Interviews
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Q&A with Dee Dee Eustace
Dee Dee Eustace Dee Dee’s rules for creating a chic gallery right inside your home? “Lighting in the gallery must light the art as well as the space. Incorporate wall sconces, but be careful because it takes up precious room for art. Add cove lighting to let the ceiling float away!” And what about your home foyer? “A foyer requires repetitious art, so save your large pieces for other rooms. Breaking up your wall space provides a rhythm and a beat to your entrance. Dance along with your art!” This past summer, I had a rare opportunity to catch up with the woman behind Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. During the course of my conversation with Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, I find hereto be a highly creative, and inspirational human being who is not only an architect, (she studied her trade in Italy, as well as the University of Toronto), interior designer, author, jewelry, and product designer.Dee Dee was also in the midst of designing a brand new stunning, modern brownstone for herself which will be entirely done in black and white.
Now, how great is that! The Toronto-based designer, who has a home and office here in New York City, had a mountain of inspirations for decorating chic and elegant homes, that can also accommodate an art work collection. In fact, Dee Dee Eustace is one of the co-chairwoman for the upcoming IFPDA Print Fair, as well as the international Chairman of the Benefit Preview for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society, for the International Fine Art and Antiques Show. In need of some more inspirations for your home and art collection? Check out her terrific e-book: Dee Dee’s Rules on Amazon.com.
High End Weekly™: What is your idea of a “perfectly decorated house”?
Dee Dee Eustace: I like the intermix of design. The antiquity as well as the modernity. My philosophy is when you buy something for your home, or when it comes to fashion for that matter, you buy it because you love it, and you want to blend it in your home. Objects of beauty in a home is key, whether I’m incorporating fresh flowers in my home, entertaining my guests, or designing with art, to create a beautiful environment. It’s all about pushing the envelope, and interpreting what is going on in the interiors.
HEW: When designing an interior do you find yourself including a surprise element here and there?
DDE: I try to avoid cookie cutter, and one liner design, and strive for that timeless, refined look. And so a surprise in a home will be something that would awaken the everyday senses. Having said that, I’m happy to have that great, fun looking accessory that changes with the seasons. The structure in my design will give you that classicism that you can layer up and change.HEW: How do you bring nature in your interiors?
DDE: Bringing nature into my projects is important. However, that depends if the project calls for it. For example, I’m working on a massive 600 acre development in Toronto that certainly incorporates nature.
HEW: How important is it to have art included in the interiors that you design?
DDE: First of all, when it comes to art, you should buy what you love. Whether that includes artists like Damien Hirst, or Lilian Bassman. Art actually looks great in any space, especially small spaces, because the layering aspect makes it look larger. Art, whether it includes photography, prints, oil on canvas, etc, should be grouped, stacked or hung anywhere in your home. The juxtaposition opportunities are simply amazing. It’s really how you’d like to live with it.
HEW: What is your favorite architectural building or monument?
DDE: I think traveling is just one big picture that creates memories. Memories that you draw on for everything, not just when it comes to the creative side of things, but everyday life. I’m inspired and influenced by the things that I see. The goal is to try to understand the history of the things that I see while I’m traveling. I like all things that have depth and beauty, no matter how big – or small.Images via Talyor Hanna Architect -
Q&A with Edward Lobrano
A rustic and elegant Napa Valey retreat by interior designer, Edward LobranoIt takes only a moment to make an impression on someone, and if done correctly, that moment can last a lifetime. When I first met interior designer Edward Lobrano, I was working at The John Rosselli Showroom in the D&D Building, while attending Parsons The New School for Design. Ed was one of the designers that left a favorable impression, in my early career in the design world. Over the years, I got to know him more through the works that he produced – mainly by visiting the venerable Kips Bay Designer Showhouse.This past spring, I caught up with Edward again at his latest project for Kips Bay, which took place at the historic Villard House, aka The New York Palace. The charming, and successful designer who once had a thriving career in the real estate development and syndication, also have worked for the following design Illuminati: Bunny Williams, David Anthony Easton and the Wiseman Group in San Francisco. His namesake firm, Edward Lobrano Interior Design was established in New York in 1997.High End Weekly™: As a successful designer, and a veteran Kips Bay participant, what were some of the elements that impressed you the most about the Villard Houses?
