Interior Design

  • Christian Lacroix,  HEW Hotels,  Interior Design,  Life and Style,  Paris,  The Weekender

    The Weekender: The Return Of The King

    CHRISTIAN LACROIX’ NEW ADDRESS

    “It’s LACROIX, darling, LACROIX.” Remember Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, and her constant refrain in Absolutely Fabulous? She was known for her wild streak as well as her desperate attempts to stay young and hip by donning the most hilarious, ostentatious clothing. And guess what?

    We all loved her for that even more since his fashion was fit for her personality. I’ve long admired Christian Lacroix‘ spirit, if not necessarily his fashion, so this week, I was thrilled to receive in my mailbox an email from Robb Report about the flamboyant fashion designer and the re-opening of his left bank Parisian boutique. The interior design was hip, without being over the top, and for me that was a huge plus. In addition, I liked the gold wallpaper that was used throughout this quaint little space which once was an old printing shop. According to their creative director Sacha Walckhoff, gold is definitely in for the home this fall.




    When Amanda Millin asked about incorporating gold in the home, and still making it look modern , Sacha responded “For furniture, avoid gold and grand style, and go for the ’50s and ’60s designer pieces like the ones of Jean Prouvé or Charlotte Perriand in order to add a modern touch. Then go back to gold for the little decorative objects like “One Minute Sculpture” by Marcel Wanders. It is always nice to mix gold with a fabric that looks simple. Natural beige linen, for example, or a rough cream cotton. Try our gold Voyage wallpaper (an ancient map of the south of France) with our Feria natural beige linen fabric. The Voyage wallpaper is very light and can be used anywhere.”
    Photos by Francis Amiand, via Robb Report

    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.
  • Interior Design

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.1Brooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well-travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.

    “Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail about the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.” Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartment

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.2

    Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.4

    A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwood
    Bergères en gondole, 20th Century. For a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebble surface cowhide (see below).

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.5

    A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)
    The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.7

    The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid)Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant choice in the September auction.

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.11

    A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment

     The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.9

    Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.10

    An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th century

    The Stately Home of Brooke Astor.8

    The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William Delano. According to Sotheby’s “The sale will include fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. About 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”

    Images Courtesy Sotheby’s
    All rights reserved

    To inquire further about these art and design objects, please contact us.

  • Interior Design,  Lifestyle

    Meet John Lyle

    JohnLyle.2No wonder Joan Collins chose to work with John Lyle to design her New York City apartment, as she got ready to sell it through Core Real Estate. He is so intuitive, plus it doesn’t hurt to have an exact eye for great design. So for the first time in her life, the film star decided to work with an interior designer who brought new life to her space while making it warm and inviting for prospective buyers.

    “I’m always looking for new and wonderful ways to use the finest materials. Comfort is very important, and I strive to keep that in mind when I am designing. My clients have various lifestyles, some have children, pets, so I design spaces as well as furnishings that fit their lifestyles.” John Lyle, interior and furniture designer

    High End Weekly: This Joan Collins’ apartment is both glamorous, and inviting. Pretty much like your furniture lines.
    John Lyle: Well, thank you. My company rebrand a few years back as John Lyle Design but in 1985, my former business partner and I founded our design firm and we named it Lyle and Umbach, Ltd. We became business partners at that time because we both loved neoclassicism, and my designs reflected that style and the collection sold at top high-end showrooms across the US. After working with bronze, steel was our next adventure, then fine woods. The latest things we’ve added to our line of furnishings are a variety of exotic materials such as shagreen, parchment, tobacco and beautiful and intricate inlaid seashells. I’m always looking for new and wonderful ways to use the finest materials. Comfort is very important, and I strive to keep that in mind when I am designing. My clients have various lifestyles, some have children, pets, so I design spaces as well as furnishings that fit their lifestyles.

    JohnLyle.6

    Before

    JohnLyle.5

    After

    HEW: How appealing do you think it’ll be for potential buyers when they find out that this is Joan Collins’ apartment, and that her spirit is reflected in the decor?
    JL: Very appealing, indeed. She’s a legend, and a great beauty at that. It’s certainly an advantage for a buyer to have that provenance. This place is now fresh and glamorous, but it also reflects the vigor and vim which represents youth. These days, a great number of young people are buying real estate. These folks are mostly in their 40s, so I wanted to design a space that would make them, or anyone else. feel right at home.

