Au Courant Returns: Fashion at the Fort This Friday
This Friday, Au Courant returns to Newport!
The signature fundraiser for Child & Family, Au Courant is set to take the runway at historic Fort Adams in Newport. TV personality and celebrity stylist Derek Warburton, (he’s dressed Beyoncé, Miranda Kerr, and Olivia Culpo, among others) will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker. Warburton himself was a homeless teen and has combined his love of fashion to benefit underprivileged and homeless women re-enter the workforce through New York’s Bottomless Closet organization. See his special message to Au Courant attendees HERE.
Through the collaborative efforts of Child & Family and StyleWeek, Au Courant celebrates and promotes the extraordinary creative talents of the finest designers in the Northeast. Surrounded by history and with 180-degree views of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor, experience designer fashions in a major runway show. Al the while, guests will be supporting one of the oldest and largest social service providers in the state of Rhode Island. The funds raised at Au Courant help make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout the state, including the expansion of foster care.
The evening also features a designer sale where attendees have the exclusive opportunity to discuss fashion trends with and purchase one-of-a-kind fashions directly from the featured designers. Tables of accessories, handbags and clothing showcase a variety of one-of-a kind collections. Guests leave the event thrilled to add beautiful and unique pieces to their wardrobe, while benefiting Child & Family.
Details: Friday, July 14th from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $125 (for details, CLICK HERE)
Pierre Cardin: A Gala Celebration in Newport
On Saturday, June 17, Newport was graced with a one of kind event celebrating famed fashion designer, Pierre Cardin. The 94-year-old impresario personally curated a collection of more than 80 pieces showcasing his 70-year career that graced the runway at The Breakers, the famed “summer cottage” of the Vanderbilt family—a legendary venue for a legendary talent. Regrettably, Monsieur Cardin was not well enough to make the trip, but the show went on and his nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati, and his head of haute couture, Maryse Gaspard, were on hand to share M. Cardin’s best wishes to the audience of 250.
I was able to spend the afternoon with Rodrigo and Maryse as well as Matthew Gonder, the headliner at Cardin’s Maxim’s restaurant in Paris and the event’s emcee. Also joining us was Richard Raczynski and Dominique Raczynski from the House of Cardin (like Maryse, the couple have been with the designer for decades). We discussed Cardin’s prolific career, his broad spectrum of design inspiration (everything from vintage cars to the moon landing to science and technology has motivated him) and his penchant for always creating on his terms. Cardin took orders from nobody it seems, and while eschewing design trends and even sometimes considered a wild card (he had the audacity to introduce a ready to wear collection in 1959 as he felt designer clothes should be more accessible), the industry that once criticized him eventually honored designer with many prestigious award, chief among them the trio of Golden Thimbles (fashion’s answer to the Academy Awards).
As we walked through the leave-behind exhibit at Rosecliff, “Pierre Cardin: 70 Years of 
Innovation,” I learned more about the designer, who was the son of Italian immigrants and raised in St. Etienne, France. By 17, he was a tailor and moved to Paris. Soon he became an assistant to none other than Christian Dior and after three years, launched his own line. Earlier in his career he made costumes for Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film la Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), and later in his career created his own theater in Paris, l’Espace (and eventually, bought Maxim’s). The exhibit, a celebration of Cardin’s bold, avant-garde and forward thinking approach, features 42 pieces including 1960s space-age looks from the Cosmocorps collection, unisex jumpsuits created for the 1972 Olympics, and the technologically advanced Cardine dress, made of thermo-formed fabric that was worn by Lauren Bacall in 1968. It will be on display at Rosecliff through the end of the year.
We were lucky enough to be connected by phone to Cardin, who expressed his deep regret for not being able to attend the Newport gala. Our small gathering of media then engaged in a question and answer session which led to thoughtful discussion on the exhibit, the show, and Cardin’s legacy. Without further ado, here’s a smattering of images from the event:
Photos: JP Yim/Getty Images for the Preservation Society of Newport County
Namaste in the Neighborhood at The Attwater
Summer officially starts on Wednesday, and there’s no better place to savor the season of sun and fun, sailing and celebrating, and the spoils of the sea than here in Newport. While it’s the best time of year to relax and unwind, social schedules do indeed get hectic, so setting apart some time to be mindful, thankful and appreciate life in the moment and all the beauty that surrounds us here on Aquidneck Island is imperative.
