A Tale of Two Stories, Bridal Party Designer Revealed, Tonight’s Royal Gala

Today’s post is a challenge.

We can’t simply revel in fun and frivolity while ignoring the other news of the day.

Dusty Compton/The Tuscaloosa News/AP

Having personal experience with tornadoes when covering news, we can only say that written descriptions are inadequate.

International Business Times/AP Photo

Above, images from Tuscaloosa last night.

The atmosphere after a tornadic event is beyond explanation, well beyond weird or eerie or any other term I can think of.  The best I can say is it is quiet.  There is an odd silence and the air itself feels funny. Below, north of Centreville, Alabama last night.

Tony Laubach/TornadoesKick.com

People come slowly out of whatever shelter remains, asking “Is it gone? Is it over?”

Gary Cosby, Jr./The Decatur Daily/AP

A few will come out running, racing to find those they love.

Bernard Troncale/Birmingham News/AP

Or those they don’t know at all.

Jeff Roberts/AP Photo/Birmingham News

When the event comes at night one is even more unsteady, there is no sound, no light, no nothing. Only the sound of generators, once they kick in, for those that have them.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Daylight brings painful realities.

Jeff Roberts/Birmingham News/AP

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this disaster.

Dave Martin/AP Photo

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We move on to events across the pond, where it is has been a day filled with last-minute rehearsals, comings and goings, smiles and glad-handing, and this evening’s gala for the out-of-town royals.

The day started with one more walk-through at Westminster Abbey; Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were on hand but Prince William did not participate.

Enigma via The Daily Mail

Young attendants took part in the rehearsal as well, below we see 8-year-old Tom Pettifer, one of the page boys, and Lady Louise Windsor, aged 7, she is the daughter of The Earl and Countess of Wessex (aka Prince Edward and his wife Sophie).

Roland Hoskins/The Daily Mail

We do know the young ladies will be wearing dresses by Nicki Macfarlane, below we see designs from the designer’s 2010/2011 collections.  (Be advised if thinking about checking this site, it seems to be melting down from the increased traffic.)

Nicki MacFarlane Courtesy Image

Ms. Macfarlane has done bespoke dresses for some time, only recently did she start offering RTW (ready to wear) designs. Below, another look at Young Master Pettifer and Miss Windsor.

Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph

We see Pippa Middleton below, holding the hand of Grace van Cutsem, on the right William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton heads into the rehearsal.

Roland Hoskins

We don’t know if the third young bridesmaid, Eliza Lopes, was at this morning’s run-through or not. We show her below in images from an earlier post on the wedding party.

Via The Daily Mail

In addition to hearing about the wedding party’s attire, we are learning what some of the more notable guests will be wearing.  Prince Harry’s guest, Chelsy Davy, will be in two dresses by Alberta Ferretti, for the wedding she will wear aqua with a matching jacket, and for tomorrow night’s party at the palace, a midnight blue one-shouldered design.

Courtesy Alberta Ferretti

The Duchess of Cornwall will wear a creation by Anna Valentine, the designer of the dress for her marriage to Prince Charles.

Getty Images

The Duchess was out and about this afternoon, greeting those camped out on the mall.

Getty Images

Throughout the day the bride, her family and others involved in tomorrow’s events have been smiling, looking quite relaxed.

WENN.com

John Nguyen

This evening the family is safely ensconced at their hotel, below the Middleton ladies arrive at the Goring, left to right, Pippa, Carole, and Kate.

Chris Eads/Reuters

Perhaps one of the most important items brought into the hotel today:

Rex Features via The Telegraph

A sewing machine. Brilliant.

Oh, the groom? He did a walkabout this evening, greeting those gathered on the processional route.

AP Television News

While the Middletons are settled in at The Goring, others are at the Mandarin Oriental for tonight’s big dinner.  The Queen was in periwinkle blue, on the right we see Prince Charles and Camilla.

Prince Edward and Sophie, she looked lovely in red.

Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty

We have a slight concern about the frock Princess Beatrice selected, parts of it look awfully… shiny. Perhaps this is merely an unfortunate camera angle.

Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Others at the gala, Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, on the right we see Prince Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Getty Images

A favorite with the fashion crowd, Princess Letizia is seen in an elegant grey sleeveless gown, husband Prince Felipe is seen on the left, Queen Sofia is on the right.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Another look at Princess Letizia’s gown, simply stunning.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We leave you with two things today, the first, another photo from the couple’s shoot with Mario Testino.

Mario Testino

That is the image on the official program.(You can look at the program here.)

The other is the music you will when all is said and done, and the couple turns, and heads up the aisle and out of the abbey.  

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ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty

“Preppy Kate Middleton,” Blake Lively Goes Red

Hello-hello, and welcome to a Wednesday.  Things are a tad mad here at The Prepatorium, orders flying out the door, The Wedding less than 48 hours away, tornado warnings.

We begin with a quick look at a new hair color for Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for TIME

The actress was sporting the new color at “TIME’S 100 Most Influential People In The World” party last night. Below, a closer look at the color and a shot of her with Seth Myer.

Getty Images

The color change is for a film role, the stunning gown is by Zuhair Murad. Unfortunately it seems the long train was a challenge, more from NY Mag’s The Cut:

“Lively’s long silk chiffon train — apparently not intended for fast maneuvering — had become ensnared under the foot of none other than ubiquitous party photographer (and dear friend of New York) Patrick McMullan.

…McMullan, oblivious, walked away — with the train still stuck to his shoe. A second later, Lively’s train had left her gown and was trailing along after McMullan like a four-foot piece of aqua silk chiffon toilet paper. Martha Stewart was the first to recognize the problem. “Patrick!” she demanded. “Give her back her train!” McMullan, still oblivious, turned around and gasped, “Oh, I seem to have stepped on some lady’s train!”

One more celebrity sighting we want to share in honor of a few friends (as always, you know who you are, heh-heh-heh), Mad Men star Jon Hamm was spotted at last night’s Lakers game.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Also seen at the game, actors Jeremy Piven and David Beckham.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

For those wondering why we are mentioning Mr. Piven, Mr. Beckham or the Lakers, three subjects previously not discussed in this space, it is an effort to make a segue to our primary topic, as Mr. Beckham must surely be on his way east for Friday’s festivities.

He is escorting his wife Victoria to The. Wedding.

As you might imagine, last-minute details and photos are now ricocheting around the interwebs at a maddening rate. We are at that point in the process where we have more photos of… people taking photos.

Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Many of the more recent photographs are shot from far, far away.

Toby Melville/Reuters

Above we could not possibly see Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry arrive for the final rehearsal at Westminster Abbey.

Yesterday’s Guardian has an outstanding story, “Kate Middleton: William’s very private princess-to-be”:

“A slick press team and loyal friends have preserved Middleton’s mystique in the runup to the royal wedding, but plenty can be gleaned from what is not said”

Writer Patrick Barkham traces Miss Middleton’s background and the major influences in her life thus far. When talking about her style he writes:

“Salons in New York have reported customers asking for “a Kate” cut and her preppy look is credited with inspiring a Sloane revival. “

It isn’t the first time the bride has been described as possessing a ‘preppy style’ aesthetic.  The story shares an interesting fact:

“Middleton dresses herself “without any advice or input from the palace”, according to the royal source, and her style has attracted attention around the world.”

We don’t imagine that lack of input from the Palace will remain the case down the road.

This morning there was a full-scale dress rehearsal with the military, starting well before sunup.

Darren Staples/Reuters

Exactly how we’ll look come Friday.

Darren Staples/Reuters via MSNBC

The Tornado flyby is scheduled for 1:30pm (London time), the pilots also rehearsed today.

EPA via The Daily Mail

The decorating of the Abbey and environs also continues apace, below, a photo from The British Monarchy’s flickr photo pages.

The British Monarchy Flickr

A reminder, anyone can look at The Monarchy’s pictures, just click here.

