A DECADE OF LADYLIKES
A cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces. An airline ticket to romantic places.
The opening lyrics of Eric Maschwitz's 1935 song instantly sets the mood for some nostalgic swooning. Popularized by Billie Holiday, "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" sings of a former love, indulging in a mundane collection of things framed as foolish, because what else would they be?
I carry a similar notion towards this blog, which has for ten years now, collected visual souvenirs of moments and musings in film, art, fashion, and travel. Over 900 entries later, I find myself with an indulgent collection of words and pictures, depicting what I used to, and often still adore.
To distill, here are ten of the most decadent, foolish, yet memorable things to come out of LadyLikes. Thank you for sharing in this treat.
I carry a similar notion towards this blog, which has for ten years now, collected visual souvenirs of moments and musings in film, art, fashion, and travel. Over 900 entries later, I find myself with an indulgent collection of words and pictures, depicting what I used to, and often still adore.
To distill, here are ten of the most decadent, foolish, yet memorable things to come out of LadyLikes. Thank you for sharing in this treat.
An ode
to decadence
to decadence
10.
Uptown Barcelona
Uptown Barcelona
My first home in Europe, Barcelona's Zona Alta is further away from the coast, and extends from upper Eixample towards Mount Tibidabo. Rich in cultural gems including buildings by GaudÃ, its languid and local refinement charmed me indeed.
9.
Vintage Celebrity Photographs
Off-screen snaps of mid-century celebrities possess such a stylish nonchalance not usually exuded by their on-screen performances. At home or on holiday, the glitterati appear even more alluring.
8.
Wine
To steal the words of French writer André Simon, "Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized." Here, wine makes appearances in a handful of my albums.
7.
Milan Fashion Week
An exhilarating kickstart to my life in Europe, Milan Fashion Week in the winter of 2012 launched the Flutterby: my short and sweet stint at shoe design. The Flutterby was celebrated with a party at 10 Corso Como, interviews with Vogue, Elle, and other glossies, eight seasons of retail, and an exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.
6.
ARCHITECTURE
Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." What I enjoy most about visiting new cities is being surrounded by the architecture. As a tourist, it shapes my mood. As a resident, it influences my style. Here, a selection of architectural sights from ancient to modern times.
5.
Art in London
In this city, we are spoiled with an exuberance of art. It's such a privilege to have the option of visiting a museum or gallery on any given day, to consume works by masters past and present. Among my favorites feature the art of Ai Wei Wei and Donna Huanca.
4.
La Dolce Vita
Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimee, cafe culture and the streets of Rome; La Dolce Vita captivated me with its uninhibited, often absurd grandeur. An instant style influence blending classic and camp.
3.
BALLET
It was the biggest regret of my twenties and early thirties, to have discontinued ballet in my teens. Returning to ballet became a to-do list in my mind, and the subject made its cameos on the blog, until I officially started dancing again.
2.
Nouvelle Vague
My love affair with French New Wave cinema started when I first chanced upon Truffaut's La Peau Douce on TV. Nouvelle Vague films have since become an indulgence, transporting me to their world of incredible style.
1.
marrakech
The heat, the bustle, the style of Marrakech never fail to seduce me. Between the blush buildings and arid surrounds is a sensuality that keeps me coming back for more.
