#maison emerald

[denim-bias]

[pucksandpower]

Meet Me at the Met

Lewis Hamilton x up-and-coming singer!Reader

Summary: in which you go head over heels (quite literally) during the most important event of the year and end up right at the feet of none other than Sir Lewis Hamilton himself

Warnings: minor injury

The roar of the crowd hits you like a tidal wave as you step onto the iconic themed carpet of the Met Gala. Flashing bulbs from countless cameras nearly blind you as you blink rapidly, trying to adjust. Your heart is pounding so hard you can feel it thrumming in your throat.

“Over here, honey!” A photographer calls out, gesturing for you to turn towards him. You pivot gracefully, the layers of shimmering tulle from your Maison Margiela gown swirling around you.

“Work it! Look this way, sweetheart!” Another shouts, snapping shot after shot.

You take a steadying breath, channeling every ounce of confidence you can muster. This is your first Met Gala, the biggest night of your fledgling music career so far. One misstep could be disastrous.

Your publicist Samantha appears at your side, perfectly put together as always in a sleek sheath dress. “You’re doing great,” she murmurs with an encouraging smile. “Just keep smiling and be yourself.”

Nodding, you continue gliding down the iconic path, pausing at the designated spots to pose for the ravenous paparazzi. An elegant string of Bulgari emeralds adorns your neck, glittering mesmerizingly under the bright lights.

“Miss! To your left please!”

You turn obediently, the intricate beadwork on your deep blue-green gown catching the flashes. Despite the oppressive late spring humidity, you refuse to let a single drop of sweat show. This night is too important.

After what feels like an eternity, a security guard appears to usher you up the final flight of stairs and into the main event. With a brilliant smile plastered on your face, you make your way carefully up the steps, lifting the delicate train of your dress to keep from tripping.

Suddenly, one sparkly heel catches on the fabric and you’re thrown off balance. Unable to catch yourself, you tumble head over heels back down the stairs, gasping in shock and pain as you land hard on the ground.

There’s a collective intake of breath from the crowd as you blink up at the bright lights, thoroughly stunned. Your vision is blurred and there’s a sharp throbbing in your head. When you try to push yourself up, bolts of agony shoot through your right wrist.

“Oh my god, are you alright?” A deep, accented voice sounds from beside you.

You turn your head and your breath catches in your throat. Crouched beside you in an exquisitely tailored double breasted suit and wool coat is arguably the most handsome man on the planet. His beautiful coffee-colored eyes are filled with concern as he reaches out to gently brush a loose strand of hair from your face.

“I … I think so,” you manage to stammer out, though your pounding head begs to differ. “Just clumsy, I guess.”

Despite the sheepish grin you attempt, a wince of pain crosses your features as you shift positions. Lewis’ brow furrows and he places one large hand on your bare shoulder to keep you still.

“Easy there, love. Don’t try to move just yet,” he soothes in that rich baritone that has melted millions of hearts. “You took quite a nasty fall.”

You nod mutely, unable to tear your widened eyes away from his handsome face. This couldn’t be happening … could it? Did you really just faceplant in front of the entire world and, perhaps more importantly, your celebrity crush?

“S-Sorry,” you whisper, utterly mortified. “I��m usually much more graceful than this, I swear.”

Lewis chuckles warmly and you feel your cheeks flush. “No need to apologize, darling. These things happen to the best of us.”

Nearby, Samantha is frantically trying to wave over security and a medic, her expression pinched with worry. You groan quietly as another stab of pain lances through your skull. Definitely a concussion, if your swimming vision is any indication.

“Let’s get you looked at, yeah?” Lewis murmurs, rising fluidly to his feet.

Before you can protest, he slips one arm behind your back and the other under your knees, cradling you gently against his firm chest. You suck in a shocked breath at the sudden movement, instinctively reaching up to grab onto his shoulders for stability. His Burberry suit is buttery soft under your fingers.

“Whoa … y-you really don’t have to carry me,” you stammer out as he easily lifts your frame.

Those rich brown eyes meet yours with an amused glint. “I insist. Can’t have one of the brightest new voices in music getting any more hurt, can we?”

You bite your lip shyly, unable to hold back a small smile of wonderment. Is this really happening right now?

“I’ll be fine, honestly,” you try again as Lewis maneuvers around the gathered crowd, heading for a discreet exit with Samantha close behind. “Just a little banged up.”

“Your wrist is already swelling, love,” he points out with a frown. “Best to get it checked properly, yes?”

“I … yeah, okay,” you acquiesce quietly, not having the energy or brainpower to argue with him further.

The two of you disappear through a door and down a mercifully empty hallway, leaving the stunned crowd and flashing cameras behind. Samantha is rapidly conversing with security to locate the nearest medic station.

“Thank you,” you murmur, letting your head rest wearily against Lewis’ shoulder. Up close, he smells incredible — like crisp bergamot and just a hint of expensive cologne. “For helping me, I mean. I’m sure you had better things to do tonight than playing knight in shining armor.”

