Cartier & America Exhibition in San Francsico

Okay, if you're a Northern Californian you've gotta go to the Legion of Honor to this exclusive one-time exhibition of Cartier creations for Americans.

Particularly the spectacular standout 3 pieces that were part of The Duchess of Windsor's collection: the Flamingo pin, the cabochon Sapphire Panther (my favorite of all of her jewelry pieces) and the bib thing-ie (above). These three pieces were part of the most famous and triumphant jewelry auction in history which was held in Geneva by Sotheby's in 1987. The sapphire diamond clip sold for $1,026,667. The ruby, sapphire, emerald, citrine and diamond Flamingo clip sold for $806,667 and the bib necklace sold for $605,000. That historic sale went on to raise a total of $50million. The Duchess of Windsor left her entire estate, valued at approximately $90million, to the Pasteur Institute in the second largest bequest in the Institute's history. All of which has been used to fund the Pasteur's research overthe last two decades which has included AIDS and other of our most pervasive diseases of our modern times.
The above is the famed Tutti-Frutti piece designed for Mrs. Daisy Fellowes. Other exciting pieces: Princess Grace's necklace and engagement ring on loan by Prince Albert II of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor's Cartier ruby and diamond necklace, and Marjorie Merriweather's Indian carved emerald brooch with one emerald dating from the Mughal era. GO see this exhibit.

The exhibition runs through May 9 (it was extended) so hurry. For more information, visit: cartier and america

I am President of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor Historical Society, Inc. If you're curious about the Windsors please check out the Society's website at www.ddows.org

All photos above are courtesy of the San Francisco Fine Art Museum, except the black & white photos of the Windsors and the Duchess of Windsor Jewelry auction catalogue. These are from the personal collection of Mark Gaulding.

Fleur Cowles--the creator of such beauty, dies at 101 in London

Fleur Cowles, creator of the exquisite Flair magazine in the early 50's, died June 8, 2009. Flair magazine existed for only 13 issues and was the most expensive magazine ever produced, at the time.

Flair Magazine was the passion of Fleur Cowles, wife of Gardner Cowles Jr, an heir to the Cowles Media Company, Cowles Media published also published Look Magazine. The design elements of Flair Magazine to this day are innovative and extraordinary and vintage back issues of the magazine and the book FLAIR Annual 1953 are very collectible.



The various design elements that make the book Flair Annual 1953 so interesting to study are the same design elements that were used for each of the Flair magazines.

Cowles herself said: "I want Flair magazine to be considered my obit. And that's what I want to be remembered by forever. Nevermind any other thing I may have done. It's Flair that really reflects me."

In addition to Flair, Cowles was the author of several books, including her memoirs She Made Friends and Kept Them. She was an artist who also published several books featuring her artwork.

Married four times (way to go girl!), she was given away by her good friend Cary Grant at all four weddings. She was said to be bff with Britain's The Queen Mother (I didn't think "Cookie" was capable of friendship).





The first issue of Flair was February 1952 and featured the Duchess of Windsor. In addition to the 13 issues Cowles published a book format titled Flair Annual 1953.



To order copies of Cowles' books and Flair Magazine, visit my online bookstore, www.jmvintage.com.