Happy New Year 2026!

May your 2026 be filled with Love, Happiness, Joy, Peace & Prosperity. 

Greetings from Irene Pouw, Blogger ByElisabethNL ❤

Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar! Dat 2026 gevuld mag zijn met Liefde, Geluk, Vreugde, Vrede en Voorspoed. ❤

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Photo found on Pinterest, SEE HERE

In Memory of Brigitte Bardot ........

On 28-12-2025 Brigitte Bardot died at the age of 91. She was a legend of cinema and one of the most recognizable faces in the international film history. As a figurehead of French cinema, she became a cultural icon in the 1950s before she left her career to dedicate herself entirely to animal rights activism. Rest in Peace, Brigitte ........ 

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Source: Who What Wear. 

Ph. Pressefoto Kindermann-ullstein bild via Getty Images.
Earlier I wrote more blogs about Brigitte, SEE HERE

MINIMALISTIC DESIGNS BY NORM ARCHITECTS - PART 2

Today I would like to show you some inspiring photos of the Danish company Norm Architects, situated in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. Norm works with residential architecture, commercial interiors, industrial design, photography, graphics and art direction. They have a beautiful way of presenting their designs in a way of timeless simplicity, simple shapes and lots of white and grey tones. This blogpost is a repost of my blog of 15-02-2015. Earlier I wrote more blogs about this inspiring company Norm Architects, SEE HERE

More about Norm Architects

Kasper Rønn & Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

NORM is a multidisciplinary design studio focusing on residential architecture, commercial interiors and industrial design. NORM was founded in 2008 by architects Kasper Rønn and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen by their vocation to create timeless architecture and meaningful design products. "Our home and the things we surround ourselves with, should provide a refuge from the daily chaos, which seems to dominate our world. By understanding minimalism as an aesthetic and simplicity as a philosophy of life, NORM aims at providing structures which gives a feeling of freedom. The justification of a product lies in its ability to differentiate: aesthetically and in functionality. With a determined focus on the good idea, right materials and fine craftsmanship, NORM's primary endeavour is to create useful products, appealing design and architecture that captures and inspire life".

Source: Norm Architects

Photos courtesy of Norm Architects.

Music: Katica & Anikó Illényi - El Choclo

Now and then I will share some of my favourite songs with you. Today I am sharing this passionated song 'El Choclo' from the Hungarian violinist Katica together with her sister Anikó (cellist). Both are fantastic players! Just enjoy ........

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Sources: You Tube channel via Katica Illényi, Her website and WIKIPEDIA

Violin: Katica Illényi. Cello: Anikó Illényi
Angel G. Villoldo: El Choclo
Recorded at Thalia Theatre, 2008
Homepage: www.katicaillenyi.com 

Couture: Breathtaking Chanel Winter Holiday 2026 collection

Take a look at the breathtaking Chanel Winter Holiday 2026 collection ...... An ultimate guide to classic Paris glamour and luxury elegant style, specifically curated for women who appreciate timeless sophistication.

Explore eight luxurious Chanel Winter Holiday 2026 fashion inspirations ..... The video below showcases opulent textures and shimmering accents in iconic tweed and stunning evening wear. Discover how to achieve holiday sophistication with these Parisian-inspired looks. I made several photos with my mobile phone to give you a 1st impression. However, the video gives a much better summary. Be Inspired ....... Earlier I wrote more blogs about Chanel, SEE HERE

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Source: You Tube via Fashion Vibe Ideas 

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to my Readers!

