Flip through the "inspiration" file that every designer keeps, and at some point you will find a picture of C.Z. Guest. Debutante, showgirl (briefly), model (painted nude by Diego Rivera), socialite, gardener, intimate of artists and writers; Guest had the kind of life that seems fiction, and the perfect patrician looks to illustrate it. She wore her designer clothes with thoroughbred elegance, keeping to simple lines, rich fabrics, and soft colors to suit her cool complexion. But perhaps what drew creative types to her most was Guest's down-to-earth personality, exemplified by her recent advice to would-be gardeners visiting her web site, "The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have a good time."
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Despite being one of the most instantly recognisable brand names on the planet, Prada has never been seen as bling. While its rivals were adopted by rappers and all the boys in the hood, Prada became the uniform of international architects, designers and artists - no wonder when it was endorsed by celebs the names in question were critically acclaimed actors such as John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe rather than fly-by-night B-movie heartthrobs.