Editor's Letter

Only The Best Survive. What makes something, some place or someone better is simply survival instinct. From Olympic contestants to couture fashion icons, people with the drive for perfection seem to have this trait. They are pushed from within and have a self-motivation that impels them to do better. You see it in children, those that excel because they just want to know or do more. There is no room for complacency in this personality. Striving for perfection can be uncomfortable for most, but perfection is what makes some things better. A craftsman that executes a perfect (or almost perfect) piece of work has self-satisfaction whether or not anyone else appreciates it. Fortunately in our society, craftsmen are acknowledged for their fine work and manufacturers are able to parlay their talents into products that can be enjoyed by millions. Brands like Gucci, Chanel, Prada, YSL and Graff all hit the high notes when it comes to exquisitely crafted and designed products that have been produced and marketed to both affluent and aspirational audiences.

Yet another personality is one who will only have "the best" in whatever they acquire. They would rather have nothing until they can afford what they consider "the best." They'll hold out until they find that item or place or car, and when the time comes they'll buy it for its perfection as they see it. In this issue, we illustrate a lot of "Bests" - products or places that have been created in order to achieve the title "quality."

This summary of work goes beyond just the familiar branding icons - service, talent and individuality can be found in the most simple ways.

With design, excellence has a way of reinventing itself, and in the furniture industry products can look new for centuries. Four trends that have continually come to the forefront - Minamalistic, Artistic, Decadent and Modern - are highlighted in "Design Inspirations" (p. 46). As well, the fashion scene styles continually emerge based on global economics and current affairs, like the new militant revival for our "wartime heroes" and classic plaids and checks that recall more stable times - these trends and more are featured in the "Fall Runway Preview" (p. 64).

And, for the frivolity of it all, shopping in Paris can never be wrong. Check out FIM's guide to some of the best haunts for quick weekend jet setting in "Shopping in Paris" (p. 84).

"The Best of the Best" as only FIM sees it is presented in all its glory (p. 50). There's a compendium of choices that will tantalize your imagination as well as your pocketbook.

Esther Jackson
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief