betrothal -ˈtrō-thəl, -ˈtrȯ-, -thəl noun : a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage What greater love story could there be, than a love story that inspired one of the most magnificent structures in the world? That which began as a betrothal, blossomed into an intensely intimate bond — which, despite ending in tragedy, will live on forever through the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal . . . The young prince, Prince Khurram, first spotted the striking Arjumand Banu Begum, a […]
Passion: /ˈpaʃ(ə)n/ strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardour A fiercely intense passion, an infatuated excitement, a concentrated and powerful love. — there is no other way to describe the thrilling and dynamic romance between the breathtakingly beautiful Elizabeth Taylor and the hopelessly handsome Richard Burton — a great love story filled so completely with profound passion and love for one another, it was ultimately their undoing . . . The violet-eyed beauty of the silver screen — ever glamorous, […]
With each and every detail still fresh in our minds, is hard to believe the first anniversary of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding is already upon us. From the exquisite English & French Chantilly lace of the gown to the to the eight-tiered wedding cake decorated with an astounding nine hundred sugar-paste flowers — every intimate detail of the day still lingers . . . Friendship /ˈfrɛn(d)ʃɪp/ a state of mutual trust and support between two people A […]
A waifish figure and large, brown, doe-like eyes; a tiny, cinched in waist and sweet, elfin features; a willowy dancer’s body, slight but strong from years of ballet training—always graceful and ever ladylike—it is difficult to believe that this beautiful woman, both inside and out, would wait almost her entire life to find true love but—when she did find it, it was truly great . . .
love letter — noun; a letter or note written by someone to his or her sweetheart or lover; a personal letter to a loved one expressing affection Whether reading a breathtaking and enchanting tale of heroic deeds and star crossed lovers, or remembering a stolen first kiss or a midnight stroll on a cool midsummer’s night—a love story, be it your own or that of another, can evoke the most quixotic of feelings. History has delivered many beautiful love stories, […]
“It is a risk to love. What if it doesn’t work out?Ah, but what if it does?” — Peter McWilliams Golden : adj ˈgōl-dən radiantly youthful & vigorous; of a high degree of excellence. Fifty years, for any marriage is an extraordinary feat — but, a Hollywood marriage?Why, it’s an eternity! Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward were famously dubbed the golden couple of Hollywood, and a better description could not be given — blissfully happy, wonderfully grounded, and a charmingly […]
A hopelessly romantic love story spanning almost 50 years must certainly be the thing dreams are made of; with such humble beginnings, this romance has blossomed and most definitely passed the test of time — a testament to true love and the hope of happily ever after . . . Above, from the Rosecliff collection by Ralph Lauren Home Their first encounter was at the eye doctor’s office in 1964 — Ralph, having recently returned from serving two years in […]
“We became lovers forever, eternally. Big words, I know, but I truly felt that no matter what happened we would always be in love.” — Ava Gardner What could be more captivating than a great love story, that, despite a tumultuous and condemned beginning, defied all odds to become one of the most passionate romances of the 20th century? Frank Sinatra, already a legend in Hollywood, the master of the love song and the crooner of every young girls’ dream, […]
Pizzazz : /pɪˈzaz/ an attractive combination of vitality and glamour A beautifully vibrant and effervescently stylish couple, the toast of the social scene — Diana & Reed Vreeland will always be remembered as a couple whose opinion was respected, whose thoughts were listened to, and whose style was emanated the world over . . . When one thinks of stylish individuals in history, Diana Vreeland’s name will always be at the top of the list. Having worked for Harper’s Bazaar […]
For some of the greatest love stories of all time, age is but a number — their love is so vivid, it disregards years and thrives only on the passion two people feel for each other. The great romance of Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall is one such story — instantly smitten with one another, many would have been concerned with the vast gap in their age, but Humphrey & Lauren (or Bogie & Baby, as they so fondly called […]
The pop princess and the heartthrob — a story so often heard, but one that not so often lasts the test of time. The pressures of fame will challenge even the strongest of romances, and those that survive can only be described as a great love story . . .
Each and every great love story is unique. Though the message of true, passionate, undying love is constant, the tale of how this is reached is undoubtedly individual, and there is most certainly no ‘right or wrong’. Some love stories, perhaps, at the time, do not conform to what society describes as a ‘proper’ relationship — but years later, while looking back at the details and circumstance, it is discovered to be an undeniably great love story . . . […]
Bronzed legs that go on forever, hair perfectly imperfect, golden, dewy skin and a sparkling mega-watt smile — the now iconic image of Farrah Fawcett laughing in a simple red swimsuit so perfectly encapsulated her spirit and vitality and love; it was clear that whomever captured this beauty’s heart would most certainly be a very lucky man . . . . . . and he was. Ryan O’Neal does not even try to deny it. And so it begins — […]
Cesira in Two Women, and Lucia Curio in It Started In Naples, Filumena Marturano in Marriage Italian-Style and Giovanna in Sunflower — Sophia Loren has been known by many names throughout her life and acting career, but she was known as ‘wife’, ‘soul mate’ and ‘great love’ to only one person: Carlo Ponti.
As with so many of the greatest of romances, love and tragedy go hand-in-hand. Misfortune and heartbreak seem the cruelest of fates to bestow upon two people so completely in love, but perhaps the sign of a truly boundless love is one that survives the tribulation — and if anything — is stronger at the other side of it. A great love story. The love story of Christopher & Dana Reeve is so fraught with tragedy, it is unfair; however, […]
Serge Gainsbourg — the eccentric French singer, songwriter, actor, poet, composer & director — never conforming to one genre or another, he was revolutionary and progressive, and is regarded as a legend of French music and cinema, as well as one of the world’s most influential musicians.
On January 10, 1931, the Viscountess Thelma Furness hosted a lavish party at her home in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire; she was Edward, The Prince of Wales’ long-time love interest. As it happened, American socialite, Wallis Simpson, attended the same party with her husband Ernest Simpson. Although it would have been lovely to say that Wallis and the Prince locked eyes and fell instantly and madly in love with one another, that was not the case. Each had a wonderful time […]
Poetic love letters, a courtship, and loving one another until their dying day are but a rarity in today’s age, so a romance that combines all three must certainly be a great love story; although not the knight in shining armour of a young girl’s imagination, Robert Browning was Elizabeth Barrett’s hero, metaphorically sweeping her off her feet, loving and holding her until her dying breath. Elizabeth Barrett, born on March 6 1806, in County Durham, England, was an extraordinary […]
The rockstar and the Hollywood princess―a match made in heaven. Both effortlessly cool, so naturally suave, debonair―but in a cultured, à la mode way. Sofia Coppola―film director, actress, model, screenwriter and producer, and her beau, Thomas Mars, front man of the band Phoenix―are the quintessential mod couple.
ONE OF THE fashion world’s most beautiful and enduring platonic love stories was almost never to be. As the story goes, in 1953, while filming Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn paid a visit to French couturier Hubert de Givenchy’s studio in Paris to discuss the possibility of his designing the dresses for the film.