A Possession Obsession What We Cherish and Why

by Kosann, Monica Rich; Fargo, Linda

• ISBN13: 9781943876327
• ISBN10: 1943876320
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2016-11-02
• Publisher: Glitterati Incorporated

Summary

Curious about the depth of meaning people attach to their mostcherished personal possessions, jewelry designer and portrait photographerMonica Rich Kosann set out to chronicle, in words and images, the stories ofsuch deeply esteemed belongings. She sat down with more than 65 intriguingpersonalities, celebrities, and thought leaders who revealed to her not onlythe items they most value, but also the reasons why they feel this way. Theresult is Possession Obsession, astunning photographic collection that features interviews with such variedfigures as Usher, Judge Judy, and Isaac Mizrahi, among many others. The wonderfulportraits and fascinating stories that emerged shed a gently revealing light on what lies behind the public facades of many of her subjects, but more importantly, on the universal human urge to holdmaterial things dear not for their outward value but for their emotionalsignificance.

Author Biography

Monica Rich Kosann is a fine art photographer and founder of an eponymous company that produces jewelry, image cases, frames, and evening bags. Her work has been reviewed in The New York Times, Town&Country, W Jewelry, Departures, Newsweek, InStyle, People, Elle, and LA Confidential. She has appeared on CNBC, Matha Stewart, E! News, and Entertainment Tonight. Celebrities ranging from Paris and Nicky Hilton, to Madonna, to Katie Holmes are all proud owners of Monica Rich Kosann accessories.Her jewelry collection is sold in over 100 fine jewelry stores throughout the United States and internationally. Monica also has her own in-store, Monica Rich Kosann boutique at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Monica is a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and is the author of The Fine Art of Family and Living With What You Love. She resides in New York, New York.

Linda Fargo is regarded as "the eyes of Bergdorf Goodman"—responsible for spotting trends and shaping the visual identity of the storied and opulent New York department store. Renowned for her discerning taste for fashion trends and creative directorship of the Bergdorf shop windows, Fargo has held her role at Bergdorf since 2006. She was featured in the documentary, "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorfs," and is the author of Dreams: Through the Glass. She resides in New York, New York.

Table of Contents

Annotated List of Interviewees


Barberich, Christene
Christene Barberich is a giant in the world of fashion and design. In 2005, following stints at Gourmet magazine, The Daily, and the New Yorker, she served as a founding partner of Refinery29, the award-winning site that leads the pack as an international fashion, style, and beauty destination. Prior to the launch, she'd written for a variety of publications, including the New York Times, New York Magazine, ELLE Decoration, and Dwell. She also contributed as founding editor of CITY magazine, where she earned an ASME nomination for General Excellence. The editorial powerhouse lives in Brooklyn and runs the show at Refinery29 as editor in chief. In 2014, she coauthored Style Stalking, a New York Times bestseller celebrating creative street style.

Bartiromo, Maria
Since January 2014, viewers of FOX Business Network have been waking up to Maria Bartiromo, FBN's global markets editor who anchors their Mornings with Maria along with Sunday Morning Futures, which reigns as the most watched Sunday morning program on cable. The industry pioneer boasts more than twenty-five years of experience covering business and the economy, beginning with twenty years as the face of business cable network CNBC, where she was the first journalist to do live daily reports from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. In 2009, she was named one of the 50 Faces That Shaped the Decade by the Financial Times. But the journalism prowess of this two-time Emmy recipient extends beyond television—she writes a regular column for USA Today and has also authored three books.

Bartlett, John
Fashion designer John Bartlett exploded onto the menswear scene in 1992 and quickly earned kudos from his peers, including the prestigious Perry Ellis Award of Best Newcomer in 1993 and CFDA's Menswear Designer of the Year in 1997.
Once called “one of the bright fashion stars of the last decade” by the New York Times, the Harvard grad has made some smart moves in his career, including taking a much-deserved year off to study Ashtanga yoga and Buddhism in Thailand and Cambodia. In 2003, he returned to the fashion industry with renewed determination that lead to the opening of his namesake boutique in New York's West Village and a collaboration with Liz Claiborne.
Most recently, the Cincinnati native has shifted his devotion from high-end menswear to animal activism. In memory of his beloved three-legged pit bull rescue, the designer created the Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, which helps save the lives of dogs and cats by removing them from high kill shelters and providing proper care. Proceeds from the sale of his collection of stylish basics help support the cause.