Lewis smiles down at you, eyes crinkling in a way that makes your heart flutter unexpectedly. “What a coincidence, I just so happen to be a knight.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, suddenly feeling shy under his warm gaze. “Lucky for me then, I suppose.”

“Indeed,” he agrees with a wink. “Though I can’t take all the credit. That dress is clearly too stunning for us mere mortals to handle.”

A watery giggle slips past your lips before you can stop it. Even slightly concussed and in quite a bit of pain, you can’t deny that foreign flutters are dancing in your stomach just from being in Lewis’ presence. He’s even more charming in person than you ever could have dreamed.

“You’re too kind, Sir Hamilton,” you tease lightly. “But I’ll be sure to leave the couture gowns at home next time.”

Lewis opens his mouth to respond but is interrupted by Samantha hurrying over with a young medic in tow, his kit already open. The worried expression on her face deepens when she sees your obviously injured wrist cradled against your chest.

“Thank god you have her,” she exhales in relief, nodding towards Lewis. “What do we know so far?”

“Took a pretty hard fall down those stairs,” Lewis explains calmly as the medic kneels down to begin his assessment. “She was unconscious for a moment and seems to have injured her wrist as well.”

You wince as the medic gently prods along your forearm. “Definitely a sprain at the very least,” he confirms. “And with the way her pupils are reacting ...”

He shines a small light into both your eyes, brow furrowed in concentration. “I’d say mild concussion too. We should get her to the infirmary for further evaluation, just in case.”

Hearing his words, a small wave of panic crashes over you. Missing any part of tonight because of this would be devastating. You force yourself to sit up straighter, ignoring the way the room spins sickeningly.

“No, no I’ll be fi-”

“You’re not going anywhere but to get checked out properly,” Lewis cuts you off firmly, placing a staying hand on your shoulder. His expression brooks no argument. “Head injuries are nothing to mess around with, love.”

You open your mouth to protest again, but Samantha quickly interjects. “He’s absolutely right. We’re not taking any chances with your health.”

As much as you hate to admit it, they do have a point. If your condition really is as serious as the medic suggests, it could be dangerous to simply brush it off. You let out a resigned sigh, wilting back against Lewis’ sturdy chest.

“I suppose you’re ri-”

Before you can finish your sentence, a sudden dizzy spell washes over you. Bile rises in your throat as the room tilts crazily. Your voice trails off into an anguished groan as you squeeze your eyes shut, fighting off waves of nausea.

“Alright, that’s it. We’re getting you looked at immediately,” Lewis declares. He shifts you effortlessly in his arms and strides down the hallway, the medic and Samantha hurrying to keep up.

The rest of the journey to the infirmary is a blur. You’re vaguely aware of being transferred to a gurney and giving the doctor on staff your information. Lewis’ worried face keeps appearing in your line of vision, his voice a soothing balm against the incessant pounding in your skull.

Finally, the doctor confirms that while your concussion isn’t serious, you definitely need to be monitored overnight. A brace is fitted around your sprained wrist and you’re given strict instructions on managing the symptoms over the next few days. Throughout it all, Lewis remains stubbornly by your side, declining offer after offer to return to the main event.

Thoroughly drugged and exhausted by this point, you can barely keep your eyes open as a wheelchair is brought over to transport you out to the car waiting area. Lewis helps you into it carefully, crouching down in front of you with a tender expression.

“I’m so sorry,” you mumble miserably, gesturing vaguely to your bandaged wrist and slightly dazed state. “I’ve completely ruined your whole night … your entrance, your photo ops … everything.”

He lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head adamantly. “Don’t be ridiculous, love. I’d take meeting someone as wonderful as you over all of that any day.”

You blink up at him in surprise, an embarrassed blush staining your cheeks. Did he really just say that? Lewis Hamilton, world famous athlete and heartthrob, thinks you’re wonderful?

“Still,” you protest weakly. “This is supposed to be your night to shine. And now you’re stuck playing nurse for a clumsy fool.”

Lewis arches an eyebrow sternly. “I think you’ve bumped your head around a bit too much, darling. That’s no way to speak about yourself.”

He reaches out to tuck an errant strand of hair behind your ear, his calloused fingertips grazing your flushed cheek with unexpected tenderness. Your breath catches in your throat at the gentle gesture.

“Missing out on some silly party is more than worth it to me if I got to meet someone as lovely as you,” Lewis continues honestly. His eyes are filled with sincerity. “The only thing I’m upset about is that you were the one who got hurt.”

You’re rendered speechless for a long moment, completely disarmed by his words. Never in a million years could you have imagined this kind of scenario playing out tonight. Is this all really happening?

Finally, you manage a weak smile, blushing furiously under his warm regard. “You’re too kind, Sir Hamilton.”

