A philosophic system of thought which stresses individual responsibility, freedom of choice, and the authenticity of existence. Its country of choice: France. Official color: only and strictly black. It was a movement of narrow trousers, turtleneck sweaters, and severe blouses…

Perhaps, as with art, one should not attempt to explain it. Elegance — like class and culture — is usually discussed by people who don’t have it. By now, it is rare enough to be like an archeological find and,…

Textile company established in the early 1900s under the name Cotonificio di Busto and then renamed, during the 1950s, Cotonificio Erica and then, in the late 1970s, Erica Industria Tessile. Its headquarters is in Legnano. Specializing in printed patterns for…

Eliott (1928). American photographer, born in Paris of Russian descent. His given name is Elio Romano Erwitz. When he was two years old, the family moved to Milan. Ten years later, it moved to Los Angeles, where he would work…

Quarterly fashion magazine published in France between 1929 and 1939 as a supplement to the Excelsior newspaper, sent free to subscribers. Illustrated with large black-and-white photos, it was basically concerned with Paris fashions, beauty, aesthetics, lifestyles, and sports. A regular…

Olivier (1942). French make-up artist. At the age of 20, he made his début as assistant to the celebrated coiffeur Alexandre in Paris. After moving to London, he worked for Vogue and became interested in make-up, soon becoming the favorite…

Perry (1940). American designer. After a long apprenticeship with two manufacturing firms, John Meyer of Norwick and Manhattan Industries, he designed a leather line in 1975 and went out on his own in 1978. He has remained successful thanks to…

Men’s fashion launched by King Edward VII in the early 1900s featuring very elegant suits cut and sewn by the tailors of London’s Savile Row. There were long, black frock-coat jackets, straight and tight-fitting, and buttoned to the top, with…

Fashion monthly published in Italy by RCS and directed by Daniela Giussani. It is the Italian edition of Elle, the cult magazine founded in Paris in 1945 by Hélène Lazareff. The first issue came out on 17 September 1987. For…

Arthur (1940). American photographer. After working in dance photography, for the New York City Ballet, he made his fashion début in 1975, when he began to work with Vogue. His photos place the fashion models and the styles in scenes…