Legend of Love

It’s the story of forbidden romance and the man who broke the rules in the name of true love. Legend has it that when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for soldiers in ancient Rome, Valentine ignored the risks and chose to marry young lovers in secret. Though he helped new marriages blossom, he paid the ultimate price and was put to death after he got caught. 

This may or may not have been the way Valentine’s Day truly started, but the fact remains that the holiday continues to inspire expressions of love and beauty.

"Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss" by Antonio Canova, 1757-1822

Love and romance have served as artistic inspiration for painters and sculptors for centuries, and as art inspires life, the romance often finds its way to the runways.

The Language of Flowers

Flowers of every shape and size bloom each spring, adding life to the dull landscape of winter. They add color and texture to the world around us and never cease to make their way into fashion and art.

Alexis Mabille Spring 2012 Couture

Every Valentine’s Day millions of flowers are given to sweethearts around the world. But with every bud and bloom, what message are we really sending? Just like there is a spoken language, body language and even love languages, there is a language of flowers. Entwined in their petals and colors, are secrets waiting to be told.