—they’re the ultimate luxury in life and the best way to save time and maximize flexibility.

I always thought you had to be far more accomplished to receive a lifetime achievement award, but if the CFDA is giving it out, I’ll take it with pleasure.

The way children learn today is far different than 20 years ago. My youngest son is only 2½ and already knows how to use an iPad and iPhone. My oldest kids didn’t even start on computers until they were in high school.

I probably wear my own designs 99% of the time. I’m a perfectionist and want to ensure that the fit is just right, that the piece washes properly. I’m definitely my harshest critic.

Every man should own a well-tailored tuxedo and great two-button navy blazer. The tux should be from Anderson & Sheppard in London—and the blazer, of course, from Tommy Hilfiger.

 I love Manhattan’s Upper East Side—it’s my home and where I feel safe. But I still enjoy the restaurants and ambience of SoHo and the East Village, where I lived when I was younger.

I’m not sure where or when, but one of my future dreams is to possibly open a hotel. Like my clothing, the style would be classic American cool paired with everything I love about luxury properties, like a great restaurant, towels and bedding.

Appertif: Kir Cocktail

I was at brunch a week or so ago with Tori who ordered a kir cocktail as an appertif.  While I’ve had the Kir Royale – it’s very old world and you don’t see people drink them much anymore – I love the taste and it has a very sophisticated feel.  However, I had never HEARD of the Kir cocktail but have now added it to my repertoire.  Here’s the details:

The Kir became popular in French cafes in the middle of the 19th century and was further popularized by Felix Kir after World War II. The then mayor of Dijon in Burgundy, France, served the drink often to promote his region’s fine products (wine and creme de cassis). The name Kir has been associated with the drink ever since. There are also many variations of this wine cocktail (see below), each unique but carrying on the Kir tradition. The choice of white wine is something of personal taste; dry wines are preferred, Chablis is great.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 oz creme de cassis
• 2 1/4 oz dry white wine

Preparation:

1. Pour the creme de cassis into a wine glass.
2. Slowly add the dry white wine.

Style Maker: Richard Branson

The daredevil mogul on why he breaks bread with his enemies and wants the necktie abolished

THERE ARE BUSINESS TRAVELERS—and there is Sir Richard Branson. The Virgin Group founder, known as much for his death-defying stunts in balloons and boats as for his ventures, spends much of his very busy life in transit. The entrepreneur zips between continents, projects and the extravagant sorts of leisure pursuits one would expect of the man who owns the grooviest airline in the skies.

Mr. Branson started building his global empire in the early 1970s with Virgin Records, known for launching bands like the Sex Pistols. Since selling the music company in 1992, his portfolio has expanded to include everything from wine to space travel. But he is probably best known for his airlines, which have been shaking up the industry since 1984, when a commercial flight he was on was canceled and he started selling seats on a plane he’d chartered to fellow passengers.

Mr. Branson has been criticized for his readiness to take the spotlight, but his personal style of branding has paid off handsomely. Lately, he has been investing his celebrity (and funds) in a variety of causes, among them saving endangered species and promoting peaceful conflict resolution through an organization called the Elders. We caught up with the British billionaire during a layover at New York’s JFK airport, where he recently launched a new Virgin Atlantic preflight clubhouse.

I keep copious notes. Notebooks have always been a critical part of my life. If I’m on a Virgin plane, I’ll get up and meet staff, meet passengers, get feedback and write things down.

When I’m on Necker Island [in the British Virgin Islands] about all I’ve got on is SPF—Sun Bum and also Island Company sun cream.

Every day is different, absolutely fascinating and a learning experience. In Canada, I’m trying to get legislation passed to save the polar bear. I’m going to Madagascar to try to save the lemur. Yesterday I was on stage with Amnesty International; today I’m doing a bit of business with Virgin Atlantic.

I hate being in hotels with a thousand rooms. And I personally don’t like going into hotels where you’ve got formal check-in desks. I’d much rather come and sit on the couch and be checked in that way, or ideally be checked in before I’ve actually gotten to the hotel.

My watch is a Bulova Accutron limited-edition. Every time one is sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to Virgin Unite, my charity.

I’ve spent a lifetime trying to set an example to get the necktie abolished. I mean, I just find it so sad going somewhere like Japan, where they’re all wearing suits. You look at these lovely pictures of them 100 years ago in their beautiful robes, and you think, ‘how on earth did the necktie ever catch on?’ I just find them uncomfortable and restricting. I think it’s people who run departments of companies, who’ve had to suffer all their lives and are damned if the next generation isn’t going to suffer, too.

I love to kiteboard. My board of choice is Cabrinha.

I’m not a very religious person, but if anybody was going to convert me, it would be Archbishop Tutu. He set an incredible example to the rest of the world, I think, when he helped bring about forgiveness in South Africa after the apartheid regime collapsed.

The reason I got into the travel business originally was out of frustration about the ghastly experience we used to get on other airlines. We literally started with one secondhand 747, crossing the Atlantic from London to New York to see whether people would go out of their way to travel on an airline that offered something a bit more personal. Fortunately, people did.

Jeans are great because you can wear the same pair of trousers 365 days a year and get away with it.

The movies that really make a difference are documentaries. ‘Sharkwater’ is one that changed my life. It’s about all the sharks that get slaughtered just for their fins and are thrown back in to die.

I could live off English roast dinner. If business is good, I love a glass of Champagne.

As a leader it’s important to always look for the best in other people—never criticize. If I ever said anything bad about anybody when I was a child, my mom would make me look in the mirror.

My fav new car – Fiat Gucci edition

The only thing better than one iconic Italian brand is the pairing of two stylish companies, which is why fashionistas and car lovers are both buzzing about the new Gucci editions of the Fiat 500.

