The Mystique of Coco Chanel

“You live but once; you might as well be amusing.”
– Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel lived a glamorous life with beautiful clothes, famous friends, and rich lovers.  She was the epitome of chic in her day, yet more than forty years after her death – and a hundred years after opening her first shop – [...]

How Hermès Became a Fashion Powerhouse

Their scarves are considered collector’s pieces.  Their handbags have waiting lists that last for years.  Their saddles are coveted by equestrians the world over.  They’ve remained “in the family” for nearly 175 years.
Yet when Thierry Hermès (pronouced tee-airy air-mehz) moved from Germany to France in 1828, he had no illusions of grandeur.  No, he was [...]

How Jimmy Choo Became a Luxury Brand

Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo are the three big names in high-end shoes right now.  They’ve been duking it out in the luxury market for decades, and while each deserves to be profiled here, today we’ll focus on Jimmy Choo, who got famous by shodding a princess.
So is there a real Jimmy Choo?
Absolutely!
Choo [...]