It’s easy to be labeled a dilettante when you come from wealth. But when referring to David Lauren, 39, and Lauren Bush, 27, featured in the October issue of T&C, it’d be more accurate and far better to label these two, philanthropists. This newly married couple (this past Labor Day weekend in Telluride, CO) has, for a number of years, independently forged their way with socially conscious endeavors. David has gone from painting homeless shelters as a teenager to, in recent years, spearheading the Match Rugby Fund, a RL Foundation’s initiative, which works with organizations like Donors Choose and Teach for America to provide grants through the sale of its limited-edition products. His new bride Lauren, who helped to feed the homeless as a youth, has taken a somewhat sartorial approach to doing her part in the world with her now four year old company, The FEED Project; the sales of her ubiquitous burlap bags providing food for the world’s hungry. Congratulations to this sophisticated and civic-minded new power couple.

(All photographs by Mark Seliger)

What is it about the rich &  famous that so many of us find fascinating? Maybe it's the whole  "the grass is greener" mentality? Or the notion of "If only I were rich..."

Featured in the September issue of VANITY FAIR is a beautiful layout on the upcoming film, W.E., by Madonna. In this latest adaptation of the life and love of the Duke and Duchess, Madonna has taken on W.E. as her second directorial endeavor with Alek Keshishian as co-writer. (Alek you may remember directed her in Truth or Dare back in the 90's.) The film features over 60 couture worthy wardrobe pieces by costume designer, Arianne Phillips in collaboration with Dunhill, Cartier and Dior. There is no denying that The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were a fascinating couple to many; definitely known for their sartorial splendor. It's even been said that the Duke is the gentleman responsible for bringing into fashion, cuffs on gentleman's trousers. (Apparently, when in the country, he'd turn up his pants to keep them from getting muddy.)

With actors, Andrea Riseborough as Wallis Simpson and James D'Arcy in the role of King Edward VIII, the film, W.E. (coming December 9th) tells the story of not only the Duke and Duchess (twice-divorced American, Wallis, was not allowed use of the title Her Royal Highness), but also of current-day New Yorker, Wally (Abbie Cornish), who falls in love with a Sotheby's security guard, while trying to navigate a rather hapless marriage. What is most fascinating to me are the suits of the Duke in the editorial; particularly the black and white Glen Plaid suit and houndstooth tie below. Ah, to return to the days when one still dressed for dinner.

Set on 150 manicured acres, about forty-five minutes outside of Los Angeles, CA, is the sumptuous home of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, and their two children: Jaden and Willow. Beautifully photographed by Roger Davies in this month's issue September of Architectural Digest, the 25,000 ft, adobe-styl home was designed by Stephen Samuelson and the architect Harry Perez-Daple.

While the home is, without question, a well-appointed abode, wouldn't it be nice, particularly in a child's room, to just once  see a pair of socks peeking from beneath a bed or an out-of-place toy in a corner? What do you think?

The foyer.

The living room.

The Dining Room.

The Kitchen.

The breakfast "nook."
What a way to start your day; a good meal and a magnificent view!

Jada's meditation room.

The billiard room.

The screening room.

The master bedroom.

Will and Jada's closet.
(or, at least, Jada's from the looks of things.)

The master bedroom's romantic patio.

The shower in the master bedroom.

Willow's bedroom.

Jaden's bedroom, showcasing his director's chair from the set of his first film,
"The Pursuit of Happyness."

The pool was designed by landscape architect, Daniel Busbin.

Without a doubt, I am a sucker for romance; last of a dying breed, I suspect. This stunning layout, styled by Vogue's Grace Coddington and photographed by Annie Leibovitz, is from the February (2010) issue of VOGUE, featuring what appears to be a romantic, clandestine interlude between P. Diddy and model, Natalia Vodianova. It evokes a time when men wore suits to the office, as well as, to dinner; when women dressed for day and evening, and, equally importantly, the men/lovers in their lives. A period in time when ladies wore pencil skirts with slips, jackets with brooches, high heels and pantyhose with seams that directed a gentleman's sly gaze to regions where most could only dream to venture. This beautiful tableaux, with the train, also in a starring role, could very well have taken place today or in 1930's Paris. Timeless!

Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if every couple's marriage proved to be as wonderfully loving and beautiful as their engagement portrait? If two people could, through their ups and downs, refer back to this picture and remember the person with whom they first fell in love, well, what a wonderful world it would be (cue music...) I took these engagement photos today of Carrie and Paul for their wedding next spring; they are defintely in love. A love that I'm certain will last long after this picture has yellowed and faded. Congratulations, to the both of you!

I did very little Photoshop on these two, but I did change Carrie's lipstick on some of the pictures for a punch of color. What do you think?