A few more photos surfaced this afternoon.

JNVisuals via The Daily Mail

Above, the bride’s sister Pippa (also her Maid of Honour) and Carole Middleton head into London.

Next, a picture that has really started tongues wagging.

JNVisuals via The Daily Mail

Here’s why, from the Mail:

“…there was a sheaf of paper visible in the back seat of the car that included a passage from an unrecognised work.

While many of the words were obscured, it read in part: ‘With so much love within our hearts.’  While the passage could be from a separate reading, it opens the possibility that they have followed the example of many young couples and written their own vows for their special day.”

The Daily Mail

The only thing we can add is that the typeface does look like it is prompter size. We also noted Miss Middleton is in heavier makeup, we presume today also included lighting and makeup test shots.

Later today the bride was carrying things into Clarence House.

PHOTOS: Splash via The Daily Mail

Lots of things have also been moved into the family headquarters for the next several days, the Goring Hotel.

Chris Eades via The Daily Mail

The location is under continual police protection, there have been comings and goings all day.

PHOTOS: Splash News (L) and Chris Eades (R)

But this has to be our favorite photo of the day.

Andrew Winning/Reuters

The Queen was visiting Cambridge earlier today, doesn’t she look splendid?

Here are a few other places to visit:

• The British Monarchy Facebook
• Clarence House on Twitter
• The Official Royal Wedding website

Until tomorrow, g’bye.

A Different Crew Clothing, Gwyneth for Coach, Wedding Preps

Hello-Hello, happy Tuesday, we’re so glad you popped in for a visit, we don’t say that nearly enough. Thank you reading our goofy blog.

Today we begin with a look at something new, at least for us, Crew Clothing.

Crew Clothing

The company is based in the UK.

Crew Clothing UK

Crew carries loads of fascinating styles, the good news is that they ship to the US.

Crew Clothing

A number of their basics look appealing.

Crew Clothing UK

A bit of background on the retailer via Think Local UK:

“Crew started life way back in 1993 when Alistair Parker-Swift found himself running a successful windsurfing company in Devon during the summer, and spending his winters in France as part of England’s ski team.

The brand’s roots are thoroughly planted in the UK coastline, celebrating heritage and history with classic designs.”

To say I am fond of the Gerty Plimsolls (sneakers) would be the understatement of the decade.

Crew Clothing UK

The company offers a jacket favored by those inspired by the so-called Gossip Girl look, theirs is the Rowley Blazer.

Crew Clothing Company

But anyone seeking upscale dresses and business suits will have to look elsewhere, Crew’s designs are targeted to a casual, outdoor lifestyle. The company also carries a full range of menswear.

Crew Clothing Company

The Consort is more-than-fond of his sweatshirts; on a frequent basis rare occasions yours truly has swiped borrowed one or two.

Crew Clothing Company

These look like they have a high snuggle factor, we like that. 🙂

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We have a few quick updates, beginning with word that über-prep Gwyneth Paltrow is the new brand ambassador for Coach.  The job comes at a propitious time, the company is planning a significant media blitz starting in September, they are celebrating the firm’s 70th Anniversary.  Women’s Wear Daily broke the story:

““I grew up in New York City and I’ve always thought of Coach as the quintessential New York brand,” Paltrow said. “I’ll never forget getting my first Coach bag.”

Something else we stumbled upon, new treasures from Nautical Luxuries, a Princess favorite. Below, the Signal Flags Custom Initial Bracelet:

Nautical Luxuries

If seeking a more dramatic look, the Code Flag Link Bracelets a different style statement altogether.

Nautical Luxuries

If looking for the perfect thank you gift after a week on your friend’s boat, perhaps the Custom Nautical Scarf will fit the bill, these are handpainted to order, you can select up to 20 flags (letters).

Nautical Luxuries

A more understated look is found with the Tiny Rope Anchor Earrings from a fabulous shop, Giles and Brother.

