Fashions great escape
The need to travel
From the first lingering memories of travel, a paddle on a sandy beach the smell of fresh pine, hot brewed Italian coffee or the sound of speeding mopeds
we can all conjure up images, sounds or smells from the earliest of vacations. Holidays create memories of happier times, following on from Covid many of us are feeling the need to recreate & repeat those experiences.
Recharge, Refresh & Relax
The joy of travel has returned, armed with a limited number of destinations, the chance to finally breakaway from the restricted conditions of Covid is now upon us. The arrival of June 2021, signals the start of a new season of promise, adventure and escapism.
Harper’s Bazaar
Ticket to ride
I’ve never been one for dwelling on the past or looking backwards, reasoning that life only goes in one direction and that’s forward.
European escapism
Where better to get inspiration for your travels than indulging in the nostalgia of timeless elegance, ladies whose style remains as classy and classic now as it did 50 years ago. These are my personal favourites.
France 🇫🇷 escapism
An unhurried, uncrowded France where clear skies and a warm sea will soothe away the Covid blues. Choose from the rugged beauty of Corsica or the more sophisticated chic of Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo ….or Paris
French Riviera
European memories are woven through my life from early school trips or city breaks. Images of Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s “To catch a thief” the 1955 film are still referenced by fashion houses today.
Cinema world
Edith Head
The wardrobe designed by Edith Head includes this stunning black halter neck swimming costume & white linen over skirt. Clean cut elegance finished with a white net hat and matching basket
WWD both
Hitchcock style
“There’s only one very good life and that’s the life you know you want and you make it yourself.”
— Diana Vreeland
My style
Prada
Vintage Prada sunglasses and a yellow Prada chiffon wrap.The white towel turban completes the look.
Dior
Dior book bag with Portobello glasses and a vintage scarf
Italian 🇮🇹 escapism
The ancient city of Rome over 3,000 years of history, art and iconic landmarks like the colosseum, the Spanish steps and the Sistine Chapel. The 1960s film La Dolce Vita with the iconic Anita Ekberg in the Trevi fountain remains one of the greatest films in cinema.
Cinema world
Jacqueline Kennedy
In the summer of 1962 the First Lady chose Ravello for an Italian escape. Leaving the President behind for three weeks she visited the beaches of Conca de Marini for water skiing and the Piazza Duomo.
Vogue
Capri
A favourite destination the term ‘Capri Style’ was captured, timeless trends of slim white ankle trousers, silk scarves, large sunglasses and strap tie sandals still going strong today.
Grazia
Roman holiday
Paramount
Fashion film influences Italy
Roman holiday
The 1953 film that launched Audrey Hepburn’s film career, the escapism for Princess Anne who runs away from royal duties in Rome captures our hearts as we witness the transformation from her rigid uniform and duties to the carefree moped driving girl. The plot follows the everyday joys of having a haircut, purchasing shoes & enjoying an ice cream on the Spanish Steps. The film finishes with an emotional goodbye to a reporter played by Gregory Peck, our hearts breaking as the pull of duty triumphs love and freedom.
Edith Head
The simple wardrobe designed by Edith Head that launched a thousand imitations. A glorious full skirt, a belt that enhances a sixteen inch waist, rolled sleeves with a neck scarf and the tie sandals purchased on her great escape.
Instyle
Hepburn style
Summer style with a vintage print skirt a rolled white mens shirt and my favourite pom-poms sandals from the beach to shopping a look pinched from Roman holiday.
My style.
Never mess with a classic just keep it modern and fresh. The scarf tied at the neck or casually adding a splash of vibrant colour and a new season bag.
Zara S/S21 my three favourite new season tie sandals perfect to perfect the Audrey or Jackie look.
Mexican 🇲🇽 escapism
Puerto Vallarta
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought their holiday home by the ocean in 1963 after falling in love while making Cleopatra. The resulting scandal of the already married stars saw their escapism from the paparazzi to a relatively unknown area of Mexico
Casa Kimberly
After originally renting the villa, Richard purchased it outright as a gift for Elizabeth’s 32 birthday. In the following years he also brought the house across the road adding a second pool.
The bridge
The bridge connecting the two houses was a replica of The Bridge Of Sighs in Venice. The building now operates as a nine suite hotel above the Bay of Banderas.
images Daily Telegraph
Caftan fashion
One of my all time favourite looks the Caftan / Kaftan a timeless wardrobe staple for day or night. Its popularity is the ease of wearing it on the beach or to a cocktail party available in various finishes and lengths. The dress makes not only a great cover up it feels elegant, flowing, breezy and freeing.
Elizabeth Taylor
Over her life time the actress built up an unrivalled jewellery collection but her passion for beautiful caftans was legendary. First pictured in the 1960s the star used them to conceal her weight gain and used them as a cover up throughout her life. The caftan were adorned with real jewels, tassels and lace and cut in various lengths. Prefering plunging necklines to highlight her jewels and metallic colours she could party at Studio 54 in Halston at night and relax on the beach in Dior.
The collection sold after her death were purchased by museums around the world raising money for Aids.
Harpers Bazaar
My shopping
Zara
The zesty orange dress, dressed casual for the beach with sandals or in the evening with wedges or heels.
Zara S/S21
My vintage caftan from Ma HuanYi Chu one of my great thrift shop finds.
The essential caftan
The best thing about a caftan is that, for the most part, it’s not so seasonal or trendy that it quickly becomes dated. Colourful prints and white never go out of style.
Vintage style
Beach style
Light weight chiffon I wear this around the house in the summer to keep cool.
Cotton chic
The beautiful pink full length caftan has stunning jewels I wear it every Summer.
“When I want to feel free, it’s the closest thing to feeling naked without being naked.”
— Caftan style
Star style
Cate Blanchett
One shoulder, dazzling metallic or embellished embroidery the caftan worn on the red carpet looking timeless, modern and elegant
In Style
Angelina
Long or short the amazing collection and variety worn by Angelina Jolie. The star prefers cotton, plain and neutral colours.
Grazia, WWD