“Please, call me Lewis,” he insists with a wink. “And let me know where you’re staying, yeah? I’ll come by tomorrow to check on how you’re doing myself.”

Your eyes widen in surprise and you quickly scramble to recall the name of your hotel. “U-Um, the Lotte New York Palace,” you stammer out shyly. “But you really don’t have to do that ...”

Lewis waves off your protest easily, rising to his feet with a soothing grin. “Nonsense, it’s no trouble at all. I’ll be by with some breakfast to make sure my favorite new artist is being properly taken care of.”

With a final wink and dazzling smile, he steps aside to allow an assistant to wheel you towards the exit. Your head is still swimming, though you can’t blame it entirely on the concussion this time.

Did Lewis Hamilton, actual living legend, really just say he was coming to check on you tomorrow?

You allow yourself a tiny, bewildered smile as the night breeze washes over your heated cheeks. Somehow, despite all the mishaps, this crazy night had turned into something straight out of the kind of romantic comedy you secretly loved.

Perhaps falling on your face in front of the entire world wasn’t so disastrous after all.

[aworldofpattern]

Zendaya at the Met Gala 2024, wearing custom Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano, and hat by Stephen Jones.

The fruit, flowers, insects and birds on the gown fit the dress code of the night, 'The Garden of Time', inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story (explained here by the BBC).

The gown also references John Galliano’s Spring 1999 couture collection for Dior, in particular the gown below, decorated with grapes.

Maison Margiela said:

'A sage lamé bias-cut ‘siren dress’ overlaid with iridescent electric blue organza with ‘retrograding’ in undulating bands of hand-painted metallic crin, swathed in an aluminium material and iridescent organza drape and bow, with a corsage hand-embroidered in a bacchanal of hand-painted impasto in the grammar of the electric blues and emerald greens of scarab amulets, with formations of birds, flowers, vines, grapes and nuts, worn over a boudoir-coloured duchess satin corset. A silver metal-wire ‘reverse swatching’ hat and a black hand-painted voile crafted in the memory of plume and enveloped in matching coloured stockings by Stephen Jones for Maison Margiela, and Eau de Nil velour and faux lizard Tabi interlaced ankle-strap pumps by Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela.

Created for Zendaya by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, the haute couture silhouette was inspired by the 1930s mythological works of the photographer Madame Yevonde and imbued with the memory of the orgiastic sceneries of the bacchanals of Ancient Greece. In a dance between painterly cutting and draping techniques – unique to each layer of the construction – and the superposition of fabric textures such as tin foil with transparent iridescent organza overlay, the composition conjures the staccato brushstrokes of Giovanni Boldini. The bias-cut ‘siren dress’ is a key expression in the creative practice of John Galliano, which first appeared at Maison Margiela in the Spring-Summer 2020 Artisanal Collection. Infused with a certain ‘snobisme’, the look is given the epithet of ‘86 and Lexington’, a nod to the subway station near The Met.

The dress was crafted with ‘retrograding’, a technique through which variations of thread-work, appliqué or encrustation degrade from the bottom to the top of a garment like the linear base drawing of a painting that hasn’t yet been finished. The ‘reverse swatching’ technique employed in the hat exchanges the fabrics traditionally used for certain parts of dressmaking with materials of a contrasting value.' X

[voguefashion]

Zendaya in Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano creation, based on a 1999 Dior dress. The one-shouldered gown featured a long trumpet skirt covered in royal-blue and emerald-green diagonal stripes, as well as fruitlike embellishments adorning one side of the waist. She upped the ante with a net mesh and tulle-feathered fascinator, at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala Exhibition of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” in New York on May 6, 2024.

[the-jewel-catalogue]

The fabulous history of Cartier and the Royal Family

‘Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers,’ was how King Edward VII described the House of Cartier, half a century after Louis-Francois Cartier established what would become the jeweller of choice for British royalty.

Founded at 29 rue Montorgueil in Paris, the company was taken over by his son, Alfred, in 1874. But, it wasn’t until Alfred’s three sons – Louis, Pierre and Jacques – took the helm that Cartier would go on to supply high society with the finest of jewels.

The French Maison’s relationship with the Royal Family began in 1902 after Pierre Cartier opened a branch in London at the time of the coronation of King Edward VII. One of the firm’s earliest royal patrons, after ordering 27 tiaras from Cartier for the event, King Edward VII rewarded the company with a Royal Warrant, making Cartier an official purveyor of jewels to the crown.

There’s the glittering diamond Collier Résille, with detachable emerald and ruby pendants, commissioned by Queen Alexandra in 1904 and later inherited by Queen Mary in 1926. (ABOVE)

Edward’s brother, King George VI was also a great client of the firm, acquiring many pieces for his wife. As well as the numerous gifts, the Queen Mother also inherited several extraordinary Cartier jewels from Dame Margaret Helen Greville, the wife of the Honourable Ronald Henry Greville, 2nd Baron Greville, including two pairs of Art Deco diamond earrings. The Greville Chandelier earrings, composed of platinum and fancy-cut diamonds, were given to Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in 1947. The Greville Peardrop earrings, crafted by Cartier in 1938, are made of platinum and diamond, including two 20-carat pear-shaped diamonds, and were inherited by the Queen in 2002.