I was reminded of how blissful if feels after yoga recently when I was able to practice with trees swaying in the breeze overhead and fluffy white cloud sauntering across the sky on the back deck of The Attwater. The boutique hotel on Liberty Street (steps from the Newport Art Museum) is known for its chic coastal meets contemporary interior design, the deck is spacious and secluded, and though just a stone’s throw from Bellevue Avenue, you’d never know you’re in the heart of Historic Hill.
Getting our “om” on…
On the third Thursday of each month, The Attwater opens its doors to the community for yoga from 6pm – 7pm, followed by an hour-long pop-up shop featuring local makers in The Attwater Café. Not very flexible? Yoga is a challenge for you? No worries – that’s why yoga is always called a “practice,” and besides, The Attwater’s Vinyasa-style yoga classes are taught by the AWESOME Emily Moyer (pictured at top) from Newport’s Community Yoga Center for WellnessNewport’s Community Yoga Center for Wellness, who walks you through each pose with gentle encouragement.
Cost: $20 per class for hotel and community guests. Classes are limited to 8 participants, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite or can be paid in cash to Emily upon arrival. Enjoy your post-yoga
bliss with a complimentary seasonal smoothie made by The Attwater team. Guests are asked to bring their own yoga mat, but the instructor will have a few extra on hand as well.
The monthly public class dates and pop-up partners are:
- Thursday, June 15: Farmaesthetics
- Thursday July 20: Balance on Thames
- Thursday, August 17: Gather Apothecary + Tea Bar
- Thursday, September 21: Newport Sea Foam Trading Co.
The weekly yoga series will continue through September 29. Namaste.
PS: I posted some fun pics from the inaugural yoga session at The Attwater on my Instastories at @newportstyle!
Joan Juliet Buck, French Vogue’s Former Editor in Chief, at the Redwood Library Tomorrow
I didn’t know exactly what to expect as I dialed up Joan Juliet Buck just as she would be packing for her trip to Newport. Yes, I’ve interviewed countless authors through the years, but as I anticipated the former longtime editor-in-chief French Vogue to pick up the line, so many questions beyond my prepared ones popped into my head.
Peter O’Toole & Joan Juliet Buck at 1965 film premiere
“I love Newport,” she soon tells me. “Caterine Milinaire Cushing is a childhood friend.” This Wednesday, June 7, she returns to the City by the Sea to discuss her new memoir, The Price of Illusion, at the Redwood Library & Athenæum. Hers is a story worth telling, starting with being born into Hollywood royalty. The daughter of film producer Jules Buck and model/actress Joyce Ruth Getz (Joyce Gates), Buck was born in L.A. but tells me her first language was French. The family moved abroad when she was a small child and her formidable years took her to Paris, London, Milan, Ireland, as well as the U.S. “In one way, I come from nowhere and belong to nothing,” she says.
During her youth, Peter O’Toole, Lauren Bacall, Federico Fellini, Angelica Huston, and many more glitterati, were her inner circle. By 19, Buck was writing book reviews for Glamour magazine and made her mark in London as a correspondent at (Andy Warhol’s) Interview magazine, then as features editor of British Vogue, then a correspondent for Women’s Wear Daily in London and Rome. Her byline
Karl Lagerfeld works on Buck’s wedding dress
became familiar in Vanity Fair and American Vogue. At 46, she assumed the helm at French Vogue, becoming the first the only American ever to have edited a French magazine. She quickly became a force in the cult of all things fashion and beauty. Although the position is perhaps the most coveted in the industry, Buck says it wasn’t what she wanted, but she was reeling from a bad break up and looking for a way to bring her father (widowed by then) to Paris “to give him the life he lost.” He had, Buck says, become “old, sad, bitter and heartbroken. I was to create this wonderful illusion for him.”
It was perplexing to the French that an American was at Vogue Paris, which has been published since 1920, explains Buck. Regardless, she committed herself 100%. “I spent so many years buying the clothes to wear to the parties—the Vogue things,” she recalls, but eventually, “it became easier to deal the illusion than buy the illusion.” Likening herself to a dealer is no accident. In 2001, Buck was brusquely sent to rehab by Jonathan Newhouse, chairman and chief executive of Condé Nast International. An ironic dismissal as Buck was barely a drinker and not a drug user, she nonetheless acquiesced and went to the required rehab, securing her severance. But Buck admits the prospect of being embedded in a rehab center intrigued her. After all, she says, “I hadn’t done anything real in seven years.”
