"There is a worrying lack of elegance in a world where the cult of appearances is so exasperated. There is an emphasis on rhetoric, vanity, narcissism and exaggeration — a desire to "be striking" at all costs. All too often, things are overdone and overstated. Not only in clothing but also in behaviour and expression."
"Elegance is not conspicuous. It is not an accumulation of accessories and exhibitionism. It is style, awareness and measure. A balanced mix of instinctive good taste and precise choices, care for substance and minute attention to every detail."
"Elegance is sober — and sobriety is elegant. The one and the other are pleasant, agreeable and comforting. Not only more human and functional but also more beautiful. When appropriate, they can also be seductive — and even mischievous. There is more fascination in simplicity than in every shameless showing off."
"Some people think that elegance is a gift, an innate talent. This might be true in part. There are people who know how to move, express themselves and communicate better than others. Yet no one is condemned to be vulgar, cumbersome and irritable. And no one can rely only on instinct. Elegance, simplicity and sobriety are arts that we can learn and cultivate. And it is well worth doing so. Not only to be more agreeable to others but also to feel more at home with ourselves."
Giancarlo Livraghi www.gandalf.it