Edward Douglas Lobrano: The scale of the rooms and the elegant detail that still existed after all of these years. Everyone, however, should have walked across the courtyard and seen the wing where the Villard Restaurant is located. It is spectacular.
An elegant corner of repose, designed by Edward Lobrano for one of his showhouse project
Art Deco textiles from a penthouse suite at the Four Seasons in San FranciscoHEW: When approaching a project, do you give strong considerations to the architecture?
EDL: We always consider the architecture. Sometime there is none and our job is still to make a room or a home look great even if there is nothing great about it. My room at Kips Bay was actually an example of this. It was one of the most uninteresting rooms in the entire house, but my job was to make it interesting.
A modern living room in The BahamasHEW: Speaking of architecture, what are some of your favorite architectural sites?
EDL: Here in New York, The Metropolitan Museum and some of the grand apartments that still exist that I am lucky enough to see once in a while. In San Francisco, the Legion of Honor. In Paris, most will say the Louvre but my favorite is the Camondo Museum. There is somewhere wonderful in every city.
New York City Apartment for a Tennessee FamilyHEW: What is the Edward Lobrano signature style? Do you have one?EDL: Do I have a signature style? I think whether I am doing contemporary or Traditional my work is about stylish good taste and comfortable interiors. I don’t think my work is simply to look at. I hope people would want to use my interiors, in everyday possible.
Easy Living: Napa Valley Project
Southern Belle: A refined South Corolina BedroomHEW: If you were to have some of your favorite (past and present) artists and designers over for dinner, who would they be?
Edward Doublas Lobrano at the 2014 Kips Bay Designer ShowhousePhoto credit High End Weekly™EDL: Albert Hadley, David Adler, Florence Elkins, Michael Taylor, Bunny Williams (because she’s fun to have dinner with), Matisse, Da Vinci, Hockney, Koontz, Givenchy, John Dickenson, Jacques Grange.
Floridian Golf Course ProjectI could go on and on. I want to know what they all did, or do and how they do it. I want to see their style and manner. I love the interior designer, the dress designers, the architects. You learn so much over a dinner about life and style.
A beautifully designed monochromatic apartment in New York City
Easy Living: The Napa Valley Project by Edward LobranoImages by Edward Lobrano Interior Design Inc. -
Q&A with Pablo Picasso’s Grandson
Last week, on a muggy day that felt like last year’s summer, I left my office a little after 3 in the afternoon to scurry down to the Sofitel Hotel which is located a few steps away from the heart of the city, a place otherwise known as Times Square. It was there that I was to preview, and later on, interview the grandson of Pablo Picasso, Olivier Widmaier Picasso. Picasso has a grandson who is also an artist? No, not quite. Although he understandably have a real flair for exquisite art, the 54-year-old Parisian, who was trained as a lawyer, is the author of many books about his celebrated grandfather. He is also a journalist, who is getting ready to release a documentary on Picasso later this year. “Revealed” a new photography exhibition that is currently on display at the lobby of Sofitel New York, is curated by Oliver Widmaier Picasso. All 30 individual photographs were chosen by him, from the archives of Paris March, a weekly french newspaper. These intimate snapshots offer a unique window into the lives of blue chip artists like Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, and of course, Pablo Picasso.High End Weekly™: First of all, congratulations on this exhibition. In “Revealed” one recognized a solid group of global artists, that I myself have admired for decades. How did you come to the initial idea or realization of selecting them?Olivier Widmaier Picasso: Softel and Paris March came to me and offered this unique opportunity to create an energetic ensemble in a very candid manner. Some of these artists are seen in the privacy of their living rooms, others are seen on the streets. The idea was to create an exhibit which portrait those solitary artists, at times, playing with the camera. Some of the artists are a little shy, a little passive even. Other artists like Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, Salvador Dali are quite the opposite. Looking at the photographs, it become clear that they are playing with the camera, they found the photographers a bit amusing. One gets the sense that they are showing the photographers what they want them to see. They want to project that they are in control of the situation. Are they revealing themselves? You be the judge.
