My friendship with the well-travelled Lisa Fine began over astrology, which is odd when she designs clothes and textiles. Still, true to her sun sign Cancer, La Fine (or Miss Lisa which is how the Ritz Hotel’s concierges refer to the Southern Belle)
My friendship with the well-travelled Lisa Fine began over astrology, which is odd when she designs clothes and textiles. Still, true to her sun sign Cancer, La Fine (or Miss Lisa which is how the Ritz Hotel’s concierges refer to the Southern Belle) remains one of the most genuinely generous people I know. A thoughtful friend, she never forgets a birthday. An expert cook and welcoming hostess, she serves endless delicious food and wine at her sumptuous Parisian abode.
And fortunately, for the fairer sex, Lisa has combined her taste, wisdom and talent with Carolina Irving – another worldly and stylish siren – to form Irving & Fine which creates beyond elegant kaftans, peasant blouses, embroidered jackets and coats. The colours they use suit all and every complexion while their superior cut caresses those with curves or without. Lisa and Carolina describe their clothes as being inspired by their exotic journeys. But Yves Saint Laurent – the late and much revered designer – also remains a major influence. No doubt, Le Maître would have approved of their use of Matisse-like colours – imagine magenta teamed with orange. Just as he would have given the thumbs up to their kaftans which fall and flatter without swamping and the neckline of their blouses which prove that there’s nothing more sensual than the hint of a bosom and or shoulder.
"Yves Saint Laurent would have given the thumbs up to their Kaftans which fall and flatter without swamping and the neckline of their blouses which prove that there’s nothing more sensual than the hint of a bosom and or shoulder"
Lisa gave me one of the Irving & Fine Kutch coats. Made of light pink silk, it gives such a peachy glow that it implies a session with the make-up whiz Tom Pecheux. Then there’s my brand new Irving & Fine Ikat print shirtdress, which suggests Lee Radziwill in the 1970s. Flawless: the buttons start low, the flat breast pockets are perfectly placed while the slit up the legs hits right on target.
Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni is a Paris-based British journalist who covers fashion and lifestyle as well as being the author of Sam Spiegel – The Biography of A Hollywood Legend, Understanding Chic, an essay from the Paris Was Ours anthology and soon-to-be released Chanel book, for Assouline's fashion series.
Robert Beck is former New Yorker currently based in Paris. Also known as C.J. Rabbitt, he is the author and illustrator of several children's books, including The Tale of Rabbitt in Paradis, Un Lapin à Paris and the soon-to-be-published A Bunny in the Ballet.