    HEW: Is Home Staging the current hot trend in today’s New York Real Estate Market?
    JL: This is my first home staging, so to speak, although I remembered helping my brother with his kitchen before he sold his house. I believe that one of the main challenges of staging an apartment in the city may be the cost that goes along with it. The logistics of simply making a delivery to this sort of upscale building became astronomical, and a challenge giving the narrow window of time we were given. The rules and logistics may shy many people away from staging in a city like Manhattan. I’m grateful to so many firms that came to bat with this project. Farrow & Ball for donating the wallpaper and paint, Neidermaier, Leslie Blau, Leah Antiques, Illume Shades, and all the other firms, and people who graciously loaned their magnificent pieces to this project.

    JohnLyle.4

    The animal reference on these decorative bowls,purchased at an auction house, and suggests the resident’s true sense of travel and adventures to be had !

    HEW: Please tell us more about your line of furnishings? Which showrooms carry them?
    JL: Largely, all the mirror polished stainless steel pieces are from my new company called Inox New York, which is nationally represented by Donghia. Other pieces are part of the John Lyle Design collection, take a look at the website for our various representative showrooms, including David Sutherland, Holly Hunt, and Johanna Spilman in San Francisco, Jennifer West in Seattle, and Furn & Co. in Boston. The best place to see my work is my Design Studio in Long Island City, which is a great and spacious loft in an industrial building. I enjoy commuting there from Manhattan, while riding my vintage Vespa Scooter. The studio is directly above the entrance to the midtown tunnel and the views of Manhattan are astounding.

    HEW: In your opinion, what are some of the most important essentials in a room when it comes to interior design?
    JL: Comfort. Scale. Mood. Mood is very important. The secret is in how a room makes you feel personally. David Hicks once said that every living room should have a lower chair so when a woman sits her legs look long and her silhouette can be showed to its best advantage. This in turn will make her feel good, and look elegant.

    JohnLyle.3

    HEW: Do you urge your clients to buy art?
    JL: A longtime client of mine collects a great deal of art. Like his father before him, Robert Rothschild is an avid collector of early 20th century works including Braque, Picasso, De Chirico, Matisse, Miro as well as a very important collection of Russian avant-garde paintings. I usually find that the right textile will present a perfect backdrop for art, and it often sets the mood. With a great art collection, everything else in the room should play second fiddle, and allow the art to take precedence. I enjoy collecting, therefore my apartment’s wall space is pretty limited right now. I love color, I’m into abstract paintings, sculptures, and I mostly like to mix modern furniture with antiques. I collect a lot of art from my friends and colleagues.

    HEW: What other profession would be appealing to you if you were not a designer?
    JL: A performer, but only if I were a very successful actor, directly out of the box. I wouldn’t have the drive to pay the dues. I guess it comes down to a matter of weighting your passions. I’m totally visual, and designing is such a natural thing for me. Honestly, I just live and breathe design.

    JohnLyle.7

    HEW: Whenever I see you, you’re always dressed so stylish. If you were to design a clothing line only for you, how would it look?
    JL: Most of my clothes are custom-made for me. I like clothing that are clean, classic, simple, although sometimes, I get a little Rock’N’Roll. For the most part, my fashion sense is classic. I enjoy dressing with supple and unique materials, that’s why I’m particularly fond of a well cut, tailored suit. It makes a big difference.

    HEW: How would you describe luxury?
    JL: Luxury is comfort. Extreme comfort, and inspiration.

  • House Beautiful,  Interior Design,  Kitchens,  Mick De Giulio

    America’s New Living Room

    House Beautiful 5th Annual Kitchen of the Year Design by Mick De Giulio

    July 16 – 20, 2012 at Rockefeller Center

    One of the best part of House Beautiful’s latest event is its location. It must have been very exciting for them to construct a kitchen in the middle of Rockefeller Center – which happens to be a Mecca for Art Deco.

    From Left: Sean Sullivan, Newell Turner, Kate Kelly Smith, and Mick De Giulio

    This year’s honor for Kitchen of the Year went to Chicago-based kitchen designer Mick De Giulio (www.degiulio.org) for his experience and for the style and flair that he continues to display throughout all his projects.

    I find it amazing that in the middle of a sidewalk in NYC, one can be transported to an open, modern, and inviting kitchen. The varieties of counter tops and materials that Mick has chosen gave me plenty of inspirations. The overall feel of this “fisherman cottage kitchen” is comfort, and charm. House Beautiful declared that the kitchen is America’s new living room, and judging from the looks of this one, I say they’re right on target.

