The High Summer Issue
What Geraldine Guyot-Arnault packs for Provence. How Carlos Mota throws the perfect summer soiree. Plus, three fun pieces to prevent seasonal 'wardrobe wilt.'
Géraldine Guyot-Arnault is the creative force behind Parisian fashion brand Destree, which she co-founded in 2016 with former Christian Dior executive Laetitia Lumbroso. The brand is named after Gabrielle d'Estrées, the legendarily elegant mistress and confidante of 16th century French king Henry IV. Its ready-to-wear and accessories fall on the more expressive side of Parisian chic, with rich colors, strong shapes and references to contemporary art. Beyoncé, Rihanna, Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba are fans and also part of Destree’s all-women crew of investors. The brand will open its first New York City boutique this September on Madison Avenue.
Geraldine has been traveling to the Luberon region of Provence since she was a child. “It's my sanctuary,” she says. “The serene landscape, with its cypress trees, the fragrant lavender and rosemary, and the evening songs of cicadas, create an idyllic atmosphere.”
Her vacation uniform is decidedly relaxed; typically an elegant one-piece bathing suit with a stand-out pareo and unique accessories. The combination is perfect for days spent on leisurely lunches and browsing the markets of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Here, Geraldine’s Provençal essentials:
1. Gunther Passementerie Handbag “The new light blue color is perfect for summer evenings.”
2. Edith Mézard “At this shop in the village of Goult, you can find lovely handcrafted linens and personalize them with embroidery.”
3. Printed Pareo “A versatile pareo is an essential summer staple, great for beach days or as a light wrap.”
4. La Bastide de Gordes hotel “The view from here can’t be beat.”
5. Sonia Lilium Earrings “These can elevate even the simplest outfits.”
6. Pierced Slingback “These effortlessly blend practicality with elegance, making them ideal for both day and night.”
SUMMER ENTERTAINING WITH CARLOS MOTA
The world of Carlos Mota is a beautiful place. Through his books and Instagram feed, the decorator, stylist and writer documents his love of color and pattern, epic gardens and exquisite design in everything from interiors to jewelry. Carlos is also known for being an excellent host, throwing parties with creativity and verve. Naturally, we asked him for a few tips.
I find summer entertaining inspiration… everywhere. I always find great ideas at local food markets and greenhouses. I love decorating tables with plants and vegetables that you can eat or plant afterwards.
The four things you need for a fabulous party… great lighting, a sense of humor, delicious simple food and lots of ice.
When creating a tablescape… I start with color. I love color-coordinated tables and colorblocking. I even love the food to match. For example, if I serve chicken curry, I’ll have sienna, yellow and orange decor, plates, napkins, flowers — plus yellow cherry tomatoes, yellow pepper, mango mousse.
The ideal menu… has simple food. A cold soup like gazpacho or pea and mint soup; a wonderful sea bass covered in salt; chicken curry or tarragon chicken; divine small grilled vegetables. Fried chicken with corn and avocado salad, arugula salad and beets etc.
The most overlooked element of a successful party… a fully stocked bar. This is so important.
Currently on my party playlist… lots of Sade, always disco, Juan Luis Guerra, merengue, bachata, salsa and old house music.
The best host or hostess gifts to give and get… I love to give napkins from my own label, or my own books: Beige is not a Color or G: Forever Green. I love to get invited again. That's the best gift to get.
G: Forever Green by Carlos Mota (Vendome Press)
My rules for social media party etiquette… One, always ask your host if it’s okay to take photos in general. Two, ask if you can post them. Three, tagging is tricky so I barely do it. It’s better to keep people guessing; as they say: “If you know, you know.”
THREE FUN THINGS
As we enter the dog days of summer, a predicament we call “wardrobe wilt” can set in. It’s that feeling when your current rotation feels a bit too seen, a bit too worn. The antidote: one fun item that puts the fizz back into the drink. Here, three ideas.
1. THE MARSHMALLOW SATCHEL
We love this Marshmallow satchel for its icy cool hit of color and chic elongated east-west shape. It may also be be the ultimate transition bag, with a balance of structure and softness that easily spans the summer-to-fall divide.
2. THE MISMATCHED ABALONE EARRINGS
At 3 inches long, these angular mismatched earrings made with iridescent abalone shell are the perfect thing to liven up that slip dress or any other barely-there ensemble. Despite their size, they’re extremely lightweight; it’s one of Tory’s non-negotiables for all of our earrings.
3. THE WIDE BRIM HAT
With a wide front brim, even wider back brim and almost fussy printed silk ties, this straw hat makes sun protection your entire fashion personality. We say, lean into it and don’t look back, whether you’re a coastal grandma, a coastal aunt or simply running errands in the city.
Loved this!