Nine in November

I'm still undecided if I want to see the movie Nine when it debuts in November but I am looking forward to seeing the photos of the cast shot by Annie Leibovitz in the November 2009 issue of Vogue. More importantly, I'm dying to see what the Urban Apartment Makeover that is highlighted on the cover is all about! Hope it's good!

The Evolution of Design Panel Recap

It was standing room only at The Editor at Large sponsored Evolution of Design panel discussion to kick off Market Week at the D&D Building this week! I was honored to be included with Michael Bruno of 1stdibs, Jonathan Adler, James Andrew of What is James Wearing? and Brad Ford of Design Therapy. Below are a few of the bullet points that were made during the discussion.

• Michael Bruno kicked things off by suggesting that if you are a designer who plans to write a blog, you better make sure it is the best blog you can make it. Don't be one of those designers who only writes one post and leaves it up for all to see. It looks very unprofessional.
• Brad Ford noted that he started his blog to help promote his work since it can be updated more often that a website that tends to stay static.
• We also all admitted that none of us are tech savvy and often rely on others to help us. Obviously Michael Bruno and Jonathan Adler have teams of employees but James Andrew also hired someone to help produce and write his blog. I don't pay anyone to help me but I do call Christian May of Maison21 at least once a week with a technical question!
• Bloggers are gaining not just readership but power. I had a shop owner tell me that my post on her new store brought in more traffic and business than a mention in a major shelter magazine. After James posted on a vacation home, it was rented by two different people.
• We have no "blogger headquarters" or magazine paying us so we are all trying to figure out how to get paid for what we do especially in light of the new FTC announcement. If we are created sales and business for companies, why shouldn't we be able to accept a commission or a gift.
• We are lucky to live in New York and have access to the D&D Building and all the showrooms but those who don't have access in their area rely on the internet so showrooms should consider having websites.
• We all agreed that designers and showrooms should have a website. If you Google a company and they don't have a website, it doesn't send a very good message. Since it can be expensive to create a website, at the very least, they should have a landing page with their contact information and a nice photo.
• I know in my case that I have to think twice about posting a company or product that I can't link to since my readers always want to be able to access more information or order a product online.
  

I'm sure I forgot a few but those were the highlights. I think we could have talked about blogs, websites, Facebook and Twitter all day! I always have a lot of people ask me about blogging and my best advice is to find your own voice, be original, don't post badly scanned photos, and be nice! Perhaps I'll write a full post devoted to blogging but that will have to wait for another time. I'd also like to thank all my friends and readers who came out early to support me! I really appreciated it! Bon Weekend!

Dinner with the Prince of Chintz

Yesterday was a very long day that began with the Evolution of Design panel discussion and numerous events at the D&D Building and then culminated in the Stars of Design awards. I will definitely try to recap the panel discussion later because I think we made some interesting points about websites, blogs, and social media but that will have to wait until I catch up on all the work I put off yesterday and also accept a rug delivery at the bachelor pad. A decorator's work is never done!

I will leave you with a little story though. Last night, I had the honor of sitting next to the design legend and Prince of Chintz Mario Buatta at the Stars of Design awards dinner. I've had the pleasure of meeting him before but it was so nice to be able to sit and chat with him about his career and the design world. He had lots of great things to say about Sister Parish and Albert Hadley who he credits with teaching him everything he knows about architecture. He also advises all you young designers out there to study designs of the past and especially the 18th century. You don't have to emulate it but you should definitely know about it!

I was really surprised to learn that Mr. Buatta has never published a book! He did say that he's had offers but never pursued them so I did my best to try to change his mind! I know that I would love to read about his life and how he came to become the Prince of Chintz. He's also quite the jokester and loves to play practical jokes so I know it would also be filled with lots of funny stories and anecdotes! I wish I had a tape recorder with me last night to record just some of them! So the next time you run into Mario Buatta, make sure you tell him that he needs to write a book! Maybe we can all persuade him together!

Let's Revisit Miles Redd

I'm heading out early today to the D&D Building to participate in the panel discussion, The Evolution of Design, at 9:00am so I thought I should you something to look at while I am away. I've been thinking about this apartment that Miles Redd decorated and thought it would be fun to revisit it. House Beautiful published it in the July 2009 issue but as I've mentioned before, I love to see the photos outside of the magazine and laid out as they would be in the apartment. Then you can get a sense of the flow and how the colors move throughout the space. The colors are fantastic and the lacquered walls in the living room are to die for.

Elle Decor asked a few women designers in the November 2009 issue questions including how they would advise someone starting out in the business. Charlotte Moss and Kelly Wearstler had similar responses while included among other things, train your eye by reading magazines, looking at books, going to museums, and traveling. I would like to suggest studying the work of designers you admire as well. Then ask yourself why do you like their work? What did they do that you would never have thought of? What colors did they mix the room or house? How did they arrange the furniture? As I've heard from my readers, a lot of them want to work in design but might not have the funds to go to school right now but there is a lot you can learn on your own for free from top designers!

So I leave you with this gorgeous apartment to ponder and peruse while I away all day. Please behave yourself and don't break anything. I don't want to have to come back and ground you! See you later!

