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Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 3 of 3
When I inquired about his selection, David explained how one cannot separate an interior from fine arts, that the art itself makes the interior. How true. His fine art collections have long been about gorgeous backdrops for fine furniture, as well as contemporary arts which are generally colorful. No wonder his clients continue to be absorbed in the art that he curates for them! While speaking to him, I also noticed his latest book: David Scott: Outside The Box. David explained how each chapter in the book is presented in these linen boxes which are distillation of the mood and concept which he likes to create.Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
David Scott in his Gentleman’s StudyThere is a rapture that comes from within when you are surrounded by beautiful objects, especially objects that are from the natural world of these two designers – David Scott, and Charles Pavarini III. I’ve long been an admire of David Scott’s work, and in fact, he was among the first ones I interviewed when I started blogging. At this year’s Kips Bay Show house, his Gentleman’s Study included all the things that I’ve come to love in a well appointed room: a painting by Larry Zox, which provided an open airy feeling in a smaller space, sculptured bronze etagere from Paul Evans, and custom omnibus chaise lounge from Vladimir Kagan. Let’s not forget the layered textures in the form of cashmere, silk, mohair, leather, wood, wicker, wrapped aluminum, alabaster, all essential elements for the ultimate luxurious room. His choice of fine arts was also extraordinary.
Charles Pavarini IIIBlack, White, and Red All OverEach box leads into a story – his projects which are usually filled with art collections, textiles, hard surfaces, are inspired by nature. David Scott’s room was handsome, incredibly elegant, and so very much outside the box.
Top: Charles Pavarini next to his custom bed and mirror by Jordan Ltd., Plaster Butterflies by Nina Helms.Clockwise: Paul Frankly ebonized walnut dresser from Craig Van Den Brulle,Art glass pottery by Maria Grazia Rosin from Maison Gerard. Imported lighting by OLED North American Philips Lighting. Charlotte” Bronze & Crystal Sculpture by Dawn Haviland Boutique.Photos courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedThis room was as forward thinking as Charles Pavarini III other notable interiors. He flew in several engineers from Germany to installed the OLED lighting system at the entrance of his super lacquered black, white and red room. Charles designed a glamorous bedroom with a crisp European flair that came with allot of personality. I liked the fact that he used the sculptured butterflies in the mirror as a symbol of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls. Yes, all the beauty of each and every room shouldn’t distract from the fact that they are designed to benefit a notable charity. Did you know that Jennifer Lopez was part of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club when she was just “Jenny from the block”? All the glamor of Kips Bay stands to benefits the children of tomorrow, and I applaud Charles Pavarini III for bringing the importance of the children, and at the same time, designing a modern, and elegant bedroom that is fit for the modern day man and woman. If you haven’t made it to Kips Bay yet, this long weekend is the perfect time to do so, as you bask in the beauty of Charles’ room and all of the other outstanding designers who worked on a show house that I saw as one of the most breathtaking, and memorable decorator’s show houses in the states. -
Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 2 of 3
A Chacun Son StyleGo beyond the hedge into the château, up the stairs and into the private suite where you’ll find a sumptuous original interior that is very much intact despite the passing of time of its subject matter. As an inspiration for this year’s Kips Bay Show house, Charlotte Moss have chosen three French châteaus from Dordogne and the Loire Valley that are well known for their extravagant beauty and notable gardens.Behind the hedge…
Charlotte Moss, Trompe L’Oeil in the Digital Age
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™
Being a lifelong gardener, and tireless traveller, I guess it was just a matter of time until Charlotte Moss shared her fascination with these great places by commissioning trompe l’oeil artist Osmundo Echevarria, and incorporating her own digital reproduced images in order to transport her spectators into a magical place where the interiors and gardens are as ornate as Château de Hautefort, Château de Losse and Prieuré d’Orsan. In the living room painted walls illustrate the celebrated gardens of Château de Hautefort, a place that I vividly remembered as a young adult. Vibrant patterns are incorporated in her fabric choice, for both the living room furnishings, and bathroom. The leather border runner is installed with grommets, a technique employed by Paul Chareau at Maison de Verre in Paris. Every details from this constructed paradise is exactly what one has come to expect from a designer who is clearly on top of her game. -
Kips Bay Designer Show House – Part 1 of 3
40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
The Aldyn ResidencesWhile many will concentrate on the well deserved Albert Hadley tribute which those three design masters pulled together with a vitality that is so rarely seen in a room, I found it hard to take my eyes off from the gorilla in the room – Le Courbusier’ tapestry which adroitly anchored the room.Brian J. McCarthy Inc., Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates
Living Room tribute to Albert HadleyThis tapestry is rarer than one thinks since Le Corbusier designed a total of fifty tapestries of which thirty eight are in France and twelve in Chandigarh. This one most likely made its way to the US by means of some public auction.