(L-R) Yves Saint Laurent, Buck, Gianfranco Ferré and Karl Lagerfeld
By the time she reemerged, Buck was ready to tell her own story, and over the course of six years, she thoughtfully examined all the pieces of her past—articles, mementos and memories. At the heart of it, Buck says her story is ultimately about a father and a daughter (although a much more glamorous pairing than most). She tells me the process was “immensely cathartic,” adding that she discovered the things in her life she was once most embarrassed about “are actually my greatest strengths.” Funny, how that happens.
Hear Joan Juliet Buck on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm discuss The Price of Illusion, at the Redwood Library & Athenæum.
From The Rhode Show…Spring Style: Put the Pop Back into Your Wardrobe
Rain or shine, spring has finally sprung and it’s time to put the pop back into your wardrobe. Here’s some spring and summer must haves I brought to The Rhode Show 
whether you feel like dressing to the nones or keeping it casual:
Jude Connally is an all-American lifestyle brand known for its vibrant prints and effortless styles. Available at Michael Hayes Newport. In the clip you’ll see the Kate Tunic Dress (on me above and in pic at right) in a navy and white classic stripe: This iconic style is bound to become a wardrobe staple with the universally flattering silhouette and effortless style. I love this classic long sleeve, A-line tunic dress with side slits. As it’s still a little chilly, I wore white skinny jeans underneath! Style tip: Pair with flats for a casual look or wedges for a more polished feel–no matter which, it’s an instantly put together look.
Julie Pinstripe Dress: (at left) Perfect for all of your spring and 
summer occasions. Pair with a wedge or heel to complete the look. This sleeveless dress features a contrast panel at the neckline and waist and the A-line skirt with pockets is ultra-flattering. I just featured this dress on Instagram!
Kristen Tunic Dress in wide stripe navy: Effortless dressing personified. For work or play, you’ll feel chic and pulled together in this classic tunic dress. Sleeveless with a mandarin collar and a relaxed easy fit through the waist and hips.
Spring sweaters from Talbots in Newport (https://www.talbots.com):
The Beaded Turtle Sweater: Whimsical and fun to wear, it’s the simple shape and
comfortable cotton-blend fabric that make this piece so effortless and flattering. Now 30% off!
The Rhinestone Anchor Sweater: Hand-embellished anchors sparkle on the front of this classic crewneck sweater in everglade green or sophisticated silver.
Perfect spring footwear from Sole Desire in Newport:
The Sperry Dawn Ari wedges feature a nautical adjustable rope tie closure and cork wedge wrap.
The Betsey Johnson Jemi Lace Up Gingham Wedge & “Ahoy” tote (pictured top right)
And now, a weekend escape with Leota…these two pieces just launched and are on their way to being instant classics! The Ilana dress features cap sleeves and a reversible neckline. With a nipped waist and circle skirt, the Ilana dress is ultra-flattering and perfect for Memorial Day wi a red, white and blue color palette.
The gathered Maxi Skirt in essential jersey, which I’ll be featuring here on Newport Stylephile soon (and on Instagram at @newportstyle) has deep pockets, an elastic waist, and a full, flowing skirt. Wear everywhere, wash, repeat.
Shrimp & Grits: This growing brand celebrates Southern style and is committed to providing clothing that keeps the summer vibes rolling all year long. Pair super soft tees and tanks with white skinny jeans, Nantucket red orts or denim cuts offs and the only thing you’ll still need is the sand between your toes.
One on One with Kirsten Brusse from TONIGHT’S Sips & Style at Newport Vineyards
Trish McEvoy, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Stila…Kirsten Brusse has worked with them all. A beauty expert and licensed makeup artist with more than 17 years’ experience in the industry, Kirsten brings her makeup magic to Newport Vineyards tonight at the highly anticipated Sips & Style NEWPORT. I sat down with Kirsten to get a sneak peek at what to expect and to chat about summer trends: 
What sets Sips & Style apart? It was really important to Jill and I to make this event fun, casual and approachable. Admittedly, the beauty industry can have a snooty vibe and people are often intimidated by it. I will never forget, after our first event, a woman approached me afterwards full of smiles and said: “Honestly, I was nervous coming here by myself and I thought people would look me up and down and judge me, but this was the most fun I have had in ages!” I knew we had achieved our goal. Since then, the event has grown and we have a lot of people coming again and again and bringing their friends. It seems, we are doing something right.
What can guests expect at Sips & Style? I always try to find products that are a good value, or at least worth the money if they are expensive, and have changed my life in some way. My goal is to make your life easier by helping you discover products that work, and my philosophy is, “beauty and makeup advice for real women with real budgets.” With us, it is like chatting with your girlfriends – we drink wine, we tell our war stories and laugh and have a really great time. And you will learn a lot along the way that will help you look more put together. During our presentation, we try to cover 
real topics for busy women.