    House Beautiful editor in chief Newell Turner, with Kate Kelly Smith, SPV of Publishing

    Mick De Giulio is known nationwide for his “dream kitchens”
    Designer of House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 
    From July 16th through the 20th, Rockefeller Plaza has become the prime spot for innovative presentations on the most influential design trends, interactive programs with designers, craftsmen and lifestyle leaders, and up-close culinary demonstrations from an incredible array of celebrated and innovative chefs who have been invited to take this kitchen for a spin. Daily cooking shows are conducted now until Friday, July 20th. When asked to describe his design philosophy, De Giulio responded, “I believe a great kitchen has a magic to it that transforms the physical room into a feeling. People are drawn to that kitchen, and they may not know why. The kitchen sings. It is my job to write the music. I may call myself a kitchen designer, but what I really do is orchestrate and conduct the dreaming process.”
    Dinning Area of The Kitchen of the Year
    This spot is my favorite section of the kitchen – I loved the Ralph Lauren Light Fixture!
     Michael Aram Vases
     Meet The Press
    Gabrielle Hamilton, Chef/owner of Prune
    House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year is located at Rockefeller Center, 51 Street
    Between 5th & 6th Avenue. For more images, visit us at www.facebook.com/highendweekly
    All images courtesy House Beautiful
  • Hotels,  Ian Schrager,  Interior Design

    Public Interest



    SO CHIC!
    Summer travels means staying at chic hotels all over the globe. I’ve always had a deep fondness for the ultra chic ones. At present, I’m thoroughly impressed with PUBLIC Chicago and finds it extraordinarily grand. As an interior designer, I often scrutinized the decor of the hotels I visit or happen to be staying  – even down to the silverware. How about you?

    Stately Presence
    Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC Hotel in Chicago

    Hotelier/perfectionist, Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC hotel is located in a landmark building of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Despite its name the hotel is discreet and has a very private feel. In truth, this is a home away from home with cool lighting, decorative art deco door knobs, attentive service, “non-colors” decorations which provide a serene, elegant, and non-sterile look. But there’s nothing colorless about the hotel’s ambiance, especially the Pump Room, once home to the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. The various times that I stayed there, I’ve always set aside some time to come down and experience their beautiful and energetic bar/restaurant. PUBLIC Chicago is the sort of hotel that suits my design aesthetics to a T. If I was to design a hotel, it would come up pretty close to PUBLIC. And it will be simply splendid.
    Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s lively Pump Room Waiting Area
    The Library Bar

     Pump Room
    The Screening Room
    Penthouse Suite
    Minimalist Glamor
    And so to bed…

    Photos courtesy PUBLIC Chicago
    All rights reserved


    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.
  • Contributors,  Decorative Arts,  Eve Kelly,  Interior Design

    Treasure Hunting from Eve Kelly Herman

    Noted antique dealer, Eve Kelly Herman shares highlights from her trip to Italy, England & The Netherlands. Her space on the 1st Dibs floor at the New York Design Center is a must for interior designers and discerning collectors looking for that special, unique finds that she brings back from her trips to Europe and beyond. But, some may know little of what it takes to unearth these sought after goodies. Good taste and a good eye are only the begining. As any intrepid dealer knows, just plain grunt work makes all the difference.

    Here is Eve Kelly Herman’s commentary from her recent trip to Europe:

    I hear it all the time, “Oh, you antiques dealers. It must be so wonderful just to spend every day shopping for beautiful things.” I try to keep a straight face and murmur, “Well, it’s not as glamorous as you think.” This sometimes inevitably leads to a discussion about some of my favorite purchases such as Italian glass, like mid-century Murano lighting for example, or beautiful Florentine sterling silver pieces from the 1950’s.
    Bartolozzi & C. Sterling Silver Cup
     
    Left: Venini Chandelier. Right: Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Sconces

    Over the past couple of months I’ve traveled to England, Italy and The Netherlands to curate pieces for my business. Visiting cities such as London, Parma, Bologna, Florence, Milan, Arezzo and Amsterdam led to my return with many highly sought and coveted objects. Outside of a few decadent meals and some educational trips to the design museums in London and Milan, my explorations were not much of a vacation.
    Parma appears much less charming when navigating an unknown autostrade for 15 kilometers at 5am on a rainy morning only to arrive at a grim exhibition hall in the middle of an industrial wasteland that might as well be in New Jersey. However, inside was a treasure house where I came away with a variety of wonderful Italian glass mid-century lighting, which includes some truly remarkable 1960’s Venini chandeliers and sconces. The demand for beautifully crafted pieces is endless and they are getting much more difficult to find.
    It’s nearly impossible not to take some time to enjoy Florence or Venice, even when I’m obsessively on the hunt for new merchandise. But the leisure aspect of the trip dims when I am focused on making purchases. It can take a lot of mental effort to really evaluate fine Murano vases when you’re looking at them by flashlight in a dusty, teetering crate on the third floor of a very dark warehouse. They do sparkle much more now that they’re on display in my space at 1stdibs in the NYDC.
    Pauly & C. CVM Vase