Catherine WalsiferRaji Radhakrishman’s Le Bureau PrivéThe Curator’s Office
Raji Radhakrishnan
Custom made red Zig Zag table stands as a tribute to the late designer Albert HadleyRaji Radhakrishnan is the type of designer that draws her clients in by using her charm, openness, skills, and genuine love for art and design. Being a museum hopper as well, I strongly identified with her subject matter – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This home office for The Met’s Head Curator stems from Raji’s love for art and how she envisioned the various pieces that a Met curator would want to surround his or herself with. And what are they? Ancient and modern art, classical and contemporary architecture, fashion and the performing arts. She carefully chose furnishings dating back from the Secessionist, Art Deco and Modernist periods to the present day contemporary ones. I absolutely LOVED the Jules Leleu chairs from Maison Gerard.Susan Zises Green, Inc. ASIDThe Living Room: Soothing Surroundings Inspired by the Flow of The Hudson
If only my current projects called for this enormous sunburst mirror which drew me into the room even more… This showstopper is a reflection of the bright, lightness of the room, and it is simply glorious.
Available through Susan Zises Green at 212-710-5388.
Susan Zises Green’s room overlooked the peaceful flow of the Hudson River, and her color scheme is as soothing as nature itself. She envisioned this room as a grand living space for a newly married couple – and the furniture that you see are the combined efforts of two hearts which now beat as one. “Storage lockers opened and trucks were dispatched to collect the bounty within.” Unlike what we sometimes experience with large spaces, the soaring ceiling compliment instead of overwhelm the carefully selected furniture, textile choices and art pieces. Susan’s room is adjacent to Patrik Lönn’s dinning room, and the harmony between them ought to be explored and absorbed.Jamie DrakeThe Library
Jamie Drake in front of an Andy Harper painting from Danese Gallery
Jamie Drake loves Print!When I first met Jamie Drake a week before the decorator house was opened to the public, I was delighted to witness the enthusiasm that he showed for his latest project, his passion for books which he sees as a lost art, but holds ever so dear. I’m in total accord with these ideas. With all the modern gadgets at our disposals, thumbing through a good book is my choice and preference.
The idea behind this library was to create a sophisticated retreat for the book lover, and philosopher as they surround themselves with lacquered spruce green millwork that is contemporary, yet with a retro feel. These custom chairs are über chic and inviting. Along with the custom sofa they were inspired by a Maison Jansen design from the 1940s. The trims on the chairs, and the textile choices for the pillows are immaculate and compliment the lacquered wall to an exact science.
