The Rose Heels: Magda Butrym
A rose by any other name… Polish designer Magda Butrym romances the flower in all shapes and forms in watercolour prints on her chiffon bias cut gowns, as 3D embellishments on her silk jersey dresses and (not missing an opportunity for this symbol of fecundity) - stiletto heels.
Le Gold Cœur Bag: Alaïa
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is a dangerous game to play, but carrying a glimmering gold heart is a big, animated expression. Pieter Mulier, the creative director of Maison Alaïa has reimagined his iconic Cœur sac in the classic and classy metallic hue. The limited edition has a beat all its own.
The Ring: Sophie Bille Brahe
Tokens of love can be a cliché but handled by Sophie Bille Brahe, a darn fine one. The descendant of the pioneering 16th century astronomer, Tycho Brahe likes to explore the macro-picture in intricate detail. Her Lettre de Lumiere rings wrought in tiny Top Wesselton VVS diamonds and 18 kt. gold, based on her own lyrical handwriting, dance around the hand like a poem just beginning.
The Slip Skirt: Christopher Kane
There’s something deliciously naughty about a lace-trimmed slip and Christopher Kane’s versions worn with bra tops and Scottish cashmere twin sets, suggesting a whole narrative about the night before (or the ambitions for the one ahead). Crafted in pastel hued silk organza, the style is cut with a deep side slit, looping fold back and is trimmed with pristine white rose lace. “The collection is intended to empower and thrill,” says Kane. Since his early beginnings studying for his MA at Central St Martins, Kane has made the study of the human body and sexual desire his moda operandi. With fashion firmly shifting to a body conscious aesthetic, the slip skirt says it all.
The Candle: Alabaster by Cire Trudon
Our sensory skills deserve a good workout. Enter Cire Trudon’s new collection: Les Alabasters where you will find fusions of Coriander and Pink Peppercorn or Leather and Tobacco packaged in iridescent stone. Given that Trudon dates back to the 17th century, we can assume the bees wax and unique scents have ignited a few passions over the centuries.
The Poster Art: Yves Saint Laurent.
Alongside Robert Indiana and John Lennon, Yves Saint Laurent was one of the greats to jettison messages of LOVE to the world exploring its potency and meaning. In 1970, he began sending poster size images to his own circle of friends, each year created new symbols and graphics to represent the spirit of the times. He riffed on Georges Braque, Andy Warhol, Jean Cocteau in images that combined drawing with collage and gouache.
We think starting a mini collection of works would be the sweetest thing, building the Love year on year.
The Best Kept Secret: Le Petit Trou
What is February 14th without the prettiest lingerie? Here’s one option: in fact, the beginnings of Le Petit Trou would make a good scene for the next series of Emily in Paris. In 2014, Zuzanna Kuczynska decided to fold her career as a stylist and pour her energies into smalls and presented her first collections to her friends from her apartment. She excels in tiny embroideries, frilly effects and polka dots in pieces that just make you a bit giddy.
The Glittering Mini: 16Arlington
Creative director, Marco Capaldo has a way with deliciously sassy items that ignite the desire to have fun. Nothing too literal here, Capaldo delivered thigh skimming mini skirts embroidered with tiny hieroglyph-like crystals that seemed to message little love signals all round.