Beauchamp,Tai
As host of TLC's hit Dare to Wear, Tai Beauchamp is on a mission to inspire women to live the beautiful lives they deserve. She dabbles in media, fashion, and beauty, with a background at Harper's Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, O, the Oprah Magazine, and Seventeen. Her media company, Tai Life Media, LLC, connects style with holistic lifestyle, and her years of expertise make her a bona fide style guru as well as a motivational speaker.

Beck, Jamie
After her success as a Tumblr sensation with her account From Me To You, photographer Jamie Beck created AnnStreetStudio.com with her visual graphics artist husband Kevin Burg. Here, she shares her eye for glamour, beauty, and fantasy in the signature GIF-like moving images she calls Cinemagraphs. The aesthetic appeal of these magical moving pictures has captured the attention of brands like Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Tiffany, and Ralph Lauren.

Benanti, Laura
Celebrated Tony-award winner Laura Benanti has been gracing the Broadway stage since age eighteen, starring in the 2008 revival of Gypsy. On television, she is known for her roles on ABC's Nashville, HBO's Nurse Jackie, and CBS's The Good Wife.

Berkus, Nate
Interior designer Nate Berkus has completed more than 130 home makeovers on The Oprah Winfrey Show. His firm currently commits itself to design projects all around the world, including collaborations with Target and JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores.

Betts, Kate
After eight years as fashion news director at Vogue, Kate Betts became the youngest fashion editor in history when she took on the position of editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar. She has since also put the title bestselling author under her belt with My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine, which chronicles her life as a fashion journalist in Paris following graduating from Princeton. She contributes writing to Time and the Daily Beast.

Bravo, Rose Marie
As CEO of Burberry from 1997 to 2005, Rose Marie Bravo was responsible for signing Kate Moss and is revered as a driving force in expanding the classic British brand on the US market. Before that, she was president of Saks Fifth Avenue. In recognition of her efforts to promote British fashion, the queen of England named her a Commander of the British Empire in 2006.

Brown, Bobbi
In 1991, Bobbi Brown revolutionized the beauty market with her ten brown-based lipstick shades, showing consumers that makeup could be simple, wearable, and still flattering. Bobbi's natural approach has since garnered a massive global consumer base, and her brand, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, continues to pay homage to natural beauty and promote the “real” woman with a wide range of products.

Brown, Laura
As executive director of Harper's Bazaar, Aussie Laura Brown's style and charisma have earned her a slew of television appearances, not to mention her very own web series on Harper's Bazaar's YouTube Channel.

Bryant, Janie
Emmy-award winning costume designer Janie Bryant is the visionary behind the brilliantly outfitted characters on shows like Mad Men and Deadwood. Bryant released a book called The Fashion File, which speaks to her career as a costume designer and fashion inspiration.

Burns, Farrah
Cuban/Haitian rap artist Farrah Burns dazzles audiences with her unique sound that fuses Afro-Caribbean beats with French Folk and futuristic melodies.

Cho, Alina
Formerly the host of CNN's Fashion: Backstage Pass, journalist Alina Cho now serves as editor at large at Penguin Random House's Ballantine Bantam Dell division. As a television correspondent for ABC News and CNBC, she covered Barack Obama's first election and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and was one of the few credited with reporting from inside communist North Korea.

Clinton, Michael

Michael Clinton has held the post of president, marketing, and publishing director of Hearst Magazines, where he oversees the publishing side of Hearst's massive portfolio of titles. Clinton is an avid traveler and photographer. He has held a number of gallery exhibitions and is the author of nine books: American Portraits: 100 Countries; Closer: Seeing the World in Details; Global Faces: 500 Photographs from 7 Continents; Global Remains: Abandoned Architecture and Objects from 7 Continents; Global Snaps: 500 Photographs from 7 Continents; The Globetrotter Diaries: Tales, Tips, and Tactics for Traveling the 7 Continents; Wanderlust: One Hundred Countries, A Personal Journey; Wanderlust: One Hundred Countries, A Personal Journey Deluxe Edition (all published by Glitterati Incorporated).

Coco & Breezy
At age nineteen, identical twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson formed NYC-based sunglass brand Coco & Breezy, which has since been featured in a multitude of titles from Teen Vogue to New York Magazine. Their eclectic pieces have been spotted on the likes of Lady Gaga and Serena Williams.

