Festive Guide: The Classics

Victoria Beckham resort 2022

From globetrotting adventurers to design-forward homebodies and fashion fans with a penchant for glamour – whoever you’re shopping for, this Christmas gift guide featuring timeless classics has the perfect presents to suit all styles this holiday season!

From left to right, top to bottom: Norma Kamali one-shoulder stretch-jersey dress, “Helmut Newton. Legacy” book by Taschen, Manolo Blahnik Hangisi satin slippers, Mateo 14-karat gold pearl choker, Prada crystal logo earring & Alaïa laser-cut leather clutch bag.

FRAME & Ritz Paris embroidered cashmere wweater, Gianvito Rossi green heeled sandals, Jil Sander pearl earrings, Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 Lip Balm “Enigmatic Edward”, Lanvin beige wool skirt & Jil Sander pouch.

Khaite off-the-shoulder column dress, Judy Geib Neogeo 22K and 18K gold earrings, The Row leather tote, Costa Brazil body cream, Cashmere In Love cashmere bralette & Cashmere In Love cashmere biker shorts, Anine Bing mules.

The Elder Statesman open-knit cashmere sweater, Cashmere In Love knit skirt, Maison Margiela Tabi ballerina flats, Dries Van Noten tulle skirt & Anine Bing bracelet.

The Row oversized silk and cashmere-blend coat , Byredo eau de parfum “Mixed Emotions”, The Row shoulder bag & The Row silk-satin gown.

Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater & Ralf Lauren cashmere midi skirt, Jil Sander wool gloves, Costa Brazil Skin Ritual Travel Kit, “Peter Lindbergh. On Fashion Photography. 40th Ed.” by Taschen & Issey Miyake wool shell dress.

All collages by Edward Kanarecki.

P.S. In this post, I happen to endorse products I genuinely love. If you end up buying something through the links, my site might earn an affiliate commission – which is always nice!

Alber Elbaz, Forever in Our Hearts.

The saddest and most heart-breaking news on a Sunday. Alber Elbaz, who made his name at brands like Guy Laroche and Yves Saint Laurent, and spent a 14-year spell rejuvenating Lanvin, has died at the age of 59 at the American Hospital in Paris. “I have lost not only a colleague but a beloved friend,” Richemont (the conglomerate backing Elbaz’s latest venture, AZ Factory) founder and chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement published today. “Alber had a richly deserved reputation as one of the industry’s brightest and most beloved figures. I was always taken by his intelligence, sensitivity, generosity and unbridled creativity. He was a man of exceptional warmth and talent, and his singular vision, sense of beauty and empathy leave an indelible impression.” The Moroccan-born visionary is best known for Lanvin’s striking renaissance during his 2001 to 2015 tenure at the French house. There, he dressed women in the most chic, and at the same time always comfortable and body-friendly, day- and evening-wear. His abrupt split from the brand, which saw him forced to defend his work and leadership style, was well-documented, and Elbaz subsequently took a five-year hiatus. Returning to fashion with innovative AZ Factory on the spring/summer 2021 couture schedule with a fresh perspective and a modern brand proposition, the industry was overjoyed to welcome back one of its leading creatives, who always imbued his work with such joy and put the focus squarely on making individuals feel special. The legacy of this unique designer will forever stay alive in his timeless designs, and the Alber Elbaz woman will always feel her best self while wearing one of his all-time signature looks: a pyjama silk shirt printed with his frivolous illustations, a chiffon ball-skirt and layers, layers of pearls. His brilliant work and ebullient presence will be sorely missed.

Here are some of my favourite Alber Elbaz moments, from his most iconic looks at Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin to my mum wearing one of his dress for New Year’s Eve few years ago…

“Live” collage by Edward Kanarecki. Front photo by Tim Walker. Ad campaigns by Steven Meisel and Tim Walker.