The most famous piece of Cartier in Queen Elizabeth II’s jewellery box, however, is undoubtedly the Halo tiara, purchased by King George VI as a gift for the Queen Mother in 1936. Gifted to the Queen as an 18th birthday present, over the years, the Queen has loaned the showpiece to Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and, most recently, the Duchess of Cambridge for her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

'The British royal family was so important to the success of the Cartiers,' adds Brickell, 'not just in England but internationally and the pieces Cartier made for them remain among some of the most exquisite, well-known jewels of all time.'

[nyc-looks]

Stine

“I’m wearing a pink vintage suit set jacket from Miss Karina thrifted from Humana Secondhand & Vintage in Berlin, an emerald dress from Leesle, floral socks from Bonne Maison, lemon yellow sneakers from Bensimon, an ultramarine sling from Fjällräven, a ring from Riice, glasses from Anne et Valentin, and an Apple Watch.”

Apr 22, 2023 ∙ East Village

[fallershipping]

These are "Battle Memory" ribbons. When you beat the Emerald battle tower 50/100 times, you earn a special ribbon. Same for Sinnoh's, and for all "Battle Towers" really. Hoenn's is called "Winning Ribbon" but Sinnoh's, the ones you get with Palmer, is called "Ability Ribbon" in reference to Anabel :')

But to get to the point, it would be such a secret line of dialogue, but it would have been so cool if Anabel reacted to any Pokemon in your party with the "Battle Memory" ribbon. Like it's almost impossible to figure it out on your own... But...

Edit: You don't get a ribbon for the Battle Subway?? That stinks-- You get a Ribbon for Hoenn's tower, Sinnoh's tower, Alola's tree, Galar's tower, and Kalos Maison. Where's the Subway ribbon???

[chic-a-gigot]

Cover details.

Le Petit écho de la mode, no. 38, vol. 20, 18 septembre 1898, Paris. 1. Chapeau Wanda. (Modèle de la Maison Lenthèric, 245, rue Saint-Honorè, Paris). Broche-tortue-prime à 5 fr. 95 franco. Ville de Paris / Bibliothèque Forney

Chapeau Wanda, en paille de soie, très relevé devant, doublé de dentelle légèrement froncée et garni d’un nœud de dentelle et d’un pouf de plumes.

Voici encore une charmante nouveauté qui fera le bonheur de toutes nos lectrices. Notre merveilleuse petite broche, dont le dessin ci-contre ne donne qu’une faible idée, sera très appréciée grâce à son modeste prix et à son exécution vraiment artistique.

Broche-tortue-prime à 5 fr. 95 franco par la poste. Carapace toute constellée de brillants magnifiques lançant les mêmes feux que le plus pur diamant, petites pattes dorées et yeux émeraudes.

—

Wanda hat, in silk straw, very high at the front, lined with slightly gathered lace and trimmed with a lace bow and a feather pouf.

Here is yet another charming novelty that will delight all our readers. Our wonderful little brooch, of which the drawing opposite gives only a faint idea, will be very appreciated thanks to its modest price and its truly artistic execution.

Turtle brooch-premium at 5 fr. 95 francs by post. Carapace all studded with magnificent brilliants throwing the same fires as the purest diamond, small golden legs and emerald eyes.

[jacqsprince]

Stuques backstory 🤭

(Idk if my writings bad or not so pls be nice lol)

It was just meant to be a simple outing to the Bowl-a-rama for Stu. All he wanted was to reference figures in motion for his artwork. But then he saw Jacques.

Stu noticed how well Jacques was at bowling, watching how his body moved as he tossed the bowling ball down the lane so skillfully.

As Stu put his pencil to his paper, he finds himself distracted by the handsome bowler. Stu zones out slightly, and the next thing he sees is Jacques standing in front of him.

“I couldn’t help but notice your eyes on me as I was bowling.”

“Oh… sorry… it’s not anything weird, I’m only here to reference figures in motion for my art studies.” Stu explains.

Jacques looks down at the paper, chuckling softly.

“Is that me?” Stu hears Jacques’s silky, deep masculine voice ask. Stu nodded, deeply embarrassed. He’d always been self conscious about his artwork.

“Oh, uh… yeah…”

“May I keep it?”

“Oh… of course…” Stu smiles, tearing the page from his sketchpad and giving it to Jacques.

“What is your name, darling?” Jacques asks, in his usual romantic, flirtatious manner.

“Stu. It’s short for Stuart. And you?”

