The Weekender
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The Weekender: Young Collectors Night
Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show, Thursday January 26, 2012Last week, 800 guests hobnobbed with dealers of the most exquisite collections of America’s antiques, at the prestigious Winter Antiques Show. For the last couple of years, The Young Collectors Night has become one of the most well attended show at the Park Avenue Armory, partly because it offers a whole new generation of collectors, and interior designers the opportunity to re-imagine the rules of design as they infuse their projects with the highest quality of antiques and modern design – from Regency to 20th Century Art and Furniture.
The gathering was also an opportunity to meet old friends and colleagues, and to make new ones. I enjoyed the high energy that was on display that evening. It was Co-Chaired by Courtney Booth, Emily Israel Pluhar, and Stephanie Clark. The Vice Chairs were Melissa D. Berkelhammer, Roric Tobin & Justin Concannon, Cristin & Britt deVeer, Clay Floren, Ashley & Charlie Fox, and others. Led by Chairwoman Wendy Goodman, Design Editor of New York magazine, the evening afforded guests the opportunity to meet Ms. Goodman, along with 77 of the country’s most distinguished designers. Proceeds raised from the evening went to benefit East Side House Settlements vital work in the South Bronx and surrounding communities. The sponsors were New York Magazine, Benjamin Moore and Elie Tahari.
Milly de Cabrol, Nate Berkus, Muriel Brandolini, Wendy Goodman
Winter Antiques Show Exhibitor Barbara Israel and daughter Co-Chair Emily Israel Pluhar
Young Collectors Night Co-Chairs Courtney Booth, Emily Israel Pluhar Stephanie Clark
Valaer Van Roijen and Co-Chair Emily Israel PluharRobin WilsonElizabeth Brown and Tripp Potter
Margaret Boyle, Ashley Rettenmaier, Chelsea RettenmaierGeoffrey Bradfield
Stephanie Woodmanse and Ellie Clymer
Elizabeth Pyne and Christopher Spitzmiller
Nate Berkus and Natalie Obradovich
Wendy Goodman and Muriel Brandolini
Lacary Sharpe and Rebecca Regan
Atmosphere
Jamie Drake
Roric Tobin and Justin Concannon
Lisa Yom and David Lipke
Meghan Kelly and guest
Renald White
Ariel Ashe and James Reginato
Scott Currie, Kyle Rouse, guest and Christian Leone
Katie Williams, and guestsPhoto credit: Billy Farrell Agency - Art, Celebrities, Design, Life and Style, Modern Art, Museums, Park Avenue Armory, Photography, The Weekender
The Weekender: The Winter Antiques Show & The Bard
The Importance of Being FashionableA couple of days before I went to a Press Preview at the Bard Graduate Center, I had no idea who Jane Harding was. Although the actress was not so well known here in the United States, back in France, she was all the rage. It is said that during her lifetime, Ms. Harding was one of the most photographed women in the world. Enter Staging Fashion, an “absolutely required” exhibition for fashionistas, and those who are so enthused by the celebrity culture.Woman’s Hat by Joseph G. Darlington and Co. Philadelphia, circa 1908 – 10.Straw, silk flowers and leaves.
The show is mostly about how celebrities like Jane Harding, Lily Elsie, and Billie Burke dominated the fashion scene back in the early 20th Century. They managed to do so by one important medium – Photography. Carefully staged photographs represented a vital self-promotional tool by which the actresses asserted their status as Fashion Arbiters. Sound very much like our current culture right? Back then, the images by Harding emphasized an image of an attractive, elegantly dressed, and poised woman, who offered herself for admiration and at the same time, scrutiny. A close collaboration between photographers and actors was crucial back then as it is today. The promotional interest between the media to its public is phenomenal and is ever increasing. In this sophisticated exhibition, Fashion and Theater came together beautifully to form a brilliant and lasting marriage.January 18 – April 8, 2012The Bard Graduate Center18 West 86th StreetNew York City
Left: Reutlinger Studio (French, 1850-1937). Postcard of Jane Hading in La Pompadour, ca. 1901. Hand-colored photograph with glitter. Private collection. Photographed by Bruce White. Right: Foulsham & Banfield (English, 1906–1920). Postcard of Lily Elsie in The Merry Widow, ca. 1907. Private collection.
