Posts tagged ‘Newport ri’
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
12+ Thoughtful Hostess Gifts with a Local Twist as seen on The Rhode Show
click to watch the segment!
“Good manners reflect something from inside-an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.” ― Emily Post
In this season of giving, good manners mean recognizing the host and hostess of your gatherings with a sincere token of thanks. Channel you inner Emily Post and always play by the rules of civility with this locally made and locally sold gifts.
From Lou Lou’s Décor, Newport:
Jute Newport tote by Apolis (more info HERE)
From Soap & Water Newport on Bowen’s Wharf
Birchwood Pine Classic Candle & Diffuser Set from Nest Fragrances featuring two of Nest’s signature products in an iconic seasonal scent. Use the reed diffuser to scent your space or brighten the room with the classic candle.
The Pumpkin Chai classic candle by Nest Fragrances creates a cozy autumn ambiance with a blend of wild pumpkin, spicy Masala chai, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon.
Molton Brown 5-piece travel set (airplane-approved size) featuring body wash, shampoo, body lotion, body polisher and hand cream
Pom pom fleece sock slippers by Ugg
Elegant throw
From Isherwood & Company on Bowen’s Wharf:
Handcrafted cheese board and cheeseboard/trivet set made by Howard Burbank of Westport
Seas the Wine wine tote by Mona B fitted with FitVine wine (has 1/3 calories and carbs of comparable wines and 1/3 of the sulfites — read my review HERE)
Nautical napkin rings by Vilmain (made in the USA)
Urban Agriculture CO. organic herb growing kit as featured in Oprah’s 2016 Gift Guide as Product of the Year
Note Cards and thank you cards by Wildes of Port Press:
Fall Fashion Series: Feminine Fancies
Welcome to installment number two! The October issue of The Bay Magazine, on newsstands now, features my cover story on fall fashion. See below for a feature on Newport’s own Pink Pineapple. I’ll continue to share these fall fashion features in the coming days. For the complete story, pick up The Bay this month or CLICK HERE.As the owner of Feminine Fancies, Barrington’s leading fashion boutique for women for more than 30 years, Elaine Felag has seen it all, but as the saying goes, fashions come and go, but style is forever. “Longer length is making a comeback in dresses, which looks so chic, sophisticated and glamorous
,” says Elaine. Look for interesting fabrics, like crushed velvet, which she is seeing on pieces in black, brown and varying shades of berry with beautiful embellishments. Sweaters, which she says are one of her most in-demand pieces this season, are showing up in warm colors and many with sequins for added bling. (Sequin is also finding its way to jackets this fall, she adds.) Grab-and-go pieces, she says, like tunics and wraps, are decidedly contemporary with fur and fringe edging. “They even look great with jeans!” Speaking of jeans, boot cut denim this season seems all the rage. “[It’s] very ‘70s, as disco makes a comeback,” she notes. Many are embellished; some are distressed. An alternative to jeans, leggings are nothing new but Feminine Fancies stocks the comfortable pant, and similar ponte pants, in new, fresh styles. In the boardroom, Elaine sees inspired blouses in beautiful colors leading the way, most notably in teals, purples and burgundy hues. “Looks great with pencil skirts for an updated work setting,” she notes.
When it comes to outerwear, Elaine says military style coats, including bomber jackets, remain strong, while printed patterns, like oversized plaids, are hot. “My personal favorite is the new plaid in winter white, greens and gray, and the oversized coat – very chic!” But a new season doesn’t mean an entire new wardrobe. “I feel like you can have on the oldest outfit but top it off with a fabulous coat and you’ll catch everyone’s eye!” she declares. Footwear is also a throwback with the return of the chunky heel as seen in shoes and boots, but this time around in leopard print, suede and embroidered velvets. And when it comes to bags, you’ll see plenty of cross-body and box shapes in leathers, suede and animal prints with mixed metal. “Have fun this fall,” she insists. “Live a little and dress well!”
Feminine Fancies
290 County Road, Barrington.
401-247-1087
FeminineFanciesRI.com
For more on local shopping, dining and arts and culture, pick up a cop of The Bay Magazine at area retails and CLICK HERE for online reading.
Fall Fashion: Local Boutique Owners Talk Seasonal Looks
The October issue of The Bay Magazine, on newsstands now, features my cover story on fall fashion. I was delighted to highlight some fantastic local shop owners on what they see rising as the hottest fall trends. I’ll be sharing these in the coming days. For the complete story, pick up The Bay this month or CLICK HERE.
First up is one of Newport’s (and beyond) most loved boutiques: The Pink Pineapple. By Andrea E. McHugh | Photo above by Force 4 Photography
Pink Pineapple, with locations in Wakefield and Newport, has a cult-like following. Their Instagram account alone (@pinkpineappleshop) has nearly 27,000 followers, if that’s any indication. With a well-considered collection of cashmere, casual tops and bottoms, cocktail dresses and accessories, one might feel like you’re walking into your dream closet at the stores.