Photos by Thomas Loof

Roman Flair

Not that you need another excuse to go to Italy but just in case, Flair, my favorite store, just opened a new outpost in Rome. Unlike their stores in Florence, Milan and Capri that have the signature black walls, this one has a lighter color scheme but don't worry, the furniture and art will remain a mix of old and new. I might have to plan a trip soon but until I do, I will continue to visit their only American shop on Grand Street in Soho. And no, they didn't pay me to write about them! Although, I think they did give me one of their fabulous smelling candles once. Ciao!

Flair Roma

Via Margutta 55b

oo817 Roma ITALY
+39 06 32652067

I Wish!

A few people emailed me today about the story in the New York Times that announced that the "FTC will require that writers on the Web clearly disclose any freebies or payments they get from companies for reviewing their products." All I can say is that I wish companies were sending me freebies or paying me! Rizzoli sends me and every other blogger advance copies of books to review but that's about it. I can tell you that Farrow & Ball did not pay me to co-host their party or give me anything free. I use their products and was happy to support them! I always write about products that I have bought myself and love, stores I shop regularly for my clients or have just opened, or things that I wish I could buy. The amount of work that I do for free is actually quite ridiculous. I also think you know by now that I barely post any of the PR pitches that are sent to me because my blog is my baby and I enjoy controlling the content. That being said, if anyone would like to send me some free stuff, I don't know, maybe a Chanel purse or something from Lanvin, I would completely disclose it and write about whatever you want! Oh, and I wear a size 37 in Louboutins!

Photo by Annie Leibowitz for Vogue

Farrow & Ball and HC Throw a Party!

Last Wednesday night, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a party with the venerable British manufacturer Farrow & Ball to celebrate the launch of their new Bamboo Papers line of wallpaper. The evening was a great success and I'd like to thank all the busy designers and friends who stopped by including Amanda Nisbet and Anne Patterson of Amanda Nisbet Design, Lizzie Bailey of Gerald Bland Antiques, Kevin Isbell, Allison Caccoma, Laurie Reynolds, Gena Dorminey of Elizabeth Bauer Design, Nicholas Manville who heads the 7th floor at Bergdorf Goodman, antique dealer David Duncan, Knollwood Antiques owner Richard Lavigne, Mercedes Desios and Alberto Villalobos of Etos, Chandler Hudson Kenny and her architect husband Anderson Kenny who brought along a group from his office at Peter Marino, as well as many more Farrow & Ball fans.

If you haven't seen the Bamboo Papers in person yet, I highly recommend you stop by the showroom. The pattern was adapted from a 19th century Japanese print and is available in two sizes and over 39 colorways and is printed with Farrow & Ball's zero VOC paint which makes them eco-friendly! I especially love the two blue and metallic papers that change color depending on how the light hits them. Bamboo is also a considered a symbol of good fortune in the Asian culture and I think we could all use a little of that these days!

Here I am with the Farrow & Ball showroom manager Lori Reich. Can you tell that neither of like to have our photo taken?!

Designer Laurie Reynolds stopped by with her boyfriend Matt who was excited to see inside the infamous D&D Building that Laurie mentions everyday!

Lori Reich showed Nicholas Manville of Bergdorf Goodman and his partner the new Bamboo Papers book.

I think we might see a wall of Bamboo Papers in Richard Lavigne's antique shop Knollwood Antiques soon which would perfectly compliment the chinoiserie pieces he has for sale!

Jessica Gold and I chatted with the very dapper antiques dealer David Duncan of David Duncan Antiques.

I owe a big thank you to Alberto Villalobos of Etos, seen his with his business partner Mercedes Desios, for taking many of the photos of the party while I was busy meeting and greeting!

After Alberto left, I didn't take any more photos so I apologize to those I missed! Thanks again to everyone who came out on a chilly New York night to view this great new collection of wallpapers and to Farrow & Ball for asking me to co-host a wonderful event!

And last but not least, no party would be complete without a gift bag! I'm sorry we couldn't invite everyone but the showroom is small so we might find a bigger venue for the next event! Until then, stop by the Farrow & Ball showroom and check out the beautiful Bamboo Papers!

David Hicks Gallery and Book

Did you know there is a David Hicks France gallery in Paris? Neither did I. Lucky for me, I happened to walk by it on my way to the Jardin du Luxembourg on the last day of my trip. David Hicks designs have been emulated and expanded on by many designers over the years but there is nothing like seeing the originals. While new designers tend to pump up the color and kitsch factor, David Hicks original designs are much more sophisticated and interesting. He also mixed antiques with modern furniture, color and patterns which was the key to his look and it's often the antiques that are missing from the new interpretations.

In one room of the David Hicks France gallery, the bright red accents are grounded by the brown walls. You can also see one of his iconic carpet designs in the room. You can order David Hicks carpets from Stark Carpet in New York.

What I can't find is anyone in the US who sells the rest of the David Hicks line which includes furniture, lighting, and accessories. The Paris gallery also have wallpaper patterns I haven't seen anywhere else.

The David Hicks France gallery was such a great find and there was so much to look at that I felt like a kid in a candy store! I definitely wait to go back!

If you can't get to Paris to experience David Hicks designs in person then I recommend the new book, David Hicks: A Life of Design by his son Ashley Hicks. I've already been enjoying it and all the new photos of his work. Although his style was considered radical at the time, it now seems timeless to me as you can see in the following interiors. I just wish we had a David Hicks gallery in the US so everyone could appreciate his work in person!