    Photos courtesy Highland Park Antique and Contemporary Furnishings

    All rights reserved
    In Amsterdam, I did take a full day to learn about the city and see some of the major attractions, which was followed by four days of clambering through narrow shops, and multi-story warehouses with no elevators. Amsterdam is famed for its canals; it should be famed for its stairs. I must have climbed a flight of stairs for every item I bought. Even so, I’m looking forward to my next trip there. I’ve never had such a workout incorporated into the day.
    I love what I do. I get to see beautiful things I never imagined existed as well as handle them and learn about them from my suppliers in addition to my own research. My colleagues tend to have diverse interests and even more diverse backgrounds. It’s a field where strong friendships are a big part of the business interactions. But don’t get the idea that it’s a glamorous life. Like a miner, we all spend days sifting through the rubbish of the past to find one or two items we feel are lost treasures.

    Article contributed by Eve Kelly Herman

  • Christopher Farr,  Contributors,  Events,  Hotels,  Interior Design,  Kit Kemp,  Rugs

    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 | 212.226.6400
    Article Contributed by POP

    NOTE: 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.

  • David Hicks,  Decorative Arts,  Interior Design

    David Hicks’ Lavish Interiors

    David Hicks latest project is a clean, sharp, functional third floor apartment, with a commanding view over Melbourne’s oceanfront. His client, a glamourous jet setting lady, wanted to renovate her 10th floor apartment by bringing in the outside view as much as possible. So David cleverly executed a space that is devoid of clutter, and filled with pleasurable senses, subdued, yet vibrant colors, and a multitude of high end materials that compliment an interior that looks and feels as glamorous as the owner herself.


    Soft blues, greens and sandy colors were selected and contrasted with crisp white and polished steel.
     Crisp white paint, vivid white, was selected for its non color effect.  This allowed the other colors, as well as the materials
    to speak and provide a crisp shell like bone structure.


    “Contemporary interior design for me is about pushing the boundaries with materials  while making a space timeless and almost effortless in its detail. It is about the knowledge to combine vintage with modern and antique. Sustainability lies not only in the materials used but also in the life the project will enjoy.”
         David Hicks


    The Interior Plans for The Apartment
    Mirrors served as wonderful embellishments, reflected the view, and created a great focal point for the apartment. Furniture and fabrics were selected to compliment the theme along with beautiful artwork by Dale Frank in deep sea colors.
    To complete the look, the internationally famed interior designer incorporated a number of mirrors in order to emphasize the concept of its surroundings – the natural and calm colors of the ocean and sand below. Throughout the space, David used a number of grass cloth panels that served as a duel purposes – bringing texture into the rooms, as well as covering concealed panels that lead to the bedroom areas. As a result, this haven was designed with a strong sense of balance, and is in perfect harmony with its surroundings.

    Photos courtesy Shannon McGrath
    All rights reserved
  • Decorative Arts,  Interior Design,  Interviews,  Juan Montoya

    Meet Juan Montoya


    It’s hard to catch a man like Juan Montoya. The prolific interior designer keeps an active schedule. Today he’s designing new pieces of furniture and accessories for Century Furniture, tomorrow he’s heading to the city of lights for the inaugural celebrations at one of his latest projects, Galerie Agnès Monplaisir, located at 8 bis rue Jacques Callot. I had the good fortune of catching up with him late last month at his upper east side office.
    High End Weekly™: Galerie Agnès Monplaisir boasts some of the most impressive contemporary works of art from Olga de Amaral, Igor Mitoraj, to name a few. It must have been exciting to design this famous gallery located in one of Paris most prestigious arrondissement.
    Juan Montoya: I’ve known Agnès for the past 10 years. She is a spirited individual, with a gallery that specializes mainly in fine prints, as well as art deco, and contemporary art.

