Samira’s Harper’s Bazaar

The March issue of Harper’s Bazaar just hit newsstands and it fully reflects editor Samira Nasr‘s vision. The new Bazaar is inclusive, has elevated its cultural coverage, and will have longer essays — all welcome changes. But fashion and, more importantly, luxury are equally Samira’s focus. In a Washington Post profile, Samira tells Robin Givhan that ‘(s)he would make no excuses for celebrating luxury because luxury, Nasr says, is freedom. It’s the ability to make choices about how one looks, what one does, where one goes.’  I made the collage above with images from the current issue. My favorite article is on the production and cultural importance of the Birkin bag with quotes from one of my style icons, M fashion director Suzanne Koller. Samira encourages her readers to ‘…enjoy your clothes, wear them. You’ve invested in them.’   Hear, hear.

‘Tie Break’

I’m inspired by this story from March Vogue Paris for two reasons: It’s almost blazer weather, and soon I’ll be able to play tennis and squash again. Here’s to warm weather and a vaccine.

Photography by Robin Galiegue  Styling by Virginie Benarroch

Maintenance is a Mindset

Last Friday I was invited to speak to my sister’s class at Skidmore College. We chatted via Zoom about where the fashion industry is going and some of the good changes hastened by the pandemic. Sustainability, resale, buying less were topics we touched on. One student talked about the importance, instilled in her by her grandmother, of maintaining and repairing the things we own. This mindset is bedrock to my thinking and I was so happy she brought it up. I repair everything and refuse to toss something because it has a hole or scratch. So, when I saw this new service from Farfetch, my heart skipped a beat. If you don’t overpurge and maintain your beloved clothes and accessories, they should last a lifetime, or even longer.

‘Real Life’

A number of fashion industry insiders photographed their children for a story in February Vogue Italia. I love this image of 15-year-old Ava Barbieri, daughter of stylist Anastasia Barbieri, because it’s exactly how I dressed in my early 20s.

Celine dress, Gucci loafers, another version of the Gucci belt

‘Nomadland’

Director Chloé Zhao’s ‘Nomadland’, out today on Hulu, is already an Academy Award contender. Any film starring Frances Mcdormand is a must-see for me. Review and film clip in The Wall Street Journal, and an excellent profile on Ms. Zhao in New York magazine.

On My Inspiration Board

White, off-white, ivory, cream — I love them all, especially together.

Jil Sander sweater, skirt, and sandals. Top Ferragamo PF21, bottom The Row FW21

On The Runway

Since many designers are presenting outside of the rigid fashion week calendar, I’m going to title all FW21 posts ‘On The Runway’. I love these easy dresses from Zero and Maria Cornejo left and Jason Wu right. Knee-high boots are still going strong and these from Ulla Johnson are really good.

‘5 Accessories to Cruise Into Spring With’

PHOTO: MARKN

An ice storm is heading our way and this seemingly never-ending winter is starting to get to me. I tore out this image from the WSJ. Magazine Women’s Issue and pinned it, with actual push pins, to the wall next to my desk. I want to be cruising, window down, in these fabulous Loewe sunglasses and top.

‘A Rare Look Inside the Home of Annabelle Selldorf, the Art World’s Go-To Architect’

Selldorf in her living room, framed by a Donald Judd wall piece and a Venini lamp. CREDIT: STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON

After reading the piece on architect Annabelle Selldorf in this weekend’s WSJ. Magazine, I did a deep dive into Ms. Selldorf’s bio. I’m completely inspired by this smart and insanely talented woman. If you can’t pick up the issue, get a digital copy — it’s well worth it.

Quirky & Creative

Actor Sophie Okonedo models a number of JW Anderson’s Pre-Fall looks and this one ticks all the boxes for me. I am so tired of strict minimalism and a limited wardrobe —  more creativity and a sense of the hand that made the item would be very welcome. The chunky knit hood and fabulous pumps will be mine. Juergen Teller photographed the playful collection images with vegetables as props and nonsensical, handwritten captions.