“Reveled” a photography exhibition curated by Oliver Widmaier PicassoFrom left: French filmmaker Henri-Georges Clouzot, and Pablo PicassoHEW: Have these pictures been shown to the public before?OWP: Of course, they were originally published in Paris Match, but what’s unique about this exhibit is that they have never been shown together in the way that you see them here. Working with my team, it was important to have the juxtaposition of the images right. We wanted to show all the artists together in a way that make the entire tableau “complete”. There are elements of surprise here and there. And at other times, you can easily see the relationship that they have with each other.
René Magritte, and his candelabra, 1965“This is a more innovative way
to showcase individual art to people.
We are so use to going to museums,
or galleries in order to enjoy art.
This exhibit is a new way to show people
a moment of creation, and the intimacy of the artists.”
Olivier Widmaier PicassoHEW: Is there a story behind this curated group of photographs? As the storyteller that you are, was that your intention when you were putting it all together?OWP: I was ready to be discreet behind the power of each picture. I felt quite honored really when I was asked to put the exhibit together. At the same time, my team and I did not want to betray the situation. When you have great artists like Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Keith Haring as the subjects, when putting it all together, I felt that somehow, I was part of each of their history. It was a proud moment for me.
The lobby of Sofitel New York
Jeff Koons“… you also have people who arelooking for emotion – at any price.Even if it is a small price, for a small drawing.”Olivier Widmaier PicassoOWP: You have to be a storyteller. Having a background in television, I’m very aware of the fact that people love a good story. And so in this case, I was thinking we have to make a novel (Smile). Because you know, these artists were very important artists at the beginning of the 20th century, and right until our time.
Salvador Dali pausing with Frederika: “The Queen of Venus”, 1965Think about it. It’s quite extraordinary knowing that there is over 110 years of art between these artists. 110 years! So surely they all have a tremendous story to tell. There are some happy stories, there are some sad stories as well. When you think about Keith Haring… His story is very touching. Here we see him in the photograph as a simple guy, casually dressed. Perhaps he did not realized it at the time how his legacy, his artwork was going to morph to a high magnitude. His story symbolizes a link to AIDS, especially during the 1980s. Keith Haring was so close to the public, he was such a popular artist, even though he had a short career.
Olivier Widmaier Picasso’s latest book – Picasso: Portrait In Time“It was not only aboutthe artists being the subject,but it’s about the photography as well.And so with these multiple layers,you have to be innovative,and careful at the same time.”Olivier Widmaier PicassoHEW: What do you think about the globalization of art?
OWP: It’s a big question, because today in the art market where you have all those auction sales, you have the urgency from new clients. The point is, most people want to buy a “record”. What do I mean by that? Most people don’t want to buy the painting. They want to buy the most expensive painting available for that particular artist, the one which will hold the highest record price. And on the other side, we know that the art world is made of artists, experts, historians, curators, specialists, journalists that are maintaining the art world, which is also a “scientific world”. Therefore, money is the point, but you have to remind yourself that there is emotion. Humans have emotions. We need more than a car, a plane, a painting. Of course, like I said before, you have people who are looking at the “record”, but you also have people who are looking for emotion – at any price. Even if it is a small price, for a small drawing. Having said all that, I’m quite optimistic. Quite optimistic about the art world.Photo credit High End Weekly™All rights reserved -
Tête-à-Tête with Tinatin Kilaberidge
High End Weekly™: Who were your favorite designers from the modernist movement?
Tinatin Kilaberidze: Charles and Ray Eames, Eileen Gray. Jean Prouve for his unvarnished industrial and very chick look, opposite to him Jean Royere for Luxury modernist design, Jacques Adnet and Gio Ponti.
HEW: Your participation in the Holiday House last year created a buzz. It was pretty obvious that you liked your interiors clean, and modern, and that you also have a flair for using decorative arts. Tell me about the concept behind this particular project.TK: The inspiration behind the Holiday House was to create the world I raised my daughter in, the room was dedicated to her. It was also about appreciation for nature and the objects of our daily lives. My goal was to bring the magic of Christmas eve. The idea was to bring the forest, animals, and moon into the room, and at the same time, lose the boundaries between reality and fantasy. It was about creating the right mood. The room had a decisive aura of mystery and excitement.
