Atmospheric
Along the foggy banks of the Po River in Turin, Italy, the air is freighted with legends of the occult, Egyptology, great coffee, and the growl of sports cars. Here I discovered La Casa Mollino, a house museum that preserves the secret apartment of Carlo Mollino. A polymath who helped create the design revolution of mid-20th century Italy, Mollino is known as an architect, air pilot, auto racer, interior and furniture designer, and photographer (some erotic). Mollino never lived in this apartment, but, rather, created it as a work of art. Both Baroque and surrealistically modern, the interior’s mood calls for clothing that is dramatic yet simple. I would choose to wear Gilda & Pearl’s sleek Lili Midi Slip Dress and Long Robe in rose gold silk with a dragon pattern in shades of pink and red. The Robe is accented with ruby-red tassels at the ¾ sleeves and at the hem of the waist tie.
With LA on my mind after this year’s fires, I paused over photos of 1970s and 80s interiors by Michael Taylor that became known as “The California Look.” Vogue’s Diana Vreeland called Taylor “The James Dean of interior design.” He brought the outdoors in, with light, living plants, large scale furniture, organic materials, and a scattering of antiques. His rustic glamour just suited the dream of a Malibu beachfront house. He liked to leave things a little unfinished, perhaps to showcase my Jane’s Vanity loungewear. Which one to choose? Has to be Layalina’s Alexandria Gold Silk Gown in palest gold silk with matching lace.
In the present, I am drawn to the work of Spanish designer Lorenzo Castillo, whose passion for layering and love of antiques mixes textures, patterns, color, styles, and periods. His black and white checkerboard floor tiling might be complemented by wrought iron furniture or contrasted with opulent velvets. High-ceilinged walls are papered in deftly colored prints and hung with all manner of art. There is often a shot of deeply satisfying blue in these interiors. Greenery abounds. The atmosphere he creates is opulent, yet relaxed and happy. I would wish to follow Castillo’s lead and layer up also: in Vannina Vespirini’s Ocean and Black Silk Gown. I love the sophistication of the gown’s black lace on navy blue stretch silk, the drama of its high front slit. Next I would add the bolero look of Zambak’s Daisy Leather Shrug, its short black tulle body appliquéd in soft leather flowers.
Create your own atmosphere, in Jane’s Vanity!