Lifestyle
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The Complete Poster Works of Roger Broders
Roger Broders (1883-1953), Monte Carlo, 1930
“Today’s auction was a landmark event. By today’s exchange rate, we set five world record prices, and more than a dozen records for Broders posters sold in the U.S. In the salesroom were bidders who are not typically poster collectors, proving that Broders’s wonderful images transcend the traditional market of poster lovers. In my opinion, the strong prices were completely justified by the great images and the overall superb condition of the posters being offered.” Nicholas D. Lowry, Swann Galleries’ President and Posters Specialist.
Posters can be a visual delight and often present a powerful and informative imagery. Roger Broders’ Art Deco posters from the 1920s and 1930s convey an energetic scenery, and the subject is often a glamorous one. Swann Auction Galleries is getting ready to auction off 100 Art Deco travel posters of his work on Thursday, December 15th at 10AM. This is a unique sale in the sense that for the very first time, Roger Broders’ complete body of work is being auctioned from one single collector. Among these rare gems are Lot Number 9, and 100, which have never been seen before. These vintage posters are simply breathtaking. The colors are striking, the text is crisp, and modern. The scenic views pulled the observer into a world of elegance, and sophistication. Take a virtual tour to Monte-Carlo, Lac D’Annecy, Dunkerque. From seaside resorts to mountainous hideouts, hotels and skiing sites such as les Vosges. One of my personal favorite is the Monte-Carlo Country Club, with twenty one tennis courts overlooking the Mediterranean. I gathered some information from the catalogue which described it this way: “The Monte-Carlo inauguration was attended by members of European royal families. Broders emphasizes the glamorous members of the club and its exquisite setting to create one of his best posters.
These vintage posters are simply breathtaking. The colors are striking, the text is crisp, and modern. The scenic views pulled the observer into a world of elegance, and sophistication.
The elegant couple depicted in Broders’ signature manner, using only flat planes of color. He creates exceptional depth-of-the field via the different levels of tennis courts, people in the grandstands and the beaches in the distance. His handling of the shadows and the bright Riviera sun is masterful and is crowned by the slivers of yellow sunlight which silhouette some of the figures”. In two words: Très jolie.
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Industrial Elements in Interiors
The newly revamped Restoration Hardware has embraced industrial design, Victorian influenced Steam Punk and a bygone elegance. Image via Restoration Hardware.Industrial elements recall the 19th century, the era of the Eiffel Tour and advancements in technology that seem antiquated today but were cutting edge for the time.
Above image via Anyone, Girl
Lighting and accessories are perfect elements of industrial style to blend into your interior. Industrial lighting, like this jeweler’s lamp, has great style and is very functional. Small objects and curiosities like cogs
make for interesting desk ornaments.
Image via Emmas DesignblogIf you think you haven’t seen industrial design before, look at the current trends in kitchen design. Professional stainless steel ranges, vent hoods, refrigerators and sinks get their designs from commercial kitchens.
Image via vtwonen
Industrial architectural salvage can be decorative or repurposed. As an integral part of this bathroom’s design, the shower enclosure is made from salvaged factory windows. Gorgeous!I am thrilled to be invited to write about industrial elements in interiors for High End Weekly™. This is one of my obsessions. And I’m apparently not the only one. The current obsession with all things vintage industrial might have its roots in the Steam Punk movement, which focuses on Victorian era industrial, exploration, and scientific style. Or perhaps it is the result of the current focus on handcrafted and homemade. Industrial style certainly recalls a bygone era.
This content is provided by Design Shuffle, where you can find and share talented interior designs from New York interior designers, Los Angeles interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.
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10 Chairs – Perfect For Your Gardens
Have a Seat, and Relax!From the Tuileries Garden to yours, this stylish and versatile chair is one of my all time favorite from France. Available through American Country Home Store.
Nan Quick’s Lorenzo Love Seats are absolutely breathtaking. These unique pieces are quickly becoming the quintessential summer garden chairs from the US and the UK. Available in orange, yellow, red, blue, purple and green.
Segno Armchair, The Conran Shop Both elegant and durable. A knock out in any given garden. Love the geometric lines!
Certified teak meets tubular steel. The wood backing is a perfect example of a classic garden chair design mixed
with modern lines.
Brilliantly designed as a piece of sculpture or garden furniture. Available at Edge Company
Classic Adirondack chair from LL Bean
The Balance bench from Janus & Cie
Reclaimed teak from salvage wood. It’s all about being green and beautiful. Garden Boutique
Paris Art Nouveau Metro Platform chairs from Liz Sherman Antiques.
Available through 1stDibs. -
Meet David Scott
At Home with David ScottEvery inch of David Scott’s home reflects a love for collecting art as well as his practical sensibility for a modern and elegant setting. Throughout my interview, I’ve learned a few things about David and his take on design perfection.High End Weekly™: You have a beautiful apartment. Did your dogs, Josie and Ethan, play a role in your design decisions?David Scott: Yes, I made sure the color scheme coordinated with their fur…LOLHEW: Define your approach on designing a home?DS: I always start with the client, taking cues from their personal style and decide how they’ll be living in their home. The place and architecture tell each decision.
