Queen of Cashmere Daybook

The other day, as I stared at images of Roger Federer’s foray in to the world of logos, the referees’ jackets beckoned to me from the background.  It was a high form of unintended irony, for sure.

I have been smitten with the English cricket or schoolboy jacket for as long as I can remember (heaven knows, I’m a pushover for anything with a good English accent), and I’m not alone in loving the look.  Coco did her version circa 1925.  Inspired, no doubt, during the time she spent in England while having her scandalous affair with the Duke of Westminster. 

However, the most recent resurgence of the cricket jacket kicked off when Nicolas Ghesquihère riffed on the style for Balenciaga’s 2007 Fall RTW collection.  The moment I saw his collection for Balenciaga, I fell deliriously and rapturously in love.  My heart still beats fast every time I see these images. 

I even love this posh-Brit look when translated to home decor.  A few years back, one of my Queen of Cashmere customers invited me into her home and Elizabeth’s living room stopped me dead in my tracks.  I walked in and it literally took my breath away. 

The style of her home, dubbed “Rock n’ Roll Baronial”, was so right up my alley that it has haunted me for years.   So as I write my post on English schoolboy jackets, I can’t possibly post about the jackets without showing you that room. 

Incredibly, this home is located on the 14^th floor of a 1920’s apartment building in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.  The Chesterfield sofas have been punched up with sun-drenched, yellow velvet and the ottoman, upholstered in an exotic animal print, is a modern echo of the English Empire’s thrill of the hunt.  The whole effect is modern, posh-Brit perfection!

Alessandra Branca, the genius behind this design, has a website where I could spend days.  Take a look at her wonderful interiors and her fantastic offerings.  Branca   Alessandra is a big fan of monogrammed luxury so, hopefully, I’ll be bringing you a more about Branca soon!