PICTURE: #12 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW: JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 12^th OUTFIT

 
What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
The ball gown revolves around a dress designed and customized by Victor de Souza. What makes this regal but modern dress so special is its combination of color, fabric and workmanship. The color of the gown is an extraordinary cobalt blue—similar to lapis lazuli. The main fabric of the dress is a beautiful silk French lace, and the train of the gown is a wonderful origami draping of cobalt blue silk-satin. The dress is a stand out on its own but I accessorized it with a contrasting red Oscar de la Renta clutch. Jewelry and hair had to be simple. The bracelet worn is a diamond and sapphire bangle by Van Cleef and Arpels and the drop earrings are sapphire and diamond with French marks.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The dress is unique in color and design. It required very simple but elegant accessories. I imagined that I was preparing to attend a very
grand ball in a French court hundreds of years ago.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The outfit was planned ahead. A woman preparing to attend a French ball hundreds of years ago would have certainly planned ahead.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I rate the outfit a 9. It is unique and unforgettable.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
Color, fit and integrity played a major role. These 3 elements are key to fine style.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
It was worn about three weeks ago to the Lenox Neighborhood House Gala in New York. I plan to wear it once this month to a charity gala. Then I will wait at least 6 months or so.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
Victor de Souza and I worked on the dress together for quite some time. Victor would not deliver it to me until it was perfect. We had a great time together. My husband was involved too; he loved the experience as well.

PICTURE: #11 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 11^th OUTFIT

 
What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
Blue and grey silk grosgrain leopard dress is by Camilla & Marc.
Grey and black fox wrap.Gucci.
Cranberry alligator bag, Giorgio’s of Palm Beach.
Hoop diamond/platinum earrings, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd.
Faux-diamond stretch bracelet was a party favor from a charity ball.
Cranberry suede shoes, Christian Louboutin.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The dress is flirty and playful. To dress it up, I added the fur wrap, which I think, gives the outfit an old-Hollywood look. The cranberry accessories add a touch of color and still keep the outfit very classic. The diamond earrings and the faux–diamond bracelet both add glamour.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The outfit has been worn many times before. However, the accessories have been changed.

In a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I would give this outfit an 8. With faux-fur wrap it would be a 9.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
I normally don’t wear grey but because of the mixture of so many shades of grey and the addition of t black and blue, the dress works for me. The various textures of the outfit—fur, silk grosgrain, alligator and suede—add to the outfit’s appeal.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I love this outfit and will repeat it again in Fall and Winter seasons.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
The outfit truly reminds me of old-Hollywood glamour. The outfit is dramatic and luxurious yet still conservative. I have worn this to a number of charity events and have always felt that it was appropriate.

PICTURE: #9 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 9^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
This outfit was composed around a backless Carolina Herrera sequin palette halter silk gown. My accessories consisted of a plastic, spiked silver cuff that was given out as a party-favor at a charity ball. The chandelier earrings are from Van Cleef and Arpels. The shoes are silver- grey Oscar de la Renta sandals.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The dress reminds me of the Chrysler Building in New York City. I wonder if this fabulous Art Deco landmark was the inspiration for the design of this magnificent Carolina Herrera gown.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The outfit has been worn before, and hence, planned ahead of time.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I rate this composition a 10.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
The dress takes on the shape of the wearer. Its intricate fabric, glamour, and historic New York elements make it especially unique.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I will wear this outfit next winter. I don’t mind that I have already worn it a number of times . I love all aspects of it.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
This was first worn when I co-chaired the Morris Animal Foundation Gala in December 2011. I love my pets. I will always relate this dress to the gala and my love of animals.

PICTURE: #9 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 9^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
This Lisa Perry color-blocked dress is paired with a black alligator Hermes Kelly bag and orange plastic drop hoop earrings by Jennifer Miller. I completed this outfit with a pair of black leather Christian Louboutin pumps.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The outfit is very classic 1960’s. It certainly could have been worn then.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The outfit was composed ahead of time and worn with different accessories. For this dress, the Hermes bag and black shoes were added for color and texture.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I love the dress and would rate the outfit an overall 8.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
There are many varied colors and textures involved: the black alligator bag, the black leather shoes, the brightly colored stretch jersey dress and the bright orange plastic earrings. Color and texture play a major role. The a-line shaped dress is a perfect fit.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?

The outfit is very retro and, hence, so much fun to wear. The dress colors are lively and bright. The earrings are very playful. I will wear it again when the occasion is appropriate.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
The first time I wore this outfit was to the Couture Council’s Annual Luncheon in September 2009. I have subsequently become a board member of the Couture Council of f F.I.T. This dress reminds me of my wonderful beginnings with the very special Couture Council.

