Zara dress, Martin & Osa belt, Sezane heels, Louis Vuitton handbag, Afternoon on Carmine Street and April in Sardinia scarves via Comtesse Sofia Photos by Adeline Agrafojo
Today I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you all to a collection of accessories I have long admired – Comtesse Sofia, a Paris-based line of luxurious Russian scarves inspired by the Comtesse de Segur. Like most Canadians, my heritage is made up of little bits of a lot of things; I am at once British, Welsh and Ukrainian. My Ukrainian ancestors are the ones about whom I know the least; they left the Austro-Hungarian empire during the first World War, ostensibly to carve out a better life for themselves in Canada. The idea that the life of hardship they found may have been better than what they left behind has always troubled me. Government officials changed their surname when they landed. The family was separated; my great-great-grandfather was sent to an internment camp in Alberta, where he later died, without any explanation to his wife and children. My great-grandfather, who I knew when I was growing up, suffered persecution throughout his childhood because of his heritage; when he left school to find work, all doors were closed to him until he changed his name again; he gave up his history and became an Evans. My own life, just a few generations later, has been so privileged – I have pursued higher education, travelled the world and filled my closet beyond bursting – that it is almost unfathomable. When Comtesse Sofia contacted me to ask if I would like to do a photoshoot featuring their beautiful scarves, I was only too happy to agree; for me it was not only a chance to showcase their designs, which I love, but also to pay a small tribute to my Slavic ancestors, whose stories are all but lost to time but whose sacrifices I have not forgotten.
C’est mon très grand plaisir de vous introduire à une marque que j’aime depuis longtemps – Comtesse Sofia, une collection parisienne de foulards Russes qui rend hommage à la Comtesse de Ségur. Comme la plupart des canadiens, mes origines sont mixtes; je suis à la fois britannique, galloise et ukrainienne. Mes ancêtres ukrainiens sont ceux de qui je connais le moins; ils ont quitté l’Autriche-Hongrie pendant la première guerre mondiale afin de se créer une meilleure vie au Canada. L’idée que la vie qu’ils ont trouvé fut mieux que celle qu’ils ont quitté me trouble. Dès leur arrivée, des officiels du gouvernement ont changé leur nom de famille. De suite, ils ont séparé la famille; mon arrière arrière grand-père fut envoyé dans un camp d’internement, où il est mort, sans qu’on n’offre aucune explication à sa femme et ses enfants. Mon arrière-grand-père, que j’ai connu dans mon enfance, a subit de la persécution du a son origine ethnique pendant sa jeunesse; quand il a quitté l’école pour trouver du travail, il a failli trouver un seul poste avant de changer son nom de famille encore une fois; il a démenti ses origines, devenant M Evans. Ma vie, quelques courtes générations plus tard, fut tellement privilégiée – j’ai étudié à l’université, beaucoup voyagé et j’ai un dressing plein à craquer – que c’est presque insondable. Quand la représentante de la marque Comtesse Sofia m’a offert la chance de participer à un shooting avec leurs beaux foulards, je n’ai pas hésité; pour moi, ce fut à la fois une opportunité de vous faire découvrir leurs créations, que j’adore, et aussi de rendre hommage à mes ancêtres slaves. Au fil des années, leurs histoires ont disparu, mais je n’oublierai jamais leurs sacrifices.
I really enjoyed learning more about your past, Cee. What a story!
The scarf is just gorgeous. I absolutely love it. It's a funny thing that they were around since I was born and never thought much about them, but as I grew up and especially after moving countries, all Russian shawls became something incredibly special for me. I have a few and will hopefully be getting a couple more from my mum soon. The outfit is beautiful! x
I also have Ukrainian ancestors and I know shockingly little about that branch of my family…I should do a little research. I love the scarf, it's really lovely – and it looks amazing paired with the white.
It is always so hard to imagine how different and difficult life was for our great grandparents – and how much we seem to take for granted. Even though you don't know a lot about your ancestors, and it's sad how many of their stories were lost, it's important to remember them and pay tribute, even in the smallest of ways.
Love this white dress with the scarf, it's a beautiful combination and just as elegant and gorgeous as ever.
