David Gandy

I know is kind of corny to feature a male model as one of my favorite things, but I just could not help it. David Gandy is as chiseled and dreamlike as no one I have seen in the fashion scene lately. An Essex born in 1980, David James Gandy has conquered the world of fashion by storm, and has make some of us dream even more. His profile with quite a Greek statuesque nose or his deep ocean blue eyes are some of the features that catch our attention, but if to that you sum up an intelligence that is undisputed with his beauty and an enviromental commitment, perfection is born. If you want to follow this nature caring hunk, do so on his blog or on any wall where his picture has been blown up for our delight.

Witches

Ever since I was a little child, I was obsessed with the unconventionally noir characters of the fairy tales that my parents read me while in bedtime. The witches and their craft haunted me till nowadays, wanting to know more and more about this evil individuals with eccentric fashion and unusual physique. I based my university thesis on them and I was also inspired by their looks when I got to design my final year ready to wear collection. The smell of sulfur and their greenish skin combined with historical references to their persecution in Salem or their pact with the devil where a constant in my head during that period. The Wicked Witch of the West or Angelica Houston in the film "Witches" are the perfect incarnation of such mesmerizing creatures. If you cannot get enough of them you can either go to "Wicked" musical, inspired by the villains on "The Wizard of Oz" or watch a re-run of "Bewitched" episodes. Witches have certainly put a spell on me!

Prada Primavera - Estate 2002

Imagine having a grandpa´s pyjama as a starting point to develop a whole Spring Summer collection, well then, thanks to Miuccia Prada it is not only possible, but it looks extremely good too. One of my favourite collections of this brainy Milanese pationate woman, Miuccia executed a flawless wardrobe of Seventies geometric prints combined with cashmere cardigans and lavish jacquards for a modern and contemporary take on workwear meets sleepwear. I was studying in London at the time and I remember when the collection arrived on the shop floors I was desperate to grab first digs on it, obviously my bank account grabbed it too! I still wear the collection´s signature silky pyjama shorts and shirts with contrast pipping, and believe me, it still looks as fresh as the first time ever worn. To embodice this quirky collection a wave of new Belgian models(Anouck Leperè and Hannelore Knuts) met up with Brit sensation Jacquetta Wheeler and Ohio beauty Jessica, a mix as explosive as visually stunning! Our daily uniform has never been so cozy...Grazie mille Miuccia!

Marchesa Casati

Marchesa Luisa Casati was the first muse of all times, inspiring artists, philosophers, designers and writers with her beauty, overwhelming personality and an over the top and extravagant lifestyle. The most popular hostess in the whole continent of Europe was born in Milan in 1881 under a wealthy family of cotton entrepreneurs. Brought up with quite an engaging education for arts and crafts, her unusual physique and her spellbound Bette Davies eyes where key to a succesfull life commissioning young and unknown artists her charming and addicted charisma to be portrayed under their vision. She gained a collection of her self -imaged portraits thanks to the help of the likes of Man Ray, Cecil Beaton or Vittorio Matteo Corcos. But the most interesting chapter of her life is the pationate and lunatic things she did in her daily routine. Walking her cheetah pets with diamond cluttered leashes wearing only mink over a bare body, or organizing enchanting mascarades with gold leaf splattered naked waiters, or inviting guests to an absurd tea party with life size bizarre mannequins on both sides of the table were just a few of her favourite things to do! Obviously a life of splurge and decadence comes to an end, when her debt left her without a thing and her precious collection of portraits and sculptures were confiscated and put up for auction for bidders like Coco Chanel or Jean Conteau, her lifestyle tried to remained the same over in 32 Beaufort Gardens, London. She died at the age of seventy six in 1957, on her grave the inmortal words of Shakespeare´s Anthony and Cleopatra: "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety" Nowadays, the marchesa keeps inspiring designers and artists all over the world. Romantic souls like John Galliano, who have used her as a starting point for Haute Couture collections or personal scented parfums . Oh Luisa, if we could only have you now showing us how to live  life well and fully on the pages of gossip magazines!

Hermes

La maison Française would be my first choice when it comes to register for my wedding list. It is an outstanding company where artisanal products made in the maximum quality possible extends to every aspect of your personal lifestyle. Anything ranging from a Citröen V4 to a Leica custom made camera to a range of gorgeous cabin baggage made in untreated vaccheta or a set of travel games such as backgammon or playing cards, all under the philosophy of the company, understated luxury. Porcelain with intricate equestrian patterns like my favourite one¨"Le Cheval d´Orient" or parfums with unusual and complex ingridients of citric notes and wooden influences, Hermès is not only an outstanding house of fashion, but a profitable one too. Its growth annually is just the proof that you can be an independent house without the backing up of big conglomerates like LVMH to survive in times where luxury as such, is overrated! Besides who else could have such a tangerine colour as their brand corporative identity...I swear for Hermès!

Iradj Moini

The Persian designer who once worked as head costume jeweller for Oscar de la Renta is, without a doubt, my favourite jeweller of all times. His pieces are all handcrafted and he uses a variety of semiprecious and precious stones with old school constructions, where each piece has its own tecnique of setting the stones and moulding it within the human anatomy. His creations had not only been in the major glossy fashion magazines, but also showcased in museums like the Met in New York or Tate Gallery in London. There is no wonder that his bijoux scratches on the notion of art, because of his domain of handcraftmenship and sculptural dimentions. Iradj, discovering you is like entering in Ali Baba´s cave!

De Vera

Francisco De Vera´s jewel box in the heart of Soho, is one of my favorite stores in the world. Dense black wall and flooring wood serves as container of a great selection of one of a kind bizarre ornaments and art pieces. Over the top and eclectic it is an obligated visit while in Manhattan, but just an advice, try to have a healthy bank statement or an idillic credit card relationship, because this beauties are pricey. I would justify this outter world price tags on the mere fact of the uniqueness of the objects, as well as the eras where they are rescued from(Edwardian, Victorian, Pre Raphaellites etc...) The jewelry selection is as incredible as the bejewelled crow resting on the far right ceiling corner of the store. Thank God De Vera exists!