While a stalwart for preppy and nautical looks in the summer, The Pink Pineapple hits its stride this time of year. “We are obsessed with 
the fall color combos; they’re beautiful,” gushes Kristin May, manager and buyer for The Pink Pineapple. Kristin points to emerald green and cranberry tones as some of the strongest. The shop has already seen their stock of off-the-shoulder tops fly off the shelves, perhaps because the look perfectly complements the transitional temperatures throughout New
England this time of year. And there’s another reason: “They are really flattering on pretty much every body type,” she adds. Another well-received top there is one with a halter neckline and ultra-feminine scallop hemmed sides. As it gets cooler, Kristin says the nearly knee-length chunky sweaters return, this time with embedded paisley patterns and in subtle color combinations like camel and charcoal.
When dressing up, Kristin says one trend will absolutely be hot: long sleeves. “And 
bell sleeves are going to be huge!” When it comes to accessories, Kristin has already seen high demand for one of the season’s most talked about trends: chokers. “We predicted it was going to happen so we stocked up this summer and people are going so crazy; it’s unbelievable. That is going to be the ‘it’ necklace.” The trend was also hot in the ‘90s but the updated version is softer with a single strand around the neck and a longer piece that hangs to the décolletage to create a layered look.
Classic felt floppy hats polish off any look, and when looking for a simple but sophisticated go-to, Pink Pineapple’s signature cashmere is a girl’s best friend. “It’s a great basic,” say Kristin. “People come back again and again for it.” Paired with skinny jeans or leggings and cute booties? Congratulations; you’re the best-dressed mom at school drop off.
Pink Pineapple
380 Thames Street, Newport.
401-849-818
PinkPineappleShop.com
Embedded photos: Pink Pinapple
For more on local shopping, dining and arts and culture, pick up a cop of The Bay Magazine at area retails and CLICK HERE for online reading.
Fab Refeshing Fourth: Meet Castle Hill’s Summer Cocktails
Whether you are a local or you descend on Newport for the quintessential New England summer getaway, there may be no better place to sip aperitifs than on the lively lawn at Castle Hill. Pony up the the nautical-themed bar which resembles a seaworthy vessel, perch yourself on the patio or get a front row seat to stunning Narragansett Bay from the comfort of their Adirondack chairs.
Here are some lovely libations CH is serving up this heavenly season — with the recipes so you can bring he taste of Newport home!
More Champagne, Peas (above)
Ingredients: Pea & Mint Vodka 2 oz. / Michelle Brut 1 oz. / Pea Tendril or Flower / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Chill martini glass / In a Boston shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz Pea Vodka / Shake vigorously, strain into martini glass, then fill with Michelle brut /Garnish with pea tendrils, pea flowers, or other edible flowers (temp lemon & mint leaf)
Bloody Shrimp Cocktail (above)
Ingredients: Tomato Vodka 1.5 oz. / Sambal-cilantro puree ½ oz. / Clamato juice 1 oz. / 1 Poached Shrimp / Lemon ½ Wheel / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Chill martini glass / In a boston shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, puree, clamato, lemon juice / Shake vigorously, strain into martini glass/ Garnish with a lemon ½ wheel and shrimp on rim of glass
Bermuda Rum Swizzle (above)
Ingredients: Gosling’s Black 1 oz./ Gosling’s Gold 1 oz. / Pineapple Juice 2 oz. / Orange Juice 2 oz. / Bitters Dash / Falernum Dash
Method of Preparation: Fill Collins glass with ice / Add all ingredients, stir briefly
Blueberry Lemonade (above)
Ingredients: Stoli Blueberry 1.5 oz. / Blueberry Puree 1 oz. / Lemonade To Fill / Lemon wedge / Garnish Tag
Method of Preparation: Ice a collins glass / Pour in blueberry puree & vodka / Top with lemonade, stir lightly
Other fine choices:
![French 1875[1]](https://newportstylephile.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/french-18751.jpg?w=455&h=607)
French 1875
Beach Rose Comber
The Newport Market Bag
Can we talk about this charming jute Newport tote by Apolis from Lou Lou’s Decor? Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. (A-pöl-is means “global citizen.”) Customized specifically for the Bellevue Avenue shop, the tote ($60) is perfect for the farmers market, a small picnic along Ocean Drive and some shopping about town. The Market Bag, as it’s called, is handcrafted in Bangladesh and finished in California. The waterproof lining and natural vegetable-tanned leather straps i reinforced by antique nickel rivets. Measures 13″ in width, 18″ in height, and 8″ in depth, with a 6″ x 7″ inside pocket.
Available in-store or by CLICKING HERE.
Body & Soul: Global Wellness Day
- Rooftop Yoga (8:00 AM) – Practice yoga on the rooftop of Vanderbilt Grace with the fabulous Meredith Nordhem Ewenson
- Balance Before Burnout Wellness Workshop (9:30am) – An hour and a half class offered at Vanderbilt Grace with Melissa Kitchen
- King Park Wellington Paddle around Goat Island (10am) – Offered at leisure by Newport SUPper Club
- Creative Dance for Children (11:30am) – 45 minute dance class for children at Vanderbilt Grace with Revka Hovermale
- Balance Before Burnout Wellness Workshop (2pm) – An hour and a half class offered at Vanderbilt Grace with Melissa Kitchen
- Organic Wine & Cheese Tasting (4-7pm) – Presented by Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet . Stop in and try some of the best clean wines and cheeses!
- Rooftop Yoga (11pm) – Vanderbilt Grace will offer yoga on the roof and bubbles to close the day with Meredith Nordhem Swenson
