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The memories of prized possessions
Words Lily Liebel
There’s a first time for everything and there’s some firsts you simply cannot forget. Lily Liebel takes us back in time as she reminisces on some of her first fashion buys.
I love this time of year, as we slide into heady late summer, the warmth of the sun during the day mixed with the whisper of autumn around the corner on cooler nights. The promise of back to school and changing wardrobes, moving away from floaty dresses and into cosy sweaters.
I also love taking stock of my wardrobe at the end of summer, pulling out things I finally must just resign myself to giving away, and looking at the gaps in my wardrobe that need filling. (Speaking of, I definitely have my eye on a few fall-favourites, including Veronica Beard’s Dacey clogs, a Nadine Ghosn diamond pencil bracelet (Dear Santa…), and a Maison Atia faux-fur Jackie Coat).
But one thing I have been thinking about a lot lately, especially as we slowly start to get back to a neo-COVID reality and start finally going out-out again (as opposed to zoom-appropriate on top and tracksuits on the bottom), are those key hero pieces in our wardrobes, pieces that stand the test of time, that were serious investment pieces or pieces bought to celebrate special occasions. They mark graduations and new jobs, babies and promotions, the passing of loved ones and the celebration of friends. These are the truly treasured pieces, pieces that are more than just “fashion”; they are memories that are unforgettably special, filled with emotions. They are our prized possessions, and here are a few of mine.
I’ll never forget buying my first pair of Manolos; it is still one of my favourite memories ever. I was 17 years old, and my father took me (as an incredibly special treat) to the (former) Manolo Blahnik Flagship store, a beautiful townhouse across the street from the Museum of Modern Art in NY. Everything about it was magical, down to the store fragrance and plush carpeting. And then of course, there were the shoes! Immaculately styled, the store was a treasure trove of magical and colourful designs. I wasn’t as bold in my fashion choices when I was 17 as I am now, but the classic, camel-coloured pair of forever-iconic Carolyne shoes that I picked out (named after Manolo muse and style-icon Carolyne Roehm) are still in immaculate condition and I continue to wear them to this day. The Flagship store may have moved recently (the stunning new Maison is now located at the prime NYC address of 717 Madison Avenue), but the magic and beauty (as well as my first pair of shoes and the treasured memories of spending time with my father), will remain forever.
Aigana Gali is more than a designer; she’s an artist, a creator, a magician. She is full of life, vibrancy, and energy. I first came across Aigana several years ago on Instagram and reached out to her; I was dying to see more of her work, and dreamed of meeting her. To my immense surprise she replied straight away and invited me to her stunning studio in London. Her cropped “Origami Jacket”, made of burnt orange velvet streaked with gold leaf, immediately caught my eye. I dreamed of that jacket over the years, it was a piece I so desired. Aigana recently held a group exhibition, featuring her breath-taking designs alongside a small group of other amazing artists and jewellery designers. I of course went to the exhibition and brought with me an amazing group of women who I knew would also love her work. There, in her beautiful, light-filled space, she gifted me the orange coat of my dreams, as a thank you for my support of her over the years. I was so touched; it was the most generous gesture, from a truly beautiful person (inside and out). I will treasure this coat forever.
Anyone who knows me knows I love jewellery. That’s probably an understatement; I am obsessed with jewellery. I think my obsession is hereditary—my grandmother was also obsessed with jewellery, and she was an amazing collector. Fabulous real, fabulous costume, and fabulous fake pieces, it didn’t matter to her as long as they were fabulous! I have long collected jewellery and have been given pieces as gifts, and I inherited my grandmother’s collection (I was her only grandchild), but one piece in my collection that I will forever treasure is a ring my husband Simon gave to me. Not my engagement ring, though I love that dearly of course, but rather a diamond eternity band he bought me as a gift when he sold a company he owned. It is a real WOW ring, but more than that it represents hard work and dedication, and I always look at it with great pride and admiration, much like the way I look at him. I will be honoured to pass it down to my own daughter (or granddaughter!) one day.
Is there a more iconic, or investment-worthy, accessory than an Hermès bag? I dreamed of owning one the first time I saw a Birkin bag in Vogue magazine in the ‘90s (I was about 12 years old, oh dear!). The craftsmanship, the design, the history… It’s viewed as the ultimate status symbol but really, it’s so much more than that. I got my first Hermès bag, a Kelly, when I was pregnant with my son eight years ago, as a gift to myself (it was blue, in honour of having a boy). It was the first major investment piece I ever bought myself, but unlike some things that lose their sparkle the second you step out the shop door, this bag is something I have treasured ever since and it still brings me joy when I wear it (switching up the long strap with other fun straps I’ve found on travels along the way to match outfits and moods!). I’ve since gone on to buy other Hermès bags, including a few Birkins, but nothing holds a torch to my baby-blue Kelly because of the memories it holds.
So, whilst I am super excited for “sweater weather” (and new Autumn purchases), it is the handful of prized possessions, the investment pieces, that tell our story and evoke people, places, and memories, that will truly last us a lifetime.