Collection

The 48-look inaugural couture collection for the House of Charles Lord, entitled Principessa, was presented on Friday, August 24, 2007 in Downtown Nashville at the historic Romanesque monument War Memorial/Legislative Plaza. Despite the record-breaking heat, the showing was a huge success with over 250 attendees present, including family, friends, and members of Nashville’s social scene, fashion community, and the press.

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War Memorial/Legislative Plaza, Downtown Nashville

Inspiration

Inspired by the “dolce vita” lifestyle of 1960s Italian high society, the collection is austere in silhouette and exuberant in texture. Simple sophistication is the key theme here. Referencing ancient garment styles such as the tunic and enlivening them with more modern fabrications and details gives the collection a classic, somewhat nostalgic, look that’s yet very relevant and desirable to today’s woman.

“ I was inspired by the chic of notable Italian stylemakers like Marella Agnelli, Ira Von Furstenberg, and Luciana Pignatelli, who were all born princesses of prominent Italian lineages. I imagined them leading their very active socials lives which would require attire for every occasion and time of day. I envisioned them going out, but more so, I envisioned them “At Home”. “At Home” is a term rarely used these days, that when written on an invitation, denotes that one is entertaining, casually or in grandeur, at their residence. Thus, there was (and is) a hostess in need of beautiful clothes that were easy to wear, but were of high quality and impeccable taste to lounge in, to run their elegant palazzos, to host their many friends and relations (also international nomads) at casual luncheons al fresco and grand balls. Though the majority of today’s women may not live this kind of life, the same desire for these kinds of elegant clothes still exists in the modern woman.”

“In addition to this lifestyle, I was highly inspired by the work of past designers and past key collections of current designers. Primarily Valentino and the Russian-born, Italian princess Irene Galitzine, who understood the fundamentals of ‘At Home’ dressing from the standpoint of a hostess and designer. Additionally, and always formidably, was the influence of Cristobal Balenciaga, whose work as a couturier of the highest order informs my work on a fundamental level. His imprimatur upon my design aesthetic is immutable, ineffable, and always prevalent.”

~ Charles Brown, Head Designer and President

Iconography