Living in Mexico has, as I had hoped, greatly influenced many things in my life, but most importantly and most recently, since I’ve become a little more settled, I’ve had the time to dig around and discover some fantastic Mexican women to admire and take as mine for inspirational muses…now please…don’t be afraid…its not all that bad. Mexico has some fascinating women in its history- and it does not all begin and end with Frida Kahlo – however unbelievable she was—I’m thinking along different lines. I’m actually heading over to the golden era of Mexican cinema- and specifically to María Félix otherwise known as La Doña . She was a Diva if ever there was one, and as famous for her excesses as she was for her famous ex-husbands and beauty, which inspired many an artist and song writer. She was thought to be a fashion icon in her day and an excellent client of Cartier and the House of Dior.

For my Fall 2007 collection I’m departing the girly frivolity of recent past… and drawing upon a more womanly, sexy character, the María Félix of the 1950’s, for this upcoming season. My fiancée has an aunt who actually resembles María Félix quite closely, physically and what I’d imagine, individuality as well. She is also in her own right very divaesque—she smokes like a chimney, speaks with a low sexy voice, has shockingly black hair for her age, wears lots and lots of makeup, wears huge diamonds and gems as though they were plastic baubles, has ex-husbands, lovers and enemies. She’s quite wonderful and it all works very well on her….so I’m taking little cues from these over the top women- and incorporating them into what should be a fresh look for this next season…..

Here are two photos of her from the internet, but I suggest watching a few of her films to really get the essence of …. La Doña

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fashion week daily wrote a sweet bit about leontine’s opening party…..

the daily’s leontine write up

kyung lee’s new store leontine just had its grand opening this past thursday night in new york and it was a huge success! the store is much larger than albertine and claudune, her other two boutiques….its filled with antiques she sourced from all over the world, john robshaw bedding, an incredible selection of lotions and hand soaps she imported from a monastery in italy, stunning french vintage couture, one of kind clothing from yours truly, a small garden in the front of her shop where you can buy little potted orange trees and freshly cut flowers and there is huge wooden antique table in the back of the store where kyung is planning to hold private dinner parties….does it get more amazing than that? this is the best store ever.