Shades of Red

My fantasy is to have the job of choosing names for nail polish (“With the Band”) or, back in the day, for lipsticks (‘Cherries in the Snow”). These names might seem a little fanciful, but they do the job, by creating a mood, speaking to our longing for story and romance. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I think of the saturated red silks at JV. What are they trying to say to us? Their names whisper the answer:

Ermitage: Imagine the French red wine Hermitage staring back at you as you gaze down into a wide glass. Sultry and inviting, it sends up hints of berry and even black tea. Ritratti has named three red lingerie sets Ermitage. A “flight” of reds, so to speak. Each a special vintage (style), all intricately embroidered in deepest red. A lovely way to dress for Valentine’s Day. 

Venus Amarena: Imagine the color of a wild red Amarena Italian cherry. Its taste is flavorfully sweet yet tangy. Now imagine being transformed by Dana Pisarra’s Venus Amarena Lace Bust Camisole Set. Be unique as this color in silk ribbing that hugs every curve, transparent stretch lace that is comfortably flattering, and matching lace boyshort that is just plain fun.

Fleur Aphrodite: A goddess might choose an assortment of reds, from crimson to Pinot Noir. And so she does, in two designs from Lise Charmel of lavish Guipure multi-red floral embroidery: the Push-Up Set or the Full-Cup, each with matching boyshort--sleek and low.  

Burgundy: Vannina Vespirini decants wine-red stretch silk for her Burgundy V Camisole and Midi Skirt. Wear these luscious bias-cut pieces as a set, or mix with black for a little splash. 

Dolce: Sweet. That would be the terra-cotta red border of the Ika Paris large square scarf. Frame yourself in its Mediterranean exuberance. Large enough to wear as a shawl, top, headcovering--and more.

Valentine’s Day feels like the beginning of a new season, even though it is in the midst of winter. What shall we call this vibrant interlude? Jane’s Vanity has some ideas.