Be Inspired!

Getting dressed, or undressed, is more fun with a dab of creative inspiration provided by the world around us.

As summer approaches, you might get into the mood by admiring photo essays such as Riviera Cocktail by Edward Quinn. His black and white St. Tropez candids of 1950's celebrities will suggest new sartorial possibilities. Try a little vavavoom with Cadolle’s black CanCan halter swimsuit.

David Hockney’s crayon drawings of muse Celia Birtwell add some 70's romance to summer. Look for Celia in a Negligee, Paris (1971). Consider a pose in the painterly silk Indoustan Paisley Jacket from Sybaris.

Feel the summer breezes as you head for town. Once there, window shopping is recommended, because the displays “are like a barometer that measures joy in living and freedom” (Andre Barret in Vitrines de Paris). They ‘amuse and seduce.” Appropriate attire? A big straw hat, cat’s-eye shades, and a silk print Florry Dress from Klements.

Seek out more beautiful prints, such as the exotic mix of Dutch resist batiks made for the West African market (and used to gloriously subversive effect by artist Yinka Shonibare). Channel the vibe with a Marjolaine Floral Silk Slip. Wear it everywhere.

Get into a sultry evening mood with Jidenna and the groovy look of his music video Classic Man. Make an unforgettable statement as you step out in Olivia Von Halle’s bias cut Perminova Navy Silk Gown with train.

Music is the ultimate inspiration. Listen to Johnny Mandel’s jazz classic “Black Nightgown” as you drift off to sleep. Sweet summer dreams in your Alessandra Mackenzie Black Silk and Lace Slip.