“It is nice to meet you, Stuart. My name is Jacques.” He politely shakes Stu’s hand, and Stu hopes his blushing isn’t too obvious. Jacques chuckles as he notices this.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jacques.” Stu smiles softly, locking eyes with Jacques for a short moment. “I…” Stu begins, losing his train of thought as he looks up at Jacques, who has a handsome smirk on his face. “I should probably get going. I have work tonight.

Jacques nods. “I understand. Goodbye, Stu.”

•

A week had passed since their chance meeting. Stu had just finished a drag performance at the Maison Derrière and was sitting in his backstage dressing room with his close friend Shauna Tifton, who was known by the stage name of Princess Kashmir. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” Shauna says, and the door opens. Stu automatically recognizes the guest. He was tall, with emerald green eyes and perfectly styled brown hair. As he entered the room, Stu smelled the unmistakable scent of rose petals. Stu couldn’t quite put his finger on who this mysteriously familiar person was until he remembered the week before. The man was wearing a bowling shirt, having clearly just come from the bowling alley. It was Jacques.

“Oh hey Jacques!” Shauna said, hugging him before motioning over to Stu. “This is my friend, Stu. Stu, this is Jacques.”

Jacques smiles warmly, holding out his hand to shake Stu’s.

“We have already met. It is nice to see you again, Stu. You were magnifique tonight. You are quite the artist as well, hm?” Jacques says, with a slight chuckle.

Stu returns the smile. “You’re quite the athlete. I’ve seen you bowl, it’s incredible.”

Jacques chuckles at this. “Oh Stu.. you’re too kind. Your performance tonight was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You’re so talented in many ways. In fact, I want to give you this..”

Jacques pulls out a freshly cut rose, giving it to Stu. “This is for you, for an amazing performance.”

Stu smiles bashfully. “You’re so sweet. It means a lot to have you as a fan. Thank you.”

“Of course. I’ll leave you two alone now.” Jacques states, leaving the two performers alone.

“You know that guy?” Stu asks, intrigued.

“Of course I do!” says Shauna. “He’s like a brother to me.”

“What was that all about? The whole rose thing?”

Shauna chuckles at the rose sentiment. “You must have really made an impression on him, Stu. That rose was fresh, he must have cut it from the garden out front after your show.”

Stu can’t help but laugh at this. “You’re kidding, right?”

Shauna chuckles. “He must really be smitten for you. What do you think? Are you interested in him?”

Stu nods. “You know for a guy I just met, he actually seems like a total sweetheart. I guess I’ll wait and see how things play out though.”

•

Later that night, Shauna got a call from Jacques.

“What is it, Jacq?”

“I was just wondering if Stu is seeing anyone? I’m asking for a, uh, friend…” Jacques asks, a feeling of nervousness in his voice.

Shauna chuckles. “No, he’s not. Why do you ask?”

“Shauna, I can’t stop thinking about him. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone before. He’s so talented, and for once someone’s been able to make me blush just as much as I’ve been able to make them blush.”

“You want me to be your wingman, huh?” Shauna chuckles. “Sure, why not?”

After talking with Stu, Shauna arranged a date for Jacques and Stu to meet up at Shorty’s Diner for brunch.

Stu initially felt nervous, wondering if he should go or not. He was worried that Jacques wouldn’t even be at the diner, and he was even more worried that Jacques would lose interest in him after spending more time around him. Not to mention that Jacques seemed like a playboy, like he flirted with everyone he saw, which scared Stu.

He worried that he was just meant to be a quick fling and nothing more. Still, Stu worked up the courage to meet Jacques for brunch.

To Stu’s surprise, Jacques was at the diner. But more than that, he had already picked out a booth for them to sit at, and ordered mimosas for the two of them.

“Oh, hello, Stuart.” Jacques says, smiling warmly. “What would you like to order?”

“Well… I’m a vegetarian and… well, frankly, i’m low on funds. So I’ll just have a cheese and fruit plate.” Stu replies.

“My darling, don’t worry about the cost.” Jacques reassures him. “I will cover it. Order whatever you’d like.”

“Thank you… I really appreciate it. I don’t have the best source of income to say the least.” Stu says, laughing awkwardly. Thankfully, their food came after a few minutes.

Later on, as they stood up from the booth to say their goodbyes, Jacques decided to say something shocking.

“So, do you want to meet with me at my apartment later tonight, Stuart?” Jacques asks, obviously suggesting something. Stu feels his stomach churn, his fears about Jacques using him seemingly coming true.

“You know, if you only want me for sex, I’m not interested.” Stu says, with a stern look on his face.

“Huh? Oh, no. Stuart, there’s something about you that sets you apart from others. You manage to make me blush, something which has never happened in past relationships. I feel like this is fate, like I fell in love at first sight.” Jacques explains, genuine sincerity in his voice. “Now, of course, you don’t have to meet me there, but I would love to see more of you.”