My greatest contribution as an interior designer has been to show people how to use bold color mixtures, how to use patterned carpets, how to light rooms, and how to mix old with new. - David Hicks, 1968

La Maison d'Hermes

Hermes is synonymous with Paris and the shops are always packed with tourists looking to buy a bit of French-ness to bring back from their trip. I was surprised that the saddles cost less than the Birkins but I guess that is due to the simple economic principle of supply and demand. I don't think Koto Bolofo's upcoming book La Maison will address that issue but he will give you a glimpse behind the scenes at the workshops and how the tres cher bags and other leathergoods are made as well as a peek into the museum and archives.

An amusing book that just might give you a few hints on how to get around the waiting list for It Bag is Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the Worldn't Most Coveted Handbag by Michael Tonello. I've been hearing great things about this book and can't wait to read it! I can also tell you that if all else fails, I recently saw a few "Birkin" bags for sale on the street! Gotta love New York!

Palais Royal

One of my favorite places in Paris is the Palais Royal and especially the gardens. It's a lovely tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Stefan and I actually ate lunch in the garden one day which was a nice treat. It also happens to be home to the celebrated interior designer Jacques Grange who I am sad to say we did not see.

I wish America had more allees of trees since they are so beautiful.

I always wonder how long it takes the gardeners to trim them and how often they do it. They always look so perfect!

The double sided benches are uniquely French.

The French also have very comfortable lounge chairs in every park!

Even the simple planters are chic!

Too bad the pigeons ruined my shot!

The perfectly manicured lawn with it's keep off sign.

We really did stop to smell the roses in the garden of the Palais Royal and they smelled heavenly!

Unfortunately the courtyard with the black and white truncated columns by Daniel Buren was under construction.

A covered arcades that surround the garden houses many clothing stores, antique shops and cafes.

I loved the signs at this shop.

Didier Ludot is one of the most famous shops in the Palais Royal and consists of the vintage shop as well as one devoted to the little black dress.

A few days ago Didier Ludot celebrated the 10th anniversary of his La Petite Robe Noire with a little soiree at the Palais Royal during Paris fashion week.

There was a pretty little glove store along the arcade that would only exist in Paris!

One of the things I love most about Europeans in general is their willingness to sit outside in any type of weather. They usually just put out a few heat lamps but this cafe provides it's customers with cashmere blankets. Only in Paris!

A Perfect Backdrop

If you were paying attention, you might have noticed that Jane Krakowski was photographed in Steven Gambrel's home for the a cover feature in the September 2009 issue of Town and Country magazine. It was a perfect backdrop for the gorgeous gowns. The home was also used for a holiday party feature of Alexandra and Theodora Richards for the December 2008 issue of Allure magazine. Maybe they were still cleaning up the carpet from that soiree when they shot Jane since it seems to be missing in her photos. As I mentioned yesterday, it is a great place to entertain! Bon Weekend!

Photos of Krakowski by John Huba and Richards by Nicolas Moore

A Night and Home to Remember!

I belong to a design group that meets once a month and this week interior designer Steven Gambrel graciously opened his home to the group. Needless to say, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience his designs in person. I urge you to pull out your January/February 2009 issue of Elle Decor if you need to refresh your memory and while you are looking, let me tell you that it looks 1000 times better in real life!

The four story house that was built in 1827 is located in the West Village and Gambrel and his partner, Chris Connor, first had to restore the building to it's former glory before they could move in. For the party, they had set out pretty Asian lanterns to welcome their guests.

From the minute all of us walked in the door, we were drooling over the details! Everything is perfect and since it was recently completed, everything is perfect. There is not one thing out of place or even a corner with a nick in the paint!

I loved the striped paint in the entry that the Elle Decor article mentions was inspired by the administrative offices of the Amber Palace in Jaipur, India.

What's hard to tell from the magazine photos is the scale of the rooms. Many of them are small and cozy which is probably the size they were originally. I think a lot of other owns might have been tempted to blow out walls and open the house up front to back but the small rooms allow for a surprise around corner!

The dining room is directly to your right when you enter the house and even though it photographs more blue, it's actually more grey. Many of the rooms are also painted in custom high gloss paint which I've mentioned before is especially nice in small spaces because it reflects a lot of light.

Gambrel designed a lot of the upholstery too and there are a lot of deep built in seating that would be perfect to curl up on. During the party, it also served as a bar area.

You can get a better look at the high gloss walls in this photos and the natural floors. We noticed them while were at the party and remarked that other homeowners might have stained them dark which would created a much different look.

This little area was so interesting and sits past the dining room on the first floor. It's hard to tell but there is a jib door on the left that leads to a powder room. I really loved the red trim that runs along the cabinetry.

I only glimpsed a little of the powder rooms which all had great printed wallpapers.

Up the stairs to the left is a small little area that sits above the horse walk which is a covered walkway that leads back to the carriage house. When I looked down it as we were leaving, it reminded me of the photos of Paris buildings that I had posted earlier. The first area is the "mudroom" where they hang coats and also the washer and dryer that are hidden by doors lined with chicken wire and antiqued mirror.

At the end of the little hallway is the little bedroom with walls upholstered in ikat from Uzbekistan. Luckily, it has a window to the front street so it feels more cozy that small.

When you continue up the stairs to the second floor, there is another cozy room that serves as an office.

We were all wondering where Steven had found all the art because it all worked perfectly together and not just within each room but the entire house!

