We all know what they represent, the things they do for us-man's best friends, loyal companions, sources of joy and warm, fuzzy feelings. But beyond that, the animals we keep are also an inextricable part of our identities; one that is tangible in living, breathing form. It might not be their intended purpose, but that doesn't make it any less true: Pets have the power to make a striking visual impact. Luisa Casati figured it out over a hundred years ago when she roamed the streets of Venice in nothing but a fur coat and her pet cheetahs on diamond-studded leashes. A woman of brilliant style who led a glittering life that later turned turbulent, she was, and remains, a fascinating creature with or without exotic animals by her side. But it's the bit about the cheetahs that is most oft-retold when it comes to anecdotes about the marchesa.
The most influential, impactful designers of the 20th century understood this power; not exactly the power of pets per se, but the power of image. The pets just play a key role in burnishing this image. It's all part of the myth and the mystique-the fashion designer as the brilliant, creative genius with his little eccentricities. Their animals were the manifestation of this eccentricity: Think of Yves Saint Laurent and his succession of French bulldogs, all named Moujik; of Valentino and his extravagant coterie of pugs. It seemed almost a prerequisite of the whole lifestyle. What's the point of having villas in Marrakech or palazzos in Rome if one isn't going to throw in a fabulous menagerie?
Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra May 2022-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Great Unknown
It's a fresh chapter for Thai actress Nuttanicha "Nychaa" Dungwattanawanich as she strikes out on her own.
FINDING XANADU
Adventure, magic and freedom await in the land of the blue sky, Mongolia.
TALKING POINTS
From the worlds of Art, Culture, Travel and Design.
TIMELESS LUXURY
In Hosanna Swee and Tom Chng's stunning apartment, an eye for detail and love for horological collectibles reveals an elegant and minimalist escape.
PRIM FOR PRIMETIME
Chanikarn \"Prim\" Tangkabodee reminisces on her journey from a child actor to a superstar in-the-making.
INSPIRATION
The suave music artiste is no stranger to the world of fashion. In fact, he describes fashion as the forefront of his and his family's personal expression, as well as a form of manners.
WELL, SUITED?
As attitudes towards dress codes shift, is the suit about to exit our closets?
DARK HORSE
In his next role and what is easily his most challenging character to date―actor Brian Ng wants one thing from you: your hatred.
THE POWER OF PERETTI
In a hidden village of Sant Marti Vell in Spain, where Elsa Peretti lived, loved and created enduring symbols of design and beauty for Tiffany & Co., Kenneth Goh traces and marvels at her 50 years of legacy.
REDEFINING ROYALTY
Chaumet's Charles Leung talks to BAZAAR about the beauty and the resilience of the 244-year-old French jewellery brand in a new era.