Collins, Amy Fine
Amy Fine Collins, a former art historian and author of the memoir The God of Driving, has been a special correspondent for Vanity Fair since 1993, covering topics in fashion, design, and society.

Demsey, John
John Demsey holds the post of group president at Estée Lauder Companies, where his creative vision and strategic thinking have contributed to the growth of brands like M.A.C. Cosmetics and La Mer.

Doonan, Simon
With more than thirty-five years of experience in the fashion industry, Barneys' creative ambassador-at-large Simon Doonan is also a columnist at online magazine SLATE and his vivacious personality has merited a number of television appearances.

Drake, Jamie
Famed residential and commercial designer Jamie Drake is the creative force behind notable interiors including an LA showplace for Madonna and a number of projects for twenty-year client Michael Bloomberg. The Parsons graduate mixes the traditional and contemporary, playing with color to create distinctive, inviting environments.

Erlanger, Micaela
Power stylist Micaela Erlanger reliably designs dazzling red carpet looks for Hollywood's leading ladies, turning up-and-coming stars like Lupita Nyong'o into style icons overnight. Her fresh taste and attention to detail have attracted clients such as Michelle Dockery, Olivia Munn, and Winona Ryder.

Fairstein, Linda
As head of the sex crimes prosecution unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office for more than twenty-five years, Linda Fairstein made a name for herself supervising every case of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as homicides related to those crimes. Her experience inspired successful titles, including bestselling crime novels and Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape, detailing the history of sexual assault-related legislative reform.

Fiori, Pamela
Style and lifestyle guru Pamela Fiori was editor of Travel&Leisure for fourteen years, where she was credited with the title's rise to success. Then as editor in chief at Town&Country, she solidified her reputation as one of the foremost authorities on lifestyle and luxury travel.

Fox, Jodie
Jodie Fox integrated her advertising and law background with her penchant for fashion when she founded ShoesOfPrey.com, the multimillion-dollar web-based enterprise that gives women the freedom to design their own shoes, based in Sydney but available worldwide.

Framel, Kelly
Fashion blogger Kelly Framel's webzine The Glamorai provides visitors with a one-stop shop for all things stylish and homemade. The success of her site has led to collaborations with brands like Club Monaco and Forever 21, in addition to her own collection of insect pendants.

Friend, David
After filling the role of director of photography at Life magazine in the 1990s, David Friend joined the team at Vanity Fair, where he has been editor of creative development since 1998. He has covered conflicts throughout the Middle East and won accolades for his work following the subject of 9/11, such as his book Watching the World Change: The Stories Behind the Images of 9/11.

Garcia, Nina
Best known for her prestigious role as a judge on award-winning hit Project Runway, Colombia native Nina Garcia is creative director of Marie Claire magazine and also the New York Times bestselling author of four books.

Goldwyn, Tony
These days, viewers of ABC hit drama Scandal know him as President Fitzgerald, but Tony Goldwyn's impressive career as an actor and director has included playing alongside Patrick Swayze in Ghost and voicing the title character in 1999's animated feature Tarzan.

Hall, Tamron
Tamron Hall serves as a national correspondent for NBC News, where she conducts high-profile interviews and covers key events on MSNBC's NewsNation. She was at Ground Zero following Osama Bin Laden's death and at the final space shuttle launch from KSC in 2011, giving viewers in-depth coverage of US and world news.

Jackson, Musa
Born and raised in Harlem, Musa Jackson is a professional digital photographer. He is at work developing a feature screenplay.

Jacobs, Maria Dueñas
ELLE's accessories director Maria Dueñas Jacobs began her career in college as a freelance stylist. After years working at Proenza Schouler and Vogue, she finally landed the post of accessories editor at Glamour before taking on her current role at ELLE.

Jennings, Kayce Freed
Kayce Freed Jennings's prolific career in television journalism began in the1980s at ABC News in London. After graduating from Brown University and London School of Economics, she spent twenty years at ABC News, cofounded The Documentary Group, and now works as a freelance producer and serves on the board of many nonprofits.

Judge Judy
Since 1996, family court judge Judy Sheindlin has starred as herself in the daytime television sensation Judge Judy. Before holding court on the Emmy award-winning program, she had a career as presiding judge in New York's Family Court, during which she heard more than 20,000 cases.


