BESPOKE LUXURY

“I first fell in love with accessories as a teenager, sitting in the dining room of a luxury hotel in southern Italy, watching the sophisticated, tanned women in their beautiful summer outfits. I could feel the softness of their leather bags just by looking at them while some of their necklaces reminded me of far away and exotic places. More than just a fashion accessory, it was these individual touches that accentuated the unique personality of each woman wearing them.” – Tissa Fontaneda

Born in Munich, Germany in 1965, TISSA FONTANEDA spent most of her life abroad. After graduating from the University of Turin, Italy, with a Ph.D. in Literature and Philosophy, she then moved to Paris to pursue her teenage dream of working in fashion. It was at Daniel Swarovski that Tissa began her career as a design assistant to Rosemarie Le Gallais and Hervé Leger. Tissa relocated to Madrid five years later and then joined the Spanish luxury brand LOEWE to develop the Thierry Mugler handbag collection.

At Loewe, Tissa learned about handbag manufacturing and leathers from some of the world’s greatest European artisans. When Loewe was acquired by the LVMH group, Tissa was invited by President Yves Carcelle to be Head of Product for LOEWE accessories under Narciso Rodriguez. In addition to Loewe, she also worked with several other brands including Cartier, Dunhill, Connolly, and Louis Vuitton.

Driven by a strong desire to merge her creative vision with her expertise in the world of luxury accessories, Tissa launched her eponymous label—classic luxury with a modern twist—in 2010. Characterized by impeccable quality, artisan craftsmanship, and attention to detail, the Tissa Fontaneda collection consists of exquisitely designed handbags, necklaces, belts, and cuffs recognizable for their standard of excellence, not their logos. Classic and timeless, a Tissa Fontaneda handbag or accessory is one you will fall in love with over and over again. For more information, visit eu.tissafontaneda.com, the line is also carried at Sweet William, Hinsdale.

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COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE REBORN

Clarendon Hills gains another destination with the opening of TIERRA DISTILLING & CAFE The founders turn rescued fruit into unique flavor-packed brandies. They’re also serving coffee in the morning and making a variety of whiskies. Everything about this spot is meant to be a force for good. From the building, which once housed the police department, to their membership in 2% for Conservation. The team is devoted to doing good for the environment and the community. Swing on by for some smooth sipping. 211 Burlington Avenue, Clarendon Hills, 630.468.2067, tierradistilling.com.

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LOUVRE FANTASTIQUE

Missing Paris? Step into the world’s most famous museum right here at Oakbrook Center through October. Already been through? The experience has recently added new additions, including Théodore Géricault’s Office of the Imperial Guard on Horseback, Giulio Romano’s The Triumph of Titus and Vespasian, Raphael’s St. George Struggling with the Dragon.

Other iconic highlights from the original museum include Jacques Louis David’s Oath of the Horatii, Raphael’s Young Woman on a Balcony, a three-piece animation of The Winged Victory of Samothrace, as well as a three-dimensional replication of the Louvre Museum pyramid. Brilliantly, a fully animated Mona Lisa who comes to life on the screen and closely watches and follows patrons with her eyes as they explore the exhibition.

louvrefantastique.com