HEW: How do you view fashion as it relates to your design work? Are you influenced by it?TK: Fashion is something I loved ever since I was a young girl, and after high school, I wanted to pursue it, but first, I went to University and after six years of studies, and obtaining a degree in literature, I decided interior design was something I wanted to study. I did this for another five years. I was lucky enough to work in the fashion industry in Italy for a several years.
“Fashion has always excited me, but it does not influence my work as an interior designer. At least not in a direct way. However, it does impel me to move in ways which make me realize how fast life moves forward.” Tinatin Kilaberidge
HEW: How do you see design evolving in the next five years?TK: Design in the next five years will be very different, but not as much as in the next ten years per se. Our lifestyles will change so radically, and we’ll need toreview the way we use our interiors. New technologies, virtual reality, and high-speed travel will change our needs to test the importance we place in the materials we surround ourselves with.
I am positive about striking a good balance, and believe that we are capable of keeping the best of the past, and embrace the fast coming future with its forms of design and changes in values, if we strike a good balance. I am very excited about that. The future I mean.
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Q&A with Edward Lobrano
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Tête-à-Tête with HGTV’s Design Star, Vanessa DeLeon
Vanessa DeLeon Earlier this month, we caught up with Vanessa DeLeon, Principal of Vanessa DeLeon Associates (VDA) at the Norwood Club. Vanessa was excited to talk about the launch of her latest venture, VDA Virtual Design (www.vdavirtualdesign.com). The interactive initiative offers design services and solutions to the online marketplace. DeLeon has gathered all the tools and put together a clear and concise digital package for creating customized interiors. Her mission was clear – she wanted to offer high fashion design concepts at affordable prices to clients via the worldwide web.
High End Weekly™: You just launched VDA Virtual Design on your website.
Vanessa DeLeon: We are so excited to have launched VDA virtual. The world is driven by technology and social media. This site is made so that people are more inclined to go forward with an interior designer. It’s a great way for people to manage their time and money.
HEW: I like the fact that you have a strong footing on Social Media. Do you think that platform plays a big role in people’s lives when it comes to design and decoration?
VD: This absolutely plays a big role in people’s lives. The social networks open up the possibilities of discovering and learning new information, sharing ideas, and interacting with each other.
Vanessa DeLeon “Our world is changing and people want fast, convenient and digital design solutions that they can personally implement. Thanks to content sharing sites such as Houzz and Pinterest, consumers are extremely well-educated, tech savvy and immersed in design. They have a good sense of their style, but still need a professional’s help to pull it all together.” Vanessa DeLeonHEW: You’ve been featured on top shows including HGTV’s Design Star and Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible (one of my favorites). What were some of the joys and challenges of working with such tight schedules, and still be able to produce some of the most outstanding projects we’ve ever seen?
VDL: The challenge was the obvious, getting the project done in a very limited time frame. Practicality and esthetics are very important with projects like this. Being resourceful plays a big role.
HEW:When I first met you, I was quite taking by your sheer charisma and great sense of style. Have you always been that way?
VDL: Thank you!! As a child I was always fascinated by clothing, fashion, and my Barbie house. Growing up my parents weren’t financially able to give me the latest fashion trends, so I always took what I had and used my creativity.HEW: What iconic designer has inspired you?
VDL: Fashion: Coco Chanel. When it comes to interior designers, my picks are Kelly Wearstler, and Jamie Drake. -
Tête-à-Tête with Renowned Interior Designer, Geoffrey Bradfield
Geoffrey Bradfield From June 27th to July the 3rd, 2013, Masterpiece London will bring together collectors, exhibitors and curators from around the world for an unparalleled show of fine art, antiques and design. Last month, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the Fair’s co-chairs, international interior designer, Geoffrey Bradfield. Here’s what he had to say about this fresh and exciting new antique fair.High End Weekly™: Why is Masterpiece London such a destination fair for international designers like yourself?Geoffrey Bradfield: I try to get to all the major fairs each year. It is very important to remain current in our industry. Masterpiece London is a major event. My clients always seek quality and innovation. Masterpiece delivers both.
HEW: How long has it been around?
GB: I am honored to be on the American Patron Committee since its conception 4 years ago.
HEW: Do you find that the fair attracts new dealers every year?
