Grand Central’s Timeless Elegance in Silk

written by Christina Lianos

Grand Central Station, 42nd Street and Park Avenue, NY 40°45′6.88″N 73°58′37.89″W

Stepping out of the pulse of New York City and into Grand Central for the first time is in itself a grand experience… and the inspiration for the NY Grand Collection. Crossing into the cathedral-like Main Concourse with its turquoise star-studded ceiling, golden columns of light streaming through the tall arched windows, the hum of departures and rumble of arrivals, the murmur of intersecting lives and the shuffle of a thousand journeys.

Time here is a both a chaotic and rhythmic choreography of intention and chance, movement and stillness, an echo of every version of New York - past, present and yet to unfold.

The NY Grand collection, started with a photo taken of the terminal’s façade, glowing against the darkness of the night sky, sculpted figures above the clock standing on eternal watch, the moment vibrating with the rhythm of the city at night.

And, it was my birthday. This luminous image of Grand Central evoked in me, the feeling that birthdays themselves are points of departure and return along the long track of life — a marker of all our transits — rarely running straight — moving forward, backward, bending, crossing and doubling back, filled with stops, starts, delays and detours, planned and unplanned.

And with this emotional journey of aging and change, I am reminded that while every birthday is a departure from another year, it is also a beginning of a new year ahead, a renewal of possibility with the faith that the unseen track beneath me is there, as it always has been, to carry me to the next station of life.

The NY Grand collection is an intentional reminder that in the middle of all this motion, I must feel, even for a moment, that I am perfectly aligned with the track of life.

Wearing the Amalfi Coast: A Journey to Positano

Written by Maria Lianos-Carbone

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Positano, Italy 40°38′N 14°29′E / 40.633°N 14.483°E / 40.633; 14.483

For years, I dreamed of wandering through Italy — not in haste, hopping from one landmark to the next… but slowly lingering long enough to feel the rhythm of daily life. I didn’t want to rush from city to city, ticking boxes on an itinerary… though there is absolutely nothing wrong with that as I also had a checklist of must-sees. I wanted to plan our days with one or two main activities, leaving time for us to wander as much as possible and discover the smaller spots that only locals know about.

When the time came, we chose not to conquer the whole map (otherwise I’d get the boot from my family – pun intended) but to hone in on one region: the Amalfi Coast. Just a quick train ride from Rome yet a world apart, its coastline dazzles like a colourful necklace of cliffs in between the blues of the sky and sea.

We opted to base ourselves in the town of Amalfi itself which is authentic and charming but not as touristy as its neighbour, Positano. But the main town square, the Piazza del Duomo, is abuzz with shops, restaurants with patios surrounding the Duomo di Amalfi or the Amalfi Cathedral and the Fontana di Sant'Andrea. Plus, it’s easy to get to Positano by ferry… in fact, exploring the Amalfi Coast by ferry is like gliding through a living postcard.

Boats connect all the dreamy towns along the coast, letting you drift from town to town while the cliffs and sea unfold around you. Amalfi to Positano takes under 30 minutes and tickets are easy to grab at the docks or online. It’s a serene, scenic way to wander the coast, and as you approach Positano, you will be in awe.

Standing above its pastel cascade of houses tumbling toward the sea, I felt that kind of feeling that takes your breath away. No photo prepares you for that view. It felt like stepping into a living painting, one so radiant it stirs something deep within you.

That moment stayed with me long after we left. And it found its way into our art. One of the photographs captured in Positano became a design, printed onto silk and vegan leather so that the memory of that view could live beyond a single summer.

For those who have walked its winding steps, or for those who dream of it still, our Positano Collection lets you carry the Amalfi Coast with you… a wearable keepsake of heaven on earth.

Emily Warren Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge: The Woman Who Inspired The Brooklyn Silk

Written by Christina Lianos

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Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, NY 40°42′21′′N 73°59′47′′W / 40.7057°N 73.9964°W / 40.7057; -73.9964

Emily Warren Roebling: The Woman Behind the Brooklyn Bridge

On this day, September 23, in 1843, Emily Warren Roebling was born in Cold Spring, New York. Little did the world know that she would go on to play a defining role in one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century - the Brooklyn Bridge.

