New Costume Drama

I was reading Harper's Bazaar the other day and an interesting item caught my eye. It was about the beautiful costumes in a new period film Testament of Youth, just released in the U.K. It stars Alicia Vikander in the central role. The film is based on the book Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain's powerful and moving memoir of World War I. The book was published in England in 1933 and was an instant hit, selling out on its first day of publication. It hit a nerve with the public, capturing the anguish and life-changing drama of the first world war. It was told from the perspective of a young woman who was 22 in 1916. It was the year her fiance was killed on the western front. Her beloved brother and two closest male friends would also be dead by the time the armistice was signed in November 1918.

According to the article, the film adaptation features beautiful period costumes that reflect Vera Brittain's love of fashion. It seems that the young suffragette did not want to dress like a frump and enjoyed spending her wages from her work as a nurse on beautiful pieces of clothing. And although she tells a gut-wrenching story of war and death, there are passages in the book that show Vera as a normal young girl who loved pretty things. The writer quotes a passage in which Brittain buys "a neatly cut navy coat and skirt, a pastel-blue blouse in soft crepe-de-Chine, an unusually becoming fawn felt hat trimmed with crimson berries and a black taffeta dinner-dress with scarlet and mauve velvet flowers tucked into the waist."

When she went to Oxford dressed in pastel silk to take her entrance examinations, she was mocked by the examiner for dressing like a debutante. She soon learned that feminine frocks had no place among the more utilitarian outfits worn by her classmates. However, her career at Oxford was cut short by the war and her life was turned upside down; she left school early to become a nurse and care for wounded soldiers. She never accepted society's expectations for young women and always did her own thing. She held strong political convictions and wanted an education and an independent career. Perhaps the only thing conventional about Vera Brittain was her love of beautiful clothing. This passion is captured in the new film.

I decided to do a little research into Vera Brittain's life since I don't know much about her. There was a television adaptation of Testament of Youth on Masterpiece Theatre many years ago that starred Cheryl Campbell. I remember loving this production, but don't remember many details. This is what I learned.

At the end of the war, after losing her fiance, brother and two closest friends, Brittain vowed to write a book that would immortalise them all. Surprisingly, it took 17 years for her to complete it. Part of the problem was that she tried to write the story as a novel. When that didn't work she decided to write the book as herself and in her own voice. This was a good decision, since at that point the book simply flowed out of her in an honest and heart-wrenching fashion. She told the story of her generation's wartime experiences, focusing on the four young men most important to her who died in the trenches. When the book was published in 1933, it was hailed as a great wartime memoir, the only one told by a woman. Virginia Woolf wrote in her diary of staying up all night to finish it.

After many years as a bestseller, the book fell out of fashion with the outbreak of World War II because of its pacifist philosophy. In the 1970's the publisher Virago reprinted it and the television adaptation was made. Once again the book became hugely popular. But sadly Vera Brittain did not live to see the resurgence of the book's popularity. She died in 1970 thinking that her literary reputation was over. She never knew about the second chapter of her career. Hopefully this film adaptation will enlighten a new generation of readers about her book. Its release feels very timely, considering that last year was the 100 year anniversary of the beginning of World War I.

 I don't know about you, but I am swooning over these images from the piece in Harper's Bazaar. They are a visual feast for anyone who loves vintage fashion. 

The filmmakers have depicted Vera Brittain as a serious young Edwardian woman with an eye for beauty. Go here to read more. 

 Have you read Testament of Youth?

I can't wait to see the film!

Delicious News

"Life in Squares," a three part BBC television drama about Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group 

With fall right around the corner, the cultural calendar is heating up and there are so many things to look forward to. Next week I will post some of the events and happenings I am most excited about. But for now, here are some tantalizing pieces of news that have caught my attention. They are all making me smile!