PS:
editor’s comment
Not quite a cat on a hot tin roof, say, but Jean’s perch is considerably high—4ft or about. I was rather impressed by the grace and ease by which she managed to—unassisted—lift herself up there in one quick movement, on such a high window ledge. Ah! beneath all that grace, beauty and chic, is one particularly fit woman. To be sure, her BS degree in Physical Therapy from Colombia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, coupled with her exercise regime is not for naught, no? And to top it off, the very way she sat—one knee perfectly folded—suggests a suppleness and flexibility of joints and limbs.

PICTURE: #8 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 8^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
This stunning ribbon silk-faille gown is by Oscar de la Renta. I decided to pair it with antique-silver Manolo Blahnik sandals and a swan- shaped beaded Judith Leiber minaudiere. A green paper fan purchased at Exhale Spa was added for amusement. Jewelry added; Van Cleef and Arpels diamond drop earrings and a Buccellati diamond watch.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
I love the dress and wore it when I chaired the 2011 Southampton Hospital Gala. Naturally, I have very many fond memories related to this dress. The fan and bag add a summer influence. The upswept hair-do bares the shoulders and works well with the earrings.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
I have worn the dress before but with other accessories. For this second wearing I pretended to be Madame Pierre Gautreau, otherwise known as Madame X, the famous subject of John Singer Sargent’s paintings. The painting is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I love this outfit and rate it a 10.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
The ribbons on the silk faille fabric and the sculpted shape of dress create an old- world romantic mood. The white and soft green colors add to the grace and beauty of the outfit.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
An often as possible.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
I have wonderful memories associated with the dress. It will always remind me of my very positive experience working as a volunteer with Southampton Hospital to chair their galas in 2011 and 2010. Health care for all is critically important. It was a great honor to chair this gala two years in a row.

PICTURE: #7 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 7^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
This outfit was thrown together. I paired a tailored 15 year-old Givenchy red wool double-breasted jacket with Citizens of Humanity Garbo wide-leg dark jeans. The skinned faux-gem studded bag is by Judith Leiber. The leopard print and black patent leather pumps are chained at the heel. Shoes are by Christian Louboutin.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The outfit was thrown together—as if I late for an appointment to meet friends at a nearby cafe.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
This outfit was composed spontaneously: I mixed casual and classic.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
For casual-wear I would give this a 7. Jeans are a great staple in every wardrobe.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
Red is one of my favorite colors. The double-breasted jacket is finely cut and well made. l love its style. The jeans are a dark wash and although very wide, they are a perfect fit. The chain and leopard print shoes add a little interest to this otherwise classic outfit.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I don’t typically wear jackets and jeans together, so perhaps I would not wear these pieces again. I might be more apt to wear the jacket with a playful skirt and the jeans with a tailored shirt or tee shirt.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
I purchased the red jacket and matching skirt at a Givenchy boutique in Paris years ago. When I wear either piece, I am reminded of Paris: the city for romance.

PICTURE: #6 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 6^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
The outfit is very simple. It consists of an intricately beaded and sequined sleeveless Nanette Lepore mini-dress, black satin Christian Louboutin platform pumps and a Judith Leiber beaded black clutch.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
Quite simply, I thought of how I might dress if I were hosting a late night intimate dinner at home.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
This was spontaneously thrown together. I imagined that a few unexpected guests were at my door.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
In view of the hurried circumstances, I would rate it 7. I would rate the beadwork on the dress a 9.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
The beading on the dress is extraordinarily complicated—a work of art. Several colors are combined to create an exotic Eastern look; antique gold, bright turquoise, deep red, black and a number of other colors. The colors and the varied texture of the beaded fabric combine to create a subdued canvas. The dress is very textural and, for the occasion, perfect. The fit of a garment always plays a major role in what I wear. The dress is quite short and best for wearing at home. The subtlety of the accessories allows the dress to standout.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
As often as occasion allows.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
The dress is one to dream in and all good dreams bring us to higher places. I respect the workmanship and give honor to those who created the extraordinary beading on the dress.

