NEWSLETTER 09
September 2024: The glamour of Mary McFadden, new De Beauvoir spots, and two houses to visit this autumn.
When you don’t have kids or aren’t a student anymore, calling September ‘back to school’ can feel a bit…off. That’s why the French word la rentrée (the return) feels much more fitting—it captures that September vibe of fresh starts, new chapters, and getting back into a routine (in the best way). Here are a few highlights from our own return!
STYLE: HIGH PRIESTESS OF FASHION, MARY MCFADDEN
This month, the fashion world was met with sadness as we said goodbye to Mary McFadden, the designer who, at 85, left behind a legacy of “romantic abstraction.” A 1977 Vogue profile of the designer stated, “There isn’t a woman I talk to now who doesn’t respond to Mary McFadden’s name. And I am not just talking to women who follow fashion. My friend Martha Stewart said recently, ‘I saw Mary McFadden shopping. She has these fabulous Vuitton shopping bags and briefcase, and she was all wrapped in a pale gray shawl and carrying everything in the world. She has very long arms and must be terribly strong. It was wonderful to see. She knew exactly what she wanted.’”
Inspired by ancient cultures, her pleated gowns were often compared to Fortuny's. While hunting for a Fortuny wedding dress, I (Georgina) found myself trying on McFadden's pleated wonders— she even patented the marii technique. With her satin cords, braided bindings, and effortless glamour, McFadden truly knew how to make a statement. As autumn approaches, I’ll be channeling a little McFadden magic into my evening wear!
KITCHEN: DE BEAUVOIR DATE
Opened at the end of June, Albers is perfectly situated just up the road from us in De Beauvoir (figuratively up the road as we live a neighbourhood away) and is the perfect antidote to everyone’s desire for a good local restaurant. We started the night with glasses of Tillingham’s R2022 paired with the polenta and broccoli with gribiche sauce. And we ended on the chocolate nemesis (spoons to share) and a small dance party to Cher’s classic tunes as they closed down for the night. We are amazed by our friend Scott who dreamt of this venture during Covid along with his sidekick, his dog Albers, and made us proud (and a wee bit biased too!).
For a nightcap, make your way down the road from Albers to Goodbye Horses wine bar. Playing records by night and with a cozy, whimsy atmosphere designed with the owners George de Vos and Alex Young in conjunction with architect Leopold Banchini, this is the ultimate way to finish your night.
ART: FARLEY’S HOUSE
Previously the home of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, Farley’s House is nestled in the Sussex countryside, making it an easy day trip from London.
Our recent visit felt particularly timely, given the release of a new biopic on Miller, starring Kate Winslet. After World War II, the Penroses retreated to the English countryside, and their home became a hub for some of the most influential artists of the time. Among their frequent guests were Max Ernst, Joan Miró, Man Ray, and Leonora Carrington—with three casual Picassos hanging in the breakfast nook.
As we approached the house for our guided tour (be sure to book in advance), we realised that while we recognised Lee Miller’s name, we didn’t fully know her story. Most of us in the group were familiar with her iconic photograph—her self-portrait in Hitler’s bathtub, taken on the eve of his death—but we quickly discovered the depth of her body of work. Her extensive collection, particularly her war photography, documents the everyday lives of soldiers, nurses, and others during World War II. Miller’s career began in front of the camera, modelling for Vogue, but after a then-controversial appearance in a tampon ad, she moved behind the lens. Under the tutelage of Man Ray, who became her (jealous) lover, she honed her craft as a photographer. A few years later, she fell in love with Roland Penrose, and together they made their home in the English countryside, surrounding themselves with art—including Penrose’s surrealist paintings—before he helped found the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) in 1946.
TRAVEL: LE CORBUSIER’S STUDIO-APARTMENT
September took us to Paris for Design week and I (Georgina) tried to hit some places that had been on mylist for a while including Le Corbusier’s studio-apartment.
On the border of Paris and Boulogne, the 24 Nungesser-et-Coli Building was built for a private developer between 1931 and 1934 and was designed by Le Corbusier. As part of the building’s terms, Corbusier negotiated ownership of the 7th and 8th floors for himself and his wife, Yvonne, and their dog Pinceau, as their residence and his studio. Furthering his concept of the Radiant City project, this building was meant to provide the city dweller with air, light, and greenery - how novel!
As Le Corbusier said of his new home, “The sky is radiant and for a fortnight we’ve lived in miraculous new conditions: a home that is heavenly, all sky, light, space, and simplicity.” – If that doesn’t sell you on why it’s worth a visit, I don’t know what will!