BBC is producing a three-part television drama about Virginia Woolf and her circle called Life in Squares. (See photo above) It will trace the growth of this influential group of artists and writers and their impact on the cultural life of twentieth-century England. Featuring several rising young stars, it is being filmed in London and at Charleston Farmhouse in Sussex. The two actresses Phoebe Fox and Lydia Leonard (pictured above) play sisters Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. The physical resemblance is remarkable! After doing a little research, I learned that the action kicks off in 1901 with the death of Queen Victoria and shows the young writers and artists feeling creative and sexual freedom for the first time. This really seems to be the year for Bloomsbury, with the fashion house Burberry creating an entire collection based on the art at Charleston, as well as the exhibition on Virginia Woolf at the National Portrait Gallery in London. I really hope this BBC drama makes it to American television. Masterpiece Theatre, are you listening?

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in "Sherlock" on Masterpiece Theatre

The next piece of news that caught my eye was about Benedict Cumberbatch who will be starring in a London production of Hamlet one year from now in August 2015. The entire 12-week run sold out in ten minutes. Apparently this is the fastest selling theatrical event in history. Looks like everyone is dying to see this great actor play the most challenging of Shakespeare's leading roles. Fortunately there is some good news for those who couldn't get a ticket: the production is holding back 100 tickets each night that will sell for 10 pounds each. By the way, did you watch the Emmy's last night and see that Benedict and Martin Freeman both won Emmys for their roles on "Sherlock"?!! So happy about that. It's one of the best shows on television and their performances are brilliant.

Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in "The Trip to Italy"

And speaking of talented Brits, the new film The Trip to Italy has just opened. I saw it the other night and loved it. I thought it was just as funny as the first film,"The Trip,"which was set in England. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon basically play themselves taking a road trip, this time in Italy, to do research for a food column they are writing for The Observer. They travel through some gorgeous Italian scenery in a little Mini-Cooper, eventually arriving at the Amalfi Coast. They eat some incredible meals (you will want Italian food afterwards!), drink some great wines, and stay in some glorious hotels. But mostly they talk endlessly and riff on celebrity voices, especially that of Michael Caine. These movies are very funny. If you haven't seen the original, be sure to rent it before seeing this one. You are in for a treat.

And finally, have you seen any of the "Ice Bucket Challenges"? These involve people getting doused with buckets of ice water on video, posting the video on social media, and then nominating others to do the same. It is all in the cause of raising awareness of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. People can either accept the challenge or make a donation to an ALS charity. Many do both. This campaign has been hugely successful. The ALS Association has received $88.5 million in donations compared to $2.6 million during the same time period last year (July 29 - August 26). Benedict Cumberbatch took the ice bucket challenge. But he does it in his own inimitable style, quite fitting for the actor who plays Sherlock Holmes. Just watch this.

Go here to find out how you can get involved in this worthwhile cause

What has been catching your eye lately? 

I would love to know what books you are reading and which movies you have seen.

Next up:  Fall Preview!

In Love with a Magazine

Bloomsbury purse from the Burberry Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection

Is it crazy to be in love with a magazine? If so, then call me crazy. I have put this particular one with a special stash of magazines I keep in my study for inspiration. The magazine in question is the July issue of "British Harper's Bazaar" with Emily Blunt on the cover. Have you seen it? As the editor-in-chief Justine Picardie writes, this issue is a "heartfelt celebration of British fashion this month -- along with everything else we love about our country." It is an Anglophile's dream. It may still be available at your news stand, though not for much longer since the August issue is due any day. Here are a few of the things that caught my eye and are making me swoon --

The Bloomsbury purse from the Burberry Fall/Winter 2014 collection (see photo above) 

I wrote about this collection here. Christopher Bailey took his inspiration from British artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant's country home Charleston. Burberry has become a patron of the Charleston Trust which supports the maintenance and restoration of this Bloomsbury home and garden. Look at the way this purse is displayed against a backdrop of Bloomsbury-inspired imagery. Swoon-worthy!

The perfect garden hat from Mulberry

Everything you need for afternoon tea

A house in the Cotswolds that belonged to John Singer Sargent

 Emily Blunt, the quintessential English rose

The Virginia Woolf exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

A story about the 18th-century slave's daughter at the center of the film "Belle"

The iconic London hotel, Claridge's

I hope you can find this issue. It is the perfect place to escape on a lazy summer afternoon! 

