Cafe Society Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920-1960

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 Café 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 Café 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.

Thierry Coudert coauthored the exhibition catalog for Cartier 1899–1949 at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 2007. A close friend of Café Society ringleader Alexis de Redé and collector of Art Deco pieces, he holds extensive archives and period publications on the Café Society.