Events
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East & West Coast Parties
Picnic by DesignA number of young NYC interior designers came together to support DIFFA by spearheading Picnic by Design. The event took place this past Wednesday under a bright city sky.
Members of the design community enjoyed each other company, as they came together at the lawn of the MiMA roof-deck, a space designed by DIFFA’s own co-chair David Rockwell. Guests enjoyed a variety of picnic baskets designed by Mary Davis, Brooke Lichtenstein, Yiannos Vrousgos, Dwayne Clark, Bob Gaynor, Nigel Sielegar, Dee Kemper, and Michael Aram. This was an evening filled with laughter and cheers, as well as a movie screening of Mart Crowley’s revolutionary play-turn-movie “The Boys in the Band.”
Photos courtesy Marco BollingerThe Pebble Beach Scene
Kristina Marchitto, from Rolls-Royce and Chef Thomas KellerVacheron Constantin Hosts Special Event
with Rolls-Royce Motor CarsLast Saturday evening, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest high end watch manufacturer, hosted an exclusive event with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world-renowned annual classic cars show. The soiree took place at a private villa situated in the hills of one of the most beloved region in the US, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Guests were treated to a unique and customized dinner crafted by none other, Chef Thomas Keller and prepared by The French Laundry, his famous 3-star Michelin restaurant in Yountville, CA.
Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North AmericaIn his welcome speech, Hugues de Pins spoke about the common values shared by Vacheron Constantin, Chef Keller and Rolls Royce Motor Cars, such as the passing-down of traditions, the constant search for excellence, and the nurturing of creativity in each of their respective industries.Vacheron Constantin Historiques Collection
A view of the villa in Carmel, CaliforniaPhoto credit Paul BoutrosDuring the cocktail, guests were invited into the kitchen to interact with The French Laundry team and witness the preparations for the meal. A staff of 19 from The French Laundry and Per Se, Chef Keller’s New York City restaurant, prepared and served the meal for 60 guests.
Models greeting the guestsUnless otherwise indicated, All images courtesy Derek Gardner Photography -
The Weekender: Fêtes à Paris
Biennale des Antiquaires –Part 2 of 3
Gala Diners at the BiennaleSo many parties so little time. The Biennale des Antiquaires has never been short of celebrity and high society sightings. HEW have accumulated photos from this celebrated fair through the years, and they’re all for your enjoyment. Who knows? They may motivate you to attend the Gala on Wednesday, September 12th. Cheers!.JPG?w=960)
Left: Christian Deydier, Président Jacques Chirac and honored guests
Estelle Lefebure
Bernadette Chirac
Mrs. Mc Cormick-Blair, and Pierre Bergé
Princesse Ira de Furstemberg
Alberto Pinto (center)
Mr Forbes and Veronica Hearst
Mathilde Agostinelli, Philippe Starck, and Victoire de Castellane
Princesse Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, and Karl Lagerfeld
Farida Lhelfa, Karl Lagerfeld, Distinguished Guest, Pierre Passebon, and Jean de Gunzburg
Anna Mouglalis, and Peter Marino
Baron and Baronne Emmanuel Reille
Christian Louboutin, and Minica Bellucci
Danièle Steel
Jacques Garcia
Karl Lagerfeld, and Hélène Arnault
Monica Bellucci
Mr & Mrs Henry Kravis, Karl Lagerfeld
Valentino
Pierre Passebon, and Jacques GrangeCopyright images. All rights reserved -
From Cover Girl to Raising Babies
Out and About
HBO’s new documentary about face will debut on July 30th, but last week, I attended the premier at the Paily Center for Media near Rockefeller Center. This vivacious and enticing documentary gathered former glamazons of the 70s and 80s to reveal several behind-the-scenes, candid moments into the dark side of their supermodel lives.Pictured: Carol Alt, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis
The film covers drug overdoses, rampant sexual harassment and blatant racism – all of which have become the staples of the modeling industry. About Face: Supermodels, Then and Now, follows era-defining names like Jerry Hall, Beverly Johnson, Isabella Rossellini, Paulina Porizko, and a few other household names divas as they expose the industry’s ugly truths. It is directed by renowned photographer and filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.
Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis
Models of YoreCarol Alt, Beverly Johnson, Kim AlexisImages via ZimbioRosie Pope hosted a launch party at Destination Maternity’s New York FlagshipLate last month, hundreds of current and expecting moms eagerly gathered inside Destination Maternity’s New York Flagship to meet Rosie Pope, star of Bravo’s Pregnant in Heels, designer and expert on all things maternity. Rosie brought business partner and husband Daron to the personal appearance held to celebrate Rosie Pope for A Pea in the Pod™, an exclusive capsule collection available at A Pea in the Pod® and Destination Maternity stores nationwide.
Rosie Pope with husband Daron Pope (left) and Chris Daniel, President of Destination Maternity Corporation (right) Rosie Pope, Star of Bravo Pregnant in Heels
Rosie PopeImages courtesy Rosie PopeChef Grant Achatz of Alinea restaurant charmed guests signing books at the Bernardaud Chicago boutique to salute the James Beard Foundation’s book “The Best of the Best”
Grant Achatz
Arianne Nardo (Editor in Chief) and and James Barra (Creative Director) of INTERIORS Magazine
Guests Wendy and Geoffry Dixon with authographed
Corinne Oats (Vp Sales, Bernardaud), Grant Achatz (chef), Susan Ungaro (President, James Beard Foundation). Alexandra Phillips (Bernardaud Chicago boutique director)Images courtesy Bernardaud
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
The New Textile Collection from Christopher Farr and Kit Kemp
Crosby Street Hotel V.I.P. Theater/Screening Room The Crosby Street Hotel celebrated International design fabulously, this past June the 21st. British Interior Designer and the creative force behind Firmdale Hotel Group interiors, Kit Kemp launched a new collection of textiles and rugs in collaboration with Christopher Farr Ltd. The hot, steamy night in New York’s early summer set the mood for the evening’s mischief.
Descending into the cellar of The Crosby Street Hotel we were refreshed by coolness, both in temperature and style. Hand-knotted rugs and handsomely displayed fabrics with embroidered and printed gorgeousness caught our eye and sparked conversation.
A bevy of design professionals were peppered throughout. Cooling down were Kit Kemp, Christopher Farr, Matthew Bourne, Ronald Bricke, Patrick Hamilton, Leah Blank and Bryan Dicker.Not only was the crowd fun, but the cute and attentive staff kept our palette excited and our glasses full. It was the perfect kick-off for Summer Design fun.As we minced through the crowd looking at the rugs and textiles…we discovered the V.I.P. Theater/Screening room with cushy seats covered in a Hermès like luxe leather. Swooning ….. Now we knew the source of the gasps of excitement. The only disappointment was that there was no mezzanine to perch from. Photos on the event can be found at Facebook/highendweekly.The Crosby Hotel is located at 79 Crosby Street, NYC | 212.226.6400Article Contributed by POPNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that this image is alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
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East & West Coasts Celebrations
High PraiseDid you know that the stylish editor in chief of Interior Design Magazine, Cindy Allen, was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate on May 16th, 2012 by the Academy of Art University? It all took place in San Francisco, where the AAU president, Dr. Elisa Stephens, through a special reception at the school to honor this visionary New York-based editor, who has been heading Interior Design Magazine for the last 10 years.Interior Design Magazine Editor in Chief, Cindy Allen
In addition to spearheading this most prestigeous trade magazine, Cindy Allen also handles the selection of inductees into the Interior Design Hall of Fame at the annual event, which she co-hosts with publisher Mark Strauss. She also presides over the Best of Year Award competition, honoring the best in product and interior design. And here’s some more good news: Cindy Allen was recently appointed chairwoman of DIFFA.
Cindy Allen
Cindy Allen, Elisa Stephens, Laura Blumenfeld
Laura Blumenfeld, Cindy Allen, AAU Student
Elisa Stephen, Arthur Gensler, Cindy AllenPhotos courtesy Strohl & Co.FOOD AND MIGRATIONThe second edition of the International Migration Art Festival took place without a hitch this week. The celebration started on Tuesday night at Eataly, where the exhition Sport Your Food opened, and a second show followed at Wook & Lattuada Gallery, yesterday evening. The idea behind Sport Your Food was to assumed that in the second decade of the 21st Century, gastronomy is generally considered to be an art form rather than a mere physical requirement. Five artists and five chefs were asked to work in pairs on a common theme – creating a recipe and the other a work of art. All this was brilliantly done to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics. This charming event came equipped with holograms, ravioli, biscuits, sandwiches, fillets of fish, video installations, paintings and photographs.