Kurpis, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Kurpis gracefully balances her job as a high-profile lawyer with involvement in the New York scene as an art connoisseur, philanthropist, and fashionista. When she is not busy with her career, family, or travel, the attorney contributes to institutions like the American Museum of Natural History, the Frick Collection, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Associates Committee.

Laforge, Scooter
New Mexico native Scooter Laforge built quite a reputation in the art scene in San Francisco before moving to Manhattan, where his work has been shown at galleries like Exit Art, Wooster Projects, and White Columns. A graduate of Cooper Union, he paints in a style reminiscent of pop art, abstract expressionism, and classicism.

Lauren, Lauren Bush
Niece of former president George W. Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren founded FEED Projects in 2007, a nonprofit that has provided more than 87 million school meals worldwide. The socially conscious former model serves as CEO and creative director of the nonprofit organization.

Leiba, Freddie
Iconic celebrity stylist Freddie Leiba's influence dates back to working with Andy Warhol to launch Interview magazine. He's dressed top style icons, worked with every notable fashion photographer, and collaborated with a variety of reputable brands on their ad campaigns.

Leive, Cindi
Editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine Cindi Lieve was named Most Powerful US Fashion Magazine Editor by Forbes. In addition to discussing new fashion trends, she is a champion of women's issues, celebrating female leaders annually at Glamour's Women of the Year Awards.

Lepore, Nanette
Inspired by her bohemian upbringing, fashion designer Nanette Lepore creates gypsy-influenced designs sold in department stores across the nation.

Lividini, Jaqui
Jaqui Lividini began her impressive career at Saks Fifth Avenue. In 2005, she launched the brand strategy company Lividini&Co., which creates solutions for fashion, retail, and lifestyle brands.

Minkoff, Rebecca
Following the success of her very first handbag design, the “Morning After Bag,” Rebecca Minkoff has created a globally recognizable lifestyle brand that is distributed in more than 900 [N1] stores worldwide.

Mizrahi, Isaac
Four-time CFDA award winner Isaac Mizrahi is a fashion designer, television presenter, and creative director of Xcel Brands. His stylish designs have outfitted prominent women such as Audrey Hepburn and Hilary Clinton and pop culture icons including Julia Roberts and Rihanna.

Natori, Josie
Born and raised in the Philippines, Josie Natori began her career as the first female vice president at Merrill Lynch. She then transitioned from Wall Street to the fashion business, where she is now CEO and founder of The Natori Company, a high-end women's sleepwear brand. She also served as commissioner on the White House Conference on Small Business.

Ost, Beatrix
German-born style legend Beatrix Ost exudes effortless elegance, expressing herself creatively as a writer, artist, designer, and theatrical producer—truly exemplifying the modern-day Renaissance woman.

Porcaro, Denise
Owner and head florist of charming flower shop Flower Girl in downtown New York City, Denise Porcaro has been crafting enchanting seasonal flower arrangements for her clients since the shop opened in 2004.

Pucci, Ralph
Ralph Pucci is a leader in the world of visual merchandising as a constructor of mannequins, following humble beginnings at his family's mannequin-repair business. His work was recently celebrated in the Museum of Arts and Design's exhibition Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin.

Quindlen, Anna
Pulitzer Prize–winning author, journalist, and opinion columnist Anna Quindlen brings her insightful perspective to a range of pertinent issues from family and education to social justice. She is best known for her renowned New York Times column Public and Private.

Rockwell, David
Innovative architect and designer David Rockwell leads the New York–based Rockwell Group, a cross-disciplinary architecture firm credited with projects like Nobu restaurants and hotels worldwide.

Rodin, Linda
First appearing on the scene as model in Italy at age eighteen, and later working as fashion editor at Harper's Bazaar, stylist Linda Rodin has had a lengthy career in fashion. She translates her industry smarts and fantastic personal style to the skincare arena with her collection Rodin Olio Lusso.

Rose, Lela
Fashion designer Lela Rose grew up and Dallas, Texas. Five years after graduating from Parson's School of Design, she debuted her eponymous collection, which has made her a trusted supplier of sophisticated ready-to-wear and bridal, sold nationwide.

Rozsa, Johnny
Born and raised in Nairobi, photographer Johnny Rozsa began his career in London and is now based in New York, specializing in fashion, portrait, and celebrity photography. His portraits have been exhibited worldwide from Sydney to Vienna.