The Kips Bay Boys & GirlsPhotography by Monica Rich KosannLaura Bohn Design AssociatesKidz Rule
About one or two years ago, Laura Bohn designed a room for the Showtime House in which she displayed her interpretation of the hit show, Nurse Jackie. The representation was as real and believable as this children room that brought a flutter to my heart and big smile to my face. When you do visit, make sure you get to feel the white textured walls as you enter the room. The entire space is just too cool for school.Thom Filicia Inc.The Gallery
Thom Filicia Home Collection purple haze area rug for Safavieh
Did you notice the sketches on the right? They’re Albert Hadley sketches courtesy of Bunny WilliamsJames Rixner Interior DesignThe Family Room & Kitchen
James Rixner
No one can argue that there wasn’t enough green in the house this year, but that color choice did not saturate the interiors. Thank goodness for that! In James Rixner’s family room, I saw some of the accessories that I’ve come to appreciate over years, the metamorphosis floor lamp from Niedermaier, as well their Peter Ambrose sculpture and pedestal. Velvety soft pillow fabrics from Schumacher felt good to the touch, and the simple, yet elegant flowers looked incredibly well in their surroundings.Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams for St Charles
“Too Hot To Handle” Hot Design in a Cool Space
The kitchen was designed by award winning designers Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz
The Murano glass light fixture overlooking this vast kitchen stood out like no ones business. And that was a good thing. The latest effort from the designing duo, Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz was not what I would call an inviting kitchen, even though it had all the “right fittings”. Recognized brands like the flamberge rotisserie from La Cornue, faucets from Frantini USA, counter tops from New England Stone were overshadowed by the fabulous 1940s Murano glass tulip fixture which was a sight to behold.Chuck Fisher Studio, Inc.The Writing Room
Being that I am not a true fan of trompe l’oeil, I was surprised how well I took to it this time around – both in this room, and Charlotte Moss’ master bedroom suite (which I’ll discuss in part 2 of my Kips Bay coverage). Chuck Fisher used some clever brush strokes to illustrate a fantastical world filled with endearment and warmth.Patrik Lönn Design Inc.A Room For Supper
Patrik Lönn and friendWith much European flair and soft music in the background, Patrik created a sophisticated, yet casual room which evoked a strong feeling of romance and celebrated friendship. I loved the rich and exquisite materials that he used, like the grass cloth wallpaper, the textured rug, the silk taffeta window treatments, the soft linen that were chosen for the table, the stunning flower arrangement from my favorite florist, L’Olivier, and of course, the carefully curated art work. The modern feel of this dinning room exemplified what a romantic setting should look like – intimate and joyful.Shawn Henderson Interior DesignA Sensual Playroom
Pieces like the Mercury Daybed, the Carbon Stools, and the luxe swing from the Amalgam Collection, made up a relaxing, yet reinvigorating space.
Shawn Henderson next to a Mario Dal Fabbro sculpture from Maison Gerard
This room is as warm and approachable as the designer himself. The rich textures found throughout the interiors of Shawn Henderson’s project were supple, and quite stunning in appearance. As soon as I saw the swing by the window, I wanted to get whisk away to a world without care, and only concern myself with beauty and environmental responsibilities. Throughout his design career, Shawn has been known to respect the environment in every sense of the word by using craftsmen whose work is true to their art forms, working with sustainable materials, and using vintage furnishings and products that are honestly produced and well-made.Lynne Scalo DesignAfter the Party
Lynne ScaloThe collaboration between Lynne Scalo and photographer Norman Seeff payed off well with these two iconic figures, Andy Warhol and Steve Jobs. It’s no secret that Andy Warhol was all business, and turned his art towards commercialism in a big way. While the quintessential businessman Steve Jobs courted a generation of computer nerds with detailed art form in every piece of technology that Apple ever came out with.
Vintage Blenko glass designs from www.vmglasshouse.com
Brian Del Toro IncStudy
What a jeweled box! That is how I saw this study with its hard edge, avant garde mirror, hand-painted walls, glistering table lamps, and glamorous fabrics to die for. At first glance, the parchment chairs (pictured above) looked uncomfortable, but turned out to be two of the most functional chairs in the house.
Brian Del Toro
Patricia Grever QuackenbushMark Hampton LLCBedroom
Alexa Hampton
Wow x 3. This bedroom, designed by Alexa Hampton, was extremely impressive. Most of the rooms in Kips Bay this year had lacquered walls since the designers wanted to bring on the glamor with full force’s credibility. I liked the sentimental approach that she took by incorporating some of the most minute details. True, a bedroom is the most intimate place in a house, and this well designed hideaway lived up to the hype.Scott SandersThe Cabana
Scott Sander’s Cabana was too precious for words. I wanted to wrap it up and take it home with me. The designer’s personality is just as fun, and easy going. A couple of years back, he did a Family Room for the Hamptons Show house, and I had the same feelings then that I do right now. At least Scott stays consistent, eventhough his design skills keeps on growing every time.Neil Beckstedt StudioThe Conservatory
Neil Beckstedt’s room faced the pool on the 20th floor (the house has two floors, with a pool in each balcony), and at certain times throughout the day, you could see the waves of the water reflecting on the walls. That image creates a sense of calmness which the overall room seem to emanate so well. For me, this was a Time Out sort of room, when you need to decompress from the difficulties of a crazy day.