I love that scarf. Its so beautiful. It is sometimes so difficult to imagine the life that our great grandparents, and other ancestors lived. I'm adopted and come from a multi ethnic background. My great grandparents, are Jews, slaves, Native Americans…Even in my adopted family when I think there are relatives who couldn't learn to read because it was illegal. We've changed our name a few times as well. To think I can work where I chose, marry whom I please, and shop wherever I want. Not to mention the education I take almost for granted. Such a thoughtful post Cee!
Love the brightly coloured scarf against the all-white, so pretty! Now you can rock it as Miroslava Duma does during Fashion Week 😉 xo Cara http://www.afashionloveaffair.com
Hi Cee, for sure your gave an amazing tribute to your Slavic ancestors with this fab look! Both scarves are truly stunning, I am addicted to them, I always wear them so I felt in love with yours at first time!:) How nice that the name of the second one got my island ont it, I think it is my fav but also love the reddish one. You are a timeless beauty dear and the accessories just stand it out!:) Kisses, happy Monday! xo
It's quite sad what happened to your family while coming to Canada – as much as Canadians try to forget it, we weren't always kind to immigrants, that's for sure.
Good grief! That final photograph is beautiful and imploding with sultry atmosphere! It is lovely to know more about you, what a wonderful heritage you have. I adore the scarf!
I agree with the comment above by Old Cow — love the sultriness of the last photo! The dress and scarf is stunning!
Family history is so important and it changes how we see the world, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Part of my family also left the Ukraine before World War I. My grandmother was a teenager when her family temporarily moved to Canada, and then later moved to Brooklyn. It's terrible to hear that your great-great-grandfather was in an internment camp. It's scary that to think that if my family hadn't left I probably wouldn't be alive right now because of the concentration camps. ~Sara
These scarves are beautiful – both the intricate prints and the rich colour combinations. An interesting yet sad story about your ancestors' experience in Canada. Difficult to imagine what it must have been like to have a change of surname in those circumstances. http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
What a beautiful tribute Cee. Your family had endured so much. You are blessed indeed. That scarf is absolutely amazing. It's so gorgeous and you styled it to perfection. Love your dress too. http://www.averysweetblog.com/
So interesting to hear about your family, it is crazy to see how much things can change over a few generations. Your great grandfather would be pretty happy to know he struggled and now his descendants are doing so well. Absolutely gorgeous collection of scarves, love how detailed they are and they look so luxe. Perfect patterns against the simple white dress xJennaD
Wow, Cee… it's crazy to think that your family had to go through so much! It's absolutely heart-breaking. My mom's family is Jewish, although, luckily they were unscathed but I heard so many horrible stories from that time. And yes, now we have it so, so good! AND, I must say, THIS is my new favourite outfit of yours. Honestly, the whole ensemble just takes my breath away!!
I LOVE it how the brown scarf matches with your bag and heels. such a perfect trio. but at the same time I also love it how your white dress and red scarf match. it's such a powerful contrast! and the last photo is the most awesome one in my opinion, I like your attitude there 😉 oh and it was wonderful to read about your family. they would be so proud 🙂
It's crazy to think that we're only a few generations away from relatives who suffered so much. Your words definitely raise my own need for a bit on introspection. I think you styled these scarves beautifully, Cee!
My goodness you are so gorgeous! I love everything about this look! I also, love how the print on the Louis Vuitton bag with the print on the scarf compliment each other so well! Perfectly styled, as always.
What I love about you is that it's more than what's on the surface; there's substance. It's not just clothes for you, but it seems that each piece you wear always has a story of why it made it's way in to your wardrobe, why it's significant to you, and the kind of symbolism. Your clothes always tell a story, thank you for sharing this one in particular. I can relate, being a Canadian and having a 'mixture' of heritages. I think your ancestors would be proud that you are representing their heritage so well, albeit in a scarf format, so beautifully and elegantly. Stunning photos, as per the usual!
Family histories are always so interesting to me – i guess that's part of being interested in libraries/archives though! What a fascinating (if rather sad) story.
What a beautiful post and great way to pay tribute to your ancestry! Hearing of stories (or even thinking) about the sacrifices our ancestors and parents have done to get us where we are today is disheartening. Having to “hide” who you really are just as your great grandfathered changed his name, should be a reminder of how far we've come (generally speaking). I say that, yet really, depending on my mood and depending on the circumstance, it seems like not much has changed at all since those days. I could go on forever about this, but I'll stop now! That scarf is beautiful and paired with your white dress and tan pumps, lends itself to a beautiful European look!