Again, there was a deep built in sofa that would be perfect to curl up and read on a rainy day!

It's interesting to see the home photographed during the day because when we were there at night, it was lit with candles that made it look dark and swanky!

The library/bar area was a little jewel box room right off the living room.

It was in the living room that runs the length of the front of the house that every designer at the party decided that they needed to go home and immediately redecorate! I won't name any names but there were a lot of big designers at the party and one whose own home you have oohed and ahhed over also mentioned wanting to redecorate while another said it made her feel like she still lives in college!

Of course we all felt a pang of jealousy but more importantly we also felt admiration because we all noticed the incredible attention to detail. It definitely inspired everyone in the room.

When I went back to look at Elle Decor, I noticed that the drapery trim was air brushed off the cover. It might have made the cover too busy or interfered with the typeface.

The pattern of the rug was custom designed by Steven after the pattern of a cable knit sweater of owned by Connor.

The landing of the third floor has a hanging light fixture that was the talk of the party. It's hard to tell but it looked to be hung from an anchor and had dolphin motifs.

The walk in closet/dressing room was also the talk of the third floor tour! There is a shelf at the top that holds new and vintage suitcases. What I loved was the gorgeous wallpaper on the ceiling!

The thread of blue that weaves through out the house continued in the master bedroom.

All through the house, the furniture placement is perfect such as this beautiful chair that sits next to the dresser and outside the bathroom. It's nice to have places to sit things where you need them.

When I saw the photo of the master bedroom in Elle Decor, I was wondering how they showered with no curtain or door so it was nice to learn that there is a bar with a curtain!

I also really loved the third floor guest room. It was neutral and soothing but not devoid of interesting details. The closet door on the right has inset panels of antique mirror which make it look like it has been there forever.

The fireplace in the corner of the room adds a cozy touch.

Every table and dresser was perfectly styled as well.

The hall bathroom was another jewel box of a room with the brighter tile and collection of etchings.

You can see in this photo that all the light fixtures are interesting and different than what you would expect.

A sofa on one side of the room allows for guests to sit and relax while keeping the cook company.

The lower level or basement luckily has windows so it's not too dark.

The kitchen had a very European feel and I could imagine it also being very cozy during the winter with the fire lit in the original cooking hearth.

I'm so glad there was a photo on Gambrel's website of the little terrace that sits outside the landing between the main floor and the basement. It was also styled with topiaries for the party and looked like a great place to eat dinner or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.

I really want to thank Steven Gambrel on behalf of everyone who attended the party for inviting us into his home. It was very generous of him to open it up to a big group and I think I speak for everyone when I say that it was truly inspiring and motivating and I know we all hope to get to his level someday!

You Go Grant!

Earlier this year, interior designer and blogger Grant K. Gibson was beyond excited to have his apartment shot for the April issue Domino magazine. Then, he was beyond devastated to learn that it would never be published when the magazine closed. So I am happy to announce that you can finally see his wonderful home in the New York Times! The best part that much of it was done on a budget not that you could ever tell! I especially love the bedroom which reminds me of a masculine version of Lanvin's blue bedroom. You go Grant! I'm so happy for you!

Lanvin: Part Deux

No trip to Paris would be complete without a trip to Lanvin. We are lucky in New York that Barneys and Kirna Zabete carry some pieces of clothing and jewelry but that's nothing like having entire store full of nothing but Lanvin! It was heaven!

Lanvin is known for their creative window displays and we were treated to the new autumn displays that feature mischievous black cats. They happen to correspond to the new print ads and also harken back to the old advertisements for My Sin perfume that also featured a black cat.

This window with the cat sticking out of the handbag was my favorite!

The September 2009 issue of British Vogue just ran an interview with the designer of Lanvin Elber Albaz. In it he states that "the people I chose to run the store are nice. I cannot work with bitches." I can attest that the salespeople couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming and not just to the celebrities. Photographer Gilles Bensimon and girlfriend Diana Picasso (daughter of Picasso!) in the store when were shopping.

I wish I could have taken photos of the interior but I didn't want to push my luck so you have to settle for just the store windows!

Everyone keeps asking me what I bought in Paris so here you go. Before I even left, I knew that I wanted to treat myself to something special and definitely something that I couldn't get in New York. I saw a pretty bracelet in Roger Vivier but the exchange rate made it much too expensive. Lucky for me, we stopped at Lanvin right after where I did find myself a little something.

This Lanvin Happy Sac couldn't be better named because it makes me happy every time I see it and it was definitely something I would have bought myself in a heartbeat but it too was much too expensive to even consider. Although, I did see it in Barneys and might have to make it mine at some point. It's so me!

Instead, I settled on a set of bracelets. They are in a taupe/blush color that perfectly compliment my Phillip Lim necklace. I wore them out to a few fashion parties when I returned and they were a big hit. Even Stefan fell in love with the men's store across the street as did my friend's husband when they were in Paris this summer so it's not just for the ladies! I wish Lanvin would open a store in New York but until they do, it just gives me one more reason to plan another trip to Paris!