    The gallery was originally designed by Jean Michel Wilmotte for Jean-Gabriel Mitterand. Agnès didn’t want a cold and calculating space, so I’ve designed a space that is warm and inviting. All the flooring is wood instead of cement. I’ve chosen a series of mobile panels that would divide the spaces, and offer a complete flexibility to any of her future exhibitions. The gallery is comprised of 3 floors. The basement is designed with a view to entertain. For examples: diners and special events. The 1st floor has the capacity to hold several major exhibitions. And finally, the 2nd floor will be used as a media room/office.
    Soul 1 Chair
    W: 40″ x D: 37.5″ x H: 32″
    HEW: How splendid! Looking at your work over the years, it’s obvious that you have a passion for art. When you design for your clients, how does art plays into it?
    JM: Some of my clients already have accumulated pieces which were inherited from their families. Others have no art, but wants to invest. The question is what is a good investment? My answer is: Collect What You Love – first. That is my best answer to anyone who wants to acquire art. Do not buy art because it’s trendy, or it’s from a blue chip artist. The important thing, in terms of looking at art versus design, is the essence of how restful and at peace you are when your eyes are drawn to it. Art is not wallpaper. It definitely plays a larger role in the design process. Having said that, there’s another theory which suggests that art belongs in museums. That is the theory behind Giorgio Armani’s designs. His thinking is: art should be in a museum, it should not have a presence within his homes. I do not necessarily agree,  nor do I disagree with that. It is possible to have an amazing textured walls with so much character that it substitute for art. At the same time, a genuine and powerful drawing can create some deep emotions, and that is what I love. I’m all about textures, a beautiful sense of color, and the creative process that various types of materials can bring.
    Correa Bed
    Queen – W: 66″ x D: 90.5″ x H: 48″. King – W: 82″ x D: 90.5″ x H: 48″. California King – W: 78″ x D: 94.5″ x H: 48
    HEW: You’re also about designing some top-rated furniture. Please tell me about your Century Icons Furniture line located at The New York Design Center.
    JM: There’s three icons as you know. Oscar de la Renta was the first. Then I was ask to come along in the Spring of 2011, and now Charlotte Moss has joined our ranks. The Icons of Design Collection is made up of 33 pieces, and it’s growing fast. Every six month, we add another piece to the collection which is a combination of chairs, tables, beds, ottomans, etc. Century currently owns 12 showrooms, and 20 subsidiaries around the country. The entire collection is available to the trade and the public.
    Antelope Arm Chair
    W: 22.5″ x D: 24.75″ x H: 36.5″
    HEW: Where did the inspiration for this particular collection come from?
    JM: The collection started with the idea that when you buy a space, say an apartment for example, you can never find the right proportional furniture to live with. The space may be too big, too small, or the scale is wrong. As an interior designer, everything I design is functional. Thus the pieces that I created for Century are right on scale, they’re quite durable, unique, and non trendy. My clients sometimes have specific needs, and my job as a designer is to create for them bespoke interiors.
    Vilmos Ottoman
    W: 31″ x D: 31″ x H: 18″
    HEW: A few years back, you designed an ubber chic room for The Kips Show House. I loved it! When you’re starting to work on a show house, where exactly does the inspiration comes from?
    JM: There’s many reasons behind me designing a show house. A: The year. B: The house itself C: Designing it for a specific purpose. It’s not every year that you found me designing a show house. I do it when the moment is right. I make it happen, and it feels great.
    Branch Table
    W: 48″ x D: 48″ x H: 29″
    HEW: You are a tireless traveler. How have your experiences overseas influence your design aesthetics?
    JM: Traveling is the best way to learn for a visual person such as myself. Foreign lands bring a nourishing, and visual energy to my work. When I see people going about their everyday business of life, working, horseback riding, socializing in the streets with their friends… I utilize the relationship between the clothes, the surroundings, essentially the background, all these elements inspire me. You know, it’s the little things that you sometimes gained from a great deal. Finding all these elements make life more interesting, and when I combine all these visual effects along with my expertise, my designs happen naturally, and beautifully.
    Cornet Lounge Chair
    W: 22.75″ x D: 40″ x H: 41.5
    HEW: Brilliant. What is next for Juan Montoya?
    JM: I would like to be able to find the time to draw, and paint. When I was 5 years old, I began painting, and in fact held an exhibition at Edgartown in Martha’s Vineyard when I was a young adult. I’d love to be able to travel more, and bring more to the table for my clients. I’d like to inspire and be inspired by exceptional design. I’m not interested in creating a formula and be stagnant. I want to be known because of my work. For me, this is not only work, it’s my lifestyle, it’s my way of being.

    NOTE: More photos of Juan Montoya’s furniture line can be found at www.facebook.com/highendweekly.

  • Awards,  Cindy Allen,  Events,  Food,  Interior Design,  Life and Style

    East & West Coasts Celebrations

    High Praise
    Did 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 Allen
    Photos courtesy Strohl & Co.

    FOOD AND MIGRATION
    The 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