Such a wonderful photo shoot beautiful Cee. I knew that you have Ukrainian ancestors, but I didn't knew all story. In some way I can resemble to your ancestors, but I'm delighted that we are living in different time. In Latvia we have similar scarfs as well, they are great in winter and autumn to keep warm and rich colors and prints are amazing. I think you would love these Peony dresses http://www.madamekuku.com/brand/peony/
Oh j'adore !! Quelles merveilles ces foulards. Les couleurs sont magnifiques. J'aime beaucoup le dernier, je dois dire que cela donne plus de caractère à ta tenue, ton look est encore plus beau. En tout cas ce rouge profond est divin et te vas merveilleusement bien. A bientôt.
such wonderful post, darling! the scarf looks like made for you 🙂 and it reminds me of my grandma who had a drawer full of scarves just like this one 😉 xo
J'adore les étoles Comtesse Sofia, elles sont magnifiques! Peut être qu'un jour, je pourrais m'en offrir une, mais pas tout de suite. J'ai aussi eu la chance de shooter avec eux et le foulard rouge est tout simplement une tuerie. Tes looks sont superbes, très chics et très parisiens comme à ton habitude.
i sense a fall vibe here Cee – and it's making me wanna shop for suede asap!!! your pumps are divine, love the camel color and that scarf takes my breath up like 12 notches to high pitched inhales. LOVE!!!! thanks for the intro into this line, they obviously know what their doing as far as prints + color schemes. so pretty!
interesting and tender share about your heritage too lades, it's so awesome you've kept those memories of such special note. i have so many moments i'd like to re-visit with my Dad where he tells me about our past, he was the only one in our fams who was really interested. with him gone now it's a distant memory, you are very-very lucky to have these historical events in your arsenal of treasured effects! xo ♥
Alors là franchement, je suis amoureuse de ta tenue, tu es sublime ! Tu as vraiment une élégance naturelle, toujours superbe. Ce foulard est vraiment très beaux lui aussi, élégant et raffiné à ton image. Bisous 🙂
Cee, the story of your family is very moving and these beautiful scarves are the perfect celebration of your heritage. My mom has a beautiful scarf my dad brought her from Russia, which I love and keep stealing (of course without success…)! I find the Comtesse Sofiapieces so elegant and full of character! Caterina
Thank-you so much for all of your kind and thoughtful comments, my loves! xox, Cee
Cee Fardoe is a thirty-something Canadian blogger who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris. She is a voracious reader, avid tea-drinker, insatiable wanderer and fashion lover who prefers to dress in black, white and gray.
You look classy! 🙂
Visit my blog: I am Jenniya
Nice look ! I have to say that these accessories are wonderful!
XoXo
http://artinmylife-by-n.blogspot.com/
This comment has been removed by the author.
I really enjoyed learning more about your past, Cee. What a story!
The scarf is just gorgeous. I absolutely love it. It's a funny thing that they were around since I was born and never thought much about them, but as I grew up and especially after moving countries, all Russian shawls became something incredibly special for me. I have a few and will hopefully be getting a couple more from my mum soon. The outfit is beautiful! x
I also have Ukrainian ancestors and I know shockingly little about that branch of my family…I should do a little research. I love the scarf, it's really lovely – and it looks amazing paired with the white.
Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com
It is always so hard to imagine how different and difficult life was for our great grandparents – and how much we seem to take for granted. Even though you don't know a lot about your ancestors, and it's sad how many of their stories were lost, it's important to remember them and pay tribute, even in the smallest of ways.
Love this white dress with the scarf, it's a beautiful combination and just as elegant and gorgeous as ever.
Chic on the Cheap
I love that scarf. Its so beautiful. It is sometimes so difficult to imagine the life that our great grandparents, and other ancestors lived. I'm adopted and come from a multi ethnic background. My great grandparents, are Jews, slaves, Native Americans…Even in my adopted family when I think there are relatives who couldn't learn to read because it was illegal. We've changed our name a few times as well. To think I can work where I chose, marry whom I please, and shop wherever I want. Not to mention the education I take almost for granted. Such a thoughtful post Cee!