Heather Taylor's New Style Series

Heather Taylor of L.A. In Bloom and handbag designer Clare Vivier

This is a big week for my daughter Heather Taylor.  Heather writes the lifestyle blog L.A. In Bloom where she features a webisode series about how to work all day and still enjoy cozy pleasures such as entertaining, cooking, flowers, home, and garden.  She has come up with easy and doable projects that make it all possible for a working girl with limited time.  This summer she has been working on a  project which she has just launched -- a new Style series in collaboration with Look TV  and  I wanted to share the first episode with you!

For her new series she moves out of the kitchen and into the stylish world of Los Angeles.  She visits her friend handbag designer Clare Vivier's newly opened flagship boutique in Silverlake and gets a tour of this beautiful new space.  She and Clare show us the new and exciting handbag designs that the store carries.  Heather has made six of these episodes on style and I hope you will stay tuned for future episodes; they will air every Wednesday on her blog and on Look TV.   The topics will include how to go from a daytime to an evening look in five minutes or less, a make-up tutorial, and how to shop at a flea market.  I am so proud of her!  Please click below to watch the first episode.  I hope you enjoy it.

Schiaparelli and Prada at the Met

Wallis Simpson wearing Schiaparelli

"She shook back her shining hair .  For this evening, she had managed to borrow the Schiaparelli dress.  It was made of taffeta, with small side panniers stuck out with cleverly curved pads over the hips.  It was coloured dark blue, green, orange and white in a floral pattern as from the Pacific Islands.  

He said, 'I don't think I've ever seen such a gorgeous dress.'  

'Schiaparelli,' she said.

He said, 'Is that the one you swap amongst yourselves?

'Who told you that?'

'You look beautiful,' he replied.

She picked up the rustling skirt and floated away up the staircase.  Oh, the girls of slender means!"

 --  Muriel Spark, "The Girls of Slender Means" 

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Last week I was in New York and got a chance to see the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute's retrospective "Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada:  Impossible Conversations."  It is a fascinating and beautiful show, comparing and contrasting work by two designers of different generations.  It includes an imaginative film by Baz Luhrmann featuring the actress Judy Davis playing Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.  They are sitting across from each other at a dining table having a conversation about clothes and feminism.  Although the women lived during different time periods, there are many similarities between the two.  They were both born in Italy to old, conservative families.  Both of them rebelled early on and when they started designing clothing, they brought an original and fresh perspective: Prada inspired women to dress for themselves and not for a man and Schiaparelli was influenced by Surrealism through her friend Salvador Dali and incorporated it into some of her designs.  (The surrealist designs are outstanding, though they don't dominate the show; most of her clothes are elegant and relatable.)  Her lobster dress was worn by Wallis Simpson and is in this exhibition.  It is truly something to see!

A film featuring Miucccia Prada and actress Judy Davis playing Elsa Schiaparelli plays behind the fashions they designed

This segment is called "Waist Up/Waist Down" and pairs skirts by Prada with jackets by Schiaparelli

Shoes by Prada and necklaces by Schiaparelli

Judy Davis playing Elsa Schiaparelli in the film by Baz Luhrmann that plays throughout the exhibition

If you get a chance to see this show, don't miss it.  You will enjoy getting to know these two strong and creative women through Baz Luhrmann's film.  I loved Judy Davis' portrayal of Elsa Schiaparelli.  The conversation between her and Miuccia Prada as captured in this film is fascinating.  And the clothes are fabulous!  Both designers have made major contributions to the art of fashion design and it is exciting to see such a large collection of both their designs in one place.   Don't miss Shiaparelli's "Lobster Dress and her "Tears Dress," both influenced by Salvador Dali.

 Photo via here

All photos (except the last two) from The New York Times

Morning Coffee

What did you read with your coffee last weekend?  We were in San Francisco visiting our daughter and I got a chance to read the Wall Street Journal at our hotel each morning.  On Saturday I read some great articles.  First there was an insightful piece by Anna Quindlen on five excellent novels that all deal with the topic of young women searching for their identities and their place in the world:

The Death of the Heart  by Elizabeth Bowen

A Sensible Life  by Mary Wesley

Away  by Amy Bloom

The Pursuit of Love  by Nancy Mitford

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Elizabeth Bowen with students at Bryn Mawr in 1956

She writes that Elizabeth Bowen "... may be the finest novelist most people have never heard of."  The young protagonist Portia Quayne of The Death of the Heart is a 16-year-old orphan searching for herself with absolutely no guidance from the adults around her.  Regarding Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, she writes "There may be no female protagonist in literature as tragic as Lily Bart -- and, yes, I include Anna Karenina when I say that."  I really enjoyed reading her thoughts on these five important books.  Isn't this photo of Elizabeth Bowen with her students at Bryn Mawr in 1956 fabulous?