HEW: What is one of the most bizarre demands a client has ever made on you?DS: I’d rather not say…but just know that nothing surprises me.
HEW: Have you always wanted to be an interior designer?DS: It was a gradual awakening which culminated in my going back to school for a degree in Interior Design when I was 25. I attended The New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) which was an amazing experience. I now serve on their Board of Trustees.
HEW: Are there ways that people can create a fabulous space without going broke? Especially giving our current economic climate?DS: Most definitely. Start with paint, it’s inexpensive and transformational. Think about how you want to feel in a particular space and let that drive your color choice. Make sure to view the color at various times of the day in the particular room. Change the throw pillows… companies like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, etc. offer excellent designs at a reasonable price.
HEW: What is your dream commission?DS: I’ve enjoyed creating incredible dream homes for my clients but I’d love to design a hotel.
HEW: You have a great love for finding unique and one of a kind pieces for your clients. Can you share your secrets with us?DS: The Internet is an incredible resource; websites like 1stdibs.com offer an incredible variety of furnishings.HEW: I love great quotes. Especially about design, art, or fashion. Do you have a favorite quote?DS: Billy Baldwin: “Comfort is perhaps the ultimatel luxury”
HEW: It seems that the world is blogging these days. And the authors are not necessarily the media types (yours truly included). What’s your view about the myriads of design blogs out there?DS: I love the blogs which have a distinct point of view, an atmosphere of creativity balanced with information.
HEW: Who are your design icons?DS: Jean Michel Frank. Billy Baldwin
Photos courtesy David ScottHEW: The party you’ll never forget…?DS: It was a party in our backyard in The Hamptons a few years ago. The evening was perfect, a warm Saturday night in late July. Incredible food, amazing music and most importantly great friends.HEW: Designers often use buzzwords such as “green” “organic”, etc. What do these terms mean to you?DS: Sustainable design that has less negative environmental impact.HEW: When not designing, what is your favorite pass time?DS: Weather permitting …Spending time in the garden or at the beach. -
Alain Ducasse’ Sweet Life
Alain DucasseThe chef talks to Lettie Teague about travel, Champagne and the wine he’s ‘obsessed’ with– by Lettie Teague from WSJ“There are days when I drink only water; those are the days that follow the nights when I’ve had too much wine,” chef Alain Ducasse said to me soon after we met. What kind of night was last night, I wondered. I didn’t have to wonder long. “Today is a Champagne day,” he declared.Chef Ducasse (no one calls him “Mister”) and I met for lunch at Benoit, one of 22 Ducasse restaurants around the world and one of his two in New York.
Benoit is the casual counterpart to his more formal Adour in the St. Regis Hotel, which, in turn, is nowhere near as fancy as his Michelin three-star restaurants in London, Paris and Monaco. (Although he was born in France, Chef Ducasse became a citizen of Monaco about three years ago.) Chef Ducasse had been in New York for less than 24 hours by the time of our meeting and was slated to leave again very soon. When your empire is scattered all over the world, you can’t stay in one place for very long. He estimated that he was in an airplane at least “once or twice a week” on trips to his various restaurants and hotels in London, Paris, Monaco and Las Vegas—not to mention Italy, Japan, China and the island of Mauritius off the southeast African coast.
Did he ever drink wine on airplanes? “It is the exception,” Chef Ducasse said. (Sometimes he answered my questions in English and sometimes he spoke to his communications manager Sonia Toulouse, who translated his French.) Chef Ducasse recalled drinking some Krug Champagne recently en route from London to Tokyo. “The Asian airlines have the best wine programs,” he said.Our lunch began with glasses of Paul Goerg Rosé nonvintage Champagne, a lovely wine from a cooperative of growers. Chef Ducasse is a self-declared Champagne lover and has a private-label Champagne bottled just for his restaurants. The Ducasse Champagne, a medium-bodied, fairly rich wine, is made by the large Champagne house Lanson Champagne, because they are “very consistent,” according to Chef Ducasse.
Despite his affection for Champagne, Chef Ducasse’s cellar at home in Monaco is dominated by Burgundy and Bordeaux, many of them grand crus and first growths. But the chef said he wasn’t a snob about high-status bottles; the wines simply had to be good. “It’s not a question of price,” he said. “It’s good at five euros or it’s good at 500 euros.” What was the last five-euro wine that he had actually tasted? “It was an Italian wine. I had it in Maremma in Tuscany at my country hotel,” he recalled. “It cost about 10 euros.” (I assumed he was talking about its retail price, though of course it could have been from the hotel mini bar.)
But there was no time to inquire; the sommelier was already pouring the next wine, the 2009 Domaine Guillaman. A clean, bright white blend from Gascogny, it was a perfectly serviceable aperitif and accompaniment to the mixed plate of hors d’oeuvres that included cod brandade, veal tongue and leeks in vinaigrette sauce.