Jeanne Lanvin's Apartment in Paris

One of my favorite things from Paris was viewing the reconstructed apartment of fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs. It consists of her boudoir, chambre de coucher and salle de bain that were designed for her by Armand Albert Rateau for her apartment at 16, rue Barbet-de-Jouy in Paris in . It's a little hard to see because it's protected by glass walls but it's beauty and wonderful details are worth making the trip. The blue of the bedroom is known as Lanvin Blue and is said to have been inspired by the blue sky in a Fra Angelico fresco seen by Jeanne Lanvin. Just another example of how art, fashion and interior design all converge to great effect!

Fernando Bengoechea's Photography Lives On

Last week, I was surprised to receive a message from Marcelo Bengoechea, the brother of the late photographer Fernado Bengoechea who was swept away by the tsunami of 2004. He is reviving his brother's art of weaving his photographs and is now offering them for sale for the first time since Fernando's death. I remember tearing out a page from a magazine many years ago that highlighted this unusual art form and thinking it was the most amazing and beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was a pleasure to hear more about the process from Marcelo and know that Fernando's photography will live on.

HC: Can you tell me how you decided to start this project?

MB: The revival is something totally new. I just could not let Fernando’s art share his tragic fate. He’s dead. I have no choice than to accept that. What I refuse is to accept the death of his beautiful work so I took it as a personal mission to revive it. As a designer myself, laid off a couple of months ago after 10 years as the Creative Director for the surf brand Reef, I realized that it is the perfect time to do something like this. I had been thinking about it for a couple of years and after a good conversation with Nate Berkus I just had to do it. The reception has been so positive that it keeps me motivated to continue the project. It is still too early to say if it is going to succeed or not (financially speaking) , but to tell you the truth, it doesn’t matter, it is a success to family and friends already.

HC: Do you feel that there is a sense of therapy to the work that you are doing?

MB: For sure there is some kind of therapy in the weaving process, but mostly I feel honored, loved and a sense of continuing our friendship and good times after his death. We had the kind of relationship where just by looking at each other we knew what we were thinking and most of the time those instances were during mischief or adventures. I know a lot of the stories behind the images and that brings me closer to them and to him. His death was my first close up experience with loosing somebody important in life and I do not think I’ll ever get over it. Weaving definitely helps.

HC: Do you do all the weaving yourself?

MB: At this point I am doing limited editions, hand weaving each one of them. I watched my brother weave those images and thought he was somehow insane, now I feel his energy pass through my hands as I weave and think this is crazy. Crazy in a good way, a proud way. Vivre.com just started offering them last week and it is the only place to find them for now other than through myself. One of this days I will have a new website and make them available there as well. I am following Fernando’s original concepts, including the framing style of his latest works (the Karma Trees series that was shown at Ralph Pucci Gallery), framing them in rich Peruvian Walnut and “floating” them the same way he did. I am even using a knitting needle as a weaving tool that once belonged to our grandma and he used to weave the smaller pieces. I am also adding my touch (please see Cabeza de Vaca I and II concept) to evolve and add some design as well.

"It is a collaboration between brothers. It just happens that one of them is dead. We were able to work together in several shoots for Reef that he shot and I directed and it is great to continue our team work this way. Since the beginning of our professional careers that was a goal of ours and I am proud to say that it is still going on." - Marcelo Bengoechea

The Evolution of Design Panel

There are so many exciting design events coming up at the D&D Building next week for Fall Market including one that involves me! I was very honored to be asked by The Editor at Large to take part in the October 7th 9:00am Keynote panel discussion, Evolution of Design, along with Michael Bruno of 1stdibs, and interior designers and bloggers, Jonathan Adler, James Andrew and Brad Ford. I hope all my friends and readers will come out for what I know will be a fun and lively morning! Definitely check out the schedule for other wonderful showroom events and book signings too! All events are open to the public not just the trade!

Inspiring London Interior

Since I returned from Paris, I've been busy and so I just realized that I haven't posted any interiors. I been focusing on a lot of other things that I have going on right now but decided to go back through my files where I found one of my all time favorite inspiring interiors. I was going to say that the London flat was designed by interior designer Alex Papachristidis but after I looked again at the article from the November 2006 issue of Elle Decor where it appeared, I was reminded that it was really a collaborative effort between Papachristidis and the owner, Fruzsina Keehn, a fabulous jewelry designer. The result is that great mix of styles, periods and pieces that is right up my alley. I especially love the modern 1960's Italian round table surrounded by 18th-century Swedish side chairs that sits under a 19th-century Venetian chandelier in the entry. It's full of interesting details that make it look more collected not decorated...my favorite type of design. Enjoy!

Photos by Simon Upton

Coco Avant Chanel

Just a reminder that the film Coco Avant Chanel opens today in New York and Los Angeles. I can't think of a better place to see it than the Paris Theatre too! Bon Weekend!

J.Crew's Artistic Genius

I am loving the new J.Crew catalog that features seven New York artists photographed wearing J.Crew clothing in their studios! The online version, Open Studio, has interviews with all the artists and more shots artwork and studios. My favorite question of course is "How do you think art and fashion influence one another?" Their answers are all perfect. I have two questions of my own though, 1. Why didn't they shoot any women artists? and 2. Is artist Chris Dorland (above) single?

Artist Ryan McGinness

Studio of Ryan McGinness

Artist Glenn Ligon

Studio of Glenn Ligon

Artist Billy Sullivan

Studio of Billy Sullivan

Artist Lucien Smith

Elle Decor's Party of the Year

Last year, I announced that the Williams-Sonoma Home store opening fete was the party of the year and now I can unequivocally say that Margaret Russell's book signing for Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor at Bergdorf Goodman last night was the party of 2009! Many of the designers who were featured in the magazine and are seen in the new book were on hand to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Elle Decor.

