It’s the 5th of December, which means that tonight marks the beginning of the winter holidays, as we’re celebrating St. Nicholas tomorrow (I shared our beautiful tradition one year ago). It’s one of children’s greatest joys, so I couldn’t resist sharing a little Christmas magic. Inspired by the film Beauty and the Beast, Bonpoint has dressed up its 6 rue de Tournon Parisian boutique, filling with mystery and fantasy every nook of the store and transforming it into an enchanted castle, a fairy tale. And by the way, I hope I’ll find something nice in my boots tonight.
And here are my latest finds and news from fashion, style, film, photography and beautiful living, sprinkled with a little Christmas inspiration.
• A classic gift: Norman Parkinson: Portraits in Fashion
• You’ll love this Christmas Morning scene from The Thin Man
• Jewellery is always, always a good gift idea
• Beautiful Christmas wrapping
• Warm your friends’ hearts these holidays and give away some home-made Chai tea
• The idea of coming home for the holidays is dreamt up by Tiffany & Co for their holiday window displays in their traditional magical way
• Men’s style: Made to Measure: if the suit fits, wear it!
• Visit the Christmas markets in your town, especially if it’s for a good cause
Now I have to bring up the big fashion news of last week, the naming of Alexander Wang as new creative director of Balenciaga. I did not see this coming! But I guess it’s clear now the direction the fashion house wants to take. Balenciaga wants to become more commercial, yes, I get that. It only confirms my beliefs that fashion is indeed business. And Mr. Wang has won a wide audience with his eponymous line. But Suzy Menkes’ point of view that “the real secret behind Mr. Wang’s appointment may lie in his ties to China” as “he speaks Mandarin, and Balenciaga has expanded rapidly in China in recent years” (The New York Times) … I find this a little … exaggerated, not to use another word. How exactly is that relevant? I don’t think I will find this skill in the résumés of the designers at the helms of other luxury houses that have expanded massively in Asia.
photo: 1,3,5-vogue.fr / 2,4-Fabrice Laroche (2-Anne Valérie Hash Mademoiselle Winter 2011 ad campaign; 4-Anne Valérie Hash Mademoiselle Winter 2010 ad campaign)
I’m getting into the Christmas spirit! Have put my tree up and bought a few new decorations. I love these photo’s.
I am also really surprised at the Alexander Wang story. I’m really excited to see the collection already….
It’s something totally unexpected and I’m curious, naturally, but excited, no. I’m much more interested in Nicolas’ next move.
Happy St. Nicholas. In Holland is almost bigger than Christman, but for me the love of Christmas is greater, it’s my favorite holiday! Hope you are feeling better
Oh Ada, these links are wonderful! I am feeling decidedly more festive after reading this! I especially loved the Tiffany Christmas window displays!
Love the Bonpoint christmas displays… have been saving that last image for the near future too! Jewellery is definitely always a good idea…. and so are fashion books – always a hit with me! :)x
When I look at these photos I almost want to open my own boutique and start decorating it. Love this theme they have chosen. And what a cute ad campaign.
That clip from The Thin Man is funny and I enjoyed the Made to Measure video. It would be nice to take the man of house to Barneys.
That first photo is so charming and magical!
I ordered our Christmas tree yesterday, so will be definitely getting into holiday mood as soon as it arrives next week.
Very excited about Wang at Balenciaga and I understand the point of his Chinese roots – fashion is business and his knowledge is definitely a huge plus in strengthening the business relationships between the brand and such a mysterious and complicated country like China.
Have a wonderful day tomorrow!
x
How perfectly magical! I would love to see this display in person. Hope you find something lovely in your boots tonight Ada!
Rowena @ rolala loves
These are some cute photos, Ada
Hope you will receive something beautiful! I don’t think AW is a good choice, I really do not see how he will fit Balenciaga…Well, hope for the best…Have a lovely evening :*
I love this period of the year and last Sunday I went all Christmas-sy by lighting the first Advent candle! Inspired by Natalia, I think I will soon share my Christmas wish-list in a post that I will title “I do not believe in practical gifts”! Regarding the new era at Balenciaga, I really like Suzy Menkes’ article, which provide a very accurate portrait of the fashion industry. I have to say that I’m very curious to see what’s next for Nicolas Ghesquiere…Have a nice evening!
Gorgeous. I feel like I just walked into a dream!
Growing up with a German parent we celebrated St. Nicholas Day as well! I plan to continue the tradition with my daughter, because it was always a favorite.
Love those photos…. gorgeous inspiration!
How amazing is that upside down tree?? I do agree with you that speaking Mandarin is not a reason to make such a shift in a design house. Who knows the reasons? It will be interesting to see his first collection and how it is received.
xo
I really like the idea of hanging a christmas tree upside down.
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