Cafe Society: Socialites Patrons and Artists 1920-1960

Aristocrats millionaires painters fashion designers choreographers and musicians of the caf society fox-trot aboard cruise liners and mingle at dazzling parties in Paris. Exclusive extravagant and beautiful these cosmopolitan socialites were the patrons who galvanized the phenomenal success of the greatest creators of the early twentieth century. It was a whirlwind of sumptuously decorated villas and yachts up-and-coming haute couture and jewelry designers and elite evening parties immortalized by fashion photographers like Cecil Beaton. Combining elegance and fantasy the members of the caf society enjoyed a sophisticated avant-garde lifestyle. Some of the centurys most original talentsfrom Cole Porter to Yves Saint Laurentstepped into the limelight via the caf society. Through archival photographs and period documents this volume recounts in historical detail the intrigue and impact generated around the world by this stylish jet-set.