 As this year comes to an end, I want to thank you for being part of this journey. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter and moments that turn into cherished memories. Here’s to a bright and inspiring New Year - see you in 2026!
Greetings from Irene Pouw, Blogger ByElisabethNL ❤

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Photo found on Pinterest, SEE HERE

Editorial: Bette Franke Wows in Party Looks for ELLE Germany

Would like to share with you these beautiful editorial photos from model Bette Franke for Elle Germany. Bette is ready to own the festive season and photographer Andreas Ortner captures every sparkling second. On the cover of ELLE Germany, December 2025, Bette stuns in a dreamy ruffled Dior Haute Couture gown paired with a Dior jewelry necklace. It’s high holiday glam with a couture twist. And of course several other beautiful gowns Bette is wearing ...... Be Inspired. Earlier I wrote more blogs about 'Fashion', SEE HERE






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Source: Fashion Gone Rogue
Photos by Andreas Ortner. Styling by Pia Leonie Knoll.
Hair by Oliver Lebrun. Makeup by Thomas Lorenz.

Furniture Design: sofa "Ploum" by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset

Would like to share with you today the interesting sofa "Ploum". The Ploum sofa was first released in 2011 and designed by the Bouroullec brothers for Ligne Roset to deliver exceptionally high levels of comfort. The Ploum sofa combines stretchy fabric with button-like detailing to create an unique and instantly recognisable shape. They used generous proportions and a combination of two materials – foam and stretchy upholstery. 

"We attempted to make a very comfortable contemporary settee," said the Bouroullecs. "Ploum is a vast shape on which the whole body rests on a soft, welcoming surface." 

Sofa Ploum received in 2011 the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2011, Best of the Best. This blogpost is a repost of my blog from 21-04-2014. The blog was in 1st instance only about the red sofa Ploum but I recently renewed the text as well as the photos. Be Inspired ......

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Sources: Bouroullec, Ligne Roset and Dezeen

Fashion: Giorgio Armani Winter 2026 Womenswear - Elegant Minimal Luxury

 Experience the refined elegance of Giorgio Armani Winter 2026 Womenswear, where timeless sophistication meets modern minimal luxury. This runway presentation captures the essence of Armani’s iconic aesthetic - clean lines, fluid tailoring and a muted, luxurious color palette designed for the contemporary woman.

Showcased on the Winter 2026 runway, this womenswear collection highlights impeccable craftsmanship, relaxed silhouettes and effortless power dressing. From tailored coats to softly structured suits, Giorgio Armani redefines luxury fashion with understated confidence and enduring style. Discover how minimalist design, elegance and precision tailoring continue to define the Armani legacy on the global fashion stage. Be Inspired ........

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Source: You Tube video via Kite Fashion

Fashion Style: 8 color combinations that make women over 60 younger & effortlessly stylish

Discover the 8 best clothing color combinations that make women over 60 look instantly younger, more radiant and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re embracing your silver strands or simply refreshing your wardrobe, the right colors can lift your face, brighten your eyes and help you turn heads — gracefully. The enclosed video below gives an excellent summary. Be Inspired ..........

These are the 8 best color combinations 
1. Navy & White. 
2. Beige & Black. 
3. Soft Gray & Blush Pink.
4. Camel & White.
5. Burgundy & Cream.
6. Soft Teal & Charcoal Grey.
7. Olive Green & Ivory.
8. Chocolate Brown & Powder Blue.

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Source: Elders Wise Advise via You Tube

Music: Franco De Vita - Tan Sólo Tú ft. Alejandra Guzmán

Now and then I will share some of my favourite songs with you. Today I am sharing this delightful song 'Tan Sólo Tú' from Venezuelan singer Franco De Vita and Mexican pop & rock singer Alejandra Guzmán. Just enjoy .........

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Source: You Tube via Franco De Vita

Abstract Art: Inspiring artwork by German artist Christian von Grumbkow (05)

Earlier I discovered these abstract paintings from the German artist Christian von Grumbkow. I was immediately touched by his colorful pieces as well as his expressive coloruse in green hues. Therefore I decided, in cooperation with him, to write several blogs about his inspiring and versatile art. I am sure you will be surprised too! Below you will find information about him as an artist, his background and for which reasons he likes to touch other people spiritually by creating this kind of art. For more blogs about this inspiring artist, see THIS LINK This blogpost is a republish of my blog of 17-05-2019. Be Inspired ..........