In the same paper I read another fascinating article about the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute's retrospective "Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada":  Impossible Conversations."  It opens May 10 and I hope to see this exhibition next time I am in New York.  It will include an imaginative film by Baz Luhrmann featuring the actress Judy Davis who was the star of "My Brilliant Career."  She will be playing Elsa Schiaparelli.  Fashions from both designers will be highlighted as well as their philosophies about clothing and women.   This should be a spectacular fashion exhibition.

  Wallis Simpson wearing Schiaparelli

In another article I learned about the "Edouard Vuillard: A Painter and His Muses, 1890-1940" exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York.  The Parisian painter Edouard Vuillard excelled at depicting the interiors of his friends' homes.   He was famous for his lush and dreamy paintings of their elegant and inviting surroundings.  For the last forty years of his life he had an unusual domestic arrangement,  living with his art dealer Jos Hessel and his wife Lucy Hessel, with whom he was having an affair.  This art exhibition looks like it will be very beautiful as well as interesting, shedding light on the personal life of this French artist. 

 "Lucy Hessel Reading" 

This exhibition runs through September 23.

And finally, I read the gardening article "How Green is Your Garden" by Marian McEvoy.  She gives us some great tips on how to find our personal outdoor palette.  She says, "I think of gardens that incorporate more than one color as painterly; green-only landscapes are sculptural."  She writes about planting ideas for every shade of garden and gives us examples, such as the romantic rose garden of Carolyn Roehm, pictured below.   

Books, art, fashion, and gardens kept me busy reading this weekend.  I hope you will check out all of these excellent articles.  What have you been reading with your morning coffee? 

All photos from The Wall Street Journal 

    

Happiness Starts Here!

Some very delightful things have been happening lately!   My daughters Heather Taylor and Megan Taylor just had this beautiful portrait done by the artist and photographer Jeana Sohn.  I love the background color, the peaceful looks on their faces, and the closeness between them as sisters that comes across in this portrait. 

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Heather and her husband Alex de Cordoba are featured in the new October issue of Sunset Magazine.  The issue just came out and you can find it at the news stands.  There is an article in the magazine about their Hollywood home and their fun design aesthetic.  They recently had us over for grilled pizzas and we all sat around their new fire pit and had a fabulous dinner outside.  You can see more pictures of their home and read about it here.  You may remember that they recently got married in their backyard under their lush citrus trees --  I wrote about it here.

  

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Ivy At The Shore Restaurant

Friendships really are the spice of life.  This week I had a night out with two of my dear friends.  We went to dinner at the beautiful Ivy at the Shore restaurant in Santa Monica to celebrate my friend's birthday.  It is such a special place for a birthday dinner, especially sitting out on their lovely patio.  Each time I go there,  I am always enchanted by the bougainvillea-draped entry to the Ivy.  In addition, the bar at this iconic Los Angeles restaurant is adorned with festive ceramic pitchers loaded with garden roses.  I am delighted each time I walk in and am greeted by this rose glory.  Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa, wrote in one of her books that when she is overwhelmed with her life, her favorite restorative activity is to go out with her girlfriends for dinner and a fun cocktail.  I agree.  Life feels wonderful surrounded by good friends, the Ivy's signature crab cakes, and a beautiful glass of chardonnay!

Ice Cream Sundae for the birthday girl 

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Speaking of good friends, my charming friend Susan gave me the book "Parisian Chic" as a going away present for my trip to Paris.  I am dying over this book.  I realize that I am a little late to the game, as it came out in the Spring, so I apologize if you all know about this.  But I am so inspired!  It all looks so simple,  French women really get it.  If we just follow these guidelines, perhaps we can get this Parisian look in our day to day wardrobes.  According to the book there are seven staples we must have.  The first one is the blazer, pictured below.  I am taking notes here!