Stu trusted him because of how genuine his explanation seemed, and the gentle kindness he’d shown throughout their interactions. He’d been hurt in relationships before that ended in heartbreak, but he had a gut feeling that this was different.

“Alright, what time?” Stu smiles, in a moment of boldness.

[simtleman]

First townies for my Vintage Save File have arrived y'all, yay!

I decided to build the first residential lot for my "1920s, '30s & '40s Save File" and finally added some townies to it, so introducing... Emerald Avenue! A collection of three beautiful, affordable shotgun houses inspired & built in the traditional style of New Orleans, featuring @pierisim's gorgeous Maison Meulière Exterior Set and packed all in one residential lot for your enjoyment!

First on the left we have Number 6, home to the honorable Dr. Wyatt O'Connery:

I won't be showing you guys the interior on this post as it isn't finished quite yet (I really want the houses to reflect the owner's personality and lifestyle, so it's taking me a while lol), but I will introduce you to Dr. O'Connery:

As you've probably already guessed, Dr. Wyatt O'Connery is the most well known, respected & inquisitive doctor in Del Sol Valley, even though he has barely been in town for a little over a year! His traits are Brave, Intellectual & Faithful (yes, they are CC traits), his aspiration is Nerd Brain and most importantly... he's single and ready to mingle, y'all! Will he stay that way and focus on his career, or will he find that special someone? It's up to you!

Next door, on the 8th, we've got the lovely Debenhams ladies!

This household includes Mrs. Ethel Debenham and her young, beautiful daughter Lila. But before we get to meet them, let's see their house, shall we?

The Debenham's home features an open concept kitchen (quite modern for the '30s, ya know?), a fully equipped bathroom & two bedrooms. Wanna play a game? Let's see if you guys can gather what they each do for a living just by taking a peek at their bedrooms:

Mrs. Debenham's:

Lila's:

Okay, okay... maybe guessing Mrs. Debenham's one wasn't as easy, but what if I show you guys the backyard?

You got it! Remember that little Flower Shop I showed you guys a couple of posts ago, the one by Landgraab Square? That's right, Mrs. Debenham owns it! She LOVES gardening, her traits are Charming, Loyal & Overachiever (again, the first two are CC traits), her Aspiration is @simwithshan's Housewife Aspiration and here is her lookbook (I mostly used my favorite CC CAS creators, @gilded-ghosts & @happylifesims):

And last but not least, the breathtaking Lila Debenham! If you paid attention to her room, you'd probably guessed her Aspiration is to become a Bestselling Author, her traits are Romantic, Bookworm & Shy and she may or may not have a crush on Dr. O'Connery... but don't tell her I told you! It's the 1930s and interracial couples are kind of forbidden. Will she gather the courage to make a move on him? And if so, how will they keep their love a secret? Here's her lookbook:

And the last home on Emerald Avenue is number 10, which is actually empty! If this save file ever sees the light of day, you guys will be able to create your own sim/household, move them next door and create your own story! Who wouldn't wanna have a doctor, a florist and a writer as neighboors? :)

That's it for me today, folks! I hope you like what you're seeing so far and I'll keep you posted on my progress!

[battle-facility-zine]

📇Contributor Spotlights: Writer Taliax

Understanding takes time, so spare a little to read the piece by our writer, @ecruteak-city!

Here's a little more about them:

Hi I'm Tali and I miss Gen 6 Battle Spot with every fiber of my being :') My favorite battle facilities are the Battle Maison and the Emerald Battle Frontier, and my favorite facility heads are Evelyn and Emmet. Much like them, I love double battles!

➡AO3: Taliax ➡Neocities: pamtre-berry

[tinas1469]

@maisonmargiela Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano

Zendaya

The Met Gala

New York City, 6 May 2024

For her appearance, John Galliano specially created an haute couture look for co-chair Zendaya composed of a sage lamé and organza bias-cut dress worn over a duchess satin corset. The dress features bands of hand-painted metallic crin, a drape and bow layered from aluminum material and iridescent organza, and a corsage hand-embroidered with natural motifs hand-painted in electric blue and emerald, green. Zendaya’s hand-painted plume-like veil and hat wrapped in stockings wascreated by Stephen Jones for Maison Margiela. And her custom-made Tabi pumps by Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela.

[livefastdriveyoung]

Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion

The Garden of Time. If something in the back of your brain is itching with the familiarity of the title, perhaps you came across the inspiration for the theme which is a story by the same name written by J.G. Ballard. It's a piece that tells a story about the aristocracy at the height of their wealth relying on the comforting nature as a way of hiding from the inevitable forces of time.

It's a perfect inspiration for the gala intended for the elite of Hollywood.

The exhibit itself features 400 years of fashion pieces, with prominent ones including a Charles Worth gown from 1877 that is too fragile to place in anything but a pressurized container. It is beautifully reanimated in video and breathtaking.

The exhibit also features three key components, land, sky, and sea, as a sort "ode to nature and the poetics of fashion."

