My Glamorous Manhattan Travel Outfit Inspired By The Statue Of Liberty

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Vivienne She, writer and creator of White Caviar Life and vivalaViv. Fashion portraits on location at New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson.

The moment I laid my eyes on this Calvin Klein number, I was immediately attracted to the idea of a Roman goddess’ robe with a modern twist – classic drape, a shorter length in a contemporary metallic fabric. And as you may or may not know, the Statue of Liberty is the figure of a robed lady representing the Roman goddess Libertas.

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Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

While perhaps the Statue of Liberty is not usually considered as a fashion icon (although she has been considered a feminist icon for many years); she was my inspiration for this particular outfit and the accessories that I put together for my New York journey.

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

We all know that the Goddess Libertas (many call her Lady Liberty) wears a radiant crown, so I spent months searching for a similar headpiece; something a mere mortal could wear… Until I found and fell in love with these radiant Art Deco earrings. Much easier to pull off too, so I decided to go with them as my radiant crown replacement.

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

Talking about the Statue of Liberty, did you know that her interior frame was designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel? Yes him, the designer of the Eiffel Tower! This icon of freedom I’ve known of for my entire adult life; I did finally get to see her on this recent New York visit thanks to Kent planning a trip via the Staten Island Ferry and it’s free!

As we sailed into the harbour, there she was, seeming smaller than I had imagined; though she grew larger and grander as we came closer. People rushed to the edge of the decks trying to nail a selfie with Goddess Libertas/Lady Liberty herself. For myself, I just enjoyed the moment I had, to meet and be greeted by her at last.

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

Meanwhile in Manhattan, I also attended Bracé NYFW in this very same ensemble, full details in my previous post here!

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

Dry Cleaning in New York City (NYC) – As every traveller knows, sooner or later there is laundry to be done! It’s as inescapable in travel as it is in our everyday life. So before we started working on this NYC travel and fashion story, my metallic robe which was looking a bit tired; needed a dry clean to bring it back to top condition. What have I learnt about dry cleaning services in Manhattan?

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

Choice! There are a lot of choices, from using your hotels laundry service (not cheap) to ferreting out your own. Kent is getting good at this now having experience in Prague, Paris and NYC. Google maps can help, or just take a walk around your neighbourhood.

In NYC, Midtown Manhattan seems like the laundry capital of the world! So there are many options but beware, there are also many different price points. For example, my black lace shirt would cost $12 to dry clean in a laundry on 31st Street East; the same shirt was $16 when I had it dry cleaned on 56th Street East. So, pick your dry cleaner carefully! My metallic robe ended up costing a hefty $35 for a dry clean, double what I pay in Sydney. ‘Ouch!!’ Having to say that I have to admit that this laundry did a fantastic job. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

Before setting out on this shoot, Kent and I had discussions over where in NYC might be the best location. We decided on the New York Public Library as the backdrop; after all, what better choice to match and enhance this modern Roman robe than the Roman columns and marble fountains of that glorious building?!!!

Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

We were very lucky weather-wise on the day as Hurricane Jose had very little effect on Manhattan. In between clouds we even enjoyed several hours of sun.
It was during the ever busy lunch break when we started shooting. Kent wasn’t impressed with our timing, but the sun was smiling on us. It was busy… Well, how refreshing it was to find out that New Yorkers who are clearly so used to seeing photoshoots of all kinds going on everywhere in the city: tourists, bloggers; wedding photography crews, photographers and so on that they were totally at ease with us standing here, there; then back to here again. In other words, not one eyebrow was raised and people were so polite about not messing up anyone’s shot. Beautiful!

Vivienne She, writer and creator of White Caviar Life and vivalaViv. Fashion portraits on location at New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson.

Oh, and back to the styling. Where was my torch for liberty? Well, for safety reasons, that was replaced by an Art Deco style clutch!

Photography / Kent Johnson
Styling / Vivienne She

Outfit Of The Day

Roberto Cavalli sunglasses
Lulu Frost earrings
Calvin Klein dress
Reverie ring (right hand)
Tiffany & Co. ring (left hand)
Omega watch
Colette by Colette Hayman clutch
Roberto Cavalli heels

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Writer and blogger Vivienne She wears a metallic dark silver Roman goddess dress. Fashion portrait photoshoot took place in front of the New York Public Library by Australian photographer Kent Johnson. Fashion style inspired by the Statue of Liberty. Fashion story by Vivienne She for White Caviar Life.

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Vivienne She
Vivienne is an author, traveller, story teller, and occasionally a muse. Through White Caviar Life, you will share in her leisure activities, dining and travel experiences, and her fashion style tips that she hopes to inspire your way of living.

12 COMMENTS

  1. Great idea to wear those showstopping earrings instead of a crown. It makes the interpretation less literal too! I love this ensemble, it must have been so fun to shoot. Every piece you picked is unique and gorgeous!

  2. You look so glamorous Vivienne! This outfit is a show stopper!
    I hear you on the dry cleaning, I need to take a dress to be dry cleaned this weekend. I am really hoping it will not cost too much!

    Love, Lottie
    xxx

    • Thank you for your lovely compliments and feedback Lottie!
      Yes, dry cleaning can be costly but I have to admit that it’s one of my top secrets to maintain long lasting clothes. Some of our precious outfits deserve a nice freshen up every now and then, don’t you think? X

  3. Oh Viv,

    Your fifth photograph of channeling The Lady Liberty is my favourite.
    You certainly have an eye for details and perfection. Lady Liberty as she holds her torch, tablet and the broken chains on her feet must be smiling with approval, seeing you standing as proud and as beautiful as she.

    <3

    • Thank you for your kind words and ever encouraging feedback dear Margie.
      ‘Viva Lady Liberty’ that’s what I’d say and cheers to the freedom of all kinds that we had fought for – especially being a woman! X

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