Giles & Brother

Giles & Brother offers other treasures, including the Luck Love and Hope necklace (L) and the Nautilus necklace .

Sadly, we can waste while away more time looking at nautically inclined treasures than we care to admit.

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It’s no secret that we enjoy gazing at chapeaux here at The Prepatorium and Easter Sunday presents prime viewing opportunities; the Royals are top-notch in this department.

Pool Photo by Oli Scarff/AP

From left to right: Princess Eugenie, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice, Prince Andrew, Tim Lawrence, the Duke of York, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex and Princess Ann.  Below, a better view of the styles worn by Princess Beatrice (L) and Princess Eugenie (R).

Getty Images / Reuters

Both young ladies are sure to be all dolled up come Friday.

Speaking of Friday, the media has descended en masse for the continuing overkill coverage; we are reveling in every minute, although our schedule has kept those minutes to a minimum.  Below, a seaman at HMS Collingwood naval base is photographed; the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be part of the 1,000+ military personnel lining  the route from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

At times like this one is forced to take photos of other people taking photos. (We are not being scornful, having directed many others to do the same during our years in the vast wasteland business.)

Getty Images

We’ve not had time to watch much coverage on television, but presume there have been many wide shots of the media village and other facilities created for the wedding.  The work put into building adequate structures and technical capabilities has been immense.

Kieran Doherty/Reuters

The Times has an excellent article about the British celebrities US networks are using in their coverage of the wedding.

“Because every network will be sharing the same camera feeds of the royal wedding on Friday morning, they have competed fiercely to sign up on-air talent in an attempt to make their hours and hours (and hours) of coverage stand out.”

Via The New York Times

A few bullet points, all from Brian Stelter’s story in the Times:

• ABC’s biggest booking was probably Ms. Nicholl, whose book “William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls” was published a week before the wedding date was announced.
• ABC’s other contributors will include Tina Brown, the Newsweek and Daily Beast editor; one of Princess Diana’s bridesmaids, India Hicks; and a former press secretary for Prince William, Colleen Harris.
• Mr. Morgan, who is British, said what he wants out of his guests on “Piers Morgan Tonight,” his 9 p.m. show on CNN, are personal stories and anecdotes. He said he would be recalling a private lunch he had with Princess Diana and Prince William when the prince was 13 years old.

We sympathize with anyone covering the event, working with pool feeds creates daunting challenges in terms of distinguishing yourself from competitors.  Perhaps the best way a network might differentiate itself from the pack would be to invoke a “less is more” philosophy, minimizing the amount of chatter, allowing the pictures and natural sound to tell a good part of the story.

The Guardian also has a splendid article, talking about the plethora of “royal experts” and some of the alleged “inside information” being bandied about, including one outrageous rumor that Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, would be speaking at this wedding (the ‘Katie’ mentioned below references Ms. Nicholl):

“And so to Katie’s most recent dispatch, which goes big on the fact that “William’s uncle, Charles Spencer … will have no formal role” in the wedding service – though he “had been expected to deliver an address”. Had been expected by whom, you might wonder? Meth addicts? People without access to media since 1986?”

BBC presenter Huw Edwards offers excellent insight on covering the wedding, here are a few tidbits from his post:

• The homework is essential.
• There will be a mountain of paper but most of that will not be accessible when we’re on air.
• Let’s just say it’s a good memory test.

An FYI for readers, you can download the most recent media briefing released by Clarence House, complete with lists of invitees, the seating arrangements at the Abbey, and a very (v-e-r-y)  precise schedule detailing exactly who is supposed to be where at what time. Just click here to go to the Official Royal Wedding website.

Below, in preparation of the event an Irish Guardsman is measured last week for his uniform.  Guards soldiers just back from Afghanistan are preparing for ceremonial duties, Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

Regardless of who is doing the commentary, one must admit no one does pomp and pageantry better than our friends across the sea.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty

Anyone tasked with working on preparations will tell you it is all in the details.

Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty

Tilly was intrigued by Conmael, an Irish Wolfhound and mascot for the unit.