The response was so overwhelming that they actually had to move the party down to the third floor to accommodate the crowd! The fashion contingent included the ridiculously handsome design duo Badgley Mischka, Cynthia Rowley and her husband Bill Powers, Zang Toi, Reed Krakoff and his interior designer wife Delphine, and the only American couture designer Ralph Rucci.

The President is in town this week and so is his interior designer. Michael Smith was at Bergdorfs to celebrate Elle Decor, as were designers Alexa Hampton and her mother Duane, Steven Gambrel, Antony Todd, Thomas O'Brien, Juan Montoya, Matthew White and Frank Webb, Maureen Footer, the super sweet Celerie Kembel, and Ron Marvin who I hear has redecorated his famous apartment which we will see soon! The stunningly beautiful India Hicks was also there with her husband David Flint Wood. I also got to chat with the talented architects Gil Shaffer and Peter Pennoyer while they were standing in line to have their books signed! No sign of Peter's wife, interior designer Katie Ridder though!

Many of my favorite design friends were also in attendance including Laurie Reynolds, Jessica Gold, Kevin Isbell, Allison Caccoma, Harry Heissmann, David Lawrence, Carolyn Sollis, Pierre Frey, Kim Huebner, Lori Reich, Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar, Chandler Hudson Kenny and her architect husband Anderson Kenny, Lizzie Bailey, and Anne Patterson who works with Amanda Nisbet. Amanda is in London and unfortunately had to miss the party!

We all joked that if something happened to Bergdorf Goodman last night that the entire design world of New York would have been wiped out! It was a great event and it was wonderful to see so many designers come out to support Elle Decor! And most importantly, I can say that the new book is worth checking out! I've already read it cover to cover and I can't wait to see what they do in the next 20 years! Thanks Elle Decor!

Kelly Wearstler at Home

Christian May of Maison21 was the first person last week to guess that it is Ms. Wearstler's home that is featured in the new October 2009 issue of Vogue so he gets a gold star. Today I just noticed that Vogue.com has posted a few photos from Francois Halard that never made it into the magazine. Some rooms are a little more brown than I was expecting but I wonder how much of that was original to the home which was designed by architect James Dolena in the 1930's. The house was previously owned by many Hollywood actors as well as Cubby Brocolli, the James Bond producer.

I was just talking to a friend about Kelly Wearstler last night. We both agreed that she seems to take more risks in her own homes than she does for her clients and that not everyone seems to get it. As I always say, there is no right or wrong in decorating and I applaud her for thinking outside the box. If we all had the same style, the world would be a very boring place!

Photos by Francois Halard for Vogue

100cameras Lower East Side

100cameras is continuing their quest to give a voice, or in this case a camera, to the voiceless and this time they have chosen children in their own backyard. Students from the Lower East Side community group New Life documented their life in New York for three months this past spring. On Thursday, their photos will be on display and for sale with all the proceeds going back to New Life. I had the opportunity to meet a few of them at the 100cameras Africa event and it was clear that they are clearly benefiting from having participating in this project. I especially love Andrew's cityscapes and think he might have a future in photography! I hope you will continue to help support this wonderful organization.

100cameras Lowe East Side

Thursday, September 24, 2009

6:00 - 8:30pm

Whole Food Market

East Houston and Bowery

2nd Floor Gallery

A Chat with Peter Som

A few weeks ago, I saw fashion designer Peter Som entering the D&D Building as I was leaving. Of course my curiosity was piqued. What was he doing there? Was he looking for inspiration for his upcoming fashion show? Was he redecorating his apartment? Luckily, my upholsterer, Matthew Haly, also happens to be Peter's upholsterer as well so he facilitated a little chat before I left for Paris.

Peter Som epitomizes my theory that fashion, art and design are all intertwined. Both of his parents were architects and he earned degrees in art history and art before attending Parsons to study fashion. He agreed that "all design is seamless" and that he has a lot of friends who are architects and interior designers. He actually lives in the same apartment that was featured in the September 2005 issue of Elle Decor but has since spruced up the place and continues to tweak it which was why he was at the D&D Building. Peter said he enjoys the process and has been taking his time so his home "looks more collected" than decorated. He can tell you where every piece cam from and they all make him happy. I hope we get to see the fruits of his apartment labor soon!

We did just get to see the fruits of his fashion labor last week at the presentation for his Spring 2010 collection where he was inspired by the beach and the leisure activities of chic men and women, especially those immortalized by the 1930's French photographer Jacques-Henri Lartigue. After researching more about Lartique, I too am now smitten with his photos as well as Peter's resulting designs! I was very excited about the beginning of autumn but now I can't wait for spring! Happy Shopping!

Photos of Peter Som Spring 2010 from Style.com

Chic Parisian Boutiques

I was just as obsessed with all the beautiful store fronts in Paris as I was with the doors. I fell in love with the hand painted signs and fabulous fonts. They were subtle and most of the time very simple without a neon bulb in sight. Paris didn't seem to have any empty stores unlike New York which seems to have entire blocks of stores that have gone out of business. Perhaps Laduree would like to pick out one of them for a new shop. Hint hint!