PICTURE: #5 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 5^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
The outfit begins with an emerald green Oscar de la Renta silk faille bubble dress. I decided to accessorize it with a beautiful watercolor patterned silk and cashmere scarf that I purchased at the Shanghai airport. The predominant colors of the scarf are beautiful shades of green and purple. I then added elbow-length Giorgio Sermoneta purple leather glove s purchased in Rome a few years ago. Earrings are by
Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Ltd. I paired this outfit with a matching purple satin Valentino clutch with faux emerald and diamond adornments and p urple suede Christian Louboutin pumps. The beige Vespa was on-loan from a nearby passerby to complete the look.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
I left my apartment with the scarf around my head and imagined that I was running late for an early evening cocktail party. I imagined that I could not find a taxi. In a state of  desperation I hopped on a beautiful beige Vespa parked nearby and pretended to drive-off.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
Everything but the Vespa was planned ahead of time. It all came together once the Vespa was spotted.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I would rate the outfit an 8 without the Vespa . With the Vespa included, I rate it a 9.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
Color plays a major role. Purple and emerald-green are a beautiful combination. The dress has a wonderful retro-inspired bubble shape and is perfect for travel on a Vespa.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I would probably change the accessories slightly and then repeat it a few more times this Spring and Summer. I often repeat outfits.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
I loved the playful aspects of this outfit combined with the gorgeous color. Fantasy plays a great role in this outfit.

PICTURE: #4 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 4^th OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
The outfit revolves around a silk multi-colored “gumdrop” dress designed by Fabiola Arias . The shoes are platform peep-toe brushed gold designed by Domenico Vacca. This jewel of a minaudiere was designed by Clara Kasavina and is constructed from faux-antique gold and faux-gems. It is designed with a beautiful flower motif. The charm bracelet was purchased at an antique fair in West Palm Beach. The earrings were purchased at Bergdorf Goodman in the 1980’s and are made of hammered faux-gold with faux aquamarine and faux peridot jewels.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
The New York designer Fabiola Arias had wanted to experiment with color. I trusted her judgment and believed in her concept. She decided to use multi-colored candy colored silk pieces to compose the dress. I was thrilled with the finished outcome. Accessories were chosen to compliment the playfulness and color tones on the dress.

Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The accessories were planned ahead of time and the dress was designed in collaboration with Fabiola Arias. Fabiola wanted to create a dress with unique colors. I liked her concept and decided to work with her.

On a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I rate the outfit a 9 because of its uniqueness of color and because of its youthful spirit.

What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this particular outfit?
I love the mix of yellow, turquoise and bright pink. The colors create a fresh feel. The vibrant colors and rounded dots of silk remind me of gumdrops. The construction and fit are young and playful.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I have never worn the dress and I’m looking forward to wearing it very soon. I will most likely wear it to a charity ball in May.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
The dress is a creation of a young, 25-year old Cuban American designer who I have worked with on a number of dresses. It is a great pleasure to collaborate with Fabiola and to give a young designer, as talented as she, a budget for creative design.

PICTURE: #3 IN TWELVE ACTS

SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW:
JEAN SHAFIROFF TALKS ABOUT HER 3^rd OUTFIT

What items did you use to compose this particular outfit?
The outfit is architectural. The dress is a form-fitting black
stretch-satin Michael Kors knee-length creation. I combined it with a luxurious black Valentino silk ruffled bolero. The earrings are Prada faux jewelry and the necklace is rhinestone with silk bows designed by Betsey Johnson. To complete the outfit, I wore black and deep grey metallic satin open-toed Oscar de la Renta jeweled pumps.

How did you arrive at the decision to compose such an outfit?
I have worn this dress and bolero with other accessories and wanted to give it a playful updated style. The faux jewelry added sparkle and wit.
Did you compose this outfit spontaneously or was it planned ahead of time?
The dress and jacket have been worn a number of times before, but the accessories were planned.
In a scale of 10, how pleased are you with this composition/outfit?
I would rate this an 8.
What roles do color, the fit, and integrity of fabric play in this
particular outfit?
The color is monochromatic; this outfit is more about architectural
shape and texture.

How soon would you repeat/wear this same outfit again?
I would change it slightly and repeat it again.

There is perhaps a spiritual, emotional, intellectual or psychological aspect to the what/how we dress. What is your personal experience in relation to this outfit?
This is one of the few black outfits that I wear. I enjoy its drama
and classic glamour. I feel joyful in it!

PS.
editor’s comment:

Albeit, a marvelous dress few notches above the knees with multi-directional darts for drama and movement, the top, however, held a particular sway.  Thus, I instead went closer to Jean—with my lens—in order to better harvest the hypnotizing riot of the imbricated satin—petal-like, circling about her top in an arch.

Most of us habitually wear black to a yawning degree. Jean’s noir number, pictured here—an exalted classic little black dress—is a beacon of hope for a city suffering from a fatigue of black uniform.

If one must wear black, at least give us something to work with, work something above average, something for the eyes to feast on and savor.