The first release of Fiat 500 in the United States and Canada on 1 April sold out almost immediately, so the fashionable partnership is expecting to be well-received.

“Traveling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So … it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year,” explained Creative Director of Gucci, Frida Giannini.

The Gucci models will be available in black or white, and include the brand’s signature stripe of green and red down the side of the car or along the convertible roof. The seatbelts will have the same green-and red design, while the hubcabs will contain Gucci’s interlocking Gs logo.

Priced at around $23k.  Amazing!

French Glamour …

French Glamour in NYC:  The Dior Suite at the St. Regis

Ooh La La … this is definitely Life As It Should Be ….

Re-blogged from hotelchicblog.com

The view of Central Park from the Dior Suite

To sample a little bit of Paris in New York, I checked out the revamped Dior Suite at the St. Regis in midtown Manhattan. The Dior Suite is one of two the hotel created in partnership with iconic brands (the other is the pretty Tiffany suite). The sophisticated design of the 12th floor Dior apartment is inspired by the fashion house’s chic ateliers in Paris. Set against the beautiful Beaux Arts landmark building built in 1904 by Jacob Astor, with stunning views of the park, it would be a very glamorous place to host a shindig, or stay for a few days. (sadly it’s not inexpensive, sigh). For those of you who love fashion and everything French there are many glam design ideas here. Read on for sources and how to get the look:

From the upholstery to the paint to the curtains to the rugs, touches of Dior Grey appear throughout the 1700 square foot space. The living room features custom Louis XVI style sofas and chairs made by Lily Jack in California and upholstered in Pashmina Silver Fox by Architex. Handwoven striped silk and cotton Delice pillows are from Lisa Fontana Rosa.

The amazing watercolor is artist tribute to Dior’s glam take on fashion and by artist Bil Donovan. The Dior Couture book with photographs by Patrick Demarchelier is ready for reading.

Love these gorgeous double tufted ottomans.

The view from the living room in the summer. Amazing.

The settee by the window is custom by California furniture manufacturer Lily Jack and upholstered in velvet in Cavallino Titanium from Architex.

Feminine and playful Alana Ivory and Taupe Wool Ottomans hail from Arteriors.

Attention is paid to every detail, these floral curtain tiebacks from Samuel & Sons add panache to the windows.
Gonzaga Floral Mirror from APH Munn  in the bedroom. Notice how the legs of the benches in the bedroom match the style of the ottomans in the living room.

The suite has one bedroom, living room, and a dining conference room which features a black and white fashion still from the original Dior Suite.

Two great concerts

I saw 2 very good music concerts this week:  Pink Martini & Anoushka Shankar.

Pink Martini

One of my favorite groups and my 2nd time to see them perform  – They are a huge band, about 12 members.  Most are Ivy League educated and speak & sing in multiple languages.  China Forbes is the group’s diva and has an amazing voice.  Forbes, a graduate of Cambridge, has performed in at least ten different languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Greek, Arabic, and Japanese.

Their music is impossible to categorize – you hear a song and think, “Ok, that’s what they are about” then the next one changes totally.  The diverse Pink Martini have offered music from jazz (mainly swing), world music, cabaret, lounge, and 1940s-1950s film music. Their world music covers a wide range – French chanson, Afro-Cuban salsa, Argentinian tango, Brazilian samba and bossa nova, Italian folk, Greek rembetiko, Middle Eastern music, and Asian music.  Not surprisingly, they have a cult following.

A defining moment in a group’s career arrived in 2007 and  came courtesy of the United Nations ….   Srgjan Kerim, the  president of the U.N’s General Assembly, ordered 30 copies of Pink Martini’s second album “Hang on Little Tomato”. The Macedonian was so smitten after catching a recent show in Vancouver B.C. that he passed out the cd during his first official meeting!

Anoushka Shankar

It was my first time to see her in concert and I was not disappointed.  She is the daughter of Ravi Shankar and half sister of Norah Jones and is classically trained in the Indian sitar  (she currently records under the Deutsch Grammophone label).

Incense wafted thru the auditorium as she started the concert by playing some beautiful classical music early in the show.   She showed huge versatility though – she composes her music from a variety of influences – including flamenco, electronica, jazz and Western classical music. The show’s finale was most impressive – she was jamming on the sitar – Eddie Van Halen style.  The drummer, who plays barefoot, also did an amazing solo – I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone play a more impressive drum.  Twice-nominated for a Grammy Award, Anoushka was the first Indian musician to perform at the Grammy Awards in 2006 when she was nominated for her album Rise.  She has made guest appearances on recordings by diverse artists, among them Herbie Hancock, Joshua Bell, Lenny Kravitz, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Thievery Corporation.

Although she travels the world for her concerts, she currently lives in London and is married to the British director Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice, etc.).

Style Blogs

I have always been attracted to “style”:

• stylish people – Johnny Depp, Lenny Kravitz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kelly Wearstler, Colin Cowie, Pink Martini
• stylish movies – The Talented Mr. Ripley, A Perfect Murder, Down with Love, Audrey Hepburn’s films
• stylish places – Santa Fe, New Mexico; New York City; Paris; San Miguel de Allende

As I’ve gotten involved with my own blog, I have added to that list “stylish sites.”  Here are some of the sites/blogs I’ve enjoyed recently because of their high style factor:

• fashionsoundtrack.com
• cheapchicas.com
• hotelchic.com
• color-collective.blogspot.com
• fromtherightbank.com

What are some of your favorites?

Paris

“Paris is always a good idea.”

Quote attributed to Audrey Hepburn – on a decorative tray at the wonderful Dallas gift shop Nuvo