To Autumn

I saw the movie Bright Star today which coincidentally happened to be exactly 190 years to the day after John Keats wrote To Autumn. So I can't think of a better way to salute the film, the poet and the change of season than to post the poem in it's entirety.

To Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too, -
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

- John Keats, 19 September 1819

Kandinsky at Guggenheim

I had the pleasure of attending a preview for the new Kandinsky retrospective at the Guggenheim museum yesterday and all I can say is run don't walk to this wonderful show! It opens today and runs through January 13, 2010 so you do have some time to see it. As an art history major, I studied the works of Vasily Kandinsky (1866-1944) but my knowledge is limited to his well known abstract paintings so I enjoyed seeing the progression of his career and learning more about this fascinating Russian born artist. This exhibit comprises over 100 paintings from 1902 to 1942, two years before his death, as well as more than 60 works on paper and also deals with the challenges he faced during the two World Wars.

The exhibit begins with his earlier works that "borrowed expressive qualities of Parisian Post-Impressionism and the luminous colors of the Fauvres." There are also a few examples of his attempt at pointillism. Symbolism also played a role in his earlier works with the horse and rider who symbolized the crusade against conventional aesthetic values. It is clear from this exhibit that Kandinsky was as much as a philosopher as artist. He was also one of the founders of the Der Blaue Reiter group that was fundamental to the expressionist movement in Germany.

"Every work comes into being in the same way as the cosmos - by the means of catastrophes...the creation of the work of art is the creation of the world." Vasily Kandinsky, 1913

Kandinsky also thought that "painting should aspire to be as abstract as music." His paintings began to be designated by their correlation to music in the form of impressions, improvisations and compositions and named accordingly such as Improvisation 28 above.

His work had already shifted from naturalist scenes to visionary narratives and from 1911-13 had moved to complete abstraction. In 1914, Kandinsky was forced to return to Moscow at the outbreak of World War I but returned to Germany in 1921 where he went on to become a teacher at Bauhaus from 1922-1933. When the Nazis closed Bauhaus in 1933, Kandinsky and his wife moved to a suburb of Paris where he would spend the rest of his life.

While he was with Bauhaus his art came based on geometry and was made up of grids, circles and squares. After he moved to France, his palette became comprised more of pastels and biomorphic forms that were influenced by surrealism and his contact with artists Joan Miro and Jean Arp. Since canvas was in short supply during World War II, Kandinsky created small paintings and works on paper from 1942 until his death in 1944.

The Kandinsky retrospective has to be one of the most interesting shows I've attended in a long time. Clearly there is more to the story than my post can cover so I highly recommend a trip to the Guggenheim to learn more for yourself! Bon Weekend!

The October Issue

I haven't even gotten through the huge September 2009 issue of Vogue and the October magazine has already hit the newsstands in New York! September may have to wait a little longer too because this issue is packed full of good stuff including a sneak peek into the new home of one of LA's hottest interior designers. Can you guess which one???

Hotel Prince de Conti, Paris

A couple of readers who are planning trips to Paris themselves asked me about our hotel so here's a look at the Hotel Prince de Conti. We actually stayed in two hotels so I'll review them separately since they are located in different areas. I had a lot of suggestions from friends on where to stay in Paris and my friend Eleanor who is the Public Relations Director of Teen Vogue actually referred us to the Hotel Prince de Conti. I always trust her judgement but what sold me on the hotel was the location. It is close to everything including the Louvre, the Seine, the Pont Neuf and all of wonderful art galleries and shops in Saint Germain and more importantly, a Laduree on rue Bonaparte!

The hotel only has 26 rooms and we splurged on one of the Superior rooms. If you are traveling alone or don't mind a little togetherness with your traveling companion, they have smaller and less expensive rooms as well as off season specials.

I joked before the trip that all I wanted was my own little twin bed and what we got instead were two twin beds made up as one. We pretty much passed out the minute our heads hit the pillow anyway so it didn't really matter! It was a cute room though!

We had room 41 on the 4th floor which we loved until the elevator broke. The only other hitch was that the woman who checked us in clearly stated that breakfast was included and when we checked out, we found out that it was not. If you decide to stay here, just make sure you clarify this issue first since there are a lot of great places to eat in the neighborhood for probably less than they charged us.

We did have a great view though! Our room looked out on the back of the Monnaie de Paris located on the Quai Conti and the Institut de France to which the dome belongs. I think I'm going to buy myself a book on the architecture of Paris so I can learn more about these gorgeous buildings and all the others we saw on our trip!

We couldn't have dreamed up a better location to stay during the first three days of our trip! We were able to walk everywhere and see all the sights as well as enjoy the comforts of the Saint Germain neighborhood and 6th arrondissement! I think any of my readers would be happy at this hotel...as long as the elevator is working of course!

Williams-Sonoma Home Designer Series

I am beyond excited and thrilled to one of the designers featured in the new Williams-Sonoma Home Designer Series! I'm also more than a little humbled to be in company of the inaugural group that includes the venerable designers Carolyne Roehm and Alexa Hampton, as well the uber talented Monelle Totah and Kirsty Williams from Williams-Sonoma Home. I enjoyed reading their design advice and I hope you enjoy reading mine too! I owe a big thank you to the kind folks at Williams-Sonoma Home who've been great supporters of me and my blog and also to my photographer Jonathan Ragle for his great portrait photo! And of course, a big thank you to all my loyal readers and friends for whom I write my blog everyday! Your continued encouragement means the world to me! Merci beaucoup!