It should have been easy. It should have been a walk in the park. Designers could recreate archival pieces, they could put flowers and birds and bees and clouds everywhere.

Instead we got a lot of beige.

But I've also been seeing a lot of analysis that's only been looking for flowers and missing the other two components of the exhibit, sky and sea, as well as the reawakening fashion and time. I think there are some pieces that definitely missed the mark, but I don't think it is as many as people are claiming. I'm going to make this a thread because realistically, I have a lot to say and I can't fit it all here. We'll start with Zendaya's first look:

This is Zendaya's first look of the night. It's a custom John Galliano for Maison Margiela. It's a stunning reference to a Galliano piece from a different century, his 1999 Spring collection with Christian Dior. It was a different era of fashion, and Galliano, so to reimagine it for Zendaya was quite fitting.

The original piece is gold and blue/purple stripes all the way up covered in an assymetical piece of blue fabric starting at the waist that wraps up to one shoulder. There are grapes and leaves incorporated all over it, and, iconically, the model walked down with a glass of wine in her hand.

A Quarter century later, Zendaya's version is perfection. Ocean Blue tulle and organza creates a fluid motion in the skirt. The material itself is iridescent and gives the image of moving water as it climbs her waist to merge with the familiar but darker blue fabric. The grapes at the waist are more prominent, they're designed to stand out more, in shades of metallic emerald. We climb up to her left shoulder and we're greeted to a deep green bust, with grapes acting as a loose strap on her arm, almost like a tree or vine. Over her right shoulder is the deep blue fabric giving her the assymetrical look. It's pinned by a few grapes to keep the motif. Around her neck is a small bird figurine, perched delicately.

Ok you may say, she did the whole garden thing with the grapes and the birds and the reimagining fashion by wearing a reference piece. So what?

It's so much more than that. There are three elements to the exhibit, land, sea, and sky. We have them all, in the exact order they appear to the world. The Ocean, the sea, encapsulates the bottom of the gown. It's deep blues and leaves you wondering what is underneath. Then you climb up onto land and you're greeted to the stunning greens of nature, the fruits that it bears. Finally, over her shoulder is the sky. The ocean is blue because it reflects the color of the sky, that is what a lot of science tells us. Unlike in the 1999 version, the blue sash was the only clearly blue part of the gown. Here it connects the whole piece. You can't have one without the other, a seemingly inseparable piece of material. The bird nestled on her shoulder connects the sky and the sea, and beautifully ties everything together.

So why grapes? Well, regardless of your belief in religion, a great many people would likely tell you or I that the fruit Adam and Eve ate in the garden was an apple.

Except, that's not really true. There's no record to indicate that the fruit of the tree was an Apple. In fact, there are a number of people that believe the fruit in the garden was a grape. Whether that was the purpose of the reference here or not, it's a beautiful addition that ties in to the garden theme.

This outfit literally checks off every box:

Reawakening Fashion - Referencing an old piece from a previous era of fashion, but making it refreshed without taking away what made it special

Garden of Time - the Grapes and the Greenery

The Land, Sea, and Sky - the whole dress layout.

This is Reawakening Fashion. People want everything so simple and at their fingertips because that is what the world is becoming, and sometimes, yes, you want your clothing to be simple. You want it to fit you and not be stained and feel nice. Rightly so.

But Haute Couture is meant to be thought provoking. It is meant to be outrageous and fun and custom and one-of-a-kind. It is meant to leave you breathless and wanting more. It is meant to be timeless.

Recently there was a video of a young woman getting ready for her senior prom, wearing her mother's prom dress from the late 90s I believe. Every single comment I read called the gown timeless, beautiful, exactly what a prom dress should be.

Why don't we expect the same for high fashion? Why can't a piece from 1999 be as gorgeous and perfect in 2024? Why can't we take parts of it and make it our own?

It's perfect.

[simsroyallegacy]

The Crown Jewel Edition: Queen Consort Ana

From State affairs to private soirées; this is an inside look into Queen Ana's favorite pieces within the Lunarian Royal Collection.

The Fleur-de-lys Tiara (Above)

This particular piece was featured at many a State Banquet and in several of Her Majesty's official portraits. Originally crafted in Pierreland by Maison de Lumeniere, the tiara was commissioned by Crown Prince Jean Charles Valois in 1874 to commemorate diplomatic relations with Lunaria. It had been worn by Queen Consort Katrina and her daughters before falling out of favor in the early 1900s, when kokoshniks became the trend for the Royal Family. Queen Ana first brought it out of obscurity in the 1970s while attending a State Banquet in Rivenia as a part of her Marriage Tour.

The Ely Meander Tiara

Gifted to Queen Clarisse in the late 1950s by the 10th Duke of Ely, this tiara was personal gift to Ana when her engagement to then-Crown Prince Vincent was announced. She most notably wore the piece during both her husband's Silver and Golden Jubilees. Her Majesty gifted the tiara to her only daughter – and now the Queen of Windsor – Ashli, who wears it frequently for official portraits.