GB: Marilyn White has been the driving force behind capturing the American interest in Masterpiece. And yes, the fair has had the foresight and continues to introduce and attract new dealers every year. This is a very important factor, as illustrated by the demise of Grosvenor, which, although prestigious, failed to move with the times.HEW: Is Masterpiece London all about fine and decorative arts?
GB: Masterpiece London encompasses all the decorative arts. It has a very fresh approach and projection. Their image captures the 21st Century spirit of Inclusion.
HEW: High End Weekly was proud to feature your last book, A 21st Century Palace, and it was one of our most popular post. Is there a new book in the future?
GB: Thank you very much for your excellent review of our earlier book, A 21st Century Palace. We are very pleased to report that our next book, titled Artistic License, is due this Fall. Because of our presence in Asia, which has expanded enormously, it is being published both in Chinese and in English. My company’s work is predicated, to a large extent, on the use of contemporary art. Thus, the subject of the book is about the joy of collecting and using Art in one’s interiors. -
Tête-à-Tête with Art Deco Collector, Dr. Stephen Kelly
Stephen Kelly, M.D.Photo credit: Josh GaddyQ & A with Dr. Stephen Kelly
For over thirty years Dr. Stephen Kelly, a successful ophthalmologist with a Manhattan practice has been quietly assembling a collection of rare and important Art Deco furniture, fine art and design and filling his ca. 1915 landmark limestone and brick townhouse with these treasures. Last month, I paid a visit to the doctor at his upper east side gallery, which housed an impressive collection of fine art deco, and modern works of art.
High End Weekly™: What is your greatest art deco extravagance?
Stephen Kelly, MD: Certainly the greatest one would be the Eileen Gray six panel screen. I think it’s really a wonderful piece. It’s a fine example of a great decorative art but it’s also a very important fine art. This piece came at a point in her career when she was changing from figurative to a more abstract, linear, geometric sort of work. This also was a very important point in the history of art. Paris was the center of decorative arts and fine art during that period. Eileen did all of her work in France. She was Irish, but was sort of adopted by the French. Her pieces are relatively rare and unique. Unlike Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, she didn’t create a lot of models.
Eileen Gray, six-panel screen, circa 1922-25 HEW: The decorative arts that you have in your gallery, I imagine, have a story behind them. Is there one in particular that carries a story you’d like to share?SK: One of the most interesting stories is about a pair of ceramic pieces that were made by Sèvres in 1925. They were from outside of a Paris exhibit that was adjacent to Ruhlmann’s. These were purchased by Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. They brought them back to their New York City home. These pieces were their first experience with modernism, when John D. Rockefeller, Jr. built 740 Park Avenue, which is right here on 71st Street & Park. The building became a very prestigious address. The couple lived there in a triplet for many years. I brought the ceramic pieces at an auction at Christie’s, and to my delight, they had the original card which stated their address, and on the back, there was Mrs. Rockefeller’s handwritten note with the description on it. Of course, this piece was their original interest in the modernist movement because he went on to built Rockefeller Center in the art deco style, his wife co-founded the Museum of Modern Art. Their son Nelson Rockefeller did the famous Jean Michel Frank apartment on 5th avenue in the modernist style. This story is fascinating, especially because they lived only a block away from where I reside.HEW: When did you begin collecting Art Deco and why did you choose this particular style?
SK: I started in 1982, and collected primarily because of the interior design concept that Geoffrey Bradfield and Jay Spectre came up with for my apartment. They had a modernistic art deco style of design for my home, and I liked the renovation. It was a kind of design that appealed to me and it grew as I started an art deco collection that compliment the interiors.
Photo credit: Josh Gaddy for the Wall Street Journal HEW: As a seasoned collector, what advice do you have for young collectors? Why should they start with art deco?
SK: The best advice is to collect something that you really love. It’s a mistake to collect things that you think you’re going to make money on. Whether that’s art deco or some other form of art. For me, I happen to think that art deco is a good area because it works well with contemporary art. There is such a big trend to contemporary art these days, and art deco furnishing works well with contemporary art, whereas a lot of the 19th century period English or French furniture doesn’t work so well with contemporary art. For young collectors who are interested in contemporary art, I think choosing art deco is a good way to start furnishing your apartment.HEW: Tribal art also looks good with art deco.
