PLUSH LUXURIES

THE HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC - ANTIBES, FRANCE - THE ULTIMATE RESORT DESTINATION

As Winter approaches day by day, many are planning that much needed Holiday escape.   I want to encourage you to think of one luxury accessory that can be a super chic addition to a well packed suitcase.   The beach towel.  While a designer handbag can sometimes feel like you are trying too hard in a resort setting, a beautiful and plush beach towel is at home in Costa Careyes, St. Barts, or any destination that includes a swimsuit. 

Made from the finest cotton in the world and spun by master textile makes, designer beach towels are as valid an investment as any RTW Jacket or leather handbag.  A well cared for towel can last for years and years!   While many fashion brands have been quick to jump on the bandwagon of adding handbags and shoes, a beach towel is still a sign of a more refined collection.  In the same way that silk FERRAGAMO RESORT 2011/12 - THE DUKE MANSION, NYCscreened scarves separate the men from the boys of fashion brands, so too does the production of a luxury beach towel.    Let's be clear: All towels are not created equally.   The towels we are discussing here are those made in Italy, France, Portugal, or Turkey - all countries that have a long history of making fine textiles and craftspeople specializing in embroidery. (You will find some from the U.K)  Expect to pay from $475-$600.

The towels are in fact very much like a silk scarf.   Designed for the refined fashion customer, and influenced by the signature collection seen on the runway.   Most are shown with Cruise or Resort collections for obvious reasons.   Let's look at three towels to covet.

FERRAGAMO

To say that the house of FerragamoEXOTIC ANIMAL PRINTS AWASH IN BLUE - FERRAGAMO has had a big year is an understatement.  Since being named creative director of the entire brand, designer Massimiliano Giornetti has seen his RTW become the it collection of the music world.  Madonna, Beyonce, & Katy Perry have all chosen Ferragamo for cover shoots, movie premieres, and hot editorials. LADY GAGA IN FERRAGAMO In fact magazines can't seem to feature enough in issue after issue.  Then there is Lady Gaga.  Gaga went GAGA herself for the fall collection and had her piano papered to match the Ferragamo Houndstooth dress she wore to perform on The View.  

Last Spring, tapping into the ultra luxe roots of Salvatore Ferragamo himself,  the house staged it's first ever full scale Resort Runway show.  The site of the show was the famed James B. Duke Mansion on New York's Upper East Side.   The show featured Great Gatsby like glamour with a navy and pale blue silk palette that was iced with diamonds, diamonds, and more diamonds.   The seasonal beach towel is the ultimate combo of animal prints bordered in navy- oh so chic.

CHANEL 

There are few items not coveted from this magical house of French fashion.  Coco Chanel was a cornerstone for the entire fashion industry, and Karl Lagerfeld took her legacy into the stratosphere! CHANEL BLACK & WHITE TERRYCLOTH BEACH TOWEL & MATCHING TOTE  This seasons towel was influenced by the over the top show staged at the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes, France.   The ultimate resort destination for the rich and famous, it is one of the most, if not the most expensive hotel in the world. KRISTEN McMENAMY - CHANEL CRUISE 2011/12 - HOTEL DU CAP  The breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and ultimate privacy create an uber chic combination.   Of course Karl being Karl, he rented out the entire hotel for days for this stunning show.   One of the highlights was the return of supermodel Kristen McMenamy to the runway, looking as stunning at 45 as she did at 25.   The black and white robes, bustiers, suits, and jackets made the terrycloth towels the perfect accessory. (Click CC to play with some beautiful accessories).

HERMES  - Of course of all the HERMES SIGNATURE TERRYCLOTH TOWEL - $530.00fashion houses, Hermes is the one that has the most developed collection of beach towels.   This famed French house of leather goods are the masters of crafting every accessory from riding gear to gun caddies,  and of course - handbags.  At Hermes, there are always beach towels to be had.   Best known are those featuring animals - think polar bears or fish, but there are also those that take their design from runway inspiration.  HERMES FALL 2011 - EXOTIC TRAVELER This Fall, designer Christophe Lemaire's first collection for the house focussed on exotic travel and eccentric sportsman activities such as falconry and archery.   Also in the mix were graphic printed tunics and swing coats that evoked a sense of mystery.  Who is this wealthy traveler, and where is she going? 

Surprising any loved one that loves fashion with one of the designer towels featured here will guarantee you a happy holiday season!   Be sure to visit a boutique near you and ask about beach towels.   If you local boutique doesn't have them, they can bring one in for you.  Of course this is a great item to have shipped as a gift.   **Boyfriends out there take note:  If you wrap two airline tickets in a designer beach towel and put it under the tree for your sweetheart.... your status as boyfriend of the year will be hard to top!**   CLICK IMAGES TO EXPLORE