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 – [...]

Clothing and Accessory Idioms

Ever wonder how some of the most popular sayings about clothes – like being “well heeled” and “take the gloves off” – came from?  Some have been around for centuries, others not so long.  If you’re a student of etymology (the study of words), you’ll find this particularly amusing.  For the rest of you, store [...]

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 [...]

How Max Factor Created the Modern Cosmetic Industry

Next time you smooth, brush, or spray on foundation makeup, take a moment to thank Max Factor.  For without his obsession for makeup perfection in front of the camera – and all the women around the world wanting to look as glamorous as their favorite stars – he might never have created makeup for regular [...]

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