Posts tagged ‘Newport Mansions’
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
Newport Flower Show 2015: American Beauty, Timeless Style
John Corbett photo
Two decades in, the Newport Flower Show continues to grow and wow visitors with extraordinary arrangements, exquisite entries and the fabulous Gardeners Marketplace (in addition to the events, party, demos and more). This year’s “American Beauty, Timeless Style” theme celebrated the rose that bears the “American Beauty” name which was cultivated by the original owner of the famed “summer cottage” in the late 1800s. Displays, meanwhile, honored timeless style, including that of Newport’s most legendary bride and style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy. (The Angela Moore Fashion Show & Champagne Brunch will continue the theme with “Fashion Through the Decades” on July 9)
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the show, The Preservation Society of Newport County commissioned mother/daughter artists Cecy and Marilyn Jones to design and hand-paint a limited edition Newport Flower Show silk scarf ($150.00, 10% off for Preservation Society members), available at the Newport Mansions stores and NewportStyle.net.
Good dog!
Newport Museum of History Brick Market Museum Store display
Newport Museum of History Brick Market Museum Store display
Between two Jacquelines…
(nautical rope dress: Talbots)
John Corbett photo
The Preservation Society of Newport County invites all City of Newport residents and their families to enjoy all regularly scheduled tours of the Newport Mansions for free in 2015 in homage of the Society’s 70th anniversary.
Victoria’s Secret Holiday 2012: All Access Newport
In the peak of this past summer season, Victoria’s Secret Angels Lindsay Ellingson, Erin Heatherton, Doutzen Kroes, Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepoel descended on the City-by-the-Sea to shoot the company’s Holiday 2012 campaign. Famed director Michael Bay took command at the world-famous Newport Mansions, using the Gilded Age opulence as the setting for the sexy shoot. If you haven’t spotted one of the commercials yet, just wait–they’ll be in heavy rotation over the next few weeks.
Click the image above, below or click here to watch a behind-the-scenes video of the shoot and why the Angels think the Newport Mansions are the perfect location for the shoot!
Newport Flower Show: A Fashionable Fete
The Newport Flower Show Opening Night Party, the ceremonial kick off to Newport’s robust social season, unfolds this Friday evening at Rosecliff. Traditionally the festive al fresco fête draws a spirited crowd dressed in their summertime finery—expect plenty of seersucker and Nantucket reds for him, Lilly Pulitzer (pictured above) and Milly for her, and plenty of head-turning looks in-between. This year’s theme: Salsa! A Celebration of Latin Cultures, should also tempt partygoers to don their most colorful and vibrant duds like this floral number from White House Black Market:
Bold colors like this Laundry by Shelli Segal ‘Monaco Sunset’ Pleated Halter Gown (find Shelli Segal at Michael Hayes):
And crisp whites like this Alexia Admor jacquard dress from Sunya (perfect for statement shoes and a fabulous fascinator!)
For more info on the Newport Flower Show and its events, CLICK HERE.
Inspired by Celeb Style: Fabulous & Flattering Winter Outerwear and Accessories
I brought some fabulous and flattering winter outerwear and accessories to The Rhode Show this morning to show staying warm in the cold doesn’t mean you have to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The best thing about sporty puffer jackets, a favorite of celebs, is that you can find all different variations: some with belts and spiffy hardware, others with faux-fur trimmed hoods (check out Reese Witherspoon above, and sexy Sofia Vergara below left), and some that are lightweight but that will keep you just as warm thanks to innovative fabric technology–and all at a wide range of price points. They’re perfect for ice skating at Newport Skating Center (check GoNewport.com for details!) or on local ponds, for walks to keep up that New Year’s resolution or just when you want to be about in about if comfy clothes but look put together at the same time.
You’ll be warm and chic in this Michael by Michael Kors puffer style down coat. Note the quilting detail, the long sleeves with ribbed knit cuffs, eye-catching gold zipper closure and symmetrical pockets with gold button detail. Similar styles have been seen on a ton of celebrities including Reese and Sofia (pictured) as well as Jennifer Aniston, Leighton Meester and more. I found this one at TJ Maxx on clearance for $59.
For a much trimmer, practically feather-like version that just as if not more warm, 
check out this ultra-light 650 fill goose down coat by nau. The unique quilting, slim shaped cut that accentuates the waistline and tailored fit chevron quilting that slims the body, it’s actually called the “Cocoon Trench” because it wears more like a cocoon than a jacket. Sarah Jessica Parker (right) was spotted in one very similar taking the kids to school in NYC. $300, from Potter & Co., 172 Thames Street, Newport.