SK: Yes, it does. I’m not a tribal art collector, but I really like to mix it with my art deco. Asian art is a good compliment to these pieces as well. Especially the Asian ceramic pieces.HEW: What do you make of all the various art deco fairs that followed the 1925 art deco exhibition in Paris?
SK: After the great depression, most of these pieces became too difficult to sell, and the more modernist sort of design surfaced in the late 1930s. The war came and put a hold in the whole thing. So art deco went out of favor for a while. In the 1950s, it was completely out of favor. Then the interest started again in the 1970s. I recall that the Eileen Gray auction brought great interest in the market. That was one revival, and it revived even more in the 1980s which is when I started collecting. Since then, the interest hasn’t waned, and it’s been pretty consistently strong. And of course the Yves St. Laurent auction in Paris in 2009, gave the art deco movement a tremendous boost. The highlight of that auction was the Eileen Gray dragon chair which sold for $28 Million – the highest paid for a 20th-century piece of furniture. By the way, I visited the Eileen Gray exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in February. It’s a wonderful show where they go through the phases of her life: the furniture, the lacquer work, architecture, textiles and carpets. Even the photography. I loaned my Eileen Gray screen to the exhibition. The one that I purchased through the Steven Greenberg sale last year in December.
Stephen Kelly
Photo credit: Josh Gaddy for the Wall Street JournalHEW: How do you think your collection changed since you started buying?SK: Your taste changes, so you sort of learn and tend to sometimes change the direction that you’re going. For example, when I first started collecting, I chose Lalique vases. They were mass produced at the time, but I only collected the period ones from 1945. After a while, I stopped since they were so many of them on the market. I ended up selling all of my Lalique pieces, which were featured recently in Quest Magazine. Since then, I’ve collected a number of ceramic pieces from the auction block. That’s a good example how things have chance.The Kelly Gallery is located at 154 East 71st Street (Between 3rd and Lexington Avenues), New York City. Hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tel: 212.744.0004.
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Bailey House 30th Anniversary Auction & Gala
Dear readers, just a few days ago, I sat down with interior designer Alan Tanksley at his sumptuous office soaring above a busy 5th Avenue building in the Chelsea neighborhood. I had a refreshing, in-depth conversation with Alan, as we spoke about one of New York’s most anticipated event, The Bailey House 30th Anniversary Auction & Gala. Alan explained how last year, the gala attracted over 800 affluent, philanthropic New York trendsetters. Through generous sponsorships, bidding wars and celebrity buzz, this organization have raised over $12 million dollars since their inaugural event. All proceeds from the Auction & Gala have gone directly to provide housing and supportive services for Bailey House clients.
High End Weekly™: When was Bailey House founded and why did you decide to get involved?Alan Tanksley: The organization was founded in 1983, a few years after the Aids crisis decimated the gay and lesbian communities. As we are very well aware, in the 21st Century, the Aids epidemic has reached various groups of people and communities throughout the world. Back then, however, there were all these new organizations that were formed, and people were galvanized into action. During that time, a great number of people lost their homes because they were unable to work, and some were even kicked out of their apartments because they had this disease. People were rejected by their families, and homelessness became a huge issue very quickly. Bailey House played a masterful role in helping those who fell victim to Aids and the consequent increase in homelessness.In a way, Bailey House became a hospice of sorts, a place of refuge. Our catch phrase were: The Future Begins With A Place To Live. With shelter, your health is improve, your regularity of taking medicines, all of these elements play a major part to your well-being. In 1988, a group of my friends and I – all young professionals, took it upon ourselves to rally support for medical research, civil rights, and legal issues from various organizations.
