Inspired by "Downton Abbey"

Our favorite television series from England "Downton Abbey" has not been on the air for a few months, but its influence has been huge and its presence continues to linger, especially in some recent magazine articles, photo shoots and fall fashion.  The September issue of Vanity Fair has a piece on actress Jessica Chastain styled as an English duchess and shot in a stately manor house in England's Hampshire countryside. These beautiful photos were taken by renowned photographer Mario Testino.  They are exquisite and conjure up the show as well as paintings by John Singer Sargent and Thomas Gainsborough.  It is not surprising that the opening photo is based on the hunting scene from the final episode of "Downton Abbey's season two,  for who could forget those iconic images from this beautiful show?  If you are a fan of "Downton Abbey," be sure to pick up a copy of the September issue of Vanity Fair; it will remind you of the aesthetic pleasures of this television series from England where every scene looks like a painting.

Photos via here

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Lady Mary Crawley, our favorite aristocrat from "Downton Abbey," is featured in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar.  The magazine has an article and photo spread on the English actress Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary. The interview with her is fabulous, as are these photos of this very modern looking actress.  She has much to say about the show and its popularity.

Photos via here

Here is my favorite quote from the actress  --  "I think period drama can be quite alienating, but 'Downton' isn't.  This is going to sound quite...pretentious, but someone said that it's like a soap written by a poet."  I learned from the interview that Michelle Dockery will be appearing in the film "Anna Karenina" with Keira Knightley, coming out in November and that she will soon be filming "Restless," a BBC television adaptation of the William Boyd novel.  Pick up the magazine to read the entire article.

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And finally, a peak into the Ralph Lauren collection for fall which was inspired by the English countryside life and sumptuous costumes of "Downton Abbey."  The runway show in the spring opened to the theme music from "Downton."   Take a look at some of Ralph Lauren's designs; don't they capture the romance and nostalgia of the hit period drama?

Photos via here

The third season of "Downton Abbey" will air in the U.S. in January.  While we wait for the next season to begin in January and the Emmy Awards to air in September -- the series is nominated for sixteen awards -- there is no shortage of "Downton Abbey" inspired articles, photography and fashion to enjoy!