More about the artist

Christian von Grumbkow is a German artist born in 1946 in Oberhausen, Germany and he is painting since he has the age of 3 years old. He is very well experienced as an international artist for more than 40 years. He had more than 300 exhibitions from 1971 untill 2018 in Germany, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the UK, U.S.A., Canada, Poland, France. 

BIOGRAPHY:

Christian followed from 1966 - 1971 art lessons at Prof. Rudolf Schoofs, WKS Wuppertal, Germany. He took also fine arts lessons at the Dutch Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam (NL) from 1969 - 1970. Earlier he worked at the Folkwangschule in Essen, Germany (1970 - 1980), was the founder and guitar player from the art-rock group Hoelderlin (1970 - 1977). He worked as a guest teacher in Alfter, Ulm, Witten, Vienna and London (1981 - 2010). During this period Christian also gave art seminars at various colleges / universities in the USA, Canada. He worked at the GB.Art Project at the CMS, Wuppertal, Germany and started with online tutorials with GEISTREICH LERNEN and his art school KUNST KURSE COACHING In 2009 Christian won the price Christa & Enno Springmann Kultur-Stiftung, Wuppertal, Essen, Germany.

Christian, you are an artist. What is your inner drive? Already in the days of my childhood when I was a very shy little boy I became aware of being obsessed by a diversity of creative moments and possibilities within my reach: Drawings with my mother’s lipsticks on wallpapers, a guitar built by myself and my humming of self-composed songs, role-playing games or even plasticine landscapes.

Bright moments at school only if and only if I could draw, paint, plasticize or play music. In this respect the inner pulse “to feel myself”, to provoke, to manipulate and change social processes - be it in a sensitive or in a somewhat provocative way - became a kind of “inner language” - or even speech - since adolescence. For a couple of years I was not capable to communicate in common “verbal” language and could not master speech as a means of public communication.

However it was this attitude which allowed me against intense opposition to train my perception and helped to develop my inner posture concerning art during the years of studying art and later on. I discovered color as “Layer of Emotions” and a form of selftherapy. 

What should art, your art be capable to cause? I have been painting for many years now. Collaborating with colleagues, art historians and gallery owners a specific outlook on art has developed and is still in process. Let me put it this way: The more authentic my way of living and working - the more my art gets precise and “reduced” to the core. Orders, sales and invitations to expositions came easier and had a lasting effect. Travelling, manifold encounters, any kind of experiences were as well an inspiring moment for me as artist and as human being. 

My art whether displayed in collections, public buildings or living spaces is not at all destructive or even cultivate destruction. The aim of my art should build up, strengthen / support, give more sensitivity and the viewer confront oneself partially. Art as a possibility for individual contemplation and social perception.

Inspiring quote Christian von Grumbkow – “Blurring”

“I don’t paint a message, nor thoughts, but I paint color ... I must struggle for quality, for the essence of color, for mood, for balance or even for dissonance. But there has to be a viewer who in the process of viewing, in appreciating the painting, can experience something, can even experience himself.“

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Sources: Christian von Grumbkow, KUNST KURSE COACHING 
and YOU TUBE - Farbe mit Christian v. Grumbkow

Note: These paintings have been placed with approval of the artist himself. 

Color Inspiration - Frosted Holiday Hues

Just a few days before Christmas and maybe busy with decorating your home to get ready for Christmas? While surfing on internet I saw this lovely color palette called 'Frosted Holiday Hues'. What a delightful colors for decorating. Hope it can inspire you too ......  

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Source: Design Seeds 
For more photos, see also my Pinterest moodboard "Color Palettes"

Flashback: Naeem Khan S/S 2023 RTW, Part 02

Below you will find some highlights from the fashionshow from Indian-American fashion designer Naeem Khan for S/S 2023 RTW, seen at New York Fashion Week. Earlier I wrote more blogs about Couture, SEE HERE

Thank your for reading this blogpost.
Sources: WWD and NAEEM KHAN
Photos: courtesy of Naeem Khan