Not wanting to ignore the other half, today's post is dedicated to closet space that accommodates both sides of the equation.
Separate but equally beautiful dressing rooms were designed for a Chicago couple by Alessandra Branca. (Photography by Alan Shortall for Veranda Magazine, October 2001).
Below are the dressing rooms of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (pictured above). In 1998, Sotheby's auctioned off the contents of their famously stylish wardrobe to an adoring public. My very first job as a clueless young grad was to give private tours of the pre-sale exhibition. (Pardon me while I date myself).
A pair of Chinese Chippendale style pagodas flank the dressing area of the Duchess of Windsor. Most of the shoes in the closet are designed by Roger Vivier.
The Duke of Windsor preferred the designs of Peal & Co. for his velvet slippers. Just imagine the ascots and jodhpurs this closet has seen.
17 comments:
Millie! What an amazing first job. Love those pagodas. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Love this post...even though the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were outcasts in the royal family, they have such an intriguing story.
Her shoe collection was so colorful! I look at my shoes, and see mostly black and brown. I am way too practical!
Thanks. I was so psyched to find this auction catalog over at my parents house. It is only one of three in this set (there were something like 40,000 lots in this sale).
I dream about closets like these! Some day I will have one. The Duke and Duchess are such icons. Look at the guy - he just oozes style. I love the pagoda etagere's, they're so flashy just like that hussy duchess - just kidding. You have got to love a women who got a guy to give up the throne for her. She must have been one special lady! You always find the coolest stuff - Thanks
What I would do for a closet that you could walk into and sit down! I was so insprired watching Tim Gunn's new show, that I just gave mine a major overhaul.
I have always been so intrigued by the Duke and Duchess--abdicating for a twice-divorced American would be big news even by today's standards. They made quite the stylish couple.
Oh dear, I can barely stand to look at my own closet now! You've spoiled me. Charming as these are I would settle for just one half, the girly side of course. Men be damned!
New homes need to have 'his & hers' closets. I bet most look like a 'hers & hers' space! Let's make it mandatory.
It must be so nice to get ready each morning in your own dressing room.
I'm inspired! I am still dreaming of my own boutique closet. I have the space for it, and the plans to do it, but no time to get to it now. To tell you the truth, I've only envisioned the "her" side thus far. The chandeliers, the sparkle, the pink. Thanks for reminding me my husband might like a little manly touch somewhere. Somewhere small. :-)
Melissa
I love the woodwork - these rooms are absolutely beautitful.
Thank you for sharing.
Wow, they are stunning. Great post! I agree with TTI - my shoes are looking a little dull compared to her collection...
Oh to have my own dressing room and one for my other half too would be heaven! These photos are just wonderful!!!
I own the catalogs from this sale and I love pouring over them for inspiration. Those were the days!
How lucky for you to have worked there durin the sale! And don't worry, I won't tell anyone what year it was ;-)
Ooh, this is like porn to me. Is that wrong?
I love love love the dressing rooms designed by Alessandra Branca. I have been in search everywhere for more pictures. Are there more images of these particular designs??
Oh golly im soo amazed its just beautiful definately something I am now seriously considering doing! :)
there are more shoes in that closet then I would ever wear in a life time. It's amazing how many pairs of shoes women have.
-Zane of ontario honey
Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article.
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