Haute Couture Mourns a Master
January 14, 2012
With a sparkle in his eye, these were the words of wisdom shared with me by François Lesage on January 20, 2011, on a visit to the Lesage atelier in Paris. I was visiting the workshop while working on an article for the Wall Street Journal (“The Old-World Artistry Behind the Modern House of Chanel.” Wall Street Journal Magazine, May 2011) and it was my good fortune that Monsieur was there….
In December of 2011 Mr. Lesage passed away. The world of Haute Couture mourns a down-to-earth gentleman with a great sense of humor, and an artistic passion for his craft, and the desire to create beauty that had him still coming to the studios at age 82. François Lesage took over the business from his parents in 1949.
He invented.
He experimented.
He coaxed.
He solved problems.
And he mentored the world of Haute Couture.
Paradise – that is where he must be – an embroidered, dramatically enhanced paradise it must now be.
The Lesage School, his legacy
To secure the future of the Lesage name and the profession, François Lesage started The Lesage School. The Lesage school is the most prestigious school for teaching the needle arts, for Haute Couture and interior design. Open since 1992, many students from around the world have come to Paris to immerse themselves in the hours required to become skilled in a craft and to enter into a universe dedicated to the preservation of the artistic heritage of embroidery.
ICP: Ground Breaking Women in Photography
January 13, 2012
On January 10, I attended The International Center of Photography’s luncheon, ‘Groundbreaking Women in Photography.’ During the luncheon of chicken and roasted vegetables at Tribeca Rooftop, “Today” co-anchor Ann Curry led the conversation with photojournalists Stephanie Sinclair, Gillian Laub, Mary Ellen Mark and Samantha Appleton. Kathy Ryan from the New York Times Magazine also contributed. Topics covered by the panel included: taking pride in the fact that a photo essay on segregated proms in the South helped end them; and photographing in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel during war time. All these women were recognized for their determination and persistence in capturing the “real” in the spirit of photojournalism.
Charlotte Moss at Calico Corners
January 6, 2012
We are pleased to announce that Charlotte’s fabric collection is available from Calico Corners in all their stores and online.
Their team of professionals can help you
scheme…scheme…scheme…
As they say, “Real luxury is getting
exactly what you want.”
Watch their Facebook page for regular updates and our website with ideas on how to use the fabrics…
Visit the Calico Corners Website here.
Annie Leibovitz ‘Pilgrimage’
December 28, 2011
Annie Leibovitz’s new book Pilgrimage is different from the rest. No portraits, just objects, rooms and landscapes. She traveled around the United States capturing subjects because they meant something to her, they intrigued her. Her first place was Emily Dickinson’s house in Amherst, Massachusetts that she photographed with a small digital camera. As her project continued, she moved up to more professional equipment and even brought along an assistant. It is quite an experience to see through Leibovitz’s eyes as she passes through the greenhouse where Virginia Woolf wrote her novels, where Thomas Jefferson tended his vegetables at Monticello and Henry David Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond. In the end, Leibovitz scales down these larger than life figures to humanize them and provide intimate details into their past lives – a book without people, yet the human touch is all around.
All photography from Pilgrimage.
Hunting Chic for the Holiday Season
December 15, 2011
For more ideas – and a great selection of prepared
foods, try these websites -
Perhaps the most expansive selection for your hunting menu – D’Artagnan – which sells prepared game meats, as well as all the fixin’s…foie gras, truffles and caviar….
www.dartagnan.com
For prepared wild game meats, Cabela’s has everything from a game steak variety pack to their signature “Tur-Duc-Hen” for the daring poultry lover.
www.cabelas.com
Smithfield Marketplace – famous for their hams – also has a huge variety, including hostess gifts and tailgating favorites. You don’t have to be at the dinner table to exhibit your hunting chic!
www.smithfieldmarketplace.com
To spark your gourmet food imagination…as well as wine, cheese and desserts – check out Gilt Taste.
www.gilttaste.com
For Fleur de Sel, great cooking oils, spices and spreads – try The French Farm, out of Houston.
www.frenchfarm.com
And Blackberry Farm is nestled in the Smokey Blue mountains, but if you can’t make it there be sure to check out Sam Beal’s Blackberry Farm Cookbook for inspiration and recipes – ‘Foothill Cuisine,’ as they call it, and shop their products on Taigan.
www.taigan.com
Fa…la…la…la…la…
December 10, 2011
