More of HIS FABULOUSNESS

In our continuing adventures with HF, we moved from the avant-garde of Alexander McQueen to the retro chic of vintage clothes. As you may suspect, NYC is a major hub for museum quality designer vintage collections. 

With the faithful FI chauffer at our disposal, we covered several stores in an afternoon – one of the more interesting ones being New York Vintage in Chelsea where the collection is a memorial to great clothes from the 1950’s onward, with the corresponding jewelry to complete the look.

HF spotted a couple of great Halston chiffon gowns for his sisters and was also interested in a Galanos “Grecian” inspired number. But the pieces which spoke to me were two Ossie Clark print dresses – it was a reminder of a youthful me in Mary Quant cosmetics and a Vidal Sassoon bob... To complement these vivid prints circa late 1960’s/early 70’s, the jewelry was textured, chunky and incorporated semi-precious stones. Yellow gold was “beaten” to different finishes and pieces became bigger and bolder as the more polite brooches of the prior decade were put away. Long chains with medallions of lapis, tiger’s eye, big chunky bangles and large cocktail rings were the norm. Even Van Cleef & Arpels created pieces with large medallions!

This period came to be identified with a cool, “retro” aesthetic with men growing out their hair and women shedding their brassieres. David Hockney’s painting Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy (below) featuring Ossie Clark and his wife/collaborator Celia Birtwell encapsulates the cool of that time for me –– note the clothes, furniture, and shag carpet.

It is no surprise that all things from this period, especially the jewelry, is still relevant today and design mavens like HF look to it for inspiration.

Alas, all good things must end, and we bid adieu as HF jetted off to his next fabulous destination. Until next time!

Images: David Webb Hippo Bangle; Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Percy


In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous!



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