When her husband, Washington Roebling, fell gravely ill during the bridge’s construction, Emily stepped in. At a time when women were rarely welcomed in engineering or leadership, she taught herself the complex science of civil engineering, managed technical decisions, and became the vital link between her husband and the construction team.

Emily’s determination kept the project moving forward. She negotiated with officials, gained the respect of workers, and made sure the bridge was completed. On its grand opening day in 1883, she was the first to cross, proudly carrying a rooster, an enduring symbol of victory.

Today, her contributions are forever etched in stone with a plaque on the bridge:

“Back of every great work we can find the self-sacrificing devotion of a woman.”

She is remembered as a pioneering woman in engineering and a vital figure in one of America’s greatest engineering feats. We celebrate Emily, her determination, intelligence, and courage, stepping up at a time when women were not expected to take on such roles. In her strength and leadership, we are reminded that anyone can rise to the challenge, no matter the odds and that one determined person can change history.

Inspiration Behind the Brooklyn Collection

At Passepartout1872, we draw inspiration from trailblazers like Emily Warren Roebling. Her persistence, courage, and intelligence embody the spirit we aim to capture in our designs. The Brooklyn collection is more than an accessory —it is a wearable symbol of resilience, leadership, and quiet strength.

Just as Emily crossed the bridge with conviction, we see the Brooklyn Bridge as a reminder to step forward with bravery, no matter the odds. The scarf tells a story of history, art, and empowerment - a way to carry her legacy into the present day.

The Brooklyn is our symbol of persistence and intelligence and our reminder to lead with determination and courage.

From Childhood Dreams to Global Wanderlust: The Story Behind Passepartout

Written by Christina Lianos

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Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur 3°7′18′′N 101°41′16′′E / 3.12167°N 101.68778°E / 3.12167; 101.68778

Travel, design, art, and textiles have shaped my life for as long as I can remember. What started as childhood curiosity has blossomed into a lifelong creative journey, blending the love of historical dress, painting, sketching, and the golden age of travel with a passion for luxurious fabrics and immersive experiences.

Growing Up in a World of Imagination

As a child, I spent long stretches in hospitals due to chronic illness. While this limited my mobility, it gifted me hours to explore my imagination. I filled margins of school notes with sketches, doodles, and creative writing. These early artistic endeavors helped me create vibrant inner worlds and sparked a fascination with:

• Historical dress and period fashion

• Books, atlases, and globes

• Drawing and painting

• Exotic fabrics and textures

Even during university, when I dabbled in fine art and art history, creativity remained a personal pursuit—something I loved, but hadn’t yet fully embraced professionally.

New York, Fashion, and the Call of Travel

In the 1990s, I moved from Toronto to New York, where I first dabbled in fashion and textile design as a side interest. Later, after starting a family, I explored elaborate costume design, which allowed me to express my creativity in bold, imaginative ways.

Opportunities to travel for work opened my eyes to the world. I followed my instincts, often taking off-the-beaten-path detours to discover unique, remote locations. Photography became my tool to capture:

• Exotic cuisines and scents

• Luxurious fabrics and textures

• Historic sites and local lore

• Stunning landscapes and architecture

Each journey reignited my artistic passion and deepened my connection to creative storytelling through art and design.

The Birth of Passepartout

Wanderlust has been a constant thread throughout my life. What began as a hobby has evolved into a full-fledged creative pursuit: Passepartout.

Inspired by Jules Verne’s adventurous valet from Around the World in 80 Days, Passepartout is my homage to:

• Travel and exploration

• Artistic expression

• Textile and costume design

• Creative storytelling

Through Passepartout, I curate images, stories, and experiences from my travels, transform them into digitally enhanced paintings, and print them on luxurious silk. These creations are available for custom silk scarves and handbags, each a wearable piece of art.

Why Passepartout Matters

Passepartout is more than a brand—it’s a passport to creativity, a bridge between imagination and reality. Each piece reflects:

• The thrill of travel

• The beauty of fine art

• The tactile richness of textiles

• The joy of storytelling through design

Whether you’re a fellow traveler, art lover, or textile enthusiast, Passepartout invites you to explore creativity in every corner of life.