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Even the most casual fashionista knows the beauty of haute couture. It brings to mind images of flowing ballgowns, one-of-a-kind dresses and runways that are filled with designs of unsurpassable beauty. But to the French, haute couture is almost a science, an area protected by French law that governs the highly-regulated industry of the upper echelon of sartorial design. These collections are only presented twice a year, and the designers are regulated and protected by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, and in particular the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

For something truly haute couture, workers may spend up to 700 hours creating a single garment, that is created specifically, and only, for a single client. It can be difficult to differentiate from other high-end designs, even for those in the know, as the term “haute couture” is protected by French law,

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There’s nothing better than lying on a sandy shore taking in some much-needed sun. But whether you’re soaking up the last bits of summer heat at the beach or lounging poolside wishing for an island vacation, enjoying those sun-kissed moments are all about finding the right swimwear. There are so many amazing trends this season for one-pieces, bikinis, and even all-day wear that will take you from pool to patio. If you’re looking to update your boring bikini, check out these top swimwear trends for summer 2020.

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Lurex

We love a glittery, eye-catching ensemble as much as the next woman, so why should our swimwear be any different? This material looks good in almost every colorway, from one-pieces to bikinis. Plus the shimmering fabric elevates even the most basic of swimwear. Try Missoni’s Mare Riga striped Lurex triangle bikini or Oséree’s golden stretch-Lurex swimsuit.

Moda Operandi

Zimmermann

ARTIFICE

DIOR, perhaps more than any other couture house shows us how history and fashion are linked. He changed the world of fashion when WWII ended creating the “NEW LOOK”. Never mind that women had tasted the freedoms of the working world during the war building airplanes, running assembly lines in factories, driving ambulances and making bombs. We are not talking about shrinking violets. DIOR wanted women to feel like flowers and exotic birds from the unique and rare world of his imagination.  You walk through the gardens of DIOR, the thematic thread that ties it all together.  Experience the muses,  see the models, photographers, make-up artists and creative directors who have all contributed to this extraordinary history. 

DIOR ICON: This is the SUIT of the New Look from 1947

At the heart of a couture house is always the original creator Monsieur Christian Dior, himself. It falls to

A recent webinar for professionals in luxury industries saw an online attendance of fifty-five executives. The topic at hand was the same question that’s plagued the first two quarters of 2020: what does the COVID-19 crisis mean for these industries? Already, predictions have pointed to a staggering 600 billion dollar sales drop, a significantly worse hand than was dealt in 2008.

And yet, a post conference poll on the executives’ expectations regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses returned these results: 10% felt the crisis would be negative, 24% were uncertain, and a whopping 64% expected positive change.

Watershed events like COVID-19 accelerate the good and the bad. Tech entrepreneur and investor, Zain Jaffer has this to say about today’s market, “Despair and hope live side by side, instability co-exists with smart investments, and brands are being made or broken under pressure. It’s a complex and ever-changing reality, one

Courtesy of FLOWER Eyewear

Award-winning actress, producer, business mogul and now daytime talk show host Drew Barrymore is also a chic to glam eyewear designer. She personally names each frame after some of her favorite movie characters.

Her sunglasses reflect Drew’s personality and style, and can be worn on many face shapes. She designed a classic square shape with floral accents, and an updated ‘CASEY’ aviator in rose gold. Other designs include a modern-day two-toned eyewear and cat-eye in crystal gradient beige.

Courtesy of FLOWER Eyewear

The ‘Beverly’ frames are complete with shimmery studs on the sides. They are styled after Drew’s character ‘Beverly’ in the 2001 film ‘Riding in Cars With Boys.’

Drew’s Reader’s collection frames express a fun, personal style, featuring handmade acetate elements available in four powers: +1.00, +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50. Select styles feature spring hinges for comfort and durability. Best of all you don’t need