Savoir Scarves

It is nothing new to frame a silk scarf and hang it on your wall as art, and I am surprised that a lot more people do not do it. However I find that there is a definite lack of imagination out there as most people tend to frame the ubiquitous Hermes scarf and plonk it on the wall. There are some wonderful abstract designs from the 60’s and 70’s that would look perfect on a white wall by themselves or grouped together.

Why should your walls have all the fun? People have been making cushions out of scarves forever, and again it is a great way to add a splash of colour to an otherwise boring sofa.

While we are sitting down, how about actually covering a chair? Here are two great ideas both using vintage Christian Dior scarves for a bit of seated savoir faire.

Table tops shouldn’t be left out either. I love the concept as below, but not sure on the choice of scarf.

I have seen some pretty hideous attempts over the years with people covering lampshades with scarves as they tend to use the wrong shaped shade. Keep the shape simple!

The longer scarves such as the Lanvin and Courreges scarves are perfect for a narrow lampshade.

There are wonderful scarves that can be bought quite easily from eBay etc that can add instant colour dash and savoir faire to any space. Sure it might take a piece of work to whip out the singer; otherwise I am sure that all of you have a seamstress who can whip you up a cushion cover or two.

In the Pink with Savoir Faire

Just the thing from Simon Spurr for that early evening cocktail party on a terrace!

Who has more Savoir Faire?

It is nothing new now for a designer to pose for their own advertising, sort of helps sometimes to put a face behind the name. Posing naked is nothing new also. YSL first did when launching his new men’s fragrance in the early 70’s and now we have Marc Jacobs going down the same path.

Who has more savoir faire?

Savoir Blanc!

I love white! It is such a pure colour and I have always loved decorating with white. All white interiors give you the freedom of adding in splashes of colour that then become the focal point of the room whether it be a vase of flowers or a piece of art. In my formative years I wanted all white interiors, however I soon gave that up as everyday life crept in and suddenly you realise that all white just does not match your busy lifestyle.

So A few pieces of white have to suffice and one of the best ways to bring light and casual elegance into a room is with the white chair.

I think even outdoor white iron chairs from France (left in their original state) work just as well inside and out.

Sometimes old chairs just begged to be painted white and covered with a fabric that stands out.

One of my all time favourites are Chippendale chairs painted white.

And last but not least, the crème de la crème of white chairs, the white Eames chair and footstool and white Barcelona chairs (mixed with classic other pieces) of course!

National Faire!

We all have to admit that flying these days has become a bit of trial, and one of the biggest trials of all is at the airport. For all the new airport terminals that have opened recently, they still leave me rather unimpressed. They all tout the amount of natural light and wide open spaces that they incorporate. Even though the architecture maybe good, by the time all the stores, security checkpoints, fast food joints etc have been added in, it all starts to resemble a suburban shopping mall. Even from the exterior these new buildings lack presence being obscured by elevated roadways and such. One particular example is JFK, which is a nightmare.

In the 60’s and 70’s I imagine departing and arriving was an entirely different matter. We had the brilliance of Eero Saarinen’s terminal for TWA, the jet age splendour of Pan Am’s Worldport, and the clean stark modernity of National Airlines Sundrome.


The terminal designed by I. M. Pei was opened in 1970 for National Airlines. Now this is a terminal filled with natural light. This was the first time an airport structure was built using glass as a primary source of construction. This is a masterpiece of modernist architecture using incredibly clean and simple lines to convey an extraordinary sense of space. In this case the building does not have to convey movement as one can see all the movement happening outside.

There were very few curves in the building except for central open core (hence the name Sundrome) allowing natural sunlight into the lower levels.

Now after nearly 40 years and subsequent use by various different airlines it conveys nothing of the original impact it once had.

Unfortunately it has been slated for demolition, and preservationists have organized an opposition to its demolition and so they should. This is evocative of when flying was full of savoir faire.

Sightseeing Savoir Faire

It is shaping up to be a beautiful week here in Toronto. Temperatures hovering around the low 30’s with the humidity only creeping up towards the end of the week.

After a weekend in the country with wardrobe from Marie Streichenberger, I think it is time that we headed to a wonderful week of sightseeing in a European city with wardrobe from Richard Chai. These are all easy to wear pieces that would mix and match quite easily. Although the shorts are not nearly tailored enough for me, I think they would be fabulously cool.

Sixties Savoir Faire

Savoir Faire is just loving this vintage Pierre Balmain silk scarf from the 1960’s.

The artist, who designed this fabulous piece of savoir faire, definitely had their finger on the pulse of the period. While not really a logo and instantly recognisable as such, it packs a design punch. Not only does it embrace the flower power aesthetic of the times it screams luxe for the young jet setter who wore it.

I think it is a fabulous attempt by a couture house to embrace their younger clients, and ensure their patronage, by providing up to the minute accessories. The wonderful shades of magenta and purples contrast brilliantly with the white background.

Sheer Savoir Faire!