I have always been fascinated by the crossover of different industries. I love to see how seemingly unrelated fields inform and inspire each other, and to discover what can be learned at the points of intersection. So when Lincoln Black Label reached out and asked me to view a home that's been designed to embody the four aesthetic themes of their just-released collection of luxury vehicles, I was intrigued and more than a little curious. 'What does a car have to do with interior design?' I wondered. As it turns out, a whole lot!
Before I visited the home, I had a chance to sit down with Lincoln Black Label designer Janet Seymour and learn more about what makes Black Label unique: a quartet of designer interior themes characterized by high-end materials and above-and-beyond details that Janet describes as "unparalleled in the industry". For example, she described to me a research process that included a global expedition to sample the world's top chocolatiers then turn that into an automotive theme entitled Indulgence. It was subsequently the job of NYC interiors firm hOmE to bring that richness to life in the space you see above—and my job to interpret its warmth through fashion (top photo)!
Then came time to view the property itself. As I mentioned, each room brings to life one of the four themes that Lincoln created for their Black Label cars. Principle hOmE designer Evan Haslegrave described the transformation of a 5,400 square foot private home in the Hollywood Hills as "challenging and a lot of fun", which is just how I felt about approaching the Black Label themes from a fashion angle. For my take on the Center Stage theme, I picked up on that interior's flair for the dramatic with denim in an unusual silhouette, patent leather shoes, and a show-stopping hat.
My favorite of the four themes, was definitely that of Modern Heritage for its refined old-meets-new sensibility. The car, and by extension the interior, features a high-contrast black-and-white interior accented by by crimson and wood trim. It's the sort of environment that makes you feel like old-fashioned care has been put into the details, but at the same time its open and inviting.
I drew on this dynamic sensibility, with its focus on clean lines and modern architecture, when I assembled the below outfit. Classic touches like a crisp cotton button-down and cable knit sweater pair unexpectedly with a knife-pleat silk skirt, while the sharp palette keeps all the disparate elements feeling unified. Think timeless with a twist, which is more or less my style mantra!
Last but not least was the theme of Oasis. The Black Label vehicle uses soft shades and engaging textures to evoke feelings of comfort and peace, and the home echos this sensibility with linen, cashmere, and a spa-like presence. As for my fashion translation, there's nothing mroe comforting than jeans and a sweater—elevated of course with handwrought details and a felt fedora.
There were so many drool-worthy details from this project (5,400 square feet worth!) that I'll be posting plenty more peeks on Instagram this coming week. I'll also be taking to Pinterest to continue my exploration of each of the four Black Label themes. I'm really excited to share more inspiration from this brilliant merging of fields, so stay tuned!
Sponsorship Disclosure: I received compensation to create and promote this content. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The City Sage going! Outfit Details, Look One: Chunky Turtleneck Sweater, Zara. Look Two: Black Cable Knit Sweater, Banana Republic. Denim Trousers, Levi's Made and Crafted. Patent Leather Loafers, Jeffrey Campbell. Wide Brim Hat, Goorin Brothers. Look Three: Cable Knit Turtleneck and Pleated Skirt, Banana Republic. Look Four: Oversized Sweater, Helmut Lang. Linen Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Grey Jeans, Current Elliott. Wool Fedora, Janessa Leone. Fashion Photos: Teri Lyn Fisher. Hair and Makeup: Kelsey Zahn. Interiors Photos: Anne Sage.