Neil BeckstedtAlexander Doherty DesignA Collector’s Bedroom
Alexander DohertyFine arts and decorative arts adorned the walls and floors of this Collector’s Bedroom. There was so many bedrooms this year in the house, that if one had a choice as to where to sleep for the night, I imagine it would be a hard decision. The art work displayed in Alexander Doherty’s room were strong, and dominated the space. A bit intimidating, I thought. But collectors like to surround themselves with art that best describe their personalities.OPENING PARTY
Members of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
Left: Thom Felicia and friends
Color painting with Benjamin Moore
Katherine Scully from Luxe Magazine, and Susan Zises Green
The staff of House BeautifulPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™All rights reservedUPDATEDThe 40th Annual Decorator Show House opened this past Wednesday, and will run until June 14th. This is an absolutely MUST SEE show house with flawless decor and complete harmony. This post is the 1st of 3 posts on Kips Bay, so get ready for part two which will discuss the works of these three designers: Charlotte Moss, David Scott, and Charles Pavarini III. The Show House hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11-5 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday 11-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Additional information on the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and the Decorator Show House is available at www.kipsbay.org and 212-755-5733. A daily complimentary shuttle service will be available between the Park Avenue Armory (Park & 66th Street) to the Decorator Show house, every hour on the hour starting at 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.Cheers!THE KIPS BAY LECTURE SERIESKips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Hearst Design Group will have a series of lecture titled “The Best Of” to be hosted by Sotheby’s and run concurrent with the dates of the 40th Decorator Show House, May 16 through June 14, 2012. Named for the caliber of speaker and subject of their individual choosing, the series will feature influential interior designers Miles Redd and Bunny Williams, gardening expert P. Allen Smith, Winterthur Museum’s Tom Savage, designer Hutton Wilkinson and Verdura CEO Ward Landrigan. Additional lectures will be announced shortly along with details of the exclusive wine tasting event with Eli Rodriquez on May 31, 2012.The $75 ticket per lecture (or $150 for a package of three) will include an on-site lunch or cocktail reception, depending on the hour, as well as entry and a shuttle service to the Show House, located at The Aldyn on Riverside Boulevard between 62nd and 63rd Street.- Monday, May 21st at 11 a.m.—Hutton Wilkinson presents “Tony Duquette, More is More”: At eighteen, Hutton Wilkinson began an apprenticeship under the great American design icon, Tony Duquette, and continued to work and collaborate on a myriad of projects with him over the next twenty-five years. In 1994, Wilkinson and Duquette officially became business partners and a few years later, launched a collection of one-of-a-kind, fine jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman, adored by the public, fashion press and used by Tom Ford, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Since the passing of Mr. Duquette in 1999, Wilkinson as owner, creative director and president of Tony Duquette Inc. has continued to design and market his unique fine jewelry pieces as well as a collection of home furnishings, textiles, custom lighting products and hand made carpets and tapestries for other brands as well as tabletop accessories and interior decorations as “Tony Duquette” and Tony Duquette Inc. Hutton’s book “Tony Duquette” which he co-authored with Wendy Goodman, chronicles the great designer’s life and oeuvre (Abrams, 2007); “More Is More, Tony Duquette” (Abrams, 2009) is the companion volume. During the lecture, Wilkinson will bring the audience through this visual tale of Tony Duquette’s personal design philosophy and the artistic credo that inspired him to create his fanciful artwork, sculptures, jewelry, gardens and interiors.
- Tuesday, May 22nd at 11 a.m.—Bunny Williams presents “Making the Home Come to Life”: Bunny Williams is a designer with a modern vision, a sense of history and the confidence to take the unexpected path. Both a trailblazer and a tastemaker, Williams’ style is classic but never predictable. Currently, Bunny Williams has a thriving design practice, Bunny Williams Inc. formed in 1988, and a widely acclaimed home furnishings collection, BeeLine Home, launched in 2008. With her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, Williams owns Treillage Ltd., two unique decorative home and garden shops in New York. She is the author of On Garden Style, Affair with a House, Bunny Williams’ Point of View and currently in her fourth book, “Scrapbook for Living” published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang in November 2010, Williams’ offers inspiring tips for organizing and personalizing a home. “No matter how beautiful a home, be it large or small, the real magic happens when the door opens and one is welcomed into a home with soft lighting, delicious scents, offerings of drinks and food, sitting groups arranged for easy conversation. With planning and organization this becomes effortless.”