Queen Ana's Engagement Ring

Designed personally by then-Crown Prince Vincent using a large, 12-carat aquamarine surrounded by thirty-six diamonds on a split-shank design, Queen Ana's engagement ring was a stunning piece that many ladies in Lunaria were jealous of. The ring was returned to the Royal Vault upon her death twenty years ago, where it will remain alongside other Royal engagement rings.

The Brindleton Sapphire Kokoshnik Tiara

This piece was bought during a private auction of the Brindleton Empire's Royal tiaras. The auction was rumored to have occurred because of Emperor Alaric's overspending of the National Treasury. Although the rumors were never confirmed, several high profile pieces from the Imperial Family's collection were sold to other families around the world, shaming Emperor Alaric, whom also sold several of his wife, Empress Amira's, personal jewelry inherited from her family. The purchase of the kokoshnik and other pieces apparently soured his relationship with King Vincent and Queen Ana in the coming years.

Adding insult to injury, Her Majesty wore the kokoshnik to a banquet celebrating Brindleton's surrender to the combined military forces of Windsor and Lunaria during Windsor's War for Independence. The Brindleton Empire has remained a military and political rival of Lunaria ever since.

The Belvedere Palm-Heart Tiara

This piece was a gift to Queen Consort Lilith–then the Duchess of Belvedere–in 1793 as a wedding gift from the province her husband ruled over. It features nine emeralds sourced from the area and was designed to look like the palm-heart flowers native to the land.

The Honeysuckle Loop Tiara

A diamond and platinum piece which originally belonged to the Brindleton Imperial Family like the Sapphire Kokoshnik listed above. Her Majesty often wore the tiara for foreign formal events.

Queen Katrina's Pearl Wedding Earrings

Originally worn by Queen Consort Katrina in 1841 on her wedding to then-Crown Prince Edward (soon-to-be known as the Mad King Edward IV), these earrings were originally part of a lovely parure. The necklace, bracelet, and tiara were unfortunately lost in a fire at Windenburg Palace in the early 1920s.

Queen Ana's Emerald Laurel Earrings

These earrings were bought by the Queen before she married into the Royal Family. They were designed by court jeweler Simtier from their Mythic collection and were purchased privately by Her Majesty for §30,000. They remain within the Quinn family's private collection and are being kept by King Arden currently.

Queen Ana's Birthday Earrings

A gift to the Queen Consort from her three children, these earrings were her most beloved pieces of jewelry. The earrings are another Simtier piece, personally designed for her, and were passed down to her eldest son's wife after her death.

The earrings were most recently worn by Princess Annaliese, who wore them for her eighteenth birthday celebration.

The Piraeus Pearl Set

This pearl necklace and earrings set are a Harold family heirloom. Upon her father's death she was able to inherit a few key pieces after his Earldom was dissolved back into the Crown. Her Majesty only wore the set for intimate private events.

Bordeauxian Pearl Wedding Necklace

This necklace is one of the oldest pieces within the Royal Collection, dating back almost six hundred years, and is a wedding gift from King Francois of Bordeaux to Queen Consort Marylene.

The Celestri Diamond Alliance Necklace

This necklace, which consists of millions of simoleons worth of Celestri Diamonds, was once one of the Celestre Imperial Family's prized jewelry pieces.

The necklace was given over as a part of peace negotiations twenty years after Lunaria split from the Empire of Celestre. The Emperor at the time, Nikolas II, was the half-brother of the first King of Lunaria, Rhysander I, and regretted the War of Secession that occurred between the two nations after a personal dispute between the two.

Queen Ana wore the necklace most famously during the funeral of her in-laws, the former King Richter and Queen Clarisse, but was often depicted wearing it during official portraits. The necklace has also been continuously worn during official visits to Celestre.

[voguefashion]

Zendaya in Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano creation, based on a 1999 Dior dress. The one-shouldered gown featured a long trumpet skirt covered in royal-blue and emerald-green diagonal stripes, as well as fruitlike embellishments adorning one side of the waist. She upped the ante with a net mesh and tulle-feathered fascinator, at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute Gala Exhibition of “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” in New York on May 6, 2024.

[chicinsilk]

"Ligne Naturelle"

"Erin"

Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1959 Collection. Christine Tidmarsh wears “Erin” an emerald silk coat and cocktail dress. Photo Howard Sochurek for Life Magazine, during the House of Dior's trip to the USSR in June 1959.

Yves Saint Laurent pour Christian Dior Collection Haute Couture Printemps/Été 1959. Christine Tidmarsh porte "Erin" un manteau et une robe de cocktail en soie émeraude. Photo Howard Sochurek pour Life Magazine, lors du voyage de la Maison Dior en URSS en juin 1959.