Fashion Frenzy and Fuzzy

Emily Jean UllrichThe photographer Alexi Lubomirski wrote his new book, “Notes for a Young Prince,” with his sons, Sole Luka (left) and Leone (right), in mind.

It’s an age-old question: is chivalry dead? On the morning rush-hour commute on the F train, one could wager that it is. But if the noted fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski — a.k.a. His Serene Highness Prince Alexi Lubomirski of the Polish house of Lubomirski — has his way, perhaps the next generation of boys will grow up to be more gallant. If, that is, such gentlemen-in-training read and abide by the simple affirmations (one per page) he outlines in his new self-published book, “Notes for a Young Prince.” “It’s about all the elements that a prince should have: charm, chivalry, courage, charity, honor, romance,” he says. (The London-born, New York-based Lubomirski learned of his royal status at age eleven — and reacted by saying “awesome!” — though it has never amounted to anything beyond a title.)

The book was originally created as a first-birthday gift for the elder of Lubomirski’s two young sons, Sole Luka. “I wanted to do something momentous for him, not just engrave a silver cup,” he explains. “I showed it to an illustrator, and he read the first five pages and said that every boy needs to read this.” The credos in the book may not be revolutionary, but there is something sweet about how earnestly they are doled out. Particularly since the person doing the doling works in an industry in which courtesy isn’t always so commonplace. But as a recent meeting proved, the disarmingly handsome Lubomirski is a shining exemplar of his own advice. “When meeting a woman, always arrive early so that she is not left waiting.” Check. “When dining with a woman, give her the seat facing out with a view of the restaurant whilst you take the seat facing in. She will be free to enjoy the view and the people, but your attention will be on her and her alone.” Check. “Your most powerful weapon is your smile. Use it to shed light onto any situation.” And, check.

That 100 percent of the profits from “Notes for a Young Prince” go to charity (Concern Worldwide) reflects another of Lubomirski’s princely credos: “Show appreciation for your blessings in life by blessing others with gifts of kindness.” The book’s truisms may be old-fashioned, but many people, no matter their age, could benefit from reading them. Perhaps on the subway.

This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.

View the original article here