Here are the things in my cart, in my possession, or simply on my mind!
Jade Hobson- In my previous letter, I mentioned stumbling upon a copy of the May 1984 issue of Vogue, featuring Daryl Hannah in a remarkable swimsuit story captured by Helmut Newton. Recently, as I was casually browsing the internet, I felt an irresistible urge to find out what Jade Hobson, the Fashion Director during the Grace Mirabella years, has been up to. Hobson has styled numerous shoots that have achieved iconic status, such as the unforgettable Daryl Hannah shoot and the Elizabeth Taylor shoot she recounts in the documentary In Vogue: The Editor's Eye (2012). I discovered her Instagram profile, where she not only shares images from the shoots she styled but also provides captivating anecdotes behind each one (though she is not very active - her most recent post is from February). This was a happy discovery, and it was one of those moments where you are thankful for the advent of social media.
Masion Margiela Cotton Car Coat- This is not necessarily the time to think about jackets and coats; however, before you know it, a nice fall breeze will wheeze on by.
Martiniano Glove Leather Slippers- Throughout this summer, my shoe selection has been narrowed down to two main options: Havaiana flip flops and these Martiniano glove shoes. Over the past two years, I have strolled countless city blocks in these shoes without any need for repair. They smarten up any ensemble, making them a perfect choice when a dress calls for something other than heels. I first learned about the glove shoes through an interview Emilia Petrarca did with Emily Bode Aujla for The Cut a few years ago.It was one of those interviews where notable people answer questions like: what is your favorite white t-shirt (Sunspel Classic T-Shirt), the last movie you watched (Jackie Brown), your least favorite word (vibe), and so forth. I am a big fan of these Actor’s Studio-esque questionnaire interviews because a.) it is interesting to see what other people use/like/don’t like, and b.) you can decipher a lot about a person through the things they choose to surround themselves with.
James Perse Crepe Jersey Shirt- On the topic of t-shirts... I was influenced to try this shirt after seeing Neelam Ahooja link to it a few days ago. This shirt reminds me of the Attersee shirt I talked about last time in the feel; however, the Attersee version is opaque while this one is quite sheer. (I also tried on this Banana Republic Linen Crewneck, which is a fraction of the cost and has the same look but not the same feel.)
Tove Fit and Flare- I recently watched Summertime(1955) featuring Katherine Hepburn, and now all I want to wear are little cotton fit and flare dresses and mesh opera-length gloves.
YSL Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint- I have a few upcoming photoshoots that require me to do my own makeup, and I believe it's time to go beyond simply applying lip balm. Although I previously mentioned the Saie blush in my first "Consider Yourself," I have now switched to this particular blush. I adore its cherry red tint, and the packaging is simply to die for!
Vallaurea Extra Virgin Olive Oil- I have noticed, dare I say, a "trend" among party favors. Without fail, I've left a few parties in the past few months with a bottle of olive oil in hand. Now, dear reader, I am by no means a chef nor do I harbor culinary aspirations. My interest lies purely in the superficial aspects of this trade - the delicate little plates, ostentatious demitasse spoons, and olive oil bottles wrapped in gold leaf. One of these bottles was a party favor, but unfortunately, I only had the chance to use it once before I accidentally dropped it while cooking. I miss having that gold leaf bottle adorn my countertop.
Prada Shell Choker- “Look at this stuff…isn’t it neat?”
Marni Multicolor Charm Earrings- I must say I love a trinket. If you do not believe me, look at my recent neck accouterment
featuring my makeshift take on The Row comb necklace, the Lemaire castanet Necklace, and Presley Oldham's starburst pearl necklace (I have talked about each here, and here).
Perhaps my recent fascination with the trinket-as-necklace form of jewelry has to do with this Cosmopolitan Boho idea formulating in my head. I cannot help but associate these types of accessories with that particular aesthetic. Or perhaps it has to do with the impending return of Phoebe Philo this September, and this want to try and capture some of that essence from her collections for Celine. Either way, my wishlists are overflowing with little trinket jewelry like this one from Lanvin that looks like the fake grass you stuff in Easter baskets, or the Hermes perfume bottle I talked about a month ago.
Gianfranco Ferre does Schiaparelli but it is Gianfranco Ferre dress- Earlier this week, I was working on my June outfit round-up, which I have decided to forgo for the time being, and I was trying to find a similar style to a Versace blazer I wore with those gold Loewe pants I told you all about. While on the hunt for a blazer with rhinestone buttons, out of nowhere, I was reminded of Gianfranco Ferre, which resulted in a rather feverish search for his pieces. When I think of Ferre, one thing really comes to mind: his cameo in Andre Leon Talley's "Scarlet 'N' The Hood" shoot for Vanity Fair. For those unfamiliar with the shoot, the whole concept was a retelling of Gone With the Wind, this time switching the racial background of all the characters. The aforementioned Ferre is cast as Mammie, Naomi Campbell plays Scarlet O'Hara, John Galliano is a rather forlorn Prissy, and so on. Anyway, back to the dress, the shape of the dress itself is fairly simple; it is just a black sheath. However, the pièce de résistance are these golden appliqués in the shape of laurels and a disc.
Dries Van Noten Pink Elasticated Shorts- This is the type of thing I want Timothée Chalamet’s version of Willy Wonka to be wearing.
Alma Berrow Ashtray- Are you tired of gifting the same thing year after year, “Bobby, I know I have gifted you a candle every year for the past five years, but I simply could not think of what else to get you so here is another candle.” I know this is quite hyperbolic, who would honestly give someone a candle for five consecutive years (if this is you I do not mean to offend, I get it.). Nonetheless, I have discovered that gift giving is an acquired skill. You may be asking yourself, “Jalil, why are you thinking about gifts… it is the middle of summer.” And dear reader you are right to ponder such a thing. Nick’s birthday is just around the corner, and I decided to walk down memory lane of my gift giving to try and figure out the appropriate present for him. During the first year of the pandemic I commissioned Alma to make Nick an ashtray with his surname wrapping around it, with a green and gold tipped cigarette smudged inside (which is her signature style). When Nick unboxed the ashtray he scoffed at it and chucked it to the side. Three years later, it has become one of his prized possessions.
I may earn some commission if you make a purchase through one of the links above. If you liked this post make sure to check out last week’s as well!
P.S.: If you are looking for vintage Gucci and Prada check out my Basic Space page.