Love the brightly coloured scarf against the all-white, so pretty! Now you can rock it as Miroslava Duma does during Fashion Week 😉
xo Cara
http://www.afashionloveaffair.com
Hi Cee, for sure your gave an amazing tribute to your Slavic ancestors with this fab look! Both scarves are truly stunning, I am addicted to them, I always wear them so I felt in love with yours at first time!:) How nice that the name of the second one got my island ont it, I think it is my fav but also love the reddish one. You are a timeless beauty dear and the accessories just stand it out!:) Kisses, happy Monday! xo
Le dernier foulard est sublime 🙂
J'adore ce rouge profond.
Tu es trop belle et classe comme toujours.
Kisses
You're so breathtakingly beautiful Cee!
It's quite sad what happened to your family while coming to Canada – as much as Canadians try to forget it, we weren't always kind to immigrants, that's for sure.
Bold Subtlety
Good grief! That final photograph is beautiful and imploding with sultry atmosphere! It is lovely to know more about you, what a wonderful heritage you have. I adore the scarf!
I agree with the comment above by Old Cow — love the sultriness of the last photo! The dress and scarf is stunning!
Family history is so important and it changes how we see the world, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Part of my family also left the Ukraine before World War I. My grandmother was a teenager when her family temporarily moved to Canada, and then later moved to Brooklyn. It's terrible to hear that your great-great-grandfather was in an internment camp. It's scary that to think that if my family hadn't left I probably wouldn't be alive right now because of the concentration camps.
~Sara
These scarves are beautiful – both the intricate prints and the rich colour combinations. An interesting yet sad story about your ancestors' experience in Canada. Difficult to imagine what it must have been like to have a change of surname in those circumstances.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Lovely scarf dear 🙂
New post on my blog —> urbanfashionstylee.blogspot.com
Oh! That scarf is absolutely stunning. I love the prints and colours.
What a beautiful tribute Cee. Your family had endured so much. You are blessed indeed. That scarf is absolutely amazing. It's so gorgeous and you styled it to perfection. Love your dress too.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
So interesting to hear about your family, it is crazy to see how much things can change over a few generations. Your great grandfather would be pretty happy to know he struggled and now his descendants are doing so well. Absolutely gorgeous collection of scarves, love how detailed they are and they look so luxe. Perfect patterns against the simple white dress
xJennaD
Girl…this white dress is as perfect as a white dress can be! Sigh!! I think I'm in love! <3
Specially, that beautiful, beautiful scarf just cinches the deal….and that last photo? Lady…you look seriously no less than a star!!! :*
It is a beautiful scalf… Its so difficult to imagine the hatdships out great grand parents have hone through..
Keep in touch,
http://www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
http://instagram.com/beingbeautifulpooja
Wow, Cee… it's crazy to think that your family had to go through so much! It's absolutely heart-breaking. My mom's family is Jewish, although, luckily they were unscathed but I heard so many horrible stories from that time. And yes, now we have it so, so good! AND, I must say, THIS is my new favourite outfit of yours. Honestly, the whole ensemble just takes my breath away!!
xo
By The Shore
omgosh! that last scarf is amazing!!! I want!!! love it! great outfit!
http://www.thebluecurtain.blogspot.com
I LOVE it how the brown scarf matches with your bag and heels. such a perfect trio. but at the same time I also love it how your white dress and red scarf match. it's such a powerful contrast! and the last photo is the most awesome one in my opinion, I like your attitude there 😉 oh and it was wonderful to read about your family. they would be so proud 🙂
Maiken,
Maikeni blogi – part of me
It's crazy to think that we're only a few generations away from relatives who suffered so much. Your words definitely raise my own need for a bit on introspection. I think you styled these scarves beautifully, Cee!
xo, alison*elle
My goodness you are so gorgeous! I love everything about this look! I also, love how the print on the Louis Vuitton bag with the print on the scarf compliment each other so well! Perfectly styled, as always.
XOXO
EK
U look amazing!!
Lesleykim.blogspot.com
What I love about you is that it's more than what's on the surface; there's substance. It's not just clothes for you, but it seems that each piece you wear always has a story of why it made it's way in to your wardrobe, why it's significant to you, and the kind of symbolism. Your clothes always tell a story, thank you for sharing this one in particular. I can relate, being a Canadian and having a 'mixture' of heritages. I think your ancestors would be proud that you are representing their heritage so well, albeit in a scarf format, so beautifully and elegantly. Stunning photos, as per the usual!
http://WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM
Beautiful way to transition a white dress into fall…such a gorgeous scarf! Thank you for sharing a part of your family's history 🙂
http://cstyledesign.blogspot.com
You look fantastic!! That scarf is gorgeous!