But our vinous paths diverged with the arrival of the next course: steamed loup de mer for me and steak frites for Chef Ducasse. “I was in the mood for steak at the last minute,” he said when he saw me eyeing his lunch with ill-disguised envy.
We were each served two different wines: two French reds for Chef Ducasse (the 2007 Domaine de L’Aurage Côtes de Castillon and the 2009 Gouleyant Malbec from Cahors) and a California Chardonnay (2008 Robin K from the Russian River) and a Chenin Blanc from the Loire (2009 Château de la Roulerie Anjou) for me.
The fish was good but I had to admit I wasn’t enthralled by either of the white wines; the Robin K was a bit oaky, the Chenin a touch vegetal. Chef Ducasse offered me a taste of his wines. I liked his lush, ripe Cahors, though it wasn’t an ideal match with my fish. Did he think that such things mattered, or was there too much fuss made about matching wine and food?
“There are no rules,” he said. “You have to taste the wine with an open mind. You can drink red wine with lobster and white wine with lamb.” In that case, perhaps he’d like to try my slightly vegetal Anjou or the rather oaky Chardonnay with his steak? “I’m not a fan of oaky wine.” Chef Ducasse replied.
I liked his Cahors very much, on the other hand. “If the Cahors cost less than 10 euros, it was very good,” Chef Ducasse replied. “When I taste a wine I like to know how much it costs.” (The wine is in fact about $13 at retail.)
“The world of wine is more creative than the world of cooking,” Chef Ducasse observed, growing more expansive as he consumed a bit more of the Cahors. “There are so many impassioned winemakers. I think there are more impassioned winemakers than chefs.”
Who were some of the impassioned winemakers he had in mind? “Madame Bize-Leroy,” he answered decisively, naming the director of the great Bize-Leroy Burgundy domaine. “Madame Leroy was the first to make biodynamic wines in Burgundy. She is an original.” Who else? Chef Ducasse shook his head. “I don’t want to give names. Someone will call and ask, ‘Why didn’t you mention me?'”
Ten minutes—and a glass of 2009 Château Villefranche Sauternes later—Chef Ducasse admitted to having a bit of an “obsession” with Pignan, the second wine of Château Rayas, the famed Châteauneuf du Pape estate. “It’s everything I look for in a wine,” he said, seeming to forget his self-imposed restriction on naming names.
“Food and drink is a pretense to seduction,” Chef Ducasse said, waggling his eyebrows comically as we finished our first dessert—a strawberry frasier—and made our way through some profiteroles, sipping 2004 La Coume du Roy fortified wine from Maury, a French village near the Spanish border.
Suddenly the great multi-starred Michelin chef was transformed into… Maurice Chevalier. Wine—whether it costs 5 euros or 500—can do that do you.
Oenofile
Chef Ducasse travels the globe, but he’s loyal to wines from his native FrancePaul Goerg Brut Rosé Champagne, $40
While the name Paul Goerg may not be particularly well known in this country, it is more familiar in France. It’s not a single family’s Champagne house but a cooperative of growers who contribute fruit to produce quality wines—like this elegant, dry rosé—under the Goerg label.
2009 Domaine Guillaman Côtes de Gascogne, $11Southwest France is probably best known as the home of Armagnac (a favorite drink of Chef Ducasse), but plenty of well-made unfortified wines are produced there as well, including this white blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc (the grape of Armagnac). It’s not particularly complex, but it’s refreshing, juicy and bright.
2004 La Coume du Roy Maury, $35 (500 ml)The fortified red wines of the Maury region in (yes, again) southwest France, seem to be tailor-made for chocolate. This bottling comes from Maury’s oldest producer.
2009 Georges Vigouroux Gouleyant Cahors, $13This lush, ripe, densely fruited red is made predominantly from Malbec (the balance is Merlot) in the Cahors region of southwest France. Made by Georges Vigouroux, one of the leading Cahors producers, it’s a great deal at under $15 a bottle.
2009 Chateau Villefranche Sauternes, $22 (half bottle)
The 2009 vintage was superb for both red Bordeaux and Sauternes. This modestly priced Sauternes is soft and attractive. Predominantly made from Semillon, with a bit of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, it has a pretty nose of apricot. It’s a fine companion to fruit and fruit-based desserts.
Photo credits: Jonny Valiant, and F. Martin Raminfor the The Wall Street Journal - Books, Entertainment, Features, Flowers, Flowers as Art, Gardens, Life and Style, Lifestyle, Olivier Goigmo
The Wondrous World of Parisian Florist Olivier Giugni
Parisian Flair
For the last few days, I’ve been eagerly anticipating my copy of Living Art by Oliver Giugni, and was not one bit disappointed when it finally arrived in the mail. Oliver’s latest book has a multitude of pages, all filled with stunning photographs, of some of the most breathtaking floral creations I have ever seen. My love for flowers, especially when they are beautifully arranged by such a talented florist like Olivier, will never wither away, even when the time has come to close the book and move on with my day.L’Olivier Floral Atelier has a definite flair. Located at 19 East 76th Street, and 213 West 14th Street, it is truly “a wondrous world of flower extravaganza”.
