In their distinct ways, history's great hosts remind us that successful hosting is not about spectacle; it is about stewardship of beauty, conversation, culture, and memory. To mark Cabana's new homewares collection, inspired by four inspirational hostesses, we are looking back at their lives and style. To reflect on their legacy is to remember that true glamour does not lie in being seen, but in how exquisitely one sees, and welcomes, others.

Jean-Marie Rossi (1930-2021) collected with instinct, not ambition. An aesthète of rare restraint, he chose objects for their presence, not their prestige. Next month, Sotheby’s France reunites the works he showed publicly with those he lived with privately, revealing his quietly radical vision. Fabrizia Caracciolo explores the life and legacy of Jean-Marie Rossi, an inspirational, and truly Parisian, aesthète.

Over the course of her career, philanthropist and art collector, Bunny Mellon, became one of the most influential landscape designers of her time, famously redesigning the White House Rose Garden under the patronage of President John F. Kennedy. Violet Caldecott explores her life, legacy and exceptional gardens, all captured in The Gardens of Bunny Mellon by Linda Jane Holden. 

Today, 19th-century artists Carl and Karin Larsson are national icons in Sweden. Together, the creative couple – whose former home, Lilla Hyttnäs, is much admired – laid the foundation for what is now considered quintessential Swedish aesthetics. But, like many women, Karin Larsson has been overshadowed by her husband. Swedish textile designer Cathy Nordström goes in search of Karin's own story, revealing a passionately, and prolifically, creative artist and designer. 

“You are like a walking Renoir": 104-year-old artist Georgette London Owens recalls with a smile the flamboyant introduction she was given by none other than Salvador Dalí, whose muse she would go on to become. A masterful painter herself, Georgette talks Parissa Mostaedi and Guido Taroni through her extraordinary life and career.

Charlotte di Carcaci explores the work of Aubrey Beardsley, whose distinctive illustrations have captivated her since childhood. She recalls the “sinuous black of his nib which, with such economy, seemed to suggest a breast, a cloak or a lock of hair” and delves into the life of the complex artist and his most notable works.

A French painter associated with the Fauvist movement, Raoul Dufy saw the world in motion. His works, lively and decorative, showcased colours spilling beyond their lines. In a century preoccupied with angst, Dufy chose to paint joy. Emma Becque explores his life and enduring legacy. 

Ten years since the publication of The Glamorous Romantic, Natasha Fraser and Ariel de Ravenel's 2014 monograph on the late Loulou de la Falaise, the visionary stylist and tastemaker continues to captivate. As Cabana launches a vintage collection directly inspired by Loulou's unstudied style and indefatigable spirit, Natasha Fraser examines her life and legacy.

Susan Scollay explores the extraordinary life and legacy of her close friend, Josephine Powell (1919-2007), the renowned photographer, collector and intrepid traveller - who spent her life documenting art, textiles, architecture and ethnographic subjects along the famed Silk Road routes.

A London legend whose intuitive eye delighted interior designers and customers alike: Karen Howes remembers the talent, and the home, of the late antique dealer, Gretchen Anderson, founder of The Lacquer Chest on Kensington Church Street.

The intrepid botanical artist Marianne North traversed the globe alone for 15 years in the late 19th century. Her eponymous gallery at Kew Gardens in London is rife with inspiration for lovers and nature and art. Hannah Kroes, a London-based art historian, explores North’s fascinating career and the quiet beauty of botanical illustrations.

The late great Italian decorator, Verde Visconti, possessed a magical ability to transform anything into beauty, just like an alchemist transforming metal into gold, writes Fabrizia Caracciolo. Fabrizia explores Verde's life, style and legacy, speaking to friends and former clients, while Derry Moore shares beautiful images of Verde's home in Orvieto.

With his innate sophistication, extravagant dandyism and glorious sense of humor, Manfredi della Gherardesca was, "the most dazzling peacock among us". As Dreweatts prepares to launch a major auction of the late designer's collection, Manfredi's close friend, Alex di Carcaci, remembers a "wholly original" friend and a true inspiration.

Charlotte di Carcaci explores the life and legacy of Madeleine Castaing (1894-1992), an eccentric, visionary decorator who lavished her much-lauded rooms with pattern, fringe, whimsy and nostalgia.

In the age of beige, legendary editor Min Hogg will forever be a heroine to those who enjoy decoration, eccentricity and individuality, writes her friend, Charlotte di Carcaci. Charlotte explores Min's irresistible panache, alongside glorious photographs of her home.

Benjamin Weaver explores the life, style and considerable legacy of Italian-born Lina Bo Bardi, the architect behind Sao Paulo's extraordinary 'Glass House' and the pioneer of a new Brazilian Modernism.