Photographed by Bruce White.
Advertisement for Rogers & Thompson’s Soirée Silk featuring Billie Burke. Photograph by Sarony Studio. From The Theatre (September 1916): 165. Private collection. Photographed by Bruce White.
Jane Hading: Paul Boyer. Jane Hading in Plus que Reine. Cover of Le Théatre (May 1899). Private collection.Photographed by Bruce White.
Postcard of the Théâtre du Vaudeville and the Boulevard des Italiens, ca. 1905. Hand-colored photograph. Private collection. Photographed by Bruce WhiteAll photos courtesy of the Bard Graduate Institute.© All Rights ReservedThe Winter Antiques Show 2012The illustrious Winter Antiques Show opens today at the Park Avenue Armory for the 58th Year in a row. This year, be prepared to get reacquainted with old dealers and meet new ones. Jonathan Boos is displaying an impressive collection of Alexander Calder’s standing mobiles.Originally gifted by the artist to a family who cared for his mother in the 1950’s, these pieces were kept there for over 50 years and now are ready to embrace a new home. Highlights from the show included a rare and important African-American Pictographic Plantation desk, ca. 1870, from Madison, Mississippi. This particular desk is attributed to “Willie” Howard, a favored slave at Kirkwood Plantation, owned by pre-Civil War Governor McWillie. Art Deco dealer, Maison Gerard, have several new acquisitions from Leuleu. They are exquisite and offer themselves as perfect additions to any art deco collector. Another exciting dealer to look for is Keshishian. Mr. Eddy Keshishian, a carpet dealer from London, is exhibiting a jaw-dropping Art Deco carpet made for the Maharajah of Indores palace. This magnificent piece demonstrates the widespread appeal of Art Deco design, which was originated in France and quickly spread as far as India. Go inside the show, by visiting us on Facebook, for more photographs. The Winter Antiques Show benefits the East Side House Settlement which was founded in 1891 to help immigrants and lower income families on the East Side of Manhattan. In 1962, it moved to the South Bronx where it serves 8,000 residents annually within one of America’s poorest congressional districts, the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx.
My Fair LadiesQuintessential Victorian fairies from the 19th Century
Clockwise: From Nicholas Grindley Works of Art, Ltd. A ceremonial fan of circular leaf shape made of three boards crudely joined together and carved on the face with radiating ribs with an incurved lip at the top. Thai, 18th – 19th Century. Egyptian gilded and painted cartonnage mummy mask. Ptolemaic Period, c. 4th – 3rd century BC, from Rupert Wace Ancient Art. Foreground – One of three remarkable series of Alexander Calder standing mobiles (untitled) from Jonathan BoosPhotos property of High End Weekly™ -
The Weekender: Caudalíe Spa at The Plaza Hotel
The Star TreatmentLocated inside an iconic building tucked right next to Central Park is this 8,000 square foot destination spa that goes by the name of Caudalíe Vinothérapie® Spa. This exotic haven situated in the 4th floor of The Plaza Hotel encompasses the signature design elements of Caudalíe’s worldwide spas which represent total warmth, tranquility, combined with elegance.The decor is all about precious cherry wood, a mix of natural materials, smooth dark stones and symbolic vine sculptures. The overall result is a space that is intimate, modern, with tremendous ambiance. Guests pad around this extensive property while enjoying services like, honey & wine wrap, red vine barrel bath, crushed cabernet scrub, fresh grape massage and a menu of their world-famous facials with grape and active vine patents, along with Caudalíe’s products that purify, firm, energize and illuminate their skins. Over the holidays, my friends Donald and his wife visited this spa, and indulged their senses with these signature treatments:- Refreshing massage under a Vichy shower
- Energy® wrap
- Slimming wrap
- Caudalie massage* for two: divine duo!