Russell, Margaret
Margaret Russell is the editor in chief of Architectural Digest and archdigest.com, a position she has held since August 2010. Prior to joining Architectural Digest, Margaret served as vice president/editor in chief of Elle Decor, a publication she helped found in 1989. During her tenure, Margaret also created elledecor.com and produced the bestselling ELLE Decor book series.

Margaret is a presidential appointee to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and she's also a member of the Advisory Council of the Philip Johnson Glass House, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She lectures frequently on architecture and interior design and has been featured on numerous television shows, including Bravo's Top Design. She is the author of several books, among them So Chic and Style and Substance.

Russo, Chris
Known as Mad Dog to his listeners, Chris Russo began his career in sports radio as a cohost of Mike and the Mad Dog with Mike Francesa. Now, he runs Mad Dog Radio, his own channel on Sirius XM Radio.

Rutherford, Kelly
Kentucky-born television and film star Kelly Rutherford shared on-screen DNA with Blake Lively in her role as Lily Humphrey (van der Woodsen) on the hit show Gossip Girl. In addition to her sensational performance on-screen, the gorgeous, lithe blonde has earned a reputation for her impeccable personal style.

Shah, Nausheen
Nausheen Shah's impressive portfolio includes fashion, editorial, personal and celebrity styling, print advertising, fashion shows, and music videos. Her artistic approach to creating attention-grabbing looks makes her a valuable asset for clients like Bergdorf Goodman, Travel&Leisure, L'Officiel, and the New York Post.

Silver, Cameron
In 1997, fashion philanthropist Cameron Silver opened celebrated consignment shop Decades on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, and since then his playful vintage style has been a source of inspiration for fashion houses from New York to Milan. He has served as a creative consultant for Azzaro and Samsonite and currently stars in Bravo's The Dukes of Melrose.

Singer, Sally
Vogue's creative digital director Sally Singer took the roundabout way to her permanent front-row seat at fashion shows in New York and Paris. Her career path detours include a brief stint as a San Francisco beautician and editor at the London Review of Books, which she eventually left for a job at British Vogue followed by ELLE. Then, after eleven years at Vogue as fashion news director, Singer left the magazine for two years to serve as editor in chief of T: The New York Times Style Magazine, making her triumphant return in 2012 to run Vogue.com.

Siriano, Christian
Project Runway winner Christian Siriano was inducted as a member of CFDA in 2013. His eponymous collection has a regular slot at New York Fashion Week, and ELLE's “new king of old-school glamour” has partnered with brands like Payless ShoeSource and Victoria's Secret in addition to dressing the world's leading ladies.

Sui, Anna
Energetic fashion designer Anna Sui hails from Detroit and has made a name for herself by infusing her original aesthetic with her devotion to rock and roll. Her fashion empire includes clothing, shoes, cosmetics, eyewear, accessories, and a line of fragrances.

The New Potato
With their food, fashion, and lifestyle destination The New Potato, foodie sister-duo Laura and Danielle Kosann use the lens of food to interview a host of characters across many industries, from restauranteurs to designers to television stars.

Usher
Born Usher Terry Raymond IV, the globally recognized entertainer has been one of the world's bestselling musical artists since the early 2000s. The performer's impressive career includes more than 75 million records sold worldwide, nine Hot 100 number-one singles, and eight Grammys.

Waxman, Jonathan
Chef and owner of West Village favorite Barbuto, Caifornia native Jonathan Waxman has published two cookbooks and participated in two seasons of Bravo's Top Chef Masters, where he was known as Obi Wan Kenobi. The LA Times once dubbed him “the Eric Clapton of chefs.“

Webb, Marissa
Korean-born designer Marissa Webb exemplifies her elegant personal style in her eponymous fashion label while simultaneously working as creative director and executive vice president of design at Banana Republic.

White, Constance
Constance White is an arbiter of culture and style, award-winning journalist, and champion of female empowerment. Her wealth of experience has made her an esteemed source of editorial expertise for companies such as the New York Times, ELLE, Essence, and eBay.

Whiteside, James
Formerly of Boston Ballet, dancer James Whiteside has been a soloist with American Ballet Theatre since 2012 and was named a principal dancer in 2013. He has since graced the stage as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, the Nutcracker Prince in Alexei Ratmansky's The Nutcracker, and Prince Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty, to name a few.

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[N1]Editor: again, CMS would spell out, but I've left alone according to style guide.