Peter MacDiarmid/Getty Images

We leave you with a few images from the last royal wedding receiving this kind of attention.

STR/AFP/Getty Images

Via Elite Choice

Via Breakfast with Fashion

Prep World Paris, Black Fleece Bargains, Itty-Bitty Kate Middleton Dresses

Hello-Hello, and welcome to a Monday.

Things are a little frenzied this week, we’re pedaling as fast as we can here at The Prepatorium.

We begin with a look at the first Prep World pop-up store.

Via StyleRumor

The Tommy Hilfiger/Lisa Birnbach endeavor debuted last week in Paris.

Via Tommy Hilfiger Facebook page

The launch party was right in front of the store, modeled to look like a Hamptons cottage.

It looked like a beautiful day at Pompidou Centre.

Via PaperBlog.Fr

It is a special treat to see our friend Kiel’s work showcased, don’t his bracelets look wonderful?!

Courtesy Prep World

It is always fun to see the reactions to Mr. Hilfiger’s styles, this story in Paper Blog (France) is replete with references to Gossip Girl characters Serena (Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester).

“Preppy. The decor is slick and hostesses are welcoming. During a moment you feel like Serena or Blair, you invent a fishing trip and you fantasize about the sweaters and knitted pastel polo shirts.”

For a more comprehensive look at the shop, Style Rumor has a lengthy post with loads of photos.

If in need of more comprehensive background on the Prep World line and concept, click here.  To see more photos, the Hilfiger Facebook page has a number of photos, including this one.

Tommy Hilfiger

Hmmmm.

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We have a few quick Sales & Savings opportunities to pass along, but be advised two of them are time-sensitive:

• There are *amazing* savings at the Brooks Brothers Black Fleece ‘flash sale’ running only through midnight tonight.  A Cotton Seersucker Blazer that is normally $4oo is on sale for $125, and the Little Boy Piped Jacket, originally $450 is also $125.

• The other mention involves another flash sale, this one titled Gossip Girl Boutique at ‘invitation only’ sale site Gilt.com. The sale begins tonight at 9pm EDT, here is more from Gilt’s description:

“We’ve teamed up with Gossip Girl stylist Eric Daman, the man behind some of television’s most fiercely dressed characters, to replicate some of the show’s best looks. Whether you crave Serena’s sexy spin on boho-chic, Lily’s flawless elegance, or Blair’s ladylike polish, you’ll find plenty to choose from. And we haven’t forgotten the guys: choose from pieces for him that range from Brooklyn casual to classic Upper East Side cool.”

• J. Crew is doing an additional 30% off sale items in its Final Sale promotion, use promo code OURTREAT at checkout for the savings.

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For those like us with a mild interest in royal weddings (cough-cough), we share a headline from across the pond about the “William and Kate” movie now being shown in the UK.

Via The Daily Mail

The descriptions and reactions to the film had us both laughing.

Rupert Thorpe via The Daily Mail

From the Daily Mail’s story:

“…the Evening Standard’s Richard Godwin concurred, adding: ‘Critics in America have panned this movie as a cheesy chick-flick, but there are positives.’  It is recognisably a film, in that it takes place on a screen.”

Indeed.

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One item related to the upcoming nuptials that is adorable, the tiny collection of Kate Middleton dresses.

Images via The Telegraph

The set was done for Harumika, The Telegraph has photos of all the styles.

Apparently they will be sold at Toys ‘R Us. (Moms, aunts, grandmothers…TP needs your help, is this a popular brand?)

Our fave itty-bitty style:

Via The Telegraph

Although we are pretty sure Miss Middleton’s shoulders will be covered, we do love the tiny wedding gown created for the line.

On that darling image we say g’bye until next time!

J. Crew Party, “Preppy Meets Hipster” & Not Your Average Easter Egg

Welcome to a Friday.  We are brief today because of the holiday, thinking most readers have better things on their mind than our fashion frou-frou.

