THE ESSENTIALS
Manuela Pavesi, Photographer1. My obsessive research of "incorrect beauty" to be turned, through good manners,
into elegance.
2. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
I’ve been using this since the late 1970s.
3. My three Smythson little red books
One for addresses from a long time ago, one Premier diary (I have bought one every year since 1980
and have kept them all) and one notebook (to write down my thoughts when I am traveling). The three
of them are kept together with a rubber band.
4. Jewels
I feel naked if I am not wearing earrings. The style changes according to my mood.
My favorite pairs are from the 18th century and from 1920.
5. Ugly shoes
I hate conventionally sexy shoes; I like them to be sexy in my own way.
6. Metal hairgrips
To keep my hair flat.
7. My camera
The Olympus MJU was a gift from Helmut Newton, and I use it all the time. It’s always with me in
my bagand the pictures taken with it always turn out to be the best. My assistant does the most beautiful
13x18 cm black-and-white prints.
8. The clothes in all of Buñuel’s movies
9. Prada bag
My 1950s-style Prada blue crocodile frame bag.
10. Sweaters from Scotland
Blue Shetland crew neck or v-neck men’s sweaters from Campbell’s Scotland.
11. Silk pajamas
Men’s silk pajamas from Prada and also what is left of a custom-made pair from Charvet and a pair from
Red & Blue, an Italian company, which are no longer produced (I have been wearing them since late 1980s
and they are now quite worn out).
12. Prada coat
Charcoal gray men’s coat on top of a 70s YSL Couture black chiffon blouse with white collar and cuffs.
13. Perfume
My perfume made especially for me by Daniela Andrier. It’s always in my bag.
14. Cape
Vintage 50s Balenciaga couture black cape in very heavy silk.
15. Belted dress
A 30s Chanel dress in beige chiffon worn with my husband’s brown crocodile belt.
16. Petticoats
Hand-embroidered black and beige silk petticoats by Loretta Caponi. I have them made for me in Florence.
17. Underwear
My black and white cotton high-waisted underwear by a company that makes underwear for nuns.
18. Gloves
Comme des Garçons elbow-length gloves in beige cotton for summer and in black heavy silk for winter.
19. Shirtdress
Black cotton with a 1950s length, very much like a uniform, from Prada’s first show.