- Pregnancy message
- Caudalie grand facial treatment
- “Premier Cru” treatment.
Plaza VineHusband and wife team, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, revolutionized the spa world in 1999 when they introduced the first-ever Vinothérapie® Spa in the heart of the Châteaux Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard (Bordeaux, France), harnessing the untapped, restorative power of grapes and grapevine polyphenols. Caudalíe is rated the second best spa in the world by Travel & Leisure and “Hot Spot” by Condé Nast Traveler, it is a world-renowned destination with treatments and techniques developed exclusively for their spas – a second in the Rioja region of Spain whose property was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, followed by Les Etangs de Corot in Versailles.For Mathilde, The Plaza is special in many ways, “I want for this first Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in the US to offer New Yorkers a sample of French life and our “Art of the Vine” in the heart of this always moving city.Caudalíe SpaThe Plaza HotelOne West 58th Street, Floor 4New York, NY 10019Tel: 212 265 3182Hours: Open 7 days a week, 11am – 6pm
Cover photo: Plaza Vichy Shower
French Paradox Lounge
An 800 sq ft. Wine Lounge stocked with wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the family estate and vineyard of Caudalíe founder, Mathilde Thomas. The Lounge features an imposing wine cellar of wood and bissazza tile, with a floor of slate grey tiles interspersed with elegant rugs and comfortable chairs and couches.Photos courtesy of Caudalíe
All rights reserved - At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Celebrities, Christie's, Events, Haute Couture, Jewelry, Life and Style, The Weekender
The Weekender: Elizabeth Taylor auction featured at Christie’s
The auction house devoted all 300,000 square feet of its facility to this museum-quality exhibit of Elizabeth Taylor’s Collections of jewelry, fashion, accessories, fine art, film memorabilia, costumes and decorative items. What can one expect to see at this once in a lifetime exhibition which is divided into four major sections?Left: La Peregrina, a natural pearl, diamond and ruby necklace by Cartier. Right: Pair of Natural Pearl and diamond ear pendants by BulgariThe Diamond Room: Which offers an up-close tour through Ms. Taylor’s most iconic jewelry, boasts an exquisite 33.19 carat D-color stunner, called the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. The Lifetime Achievement Room: A special display of Elizabeth Taylor’s impressive honors and humanitarian awards, intermingled with memorabilia and costumes from her many beloved film roles.The Icon’s Closet is an awe-inspiring walk through. It is a treasure trove of flawlessly-maintained haute couture and ready-to wear fashion and accessories (many of which the actress brought herself with her own money, and without help from a throng of stylists), with over 200 designer handbags alone. Finally, The Art Gallery – the first comprehensive exhibition of her most impressive fine art collection, includes master works by Van Gogh (valued at $12 Million, it is the priciest item from the entire collection), Frans Hals, Degas, Pissaro, Renoir, and Warhol.The auction is expected to exceed $50 million in total (I believe that the actual realized figure will quadruple that number). Tickets to the landmark exhibition are on sale now at www.christies.com/elizabethtaylorviews. Portion of the profits generated by the exhibition admissions, events and select publications related to the exhibitions will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, which was founded by the beloved actress in 1991. Ms. Taylor passed away on March 23 from congestive heart failure at the age of 79.Christie’s20 Rockefeller PlazaNew York City212-636-2000
The Essentials: The little black dresses
Photos credited to: Associated Press
Lot 347A Tiziani black velvet ‘Scorpio’ evening cape labeled ‘Tiziani Roma’, 1968-1969Estimate: $2,000-$3,000
Lot 52“The Night of the Iguana Brooch”A diamond and multi-gem brooch by Jean Shlumberger, Tiffany & Co, circa 1964Gift from Richard Burton upon the occasion of the premiere of the film Night of the Iguana, August 11, 1964Estimate: $200,000-$300,000
Lot 1758A black patent leather shoulder bag labeled ‘Lanvin’, probably 2000s, with an acrylic green marbled handle, magnetic closure and chunky goldtone chain strap, with a black ribbon tie and an interior integrated swivel mirror: 8″ High, 12″ Wide, 3″ DeepEstimate $300-$500Photos courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2011
Making a StatementPhoto credited to: Getty ImagesThe jaw-dropping Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Collection which is up for auction this month, finally made its grand appearance at Christie’s. The show is open to the public tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, and ends on Monday, December 12. Among other things, this exhibit reveals that not only was Dame Taylor a genuine Hollywood icon, but she was also a connoisseur of art and fashion, and of course, her lifetime passion – jewelry. The auction starts on the evening of December 13 with Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic jewelry. Orianne Collins, jewelry designer and owner of OC Concept Store, hosted the preview event at Christie’s (check out my interview with Ms. Collins).