- Wednesday, May 30th at 11 a.m.—P. Allen Smith presents “Natural Elegance at Moss Mountain Farm”: The award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith will share how his life and travels inspire his work. He is the host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home, P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens and is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, including Bringing the Garden Indoors: Container, Crafts and Bouquets for Every Room and the recently published cookbook, P. Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.
- Wednesday, May 30th at 6 p.m.—Iris Apfel and Dara Caponigro present “A Conversation About Style and Design”: VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro will ask Iris Apfel about her lasting impact on style in the worlds of interior design and fashion, from her founding of iconic fabric house Old World Weavers to her status as one of today’s most recognizable fashion icons.
- Thursday, May 31st at 11 a.m.—Ward Landrigan presents “Verdura and Women of Style”: Celebrated jewelry expert, historian and Verdura Chairman, CEO and Co-Owner Ward Landrigan will focus on the life and career of 20th century jeweler Duke Fulco di Verdura and the style and glamour of the iconic women who made his jewelry famous. The archive of almost ten thousand designs Fulco left behind tells the intriguing story of these legendary style-makers…a story of love, humor, and style. Mr. Landrigan’s own interest in jewelry began in high school when he interned for a local jeweler and continued with his studies at the Courtauld Institute of Fine Arts in London and the Gemological Institute of America. He started his career at Sotheby’s auction house where, by age 24, was head of the jewelry department. Landrigan first heard Verdura’s name when he did an appraisal for Lily Pons in Texas in 1965 and was immediately drawn to the innate style and artistry of a particular piece: a shooting star set with pavé diamonds. When Mr. Landrigan left Sotheby’s in 1973 to form his own estate jewelry business, he bought and sold pieces from many of the world’s great jewelry designers. Nevertheless, Verdura remained his favorite.
- Thursday, May 31st at 6 p.m.—Wine Tasting with Eli Rodriguez: Space is limited! Eli is originally from Long Island and became interested in wine while studying at Cornell University. He learned the wine business, first at Best Cellars, then as a sommelier at Restaurant Daniel, working for one of the greatest chefs and most professional restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, before joining Sotheby’s as an auction specialist in 2006. He was appointed as the Manager of Retail Sales when Sotheby’s launched their new, full service, retail wine business, Sotheby’s Wine, in September 2010.
- Friday, June 1st at 11 a.m.—Miles Redd presents “Fashion and Inspiration in Interior Design”: The internationally acclaimed interior design sensation, known for his quirky brand of cozy glamour will speak to his unique aesthetic vision characterized by a mélange of high and low, invigorated with whimsical splashes of color and modern gestures. Drawing on inspirations ranging from Richard Avedon fashion photographs to Rene Gruau illustrations, Redd has crafted interiors for a wide array of venues. His trademark approach to design has brought to life rooms infused with boldness, fantasy, and sophistication. Miles Redd embarked on his interior design career after graduating from NYU, honing his skills with luminary antiques dealer John Rosselli and decorator Bunny Williams. In 1998 he opened his own design firm in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood.
- Tuesday, June 5th at 11 a.m.—Tom Savage presents “Addicted to Old Houses: Iconic Rooms and Influential Interiors”: Winterthur’s director of museum affairs will lead a lively tour of historic interiors at home and abroad that have influenced and shaped his career. The Winterthur Museum is the former Delaware home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), the avid antiques collector and horticulturist. Today, Savage oversees the collections, exhibitions, public programs and marketing and communications departments. From November 1998 until August 2005, he served as Senior Vice President and Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art for North and South America where he directed The Sotheby’s American Arts Course, an intensive nine-month professional training program in American fine and decorative arts of the seventeenth century to the present. He was also responsible for public programming, lecture series and travel programs for Sotheby’s.
