Ines de la Fressange

 She exudes power, elegance and a certain freedom that French women always seem to naturally possess.  Ines de la Fressange is a woman of pure beauty, grace and inspiration.  From her start as a muse for Karl Lagerfeld to her creative revamp of Roger Vivier ~ Ines has followed her passion for fashion throughout her 52 years.

 

She was the first model ever to be signed to an exclusive contract with an haute couture fashion house ~ which just so happened to be Chanel.

 

Her style is so chic and effortless!  Its no wonder that she has been spending her days designing, opening boutiques, consulting for the likes of Gautier and most recently reinventing the iconic French shoe company Roger Vivier.

 

And reinvent she did!  Ines put her heart and soul into making Vivier's name become known loud and clear.  She built a stunning office (which was much needed) and began doing all of the PR, operations, directing and sales meetings herself.  What I find most fascinating is how unconventional the whole thing seemed to be.

 

She was quoted in Interview magazine saying "It was very funny to be putting together a luxury brand on all fours. Even when we moved in here, one minute I was letting in Anna Wintour, and the next I was going to buy garbage cans. I was going to the flea markets to buy furniture."

 

 Everything was on a very small scale, very grass roots and Ines is not afraid to work hard for what she wants.  I also love the fact that she would hold sales meetings over lots of wine and delicious food inviting a myriad of personalities along ( "a writer, a psychoanalyst, a banker, a lawyer, a mind reader, a fashion journalist and an actress").  These lunches were filled with intriguing conversation, lots of laughter and visual collages that I'm sure made quite an impact.  Not following the protocol whatsoever the clients wouldn't even get a press package but all of this because she knows exactly what makes a memorable moment ~ or a memorable name in this case and it seems to be paying off.

{Ines de la Fressange's inspirational office on The Selby}

{Photo sources: 1. Paolo Roversi for Interview 2. photobucket 3, 4, 5. madame lefigaro 6. The Selby}

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dace ~ très fantastique!

With some warmer weather flowing through the city, I can't help but think of the season that lies right around the corner.  When I came across this beautiful video for dace's Spring 2010 collection I could practically smell the fresh air of spring.  The flowers blooming, gorgeous french chic fashion and perfect moments in the spring sunshine!
I am spending some time in Paris this April and I hope to enjoy some bike rides through the Boulevard Saint-Germain, lots of pastry breakfasts and some 'dace' style.  The Canadian designer behind the line, Dace Moore, began making her very first garments using vintage patterns that she would find in thrift shops and it shows.  She has a very sweet, effortless quality to her pieces that make them classic and perfectly timeless ~ enjoy!

{All images/video via dace ~ thank you to Ruby Press for the wonderful find!}

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The Beautiful Rachel Weisz ~ British Vogue

I am absolutely loving this spread of Rachel Weisz from January's Vogue UK!  The 60s vibe and amazing locations pair so nicely with the ice cream colour palette. 

This little Louis Vuitton cotton sundress is following me everywhere I turn and its keeping my hopes up for a warm summer to come and long lunches in the sunshine.

Saving the best for last ~ how stunning is this hazy and completely glamorous shot?!  The colours, those gorgeous cigarette pants, the make-up!  Ah!  Love, love, love.

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Cannot Get Enough Of ::: The Shoot Factory

I can't for the life of me remember where I first discovered this site {most likely from one of my many usual blog stops} but since I found this website I have spent countless hours dreaming and drooling.  Shoot Factory is a heavenly location agency that rents out spaces of the most exquisite chateaus, castles, studios and venues from around the world.  All those gorgeous spreads in Vogue you see and beautiful cinematic scenes in film are locations that are found here.  Based in the UK, Shoot Factory provides creative spaces for artists to let their wildest ideas come to life ~ for still shoots, television & movies.  Enjoy and prepare to be drawn into a world of no return! ;)

xoxo love,

jolie

            

{All Photos From The Shoot Factory}

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Out With the Old ~ In With the New

"For last year's words belong to last year's language,

And next year's words await another voice...

And to make an end is to make a beginning."
 
~ T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

'And to begin with a morning of mimosas and croissants ~ absolute perfection!' ~ Me

{All Photos by Jolie Adele}

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