Photo credit: Getty ImagesNOTE: 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 Weekender: Marlborough Gallery — Le Cabinet de Curiosités
On November 12, my friend and I attended a VIP Preview of Le Cabinet de Curiosités in Tribeca. The swanky celebration was a combined effort between the Marlborough and Steinitz galleries. It was a rare occasion, to say the least. It’s not often that you’ll see a map table from Napoleon Bonaparte coupled with a mechanical insects collection (with metal bodies covered with the patina of a forgone age), and Manolo Valdés’ sculptures.But somehow the installation, under the supervision of renowned interior designer and architect, Thierry W Despond, came together beautifully.Thierry W Despont18th Century paneled rooms from the Steinitz Collection were flown over from France to accompany pieces of furniture and objects such as Renaissance bull’s head, 17th Century Japanese lacquered trunk, as well as art works from his artist friends, Manolo Valdez and Claudio Bravo. When I entered the first of these three rooms, I was quite taken by Claudio’s “tied papers” and “bookcases” which from afar looked real, but in reality was nothing more than segments of blank, raw, exotic woods, coyly implementing trompe l’oeil to comment on the use of books as fetish objects of aesthetic pleasure. This is a thought-provoking, and irresistible exhibition that is not to be missed.Le Cabinet de CuriositésNovember 15, 2011 – January 31, 2012New York Mercantile Exchange6 Harrison StreetNew York City
Insects Collection from Thierry W Despond
right: Princess Firyal of Jordan
Manolo Valdes Sculpture, Mariposas doradas II“For many years I have been consumed by the idea of creating a natural history museum of my artistic universe… dedicated to the accumulation of imaginary planets and their inhabitants, paintings, sculptures… brought back from my artistic Beagle journey.”Thierry W Despont
Ondine de Rothschild
Prosper and Martine Assouline
Claudio Bravo Aluminums, Aluminiosphoto courtesy of Malborough Gallery
Thierry W Despont’s Sculture
photos courtesy of Billy Farrell -
The Weekender: Chateau du Portail
Sometimes in life it’s the little things that matters on a grand scale. Whether your weekend calls for complete solitude, celebrating life with your friends and family, or simply indulging in the arts and fairs that we often find in big cities, why not make this one an extra special fabulous one?We picked out these photos from our friend Claude at Chateau du Portail, because they speak to us of past sun-drenched weekends, when we use to enjoy nothing more than the simple divine feel of the country side, and the serene quietness they convey, as we eagerly enjoyed life to the full.
Chateau du Portail, France -
The Weekender: Gucci’s Spring 2012 Collection
“We must move on, move on, move on.” Frida GianniniFrida’s new collection for Gucci brings the glamorous world of art deco to the runway in Milan, last week. Moving on has long been the motto for the modern woman, and no other era brings it to the fore like art deco. This classic style has staying power and a profitable one at that. From furniture design to architecture, and now with a definitive fashion collection from Gucci, today is the time to move on, and get reacquainted with art deco – in your home as well as in your clothing.