Ferrarelle water for guests
Gregg LeFevre (photographer and sculptor) and Massimo Bottura (chef)
Gregg LeFevre (photographer and sculptor) talking to Giorgio Faletti (Italian best-selling writer)
Grana Padano
Rossella Canevari (writer, screenwriter and artistic director of IMAFestival), Giorgio Faletti (Italian best-selling writer
and Elena Manzini (producer and lawyer)
Eataly at 23rd street between 5th and 6th Ave.Photos courtesy Arturo Stanig -
Michael Aram’s Molten Month Event
I was delighted to be part of Michael Aram’s blogger event last week. As many of you may already know, this is Molten Month at Michael Aram, and we all came together to celebrate his latest collection at his flagship store located at 136 West 18th Street in New York City. Michael is so well connected with nature and the evidence of this love is seen on so many of his designs, and the way he chose to highlight his collections at the store.Michael Aram Molten Collection
The Making of The Molten Collection
Stage 4 and
Stage 6
More shots from the Michael Aram’s Molten Collection
Signature cupcakes from KeremoPhotos courtesy Michael Aram
Vyna St Phard, Michael AramPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™The evening was filled with wondrous designs for the bride to be, and of course for all of us who value extremely high quality designs at reasonable prices. I encourage you to visit the store whenever possible, and don’t forget to view the video on the making of his Molten Collection, as well as the exhibition entitled: The Molten Collection Through The Years. For more images about the event, visit HEW on Facebook.OF NOTE:The New Molten collection celebrates handcraftsmanship at its most basic level. Each bead is individually welded along the edge of the product, making each a unique piece. New Molten is made from stainless steel and is perfect for elegant everyday functionality. During the month of June, Michael Aram is celebrating Molten Month with a Mini Molten Frame gift with purchase on all purchases of $150 or more. The promotion is valid online, in-store and at select retailers. The full list can be found here: http://www.michaelaram.com/nsite/assistance.aspx?ptype=O -
Here We Go
It gives me great pleasure to share this celebration with all of my old and new friends, our sponsors: Holly at Subarashi Kudamono for the delicious cocktails, Dolores Marianeschi for the Nieto wine, Erik and Cornelia for allowing me to use their beautiful, zen-like gallery. NTDTV for their great coverage, and last but not least, my better half, Michael. During High End Weekly’s first year, I have had so many stories and experiences to tell, so when I look back, there have been a few tears and laughs, a little of expert advice, and friendly conversations.
All of you have added to my dream and in some cases, you’ve challenged me to keep reaching out towards my goal, and to iron out some wrinkles. It’s been a fantastic journey. In the coming years, we will continue to push the boundaries, never get comfortable at our achievements, we aim to dazzle, to defy expectations, we want our readers to reach for the stars, and share the pleasures both great and small. High End Weekly™ will be arranging events, regular High Teas, so that we can meet with new and old friends. We will bring you the best of life and culture, the luxury lifestyle, which includes fine and decorative arts, interior design, fashion, and of course a few surprises.
Vyna St Phard
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Taste of Italy Tour in New York
Although I was late getting there from a client presentation, I was still able to enjoy The Taste of Italy Tour at GD Cucine, last night. The event was well attended by foodies in various industries, which included designers, chefs, TV personalities, and the media. It was staged to educate Americans on the importance of using authentic, pure ingredients and to secure Lucini and Delverde as the authority on real Italian food. The pasta that was served was so delicious!Cristobal Prat-Gay, President Molinos USA, Gail Simmons and David Neuman, President Lucini Italia
And it was clear that they’ve used authentic, high quality products in order to elevate the cooking experience to match or even exceed that of restaurants, primarily because of the ingredients used. So I had to curve the urge of not going for seconds. After schmoozing with some of my friends, I found out that the people responsible for the fabulous food bus parked outside GD Cucine were in partnership with Auricchio, Caffè Vergnano, Ferrarelle, Fratelli Beretta, Locatelli, Montosco, Zonin and Olis (an impressive group, indeed!)
Gail Simmons, Bravo celebrity chefAt the center of the tour was the Delverde and Lucini Food Bus, which was not your run-of-the-mill food truck – believe me! This state-of-the-art coach has been outfitted with an Olis industrial kitchen, modern lounge area and its own team of Italian chefs. They can certainly count me in as a passenger.