Last fall, we talked about “How to get ready fast,” and shared time-saving strategies as well as product recommendations. I can’t think of a woman who wouldn’t benefit from that. And let’s not forget our great prizes and giveaways. You are automatically entered, if you buy your ticket in advance. Last time we gave away some amazing gift cards for local services and to local boutiques, as well as some great beauty loot, including entire skin care sets and cosmetics from high end brands such as, Benefit Cosmetics, Patchology and Dermalogica, just to name a few.
What trends are you seeing in spring and summer makeup? It is all about causal and easy makeup. I love multi-tasking products you can toss into your beach or pool bag to help protect from the sun and make you look put together without too much effort. For example, a CC cream with an SPF 50, a cream blush and highlighter, waterproof mascara and a tinted lip balm with sunscreen. For hair, a sun protection spray and a few clear rubber-bands and a brush – off you go.
How would you define “Newport style?” To me, Newport exemplifies laid back elegance. It is a resort town and women here definitely take a more casual approach to clothes and makeup, yet still manage to look refined and elegant. For evening, they simply add some accessories to their summer dresses or white jeans and tunic tops, add a swipe of bronzer and gloss and they are ready to go. I love that!
SOME TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR TONIGHT!
Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Venue: Newport Vineyards
Tickets: Email jill@jmstylist.com
And if you’re busy on April 26, the Providence event will take place Thursday, April 27 at Gasbarro’s Wines
Kirsten Brusse has an extensive portfolio of weddings, magazine, runway and television work. Her artistry and advice have been published on The Knot, Style Me Pretty,The Providence Journal and Rhode Island PBS, among others and is a contributor to WPRI’s The Rhode Show as well as WUSA9’ Great Day Washington. Kirsten also has a popular beauty and lifestyle blog that shares her knowledge and expertise accessible in a fun and approachable way.
One on One with Sips & Style’s Jill Marinelli
On Wednesday, April 26, personal stylist Jill Marinelli and beauty expert Kirsten Brusse brings Sips & Style, their fashion, beauty and skin care event to our neck of the woods. With a passion that lives at the intersection of personal development and image, Jill 
(pictured at top, right) helps women find beauty in the bodies they inhabit as well as the clothes that will reflect that beauty. Clients call the experience “life-changing, exhilarating, and uplifting.” I sat down with Jill to get a sneak peek at what to expect and to chat about upcoming summer trends:
Sips & Style has earned a reputation for being a fun girls’ night out, but also a helpful session for women of all ages. Why do you think it’s been such a hit in Providence?
I love this event because it’s casual and relaxed – it has always felt like we are just hanging out with our girlfriends, sharing our secrets. And we are! We give it to our audiences straight – we’ll tell you our favorites for the season, what’s worth a splurge (or not!), and where to find it.
And now you’re headed to our area?
Yes! We are now in our 6th season and so excited to have expanded into Newport. Newport Vineyards is hosting us in their gorgeous new space, and we have also partnered with one of the City by the Sea’s best boutiques, Pink Pineapple, who will be providing some of our fabulous giveaways!
It’s safe to say Newporters are excited for the warmer weather. What are some trends you see headed our way this summer?
Pom poms, tassels, beads, and stones! The more colorful, the better. The trend is colorful and playful; almost childlike, which is why I recommend wearing it in small doses. A necklace here, a top there, but not head to toe whimsy. These sandals are a perfect visual example of this trend.
Also, off the shoulder and “cold shoulder” tops are huge and everywhere this summer 
and I’m seeing a lot of patchwork denim and “step-hem” denim (shorter in front, longer in back).
Here’s the Sips & Style scoop:
Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Venue: Newport Vineyards
Tickets: CLICK HERE
And if you’re booked on April 26, the Providence event will take place Thursday, April 27 at Gasbarro’s Wines.
Jill is a personal stylist and style correspondent for CBS Providence’s The Rhode Show. Focusing on body image, the power of personal style, and social science research, she teaches her audiences and clients how to look great, project confidence, and ultimately change their lives through their look.
She has created workshops for organizations including Lifespan, Swarovski, Fidelity, General Growth Properties and the Bryant University Women’s Summit. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Psychology Today, Lucky, CBS Providence’s The Rhode Show and FOX Boston’s Morning News, among others. Jill has styled the wardrobe for NBC’s The Biggest Loser finalist Elizabeth Ruiz, Alex and Ani print ads, Rhode Island Monthly and more.
