I fell headily in love with Beijing two years ago after attending Fendi’s splendid and monumental fashion show held at the Great Wall in Beijing. This glamorous affair, hosted by the inimitable Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld, made fashion-show history. Held on the hills of the 5th century BC Juyongguan section of the wall, this was the first show on the structure, and also the longest runway ever at 200 meters!

Recently I returned to Beijing for more luxury, this time to see the Cartier Treasures exhibition held at China’s former Imperial Palace, The Forbidden City.

Pieces that have adorned the necks, wrists and ears of royalty, the glamorous and the great were all here on display. If only we could adorn ourselves, however briefly! My favorite was a panther clip brooch made especially for the Duchess of Windsor and a diamond tiara worn by Elisabeth Queen of Belgium.

Beautifully crafted jade green and black onyx deco jewels in the exhibit perfectly evoked the mood of my winter collection- classic yet contemporary; elegant yet edgy. An impressive jade ring on display, made in 1934 for Barbara Hutton, would look fabulous with this season’s KOTUR d’Abo minaudiere in moss satin or a black lacquer Bugel.

I wait with baited breath for the next chapter of inspired and inspiring art and fashion in my travels…