W.E.

We all know that Tom Ford's directorial debut was a smashing success.  It remains to be seen if Madonna will be so lucky but it's clear from the photos by Tom Munro that her upcoming film, W.E. will at least look beautiful. The story is the one we all know, The Duke of Windsor abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American.  A contemporary story set in New York about a woman obsessed with their love story is also weaved through the film that was co-written by Alek Keshishian. The real star of the film are the clothes and jewels from Dior and Cartier among others that were realm of Oscar winning costume designer Arianne Phillips. Madonna said, “It was easy to get swept up in the historical relevance and epic romance of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. The fact that they were also the fashion icons of their day added to their allure for me. Wallis was the epitome of style and grace."

Photos by Tom Munro for Vanity Fair

A Look at Althorp

When we visited the Theodore Alexander showroom in High Point, we learned that they have an entire Althorp Collection of reproduction furniture.  Althorp is a stately English home in Northamptonshire that is owned by the Spencer family.  While it has over 500 years of history, it is best known as the childhood home of Princess Diana and serves as her final resting place.  As you can imagine, it is very expensive to maintain a home of this size and historic significance which is why Charles Spencer authorized a collection of Althorp reproductions at Theodore Alexander initially to help pay for a new roof.  There was also an attic sale at Christie's last year. We were not allowed to take photos in the Theodore Alexander showroom so I thought it would be fun to look at the home that inspired the collection.  We can't all live in such a magnificent splendor but it is fun to know that we can own the same furniture. 

On a side note, actor Max Irons, son of Jeremy Irons, was recently photographed by Jason Bell for Vanity Fair at Althorp. All the photos with the handsome young man are from that shoot and the black and white photos are a vintage look at Althorp.  There is also a video online of Max Irons at Althorp that gives you an even better look at this stunning house and grounds.  Enjoy!

Max Irons in Wooton Hall

The Library

The South Drawing Room

The Billiard Room

The State Dining Room

The Great Room

The Sunderland Room

The Picture Gallery

The Painters Hallway

The Saloon

The Marlborough Room

King William Bedroom

Max Irons in the King William Bedroom

Oak Bedroom

Prince of Wales Bedroom

Max Irons in the Wine Cellar

The Stables are now home to the Princess Diana exhibition.

A photo of the Stables taken in 1921

Baby You Can Drive My Car

Actually, you can't drive my car because I don't own one.  I also don't think Ralph Lauren will let you drive any of his cars because they are priceless treasures.  But you can read all about them and their special garage in the January 2011 issue of Vanity Fair.  Ralph Lauren doesn't collect art because as he says, "you can't drive art" but it's clear from these photos that each one of his cars is a work of art.  They sure don't make them like this anymore.  He bought the 1971 Mercedes 280SE soon after he started his own company and that's exactly what I am going to buy myself when my business takes off.  Right after I take driving lessons.  I wonder if I can hire Ralph for the job!

Photos by Todd Eberle for Vanity Fair