OUR STORY…

Moving to the south of France is something I always felt I would fulfill.

It has undeniably been one of the best decisions of my life.

It began as a dream (1975), then evolved into a goal (1991), and ultimately became a reality (2018).

In 2019, my daughter, Amanda, married in Paso Robles, California. When she shared the selected color theme for the mother-of-the-bride, mother-of-the-groom and bridesmaids would be a shade of soft pink, I thought…perfect!

It’s one of my favorite hues.

I chose a peony palette Italian linen midi-length dress with hand-sewn, tone-on-tone rosettes, paired with two-toned (black/cream) spectator ballerina flats, and crowned it all, with a lovely vintage headpiece from Paris.

The composition was sublime…(see middle photo below)

When it was time to return to France, my daughter requested if she could keep my mother-of-the-bride dress. I was flattered. There’s no better feeling than receiving outright fashion approval from your highly opinionated 29 year old. (smile).

Initially I thought, perhaps she was simply being nice and showing her appreciation; until one day, I saw “my peony Italian linen dress” on “my daughter” featured in a photo shoot in an industry magazine in Los Angeles.

She actually wore it!

In 2022, I was blessed with becoming a grandmother. It was during this time, while making visit(s) back and forth from France to LAX to spend quality time with my daughter and her growing tummy, I loaned my collection of beautiful Italian linen dresses to my glowing “mom-in-waiting”; ones acquired over the years via the captivating boutiques in the south of France and along the Italian coast.

The elegant “slip over your head and you’re ready” versatile design was my initial attraction, however, it was the flowing and sophisticated silhouette, beautifully caressing my frame, that truly won me over.

The ease of wearing encompassed a sweeping range of women’s body heights, measurements and silhouettes; uncomplicated and effortless, something every woman desires to have close at hand.

The dresses were designed simple, minimalist even, in a cross-section of refined shades (cognac, alabaster, dove gray, peony, cerulean, vermilion). When paired with preferred jewelry, perhaps a well tied-scarf and the right pair of ballerina flats, stacked heels, ankle-length boots, soft leather loafers or vintage Rondini tropeziennes (sandals)…,the look is indomitable.

During those visits with my “soon-to-be-mommy”… watching my daughter get dressed everyday,,. slipping on my collection of Italian linen dresses in rapid succession…observing my 2019 peony Italian linen dress become a permanent part of her wardrobe…

I thought… “How wonderful would it be to offer an exclusive shopping service for “Moms-to-be” who love the look and feel of a 100% pure Italian linen dress, yet, have been unable to identify an authentic and consistent resource?

Whether it be spring, summer, winter or fall, depending on your region, the timeless elegance that pure linen exudes, is worn throughout the year.

In addition, I’m sure there must be quite a few “flourishing midriffs” who would love to wrap themselves in authentic Italian elegance.; however, are not able to balance the time and expense to make the flight to the south of France or Italy to spend a week or more shopping in the magnificent boutiques lining the French and Italian Riviera, in search of the right atelier or showroom.

Who doesn’t want to look fabulous while cradling new life?

We all do.

Not just during the work day (in-person meetings, teleconference, or travel), but after-hours as well as weekends; and particularly when pressed for time with pulling together that desired look. (i.e. little one(s) underfoot or en route)

After my darling granddaughter Sofia arrived, I noticed my daughter Amanda continued to wear my collection of gorgeous Italian linen dresses, postnatal.

The quiet confidence of motherhood.

Luminous, radiant, confident…

For work (in-person creative sessions and teleconference calls), for shopping, for meetups with friends, for weekends away in Santa Barbara and Paso Robles….

She never volunteered to return them…and I never asked…(smile)

THE VISION…

Identify luxurious ateliers, showrooms and boutiques in the south of France along the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), the Ligurian coast (Italian Riviera), and of course, Milan, Vicenza and Florence: in search of the very best maternity wear which capture the singular spell, only, Italian craftsmanship can cast.

Hand-select/curate well designed classic Italian linen dresses of varying lengths; sleeves and sleeveless.; “one size” (taglia unica), that flow beautifully, slip on harmoniously and fit the frame of a sweeping range of women’s body heights, measurements, and silhouettes during the trimesters and seamlessly transition into postnatal life.

Curate a small, hand select polished collection; monochromatic colors as well as couture inspired geometrics and prints; an essential selection “Moms-in-waiting” will reach for time and time again, during this most beautiful moment of their lives; and for years thereafter.

Key elements: Luxury textiles. Cultivated craftsmanship. Naturally refined. Exclusively Italian. Legacy pieces to wear for a decade or more.

Limited. Privileged. Select. This shall be the hallmark of the Près de la Côte Italian Linen Dress Collection.

Spend 5+ days each month shopping curated women’s boutiques in the south of France (Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, Grimaud, Ramatuelle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer) and select provinces of Italy (Ligurian coast, Milan, Vicenza, Florence).

Update “Our Collection” with hand-selected curations as they become available.

THE LIST…

Hop the train for the village of Cassis, hidden amongst the calanques on the Mediterranean coast…

Nestle and shop in Grimaud, a glorious “under the radar” village resting in the ridges’; draped in the history of the infamous Grimaldi family…

Languish in the hills of Ramatuelle, surrounded by vineyards and sweeping vistas of mountain and sea,..

Linger under the spell of the luxurious boutiques of Sainte-Tropez…

Wander the boutiques of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Villefranche-sur-Mer, a trilogy of mesmerizing coastal magnificence…

Drift in the hilltops of Èze, (more for my idleness than shopping)…

Immerse for the day in Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Mougins, laden with the types of women boutiques you only see in films…

Ramble the morning in Menton (France), the evening in Florence (Italy), the light of dawn in Milan (Italy)…

You get the picture…

Curating amongst the myriad array of women’s boutiques along the Mediterranean coast is truly an elevated experience.

I live near some of the most beautiful seaside villages in the south of France.

And have the luxury of the frontier of Italy on my doorstep.

I am thrilled to be sharing select portions (the shops and the joyful adventure) with you.

Here’s to much joy, peace and contentment during this most magical time in your life.

In the sacred dance of nine moons, a hidden life unfolds, cradling hope and dreams within a gentle, swelling embrace.

À bientôt 🇫🇷

Arrivederci!🇮🇹