Style Without Limits
Love the scarf and you look stunning!
xo Emma
http://strollingthecityinheels.com
Family histories are always so interesting to me – i guess that's part of being interested in libraries/archives though! What a fascinating (if rather sad) story.
I also love these beautiful scarves – so lovely!
This is such a lovely look! and the scarf really gives it a timeless look
What a beautiful post and great way to pay tribute to your ancestry! Hearing of stories (or even thinking) about the sacrifices our ancestors and parents have done to get us where we are today is disheartening. Having to “hide” who you really are just as your great grandfathered changed his name, should be a reminder of how far we've come (generally speaking). I say that, yet really, depending on my mood and depending on the circumstance, it seems like not much has changed at all since those days. I could go on forever about this, but I'll stop now! That scarf is beautiful and paired with your white dress and tan pumps, lends itself to a beautiful European look!
such a cute outfit!
xo
MOSAMUSE
http://www.MOSAMUSE.com
Cute bag Doll
Click me
Ce foulard est vraiment magnifique, et j'adore la touche qu'il apporte à ta tenue
Bisous
Oh, the scarf is magnificent, such lovely colors and print. And great with the elegant white dress 🙂
lovely outfit! i love your blog so so much!! ♥
follow?
http://stormia-fashion.blogspot.com/
kisses, Mai <3
Such a wonderful photo shoot beautiful Cee. I knew that you have Ukrainian ancestors, but I didn't knew all story. In some way I can resemble to your ancestors, but I'm delighted that we are living in different time. In Latvia we have similar scarfs as well, they are great in winter and autumn to keep warm and rich colors and prints are amazing. I think you would love these Peony dresses http://www.madamekuku.com/brand/peony/
♥
xoxo Ra
http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie
Oh j'adore !! Quelles merveilles ces foulards. Les couleurs sont magnifiques. J'aime beaucoup le dernier, je dois dire que cela donne plus de caractère à ta tenue, ton look est encore plus beau. En tout cas ce rouge profond est divin et te vas merveilleusement bien.
A bientôt.
such wonderful post, darling! the scarf looks like made for you 🙂 and it reminds me of my grandma who had a drawer full of scarves just like this one 😉 xo
J'adore les étoles Comtesse Sofia, elles sont magnifiques! Peut être qu'un jour, je pourrais m'en offrir une, mais pas tout de suite. J'ai aussi eu la chance de shooter avec eux et le foulard rouge est tout simplement une tuerie. Tes looks sont superbes, très chics et très parisiens comme à ton habitude.
You look so pretty, love the scarf!!
i sense a fall vibe here Cee – and it's making me wanna shop for suede asap!!! your pumps are divine, love the camel color and that scarf takes my breath up like 12 notches to high pitched inhales. LOVE!!!! thanks for the intro into this line, they obviously know what their doing as far as prints + color schemes. so pretty!
interesting and tender share about your heritage too lades, it's so awesome you've kept those memories of such special note. i have so many moments i'd like to re-visit with my Dad where he tells me about our past, he was the only one in our fams who was really interested. with him gone now it's a distant memory, you are very-very lucky to have these historical events in your arsenal of treasured effects! xo ♥
You look gorgeous in white! And the vibrant scarf is stunning 🙂
Veloria in Velvet
http://www.veloriainvelvet.wordpress.com
Alors là franchement, je suis amoureuse de ta tenue, tu es sublime ! Tu as vraiment une élégance naturelle, toujours superbe. Ce foulard est vraiment très beaux lui aussi, élégant et raffiné à ton image. Bisous 🙂
Cee, the story of your family is very moving and these beautiful scarves are the perfect celebration of your heritage. My mom has a beautiful scarf my dad brought her from Russia, which I love and keep stealing (of course without success…)! I find the Comtesse Sofiapieces so elegant and full of character! Caterina
I love this classy Russian scarves. My mum's wardrobe is full of them and they seem to be timeless 🙂
Thank-you so much for all of your kind and thoughtful comments, my loves!
xox,
Cee