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One of these organizations was Bailey House. At that time, it was known as the Aids Resource Center (ARC). However, after five hears into our organization, we were dissolved for various reasons – some of them were quite painful. It was then that I was approached by one of the main members from Bailey House. When I came on board, it was meant to be temporary, but 30 years later – and 25 years of personal involvement, I found that this is still a dynamic organization which has grown in a tremendous way.HEW: The fundraising gala on March 28th is fast approaching. Tell me about it, and who are your special guests?AT: The gala itself is truly an incredibly event. Plus it’s spring, so it’s a time for new beginnings, a time for romance, possibly. During the auction, people can bid on some knockout furniture and art works as well as a variety of dazzling fashion. Guests will experience glamorous vignettes from these interior designers: John Lyle, John Eason, and myself. This year, yet again, we have a tremendous amount of prodigious items to be auctioned off.HEW: Really? What are they?AT: Photography by Herb Ritts & Robert Mapplethorpe. Art by Hunt Slonem & a Private Cocktail Party for 25 at Hunt’s studio. Portrait sittings by Andres Serrano & Mark Beard, Premium opening night tickets to Alan Cumming’s one-man Macbeth on Broadway Exotic vacations in Mexico, Costa Rica & other desirable global destinations. Week-long luxury stay in the Hamptons for four Accessories from Prada, Marc Jacobs, Brooks Brothers. Fitness memberships to Crunch & Equinox. Weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Tickets to Watch What Happens Live, The Colbert Report & many other hits of stage and screen. Loehmann’s Shopping Spree. Tourneau Watch, Hot Air Balloon Ride. A│X Armani Exchange Leather Jacket, a 1920s Gustav Klimt Print and more..jpg?w=960)
HEW: Wow. That is exciting, indeed! And the special guests you have lined up are?AT: We have Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore, Todd Oldham, Wendy Williams, Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler, Tim Gunn, Bobby and Jill Zarin, Andy Cohen, Terrence Meck and Breton Alberty, Lucy Arnaz, John Bartlett and John Esty, J. Goodwin Bland and Michael Katovitz, David Mixner, Kevin Sessums, Grant Shaffer, Toby Usnik, Carmen Marc Valvo and Jane Pauley will be hosting the evening.
HEW: This truly will be a fun party, plus it’s for such a good cause. Finally, tell me about the honorary awards.AT: The Arts & Legacy Award Honoree goes to Alan Cumming. Rand Harlan Skolnick will receive the Corporate Responsibility Award. The Honoree is Harlan Bratcher, President & CEO of A/X Armani Exchange Bingham McCutchen. The auction emcee is Ray DeForest, and the host for the evening is Jane Pauley.
As I mentioned from the beginning, The Bailey House Auction & Gala has a rich legacy as a highlight of the New York City benefit season. It has been covered by the NYT’s Bill Cunningham, Patrick McMullan, ABC News, NBC News, DNAinfo.com, Dan’s Papers, the Daily News, The New York Post, CBS Radio, NY1 and other media outlets. In addition, there is a long list of high profile companies that have consistently supported us, including Armani, Coach, New York Yankees, Coca-Cola, Patron, Orbitz, Swiss Air, CBS, Baccarat, The W Hotel Group, ABC/Disney, Judith Ripka, DKNY, Hugo Boss, Wells Fargo and West Elm/Williams Sonoma, among many others. For tickets please visit www.baileyhouse.org. -
Oscar Worthy Couture Dresses By Maggie Norris
Illustrated By: Anna KiperIn the heels of a post Mercedes Benz Fashion Week closing party last week, I caught up with Maggie Norris at her atelier in midtown Manhattan. The veteran fashion designer was excited to reveal her latest projects, one of them being the launch of a mid-20th century sunglasses collection. Once a fashion designer at Ralph Lauren, Maggie has since become the go-to designer to a host of celebrities, top stylists, New York City’s socialites, philanthropists, and first lady, Michelle Obama, to name a few. Her romantic silhouettes, and costume-like couture is a celebration of femininity and speaks directly to the age of elegance.High End Weekly™: Congratulations, I heard that you are now a part of the Women & Fashion Film Festival at FIT.Maggie Norris: Thank you. The festival will be launch in late spring 2013, and the FIT students are already working hard on this project. It’s fascinating to be part of the Benefit Committee which include, Tony Award winning producer Catherine Schreiber, Alexis Doyle (Board Member of The New Group & Irish Repertory Theater), Nancy Jane Loewy, Zang Toi, and Rosina Rucci.