Portes de Paris: Part Deux

Someone left a comment on my door post that they like to see what lies behind them and I had to laugh. If we saw an open door in Paris, we couldn't resist peeking in and occasionally taking a photo or two. Even the humblest of buildings had beautiful courtyards or interiors. I saw a dirty window on a door in Saint Germain and looked through expecting to see a derelict building or a construction site only to see the pretty little plants above. You just never knew what you would find and that was the best part!

Stefan happened to walk in front of the building I planned to photograph so I made him pose. I just want to mention that I had the Nikon for places like the parks and Versailles but in Paris, I usually just pulled out my small and discreet Canon.

I loved that the interior doors of this slightly dirty building were a pretty blue. It was a lovely surprise.

This building had a very elegant entry to the courtyard.

And a pair of doors along the side were a beautiful shade of pale grey that reminded me of Dior grey.

You have to watch your step in Paris because some of the doors open within a frame. This one is another beautiful shade of blue grey!

The side door inside of the building looks slightly green in this photos but I think it was the same as the outside door. I love the middle door knob too!

I wish I had walked farther into this courtyard but I didn't want to trespass although most of the ones with open doors led to businesses.

I loved the color and detail on this door too!

Of course, the cars tend to ruin the tableau so I was glad that the one in front was cute!

This sweet entrance was on the right in the above courtyard. I wish we had more places that look like this in New York!

I think this entry led to a hotel under the beautiful awning inside but I'm not sure.

I saw this intriguing doorway next to the Flamant on rue de Furstenberg and couldn't help but sneek a closer look.

It led to a very pretty courtyard and...

...the Eugene Delacroix museum! What a really great surprise! We didn't have time to go in but it's definitely going on my list for the next trip!

I wish I had gotten a little closer to this building and courtyard since it has a very famous distinction.

It was the site of Pablo Picasso's studio and where he painted one of his most famous works, Guernica. We also didn't make it to the Picasso museum so that's going on my list for the next trip too!

I loved ivy on this outside gate to an apartment building.

This very chic and manicured little garden was behind a chic shop on rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore or maybe just the rue de Saint-Honore. I always forgot where one ended and the other began!

I really wished I could have seen what was behind this door! That tree makes me think it's definitely something special!

Portes de Paris

Many of the buildings in Paris are built around an interior courtyard which is either reserved for potted plants or parking. The doors or portes that close off these secret spaces became my obsession during the trip. Some look like they are painted and polished once a day while others look as though they haven't been touched since the day they were installed. Some are intricately carved and highly decorated but even the simplest of doors look elegant and interesting due to their beautiful colors. The blues, greens and greys are just heavenly! J'adore!

La Seine

We were lucky enough to stay a half a block from the river Seine while in Paris so we would often stroll along its banks or cross its many bridges everyday. The mood of the river would change according to the light and time of day as well as the weather. When we arrived it felt like early autumn and when I left Tuesday afternoon, it was 85 degrees and sunny. The photos I took during our trip show not only that progression but also it's beauty no matter what the temperature!

Photos by Heather Clawson

Merci in New York

One of the stores we didn't make it to in Paris was Merci but lucky for me Merci has come to New York! The Gap has partnered with the French boutique to create a small pop up shop at their store on Fifth Avenue. I heard that Merci was expensive and I learned that first hand when I stopped by the New York version yesterday. All the money goes to charity though so it's worth shelling out a little more for their vintage wares and limited edition items. The hand painted trench coat might just make you wish for rain! Merci will say au revoir to New York on October 5th so get there before they are gone!

Merci Gap

680 Fifth Avenue at 54th Street

New York, NY 10019

212-977-7023

Paris in Black and White

Some of my favorite photos from my trip to Paris were a complete accident. Since I have to look through the view finder of my Nikon camera and not at the screen, I didn't notice it was on the black and white setting until I was half way through the Tuileries. Because it was grey and cloudy at the time, the results are more moody than the other photos I took in color. This experience makes me also realize how much a want to take a photography class. I enjoy taking photos and it would be nice to learn how to use all the buttons on my camera! I know a lot of people who hate taking photos on vacation but I love capturing the feeling of a place just as much as the actual image. It's my version of painting or drawing and I hope you enjoy them!

Photos by Heather Clawson

Paris, je t'aime!

I'm baaack! I actually wish I had stayed in Paris since I had to leave on the most gorgeous summer day and now I am in grey New York. Stefan and I had an amazing time! We walked all over the city and saw so many gorgeous sites. We shopped until we we felt like we were going to drop and then we stopped at cafes for tea and treats to revive ourselves. We ate the most delicious meals and many macaroons. Laduree is still my favorite! Maison et Objet was huge but not as huge and beautiful as Versailles. It was amazing to be walking the same halls as the kings and queens of France! Every street was filled with amazing architecture or a chic shop. We even got a peak into the archives at Pierre Frey! Sometimes my French was perfect and other times it was terrible! We often passed as French unless we were heard speaking English and most everyone was nice to us. Except for the waiter at Cafe Marly but as Stefan pointed out, when you are that handsome, you have the right to be rude! We made it to a lot on our lists and stumbled upon even more great things that were not. I am in the process of downloading my photos now and I can't wait to share our experiences with you! A plus tard!