Peau de Soie
French for “skin of silk,” peau de soie is a favorite of couture houses, designers, and brides. It’s a medium weight, lustrous fabric originally woven from pure silk. With fine ribbed texture and a soft, matte sheen, the finish is timeless and elegant. It feels organic and ethereal, making it a classic for decades. Today, peau de soie continues to appear in collections by designers Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, and Oscar de la Renta, proving how loved it is.
Grace Kelly’s Bridal Gown
When Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, she became a bridal fashion icon. Grace Kelly’s gown combined 125 year old Brussels rose point lace, tulle, silk taffeta, and the soft luster of peau de soie fabric to create one of the most celebrated and recognizable wedding dresses in history. The skirt was made of ivory peau de soie and was bell-shaped, flaring out at the hem from the fullness in the back. Also, a peau de soie cummerbund was a key part of the skirt's structure, attaching the skirt to the bodice. It fastened in the back with three bows and a line of small buttons. The skirt was supported by petticoats and flared out at the hem, while the cummerbund tied at the back with three bows and a row of small buttons.
Bridging Hollywood and royalty, Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding gown is frequently thought of as one of the most iconic and beautiful wedding dresses of all time, and continues to be an inspiration for many wedding dresses today. It highlights the fabric’s use in an era which inspired designers like Oscar de la Renta. He stated that she “gave new meaning to the word icon” and that her look was “ageless.”
Princess Beatrice’s Vintage Bridal Gown
In 2020, Princess Beatrice wore her grandmother’s vintage gown to marry Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Originally worn by Queen Elizabeth II in the early 1960s for state occasions (dinner in Rome and the Lawrence of Arabia film premiere), the dress was made with peau de soie. Organza sleeves were added, and with subtle tailoring, the gown’s peau de soie silk taffeta was brought back to life. Vintage and sentimental, this bridal gown was well loved.
The Swedish Concept of Mys
Capturing the art of coziness and contentment, mys is a cherished Swedish lifestyle concept. At its heart, mys embodies slowing down, delighting in the small things that make life feel special, and finding happiness in the simple, cozy moments of life. More than just a word, it’s a way of life woven into Swedish culture. It celebrates creating a comfortable atmosphere with the simple joys of everyday moments. Glowing candles, sharing a pastry and coffee with a friend, soft blankets, and the unhurried pleasure of being fully present are all examples of mys.
The verb mysa means “to get cozy” or “to enjoy a cozy moment or atmosphere,” and the adjective mysig describes anything that embodies comfort. Whether it’s gathering with friends on a snowy evening or curling up with a good book, mys is less about what you’re doing and more about how it feels: lovely, content, and wonderfully cozy.
For example, fredagsmys (literally “cozy Friday”) is a Swedish tradition that kicks off the weekend with comfort and togetherness. Instead of going out, many Swedes spend Friday evenings at home, winding down from the workweek with loved ones and good food (often tacos, believe it or not). It’s not about extravagance, it’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and enjoying simple pleasures as the weekend begins. For many Swedes, fredagsmys is as much a cultural ritual as Sunday dinners are in other places.
Other Examples:
“Det är så mysigt här.”
“It’s so cozy here.”“Ha en mysig kväll.”
“Have a cozy evening.”
(A common send-off, like wishing someone a lovely night.)“Mysfaktor.”
“Cozy factor.”“Jag längtar efter att mysa med dig ikväll.”
“I’m looking forward to getting cozy with you tonight.”“En mysig stund.”
“A cozy moment.”
Mys — the small, golden pauses in life where everything feels cozy.
25 Lovely French Expressions
It all begins with an idea.
Flâner ~ to stroll leisurely; the spirit encapsulating the romantic image of aimlessly wandering; enjoy the moment without destination
Éphémère ~ short lived fleeting moments of beauty
Faire du lèche-vitrines ~ to go window shopping
Chuchoter ~ to whisper softly
Panache ~ distinctive style, flair; having charisma
Rêvasser ~ to daydream
Chéri ~ term of endearment; my beloved, my darling
Éblouissant ~ dazzling, stunning; a sparkling word that captures the brilliance of an experience
Émerveiller ~ to marvel, to be amazed
Plein de vie ~ full of life; someone vibrant, energetic, bursting with enthusiasm
Feuilleter ~ to leaf through pages; to flip through pages
Onirique ~ dreamlike; sense of wonder, fantasy
Retrouvailles ~ the joy of reuniting with loved ones
Scintiller ~ to sparkle; to twinkle; glitter
Câlin ~ to cuddle, to hug
Douceur ~ sweetness, softness, gentleness; describes tender moments or a soft demeanor
Papillon ~ butterfly; light carefree attitude
La vie en rose ~ life in pink; optimistic way of looking at life
Vouloir, c’est pouvoir ~ Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Bijou ~ jewel, a person who is precious
Printemps ~ springtime
Je ne regrette rien ~ I regret nothing; encapsulates sentiment of moving forward without looking back
Nouveau départ ~ a new beginning; a fresh start; the feeling of hope and excitement that comes with starting something new
Pêche ~ peach
Amour d'été ~ summer love