Bar Chic: the duke and duchess of windsor

Saturday, 13 August 2011

W.E.

We all know that Tom Ford's directorial debut was a smashing success. It remains to be seen if Madonna will be so lucky but it's clear from the photos by Tom Munro that her upcoming film, W.E. will at least look beautiful. The story is the one we all know, The Duke of Windsor abdicating the throne in 1936 to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American. A contemporary story set in New York about a woman obsessed with their love story is also weaved through the film that was co-written by Alek Keshishian. The real star of the film are the clothes and jewels from Dior and Cartier among others that were realm of Oscar winning costume designer Arianne Phillips. Madonna said, “It was easy to get swept up in the historical relevance and epic romance of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. The fact that they were also the fashion icons of their day added to their allure for me. Wallis was the epitome of style and grace."

Photos by Tom Munro for Vanity Fair

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Governor of the Bahamas

Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor had style. During the Second World War, Winston Churchill installed the Duke of Windsor as the Governor of the Bahamas to keep him quiet so to speak. So in 1940, Wallis and Edward sailed to Nassau. Apparently Government House was in nearly derelict so the Windsors rented private homes until it was rebuilt. Most of these photos were taken in 1941 by photographer David E. Scherman and give you a glimpse into their Bahamian life. I'm not sure Stefan and I will look quite as chic on our sojourn to Nassau (I wonder if Stefan owns a pink jacket) but I hope to visit Government House among other historic sites while we are on the island. The Windsors also spent time in Miami just as we are planning to do after the cruise. Too bad I don't also have a fabulous collection of Goyard luggage like Wallis. Those were the days.