DON'T MISS A THING

Appease your desire for iconic designs with Love Happens’ 5th edition picks. These four exquisite works of art and design radiate timeless allure. Crafted to entice, they will enlighten your love for all things beautiful and luxurious. Enjoy!

OBJECT of DESIRE

BAGUETTE BY FENDI

Handbag designs don’t get much more iconic than the classic 1997 Baguette by Fendi. Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City once said, “It’s not a bag. It’s a Baguette.”—and viewers of the hit HBO series, along with high fashion lovers around the world, have been agreeing ever since.

The Baguette is known for being ‘the ultimate IT bag’. Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the purse was named for its ‘under the arm’ design, which imitates a baguette of bread when being carried as such. Silvia was determined to design the Baguette the way she deemed fit, even if it went against the dominating minimalistic Italian trend.

The Baguette continues to be the ultimate and empowering accessory through its abundant transformations over the years. Today, the iconic design comes in over 1,000 different colors, patterns, and materials thanks to collaborations by famous designers and celebrities who have put their own twists on the base style.

CLASSIC

AFGHAN GIRL BY STEVE MCCURRY

If there ever was a more iconic image than Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, then it just might be ‘the First World’s Third World Mona Lisa’—Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl. While in Afghanistan in 1984 McCurry captured a photo that would spark international compassion in a war-driven world.

In the photographer’s words, it all began when the “intense, haunted look, [and] penetrating gaze” of a young woman caught his eye upon entering a small girls’ school in Nasir Bagh. Initially, she appeared shy, yet curious. But eventually, she allowed him to photograph what would become the June 1985 cover of National Geographic and arguably the most iconic image of the century.

Unable to share her name due to Afghan customs, she became the Afghan Girl. That is until 2002 when McCurry, after numerous attempts dating back to the 90s, found her again. As he walked to her community, he instantly recognized her iconic green eyes. Finally, we learned her name: Sharbat Gula. And Sharbat discovered her iconic portrait.

DESIGN STATEMENT

GODDESS MIRROR BY KOKET

Hands, arguably the most telling and delicate part of the human body, encompass the beauty that is the Goddess Mirror created by luxury decor brand KOKET. Renowned for their empowering statement designs and iconic finishes, KOKET’s Goddess makes an instant design statement.

The Hindu Goddess Durga and her ten weapon-wielding arms inspired the alluring mirror design’s radial of 200 brass hands, each meticulously handmade in Portugal. Janet Morais, KOKET’s CEO & founder, reflects on the piece, “The moment I saw [Durga] at the Musée Guimet in Paris I knew she would be a mirror and a symbol of women around the world celebrating all of their diversity.”

A powerful goddess culturally known as a protective mother, Durga promises to aid her devotees against all of the troubles in the world if only they have the bravery to stand up and face them. And so, the Goddess Mirror by KOKET radiates strength and power towards anyone who encounters its one-of-a-kind beauty and brilliance.

If Walls Could Talk

CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES

If the walls of Versailles could talk, they would sound like riveting hums comprising all the whispers from its eventful past. The story of Versailles begins in 1623 when Louis XIII built what was then a hunting lodge. Over the next 100 years, the château would evolve to become one of the finest achievements of 17th-century French art.

Intricate contributions include the famous Hall of Mirrors. A magical space deriving its beauty from the allegorical details representing France’s political, economic, and artistic success. Moreover, if one gazes through the Hall’s central window, one finds another iconic element: the Gardens of Versailles. It took thousands of men to bring to life André Le Nôtre’s elaborate geometric design. And in order to preserve its iconic style, every 100 years the garden is replanted.

Today, Versailles is also home to the luxury hotel Le Grand Contrôle. Originally built by French icon Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1681, the location offers guests the royal experience of the iconic Palace of Versailles.

Words by Caitlin Battle
Article Originally Appeared in Love Happens Volume 5
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