It is a shame that the pith helmet went out of style, as these dapper young men look quite at home in their wonderfully crisp suits and pith helmets exploring the pleasures of Angkor Wat!Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Tropic Savoir Faire!
It is a shame that the pith helmet went out of style, as these dapper young men look quite at home in their wonderfully crisp suits and pith helmets exploring the pleasures of Angkor Wat!
Seated Savoir Faire
Would you believe that one of the 21st century’s most popular chairs has its design roots firmly planted in the 4th century BC in Ancient Greece? The Klismos chair is instantly recognisable for its four gently curving splayed legs; it’s elegantly curved back rails with a narrow concave backrest between them. It has been depicted on Ancient Greek pottery and has been resurrected in the French Directoire, English Regency, and American Empire styles, only to resurface again in the design repertoire of the 21st century.
The klismos has endured for centuries and has seen many interpretations. One of my favourites is English regency, especially teemed with a classic regency striped fabric seat. (As a child growing up many a Sunday roast was spent sitting on my parent’s regency dining chairs).
The classicizing phase of Modernism allied with Art Deco found the simple lines of the klismos once again in favor and they have endured ever since with examples coming from sources as diverse as IKEA and Ralph Lauren! They add a touch of elegant classicism to any interior as in the example below with them teamed with the ever so stylish table from Eero Saarinen.
Those Ancient Greeks certainly knew how to sit with savoir faire!
The klismos has endured for centuries and has seen many interpretations. One of my favourites is English regency, especially teemed with a classic regency striped fabric seat. (As a child growing up many a Sunday roast was spent sitting on my parent’s regency dining chairs).
The classicizing phase of Modernism allied with Art Deco found the simple lines of the klismos once again in favor and they have endured ever since with examples coming from sources as diverse as IKEA and Ralph Lauren! They add a touch of elegant classicism to any interior as in the example below with them teamed with the ever so stylish table from Eero Saarinen.
Those Ancient Greeks certainly knew how to sit with savoir faire!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Savoir Faire under Duress!
You have to hand it to this young society devotee! Even with her plastered arm, she is soldiering on and working that sleeveless white blouse for all it is worth. Whether this is a savoir faire faux pas or not I will let you be the judge!
Weekend Away with Savoir Faire!
It’s the weekend, and this young man is thinking of going away! By the looks of it he has chosen Spain for a little sojourn. My only question is, with all his savoir faire is he going to bring that plaid blanket with him??
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Stadio Faire!
On my forthcoming visit to Italy in less than two weeks time, I am going to make an extra special effort to visit the The Stadio dei Marmi that stands beside the larger and better-known Olympic stadium. A little off the beaten tourist track, but something I do want to visit, for the sheer monumentalism and aesthetic look of the place.
Designed by Enrico Del Debbio and built in 1932 as part of Mussolini’s grand plan this is fascist architecture with a softer edge. I know one shouldn’t extol the virtues of a repressive regime, but the stadio is beautiful, from the white marble to the intricate mosaics in the plaza surrounding it.
The crowning achievement of its design are the 59 (originally 60) marble statues of athletes in the classical style outlining its perimeter. These are hyper-muscular athletes in poses of exaggerated physical vigour that portray the aesthetic of the time and Mussolini’s grandiosity. We have all seen various pictures of these statues not realising where they have come from. These represent the power which Italy was to become drawing inspiration from a classical past.
So I cannot wait to see these statues in all their masculine glory!
Designed by Enrico Del Debbio and built in 1932 as part of Mussolini’s grand plan this is fascist architecture with a softer edge. I know one shouldn’t extol the virtues of a repressive regime, but the stadio is beautiful, from the white marble to the intricate mosaics in the plaza surrounding it.
The crowning achievement of its design are the 59 (originally 60) marble statues of athletes in the classical style outlining its perimeter. These are hyper-muscular athletes in poses of exaggerated physical vigour that portray the aesthetic of the time and Mussolini’s grandiosity. We have all seen various pictures of these statues not realising where they have come from. These represent the power which Italy was to become drawing inspiration from a classical past.
So I cannot wait to see these statues in all their masculine glory!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Savoir Faire Quote of the Day
“I'll go through life either first class or third, but never in second”So said Cecil Beaton who I think never travelled third!
Sari Faire!
What can be said about an article of clothing that has been worn by women for centuries and basically lends an aura of glamour and savoir faire to all who wear it? It crosses the boundaries of class distinction by all who wear it whether rich or poor? It can be found in the poorest of villages or the most opulent palaces of the world, and worn by young or old alike. The sari of course! Here is a garment that can make any woman beautiful, with its sinuous elegant lines and gorgeous fabrics. The history of Indian clothing trace the sari back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BCE around the western part of the Indian Subcontinent. The earliest known depiction of the sari in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus valley priest wearing a drape.
So incredibly simple in its form (just a length of cloth on average of 6 metres long) when wrapped and worn the woman who wears it displays an elegance that is hard to beat. It can be made from the richest of silks or the most humble of cottons, in the most brilliant or subdued colours. It transcends all boundaries and is worn by some of the most glamorous and famous women in the world and also as a dress uniform by women in the armed forces of India. I love the fact even the poorest of the poor has the ability to look beautiful and elegant while wearing one.
Sonia Ghandi even though Italian looks essentially glamorous and Indian wearing a sari, and now it is her standard dress.
The Maharani of Jaipur (Who recently passed away) with Jackie O.
Saris have been the source of inspiration for many a designer, from Schiaparelli who elevated them to Haute Couture in the 30’s to interior designers who used the wonderful array of fabrics in decorating schemes.
This is a timeless garment that has been reinterpreted in many different forms, while retaining its originality and basic form. Designers have used the draping techniques to inspire them and created modern day versions with wit and tongue in cheek savoir faire such as the ‘google’ inspired sari below.
So incredibly simple in its form (just a length of cloth on average of 6 metres long) when wrapped and worn the woman who wears it displays an elegance that is hard to beat. It can be made from the richest of silks or the most humble of cottons, in the most brilliant or subdued colours. It transcends all boundaries and is worn by some of the most glamorous and famous women in the world and also as a dress uniform by women in the armed forces of India. I love the fact even the poorest of the poor has the ability to look beautiful and elegant while wearing one.
Sonia Ghandi even though Italian looks essentially glamorous and Indian wearing a sari, and now it is her standard dress.
The Maharani of Jaipur (Who recently passed away) with Jackie O.
Saris have been the source of inspiration for many a designer, from Schiaparelli who elevated them to Haute Couture in the 30’s to interior designers who used the wonderful array of fabrics in decorating schemes. 
This is a timeless garment that has been reinterpreted in many different forms, while retaining its originality and basic form. Designers have used the draping techniques to inspire them and created modern day versions with wit and tongue in cheek savoir faire such as the ‘google’ inspired sari below.
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