The belle of the ball
Maggie Norris CoutureHEW: You are also involved in FIT in other ways, aren’t you?MN: The school offers an excellent mentoring program, and I’ve been honored to participate in such a refreshing course. I always look forward to guide this next generation of fashion designers so that they too will have the opportunity to bring more beauty into the world. It’s been a pleasure to help guide them to clarify their own vision of design. Each year F.I.T. presents a runway show of its top graduating BFA design talent to a full house. Attendees include Industry luminaries and press, anxious to see the next emerging names in fashion design. Graduating fashion design students are mentored by respected designers who serve as industry critics, with each critic ‘matched’ to the relevant design concentration. Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Norma Kamali, Narciso Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg, Josie Natori, Dushane Noble for Helmut Lang and Alicia Sison for Betsey Johnson have each acted as advisors and critics to groups of graduating students.IN THE STUDIO
HEW: Now that I’m in your studio, tell me more about some of the elegant, and sleek lines that I’m seeing in your various collections.MN: We have several of our signature white shirts. The alluring lines that they cut are quite flattering to a woman’s body. What’s great about these shirts is that our clients have the options of applying different cuffs to them, if they so choose. They can go from day wear to evening wear by simply changing the appearance of their cuffs! Our variety of perfectly proportioned jackets, with their alluring embroidered cuffs are always in vogue. Most of the time, these cuffs are handmade with Chinese embroideries. Our jackets are made of satin, suede, and various flawless materials which clients have come to expect from us. Of course, we have our corsets which is part of our signature look. Some of them are made in Paris, but mostly all of our couture is done here in the United States. We’re so well known for our corsets, that clients sometimes bring their heirlooms to us, and we in turn artfully designed them. Nicole Kidman once wore a Maggie Norris Couture corset in one of her movies. But we’re always creating all the time, whether it’s an individually crafted wide-leg pants, or an elegantly appointed leather jacket
Eye-catching and timeless: A portrait by renowned painter Nelson Shanks on a model dressed in a corset by Maggie Norris Couture
HEW: You have some fetching boots displayed throughout the atelier. Who are they from?MN: They are custom-made from London by the same boot maker that makes similar ones for Queen Elizabeth II. We have also collaborated with Christian Louboutin in the past. Throughout my career, I’ve teamed up with a number of high-profile designers, and came to appreciate the resulting synergy.
RAISING THE BAR
“We have the option of offering our clients bespoke fashion. When a bride for instance come to us, we ask her about her vision for that special day. Does she want the dress to take her to the 1940s, the 1920s? Is it a tropical weeding, do they want hand painting? For example, if the wedding is in a place like Jamaica, we can custom made the flower that apply to that region…
We recently designed a crest for one of the women from The Forbes Family. She gave us her own tartan and we made an exquisite pair of pants for her. We love doing crests for our various clients.” Maggie NorrisON PRINT
Photographed By: Chris Craymer “Agathe Long Shirt Dress”
Joyce DiDonato, Stylist: Ashley PruittPhotographed By: Bill Phelps
Joyce DiDonato wearing Maggie Norris Couture ‘Natasha’ Evening Coatfeatured in “Yankee Diva” FLATT Magazine Issue #4 2013
A model wearing one of Maggie Norris coveted corset, Photographed By: Mario TestinoAs seen in the December 2012 issue of Allure MagazineON THE RUNWAY
HEW: You’re launching your first eye glasses collection next month, is that right?MN: We’re starting with a good start: one style and four colors. The glasses are made in Italy, and the materials have this old world craftsmanship about them.
Copyright images from Maggie NorrisAll rights reservedMaggie Norris Couture is open by appointment only at: 494 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1505, New York, NY 10001. She can be reached at (212) 239-3433. Visit her website at: www.maggienorriscouture.com
Photo courtesy High End Weekly™ -
Meet Maggie Norris!
Maggie Norris CoutureIn the heels of a post Mercedes Benz Fashion Week closing party last week, I caught up with Maggie Norris at her atelier in midtown Manhattan. The veteran fashion designer was excited to reveal her latest projects, one of them being the launch of a mid-20th century sunglasses collection. Maggie was once a fashion designer at Ralph Lauren, but has since become the go-to designer to a host of celebrities, such as Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Diane Keaton, Grace Hightower De Niro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Halle Berry, Andie MacDowell, and first lady Michelle Obama.
