INTERVIEW: India Hicks. The Noble Bahamian on a Life Less Ordinary and a Legacy of Design.

India Wearing Jewelry From Her Collection

If ever there was a silhouette that revealed its noble lineage, it is that of India Amanda Caroline Hicks, granddaughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, India’s last viceroy; second cousin and goddaughter of Prince Charles; and counted as one in the distinguished line of succession to the British throne. In 1947, her mother, Lady Pamela, was a bridesmaid to then-Princess Elizabeth, when the now-Queen married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Lady Pamela’s first cousin). She was also the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting. India, of course, will always be fondly ingrained in our memories as the pretty young bridesmaid standing intimately alongside a shy Lady Diana Spencer. 

INTERVIEW: Lulu deKwiatkowski. Celebrated Fabric Designer, Artist, Author, Wife & Mother; and Still a Bright Young Thing.



The Artist and Her Newest Protégé.

 

Speaking with Alexandra “Lulu” deKwiatkowski is a bit like falling into a huge, down feather bed full of colorful, handcrafted throw pillows. The woman, whose mantra is “Always look on the bright side,” is unknowingly describing herself. She is the bright side; she lives the bright side, she paints and constructs on the brightest, most multihued side. It is no wonder that her brand, LULU DK, exudes the same sunlit warmth that is authentically and organically, Lulu.

INTERVIEW: Jennifer Creel. Actress, Model, Entrepreneur, Fashion Fixture & Philanthropist.



A Jewel in the Crown of Manhattan.

 

If you don’t know who Jennifer Creel is, you must not live in Manhattan, or follow society's biggest players. In the city that never sleeps, there are few that stand out against the backdrop of flashing neon signs or the brawling noise of traffic. In the Big Apple, the rules are simple. If you’re not attractive, you must be fashionable. If you’re not fashionable, you must be rich. If you’re not rich, you must be elegant. If you’re none of these things, you’re in the wrong city. However, if you’re Jennifer Creel – beautiful, fashionable, well-heeled and elegant – your social calendar is booked. 

INTERVIEW: Olivier Magny, Owner of O-Chateau (Paris), Sommelier, Best-Selling Author and TV Host.

When I decided to write a post in consideration of all the manifold ways the French culture (particularly that in Paris) can teach us to be more sophisticated, elegant and refined, and how in turn, the well-heeled American can share a little advice of his/her own - I immediately thought of Olivier Magny.

Monsieur Olivier Magny Hard at Work

 

The young and handsome sommelier, owner of O-Chateau in Paris, author of Stuff Parisians Like and Into Wine, and winner of the 2013 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Who better? Yet, with all of his accomplishments, his greatest, is the philosophy on life and culture he shares with that, oh, so, particular French charm or je ne sais quoi. Couple this with an insouciant sense of humor, wit and passion. Yes, Olivier, please pour another glass of vin.