I wanted to bring a much lighter jacket for when it’s unseasonably warm like it has been this 
winter, and what better than this funky Bench BBQ jacket as worn by none other than Lady Gaga (and Fergie, Anna Lynne McCord and more). It’s has a roll out hood, 6″ zipper sleeve vents, all-over screen print and bright pink embroidery. Just $125, from Island Outfitters, 473 Thames Street, Newport (and additional locations in Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Connecticut).
I didn’t forget the men, and I showed this awesome Commuter Signature Active-Cotton Hooded Jacket by Bench. It has multiple pockets, plus a high collar to block wind with ribbed knit trim on the cuffs, hem, and collar. $179 from Island Outfitters, 473 Thames Street, Newport.
This is a new take on the old Ugg. The Bailey Button can reach over-the-knee height or have a more traditional mid-calf height with the flexible convertible 
shearling cuff. The same boot was seen on Vanessa Hudgens and similar styles on Sienna Miller and Eva Longoria. Regularly $350, on sale for $262 at Sole Desire, 131 Swinburne Row in Newport’s Brick Market Place.
Love this hat and scarf by Swedish company Holebrook. Island Outfitters in Newport is the only U.S. retailers of the brand. Couldn’t you see Prince William wearing this scarf? They’re 100% cotton and super soft.
Texting, Tweeting, Word with Friends—it’s nearly impossible to do it all with gloves on, but new touch screen 
gloves are changing all that. The North Face has these Etip gloves that the crew at Island Outfitters says are flying off the shelves. $40. I also love these decidedly low-tech, fingerless knit versions by Pistil from Potter & Co. are super sweet and just $26. Pair it with a matching crisp, white knit brim hat.
(oh, and if any was wondering, I’m wearing Newport’s own CK Bradley!)
Two Days of Fashionable Finds
As retailers prepare for Black Friday, some favorites are getting a head start. Because so 
many folks travel over the holiday, Pink Pineapple will start their Black Friday Sale early and for one evening only. Today (Thursday, Nov. 17), from 4-8pm, Pink Pineapple will be offering ALL cashmere styles 25%-75% off at their Clock Tower Square location in Portsmouth only. Shoppers must mention Black Friday Pricing as this is an unposted sale. I’ll have more on their special promotions next weekend in a special Black Friday post.
On Bellevue Avenue, Laura Jean is hosting a “Bi-Coastal Inspired” trunk show tomorrow featuring jewelry from acclaimed California designer (and Newport native), 
Elizabeth Sayles and wines from Napa Valley boutique winery, Trifecta. Sayles’ line of reworked antique jewelry, called Harlow, is a favorite among celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, January Jones and Portia de Rossi and she is the official jeweler for Chelsea Lately, The Ellen Show, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Monk and House. Her jewelry can be found at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, along with small boutiques across the country and tomorrow, at Laura Jean. Check out her work by clicking here. To enjoy a day of premium denim, boots, one-of-a-kind jewelry and small batch Cabernet Sauvignon, pop by Laura Jean tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 18) from 12-6pm at 198 Bellevue Avenue in Newport.
Local fashionistas should be sure to check out StyleNight Out presented by Providence Monthly taking place tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 18) from 6-10pm throughout the Capital City. Designers on-site, trunk shows, installations, discounts (whoot! whoot!) and more, and it’s free and open to the public. Click here for details!
Nautical by Nature: Sweet Maddie’s Chart-Topping Creations
Newport-based photographer Madeline Polss, whose work has been featured in everything from local to national magazines (like, Elle!) traded landlubbing for a life on the sea nearly a year ago. But even from far off ports, the creative shutterbug has expanded her Sweet Maddie’s line of Rhode Island nautical chart pendants, earring and cufflinks, and has recently expanded to super-cute key rings, wine charms and more pendants. Stylephile originally introduced Sweet Maddie’s here, and its so exciting to see Madeline 
handcrafting pieces aboard the Saralane for exotic (and much more tropical) locales.
Locally, Frazzleberries on Thames Street, Most Naturally in Narragansett and Block Island Trading Company on Block Island all carry the line, but from afar, check out Sweet Maddie’s Esty site by clicking here.