Photos courtesy Barabino USADid you know that Italian food is the number one ethnic food consumed in the US? Delverde and Lucini want to educate consumers on where their food comes from, how it tastes and the quality of the food they eat. Pasta and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is not all created equal, so by giving consumers the chance to taste the product, they are more likely to understand and appreciate the difference in quality. And as we all can agree, quality is everything. - Awards, Events, Interior Design, Jack Lenor Larsen, Life and Style, New York School of Interior Design
The New York School of Interior Design honors Jack Lenor Larsen and Thomas Woltz
Jack Lenor Larsen, and Thomas Woltz honored by The New York School of Interior DesignJack Lenor Larsen received lifetime achievement award, and Thomas Woltz, the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award for Landscape Design. Last night, The New York School of Interior Design honored textile pioneer Jack Lenor Larsen with a Lifetime Achievement Award and noted landscape
designer Thomas Woltz with the school’s first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design at its 2nd annual Spring Benefit, held at The Metropolitan Club, in New York. While receiving his award, Mr Larsen humorlessly pointed out how delighted he was to be in a room which made him looked younger.Patricia Sovern (Chairman of the Board of the New York School of Interior Design), Jack Lenor Larsen, Thomas Woltz. Photos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©
NYSID Spring Benefit at The Metropolitan Club
Thomas Woltz, Patricia Sovern, David Sprouls
Lou Gropp , long-time former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, Jack Lenor Larsen“I was lucky enough that I could go out and donew things that I did not know how to do yet.“– Jack Lenor Larsen
Marilyn White, Mario Buatta
From Left: Patricia Sovern, distinguished guest, Inge Heckel, Jack Lenor Larsen“The New York School of Interior Design is proud to celebrate the achievements of these two design luminaries for their innovative and distinguished careers, and to launch the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design, in memory of our late trustee’s devotion to landscape design.”–Patricia Sovern
Elsie St. Léger (centered) and distinguished guests
Ellen S. Fisher, Ph.D. (NYSID VP for Academic Affairs & Dean), and distinguished guest
From left: Marc Gilbertson, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Roric Tobin
Distinguished guest
Distinguished guests
Lynn and Noel Jeffrey
Thomas Woltz (pictured on the screen)
Jack Lenor Larsen accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award at The Metropolitan Club
Distinguished guest
Thomas Woltz
Vyna St Phard, Jack Lenor LarsenPhoto courtesy High End Weekly™
Distinguished guest, Margaret Russell (centered) and Phillip Gorivan
Patricia Sovern, Cynthia Hazen Polsky
Vyna St PhardPhotos courtesy Photography by Annie Watt ©Lou Gropp, long-time editor of House Beautiful Magazine and former NYSID trustee, presented Jack Lenor Larsen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In memory of his father, Whitney Armstrong honored landscape architect Thomas Woltz with the first Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design. In September 2012, the school will continue their celebration of Larsen’s professional achievements with a major retrospective filling their 69th Street Gallery.Jack Larsen arrived in New York in 1951 to open his first design studio. This was at the beginning of the modern movement, and Larsen immediately understood that less is more, as the nation was influenced by the post war decade. Larsen became instrumental in revealing how textile design can be used to reinvigorate the modern architecture of that time. Over the years, he proved to be much more complexed as a designer, and is still known as the quintessential modernist, who was lured by the past, but admired many styles – especially tribal design. His friends and critics would agree that he is a major force in the world of design, a tireless traveller, successful entrepreneur, a passionate collector of other talents, and a friend to other artists.During his acceptance speech, Jack Lenor Larsen also pointed out that when he began his career, he was lucky enough to have started as someone who “did things that he did not know how to do yet”. And as a society, we should appreciate the beautiful, and natural things surrounding our every day lives, especially living in a world when just about everything is mass produced. He encouraged his friends and colleagues that were gathered together, to celebrate their individualities. He quoted his long-time friend Carl Sandberg who once told him while he was in college to “let us be different from other people, if being different comes easy and natural.” -
Out and About: The NYC20 Art + Design Fair Preview Party
Not surprising for 1stDibs, since they are the trendsetter in the design community. I enjoyed being at the party, meeting new and old friends, colleagues, savoring the delicious food, as well as sourcing furniture and glassware for some of my clients. The 2012 New York 20th Century Art and Design Fair officially opens today, and ends on Sunday, May 15th.
Pictured: Louise Devenish, Vyna St PhardPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™
Dragonette LtdPatrick Dragonette, Charles Tucker
Mario Buatta, Vyna St Phard
Steve Newman Fine Arts
Steve Newman Fine ArtsSteve NewmanThe NYC20 Art + Design Fair officially kicked off last night at The Tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park. Thirty five top dealers gathered together to showcase some of the finest decorative and fine arts from the mid twentieth century. Michael Bruno, founder of 1stDibs, indicated on his open letter that the fair represented two exciting firsts: a first all-1stdibs-dealers show, and a first design show at Lincoln Center.
Serina Tufo, Michael Bruno, Alexander Jakowec, and Francesca StanfillPhoto by Annie Watt via New York Social Diary
Vyna St Phard, Craig WarfieldThe Designer Forum kickoff partyPhoto by Annie Watt via New York Social Diary
Lost City ArtsJames Elkind
R.20th CenturyEvan Snyderman, Zesty Meyers
ReformGerad O’Brien
ReformGerad O’Brien
Vyna St Phard, Natacha Charles
Atmosphere
Vyna St Phard, Grace Feng
My dear friend and cousin, Nathacha CharlesPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™