We begin with a look at Wednesday night’s big gala at J. Crew, the event honored the Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund. From WWD’s story about the party:

“The jovial spirit extended to the entire party, which feted the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, its 2010 winner Billy Reid, runners-up Gurung and Eddie Borgo and their limited edition collaborations with the multi-channel specialty retailer.”

Below we see Mr. Reid, he is amid fellow designers Eddie Borgo (L) and Prabal Gurung (R), as well as Anna Wintour.

Patrick McMullan via FashionEtc.com

J. Crew design heads Marissa Webb and Frank Muytjens were at the big do.

CLINT SPAULDING/PatrickMcMullan.com via Daily Front Row

Other gifted designers seen at J. Crew’s recently renovated Fifth Avenue store, Rebecca Minkoff (L), as well as Maria Cornejo and Sophie Theallet (R).

Below we see Ms. Wintour sharing a jovial moment with the designers.

Dario Cantatore/Getty Images

Billy Reid is the first of the three designers being showcased at the retailer.

Pieces from Mr. Reid’s collection are now available.

The popular retailer has quite a bit of new merchandise in stores and online. Below left we show the Tomboy Tunic, and the Barbour Antique Coastal Durham jacket.

There are also new pieces in the ‘Collections Dress’ line. On the left, the Oleander Lace Dress, the Gallerista Party Dress is on the right.

The company offers new features on its site as well.

J. Crew

Older features are still online, like Jenna’s Picks.

J. Crew

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The other big party in the city on Wednesday showcased Eddie Bauer’s fall collection. We loved reading Mara Siegler’s story about it:

“… the super hip crowd was treated to the short indie film Slanted and Enchanted and music by Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner and artist Nate Lowman. This seems…bizarre.

Maybe I am wrong about Eddie Bauer. While meant to be worn for outdoor adventuring, in my mind, it exclaims, screams, shouts in khaki pleated pants and fleece jackets, proud moms and dads at high school football games. Last night’s event was a far cry from your middle aged suburban night out.”

Mr. Zinner of the previously mentioned Yeah Yeah Yeah’s at work. (??)

Photo via Refinery29

Below, ‘it girl’ Hannah Bronfman (yes, those Bronfman’s), and on the right, pieces from the fall collection.

Back to Ms. Siegler’s reactions in her Guest of a Guest story:

“Obviously they are trying to re-brand as “cool,” and “urban,” and  their marketing team is on track when it comes to becoming associated with the right people. Whether it will work remains to be seen. We could be just weeks away from the Half Elastic Waist Weather Washed Chino Pants and Madras Plaid Bucket Hat being the new ironic Ned Flanders-styled look.”

The location was the very hip Milk Studios.

Refinery 29

We previously wrote about Eddie Bauer’s efforts to reinvigorate the brand here.

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We have a few more styles to show before wrapping up this spring’s Bridal Market, these are three of our favorites, all are by Carolina Herrera.

Photos Courtesy Carolina Herrera via FashionEtc.

Three by Vera Wang.

Vera Wang Courtesy Photos via Fashionetc.

It’s possible we have stashed away a few more wedding gown photos, but for the most part, those not fond of endless posts about bridal styles can breath a sigh of relief. For the most part. There is that silly little ceremony happening next week.

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We leave you with some amazing artwork of seasonal interest; while not what the youngsters will be looking for on their egg hunts, or what is in most Easter baskets, they are eggs nonetheless. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

John Lamourrane/Barcroft Media via The Telegraph

John Lamouranne is the man creating these amazing pieces from eggs.  Below, The Peanuts gang.

John Lamourrane/Barcroft Media via The Telegraph

Politicians and royalty make good subjects.

 

As do entertainers.

John

The Telegraph has images showing many of the most striking pieces; it’s good to see the artist knows not everyone is celebrating Easter.

Mr. Lamouranne also has an eBay store where he sells his work.

On that whimsical note, we send greetings of the season to all.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Dario Cantatore/Getty Images (J. Crew Party)