The Blazer, don't you love it belted like this?

The Trench, bien sur, we knew that!

The Little Black Dress, simple and elegant

A great pair of Jeans, straight-leg are best

A great Purse, central to every Parisian's personal style


The Navy Sweater, not pictured, looks great with many things but especially white jeans

The Leather Jacket, not pictured, guaranteed to save any overly-conventional look

Everything we need to know about the effortless style that French women do so well is in this book "Parisian Chic" by Ines de la Fressange.

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By the way, some new adventures are about to begin and I will be taking a little break.  Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Stylish Saga of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

Andrea Riseborough as Wallis Simpson and James D'Arcy as King Edward VIII

The last time we saw Wallis Simpson and Kind Edward VIII portrayed in a film was in the wonderful "The King's Speech" last year.  Despite the fact that they were a controversial couple, their romance has caught the popular imagination and many of us are in thrall to the story of King Edward abdicating the throne for the woman he loved. Theirs is one of the most famous love stories of the twentieth century.

"W.E." is the upcoming film directed by Madonna about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  I spotted these incredible photos by Tom Munro, via "Vanity Fair," which give us a sneak peak into what looks to be an exquisitely beautiful period film and costume drama filled with fashionable clothes, jewelry and gorgeous houses and settings.  No matter how people feel about her, Wallis Simpson has become a style icon in the fashion world.

"W.E." focuses on two love stories.  The first is that of Wallis Simpson  (played by Andrea Riseborough) and Britain's King Edward VIII (played by James D'Arcy), who gave up the throne to marry the twice-divorced American.  After Edward abdicated he and Wallis became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  However she was denied the title Her Royal Highness.  The second story is that of a contemporary New Yorker named Wally (Abbie Cornish) who falls for a security guard at Sotheby's and who identifies with that other, most sensational love affair of the 20th century.  For the fashions in the film, costume designer Arianne Phillips worked with such labels as Cartier, Dior, and Dunhill for the film's 60 or so wardrobe changes

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Two new biographies on Wallis Simpson have recently been written.  The biographers are taking a new look at her and arguing against many of the popular assumptions about the "American Harlot," as she was known in England.  

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at Ednam Lodge, Sunnydale, in October 1946

Both these books reflect an historical reassessment of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII.  For example, historians are arguing that King Edward never wanted to be the king and asking the question what happens when you get a monarch who is constitutionally incapable of being one?  As I learned from a recent piece on NPR,

"Simpson's rehabilitation may take time.  As recently as 2008, the historical landmark organization English Heritage refused to put one of its famous blue plaques on the London building where she was courted by a king.  Simpson, it said, was unworthy of that kind of recognition."

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Fort Belvedere

King Edward VIII was living at the country home Fort Belvedere when he abdicated the throne.  I was lucky enough to visit it last summer as part of the fabulous garden tour I went on in the English countryside.  The gardens at Fort Belvedere were breathtaking.  Though it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the history that took place here.  We saw the room where Kind Edward signed the document proclaiming that he had abdicated the throne.  (We were not allowed to take photos inside the house)  I had the chills.

Fort Belvedere is a country house on Shrubs Hill in Windsor Great Park, England.  It is a former royal residence -- from 1750 to 1976 -- and is most famous for being the home of King Edward VIII.  The property is currently occupied by private tenants, Canadian businessman Galen Weston and his wife Hilary Weston, the former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.

The gardens at Fort Belvedere were lovely and that's what we were there to see, but I was fascinated by all the history that took place at this residence.

Our group was given a proper English tea on this lovely patio under the trees on the gorgeous grounds of Fort Belvedere.

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Now that I know about the new books on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor,  I am looking forward to learning more about these two controversial figures, and perhaps seeing another side of the picture.  They had a huge impact on world history and are the subjects of one of the most famous romances of the twentieth century.  And in the fashion world, the Wallis Simpson buzz is building and it looks as if this will be the year, fashion-wise, of Wallis Simpson.