Gucci Spring 2012 Collection in MilanNOTE: 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 Weekender: New York Fashion Week
On The Runway
“Dressing up is the new cool, dressing down is old school,” said Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing. Close to 100 designers, retail buyers, media and celebrities descended on Lincoln Center this Thursday for Fashion week. The colors on the runway this season are bright, bold, and some have a strong geometric lines with a real fresh concept. I love the clean, sleek, and modern look of Yigal Azrouel and BCGB Max Azria. The details from Oscar de la Renta and Jason Wu’s lines show the importance of cut as well as color and print.
Overall, the Spring 2012 Fashion Lines from most of the designers have some incredible subtle hues, and earthy tones, as well as monochromatic looks with accents of vibrant colors. Get up-to-the-minute updates on Fashion Week at http://www.youtube.com/liverunway.
Jason Wu
Zang ToiGet up-to-the-minute updates on Fashion Week at http://www.youtube.com/liverunway
Oscar de la Renta
Yigal Azrouel
BCBG Max Azria
Wes GordonNOTE: 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 Weekender: Endless Summer
Capri, c’est fini!The last few days, I’ve been thinking allot about Capri, Italy. In this blog, I often talk about my hotel experiences. Either those I’ve been to, or those I’ve yet to explore.The J.K. Place Capri is perched on a cliff above the sea, and it boasts breathtaking, ringside views of the waves. As well as a sense of being on a yacht, with its pale-wood floors and jauntily striped textiles which you will find throughout the beautifully decorated 22-rooms hotel.The J.K. Place Capri is the sort of hotel that is definitely high on our family’s list. A few years back, one of my designer friend stayed at this hotel which is located off above the main ferry port of Marina Grande.
Now married with children, my friend is about to embark on another adventure to Capri, and he’s been recalling his memories of this town and the hotel, as they’re getting ready to take off in the middle of next week.
The main dining room is mainly all white (but exceptionally attractive with accents of fresh flowers and beautifully designed pillows), which makes it a heavenly welcome, especially during thosemorning breakfasts.
The penthouse suite is spectacularly designed with muted tones so as not to distract from the main attraction – the ocean view. How gloriously inviting is this view?
The hotel was stylishly decorated by Florentine decorator Michele Bonan. The design feels like the house of a refined and wealthy collector, and the accents throughout the place are a bit feminine, and at times, nautical.
There are splashes of bright and pastels colors throughout the hotel, to enliven the eclectic sprinkling of antique furniture. All the public places have dark-wood floors which give J.K. Place
Capri a true sense of being a resort hotel.
Recent pieces in sixties-retro style, wing chairs, statues and framed atelier drawings decorate the downstairs lounge, and library. All these elements contribute to a feeling of a home away from home.Although a bit out of the way (which I think is part of its charm), you will have to take the funicular or a car to reach Capri town, but the hotel is well worth the effort, and I look forward to discover it one day. But for now, I will have to live vicariously through my friend Bernard and his wife Sophie.225 Via Provinciale Marina GrandeMarina Grande, CapriItaly 80073Tel: 39 081 838 4001* Don’t forget to participate in our End of Summer Giveaways, listed here on High End Weekly™.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 Weekender: Relax, Unwind and Pamper
Spa Pampering Treatments at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City
What a week it’s been! With the US avoiding defaulting on their debt by a hairsbreadth, and just a few moment ago Standard & Poor’s downgraded the US long-term sovereign credit rating to AA+ from its top rank of AAA, I say it’s high time for some Spa Therapy.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll be booking mine ASAP, and yes, the spa of choice will be the Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York. Without a doubt, it is THE TOP Spa Destination, and here’s the reasons why:
It boasts six multi-functional treatment rooms with private showers
Thai Yoga Suite with deep soaking tub and water features
VIP Spa Suite with fireplace and private steam & shower
Separate men’s and women’s heat experiences – vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room
Separate men’s and women’s relaxation loungesOriental Tea LoungeSpa cuisineSpa boutique to extend your experience at homeExclusive Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa ProductsOf course going to the spa won’t solve this world’s woes, but it will certainly rejuvenate your spirit and help your body and mind prepare for the next round of life’s unexpected travails.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
New York, New York 10023
T: 212.805.8800
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.