Underwritten by Hearst Design Group, proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club offering innovative programs to more than 12,000 young people between the ages of 6 and 18 at ten locations throughout the Bronx. The Club is one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City and a “flagship” of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over the course of four decades, the Show House has raised more than $17 Million and grown into a “must destination” for thousands of design enthusiasts as it is recognized for launching interior design trends throughout the world. Tickets available by calling 212-755-5733. -
Kips by The Bay – Part 2
With much European flair and soft music in the background, Patrik created an advanced, yet casual room which evoked a strong feeling of romance and celebrated friendship. I loved the rich and exquisite materials that he used, like the grass cloth wallpaper, the textured rug, the silk taffeta window treatments, the soft linen that were chosen for the table, the stunning flower arrangement from my favorite florist, L’Olivier, and of course, the carefully curated art work. The modern feel of this dinning room exemplified what a romantic setting should look like – intimate and joyful.Right: Patrik Lönn Design Inc.
Pieces like the Mercury daybed, the Carbon Stools, and the luxe swing from the Amalgam Collection, made up a relaxing, yet reinvigorating space.
A conservatory designed by Neil Beckstedt
Neil Beckstedt’s room faced the pool on the 20th floor (the house has two floors, with a pool in each balcony), and at certain times throughout the day, you could see the waves of the water reflecting on the walls. That image creates a sense of calmness which the overall room seem to emanate so well. For me, this was a Time Out sort of room, when you need to decompress from the difficulties of a crazy day.
Shawn Henderson Interior Design
Shawn Henderson’s room was as warm and approachable as the designer himself. The rich textures found throughout the interiors of Shawn Henderson’s project were supple, and quite stunning in appearance. As soon as I saw the swing by the window, I wanted to get whisk away to a world without care, and only concern myself with beauty and environmental responsibilities. Throughout his design career, Shawn has been known to respect the environment in every sense of the word by using craftsmen whose work is true to their art forms, working with sustainable materials, and using vintage furnishings and products that are honestly produced and well-made.
Brian Del Toro’s Study
What a jeweled box! That is how I saw Del Toro’s study. The room also had a hard edge, despite its jewels-like façade. The decorative, and avant-garde mirror, hand-painted walls, glitening table lamps, and glamorous fabrics were to die for. At first glance, the parchment chairs (pictured above) looked uncomfortable, but as it turned out, they were the most functional chairs in the room.
Alexa Hampton Design
Designed by Alexa Hampton, daughter of the late Mark Hampton, this traditional bedroom, designed with a keen eye for the impressive details that can only be stemed from good design Most of the rooms in Kips Bay this year had lacquered walls, to embrace glamor, and luxe credibility. I liked the sentimental approach that Alexa Hampton took by incorporating some of the most minute details. True, a bedroom is the most intimate place in a home, and this well designed hideaway lived up to the hype.
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Kips by The Bay – Part I
The 40th Annual Decorator Show House 2012
The Aldyn Residences
While many will concentrate on the well deserved Albert Hadley tribute which those three design masters pulled together with a vitality that is so rarely seen in a room, I found it hard to take my eyes off from the gorilla in the room – Le Courbusier’ tapestry which adroitly anchored the room.
Brian J. McCarthy Inc., Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates
Living Room tribute to Albert Hadley
Raji Radhakrishnan Design
This tapestry is rarer than one thinks since Le Corbusier designed a total of fifty tapestries of which thirty eight are in France and twelve in Chandigarh. This one most likely made its way to the US with some public auction.
Raji Radhakrishnan is the type of designer that draws her clients in by using her charm, openness, skills, and genuine love for art and design. Being a museum hopper as well, I strongly identified with her subject – The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This home office for The Met’s Head Curator stems from Raji’s love for art and how she envisioned the various pieces that a Met curator would want to surround his or herself with. And what are they? Ancient and modern art, classical and contemporary architecture, fashion and the performing arts. She carefully chose furnishings dating back from the Secessionist, Art Deco and Modernist periods to the present day contemporary ones. I absolutely LOVED the Jules Leleu chairs from Maison Gerard.
If only my current projects called for this enormous sunburst mirror which drew me into the room even more… This showstopper is a reflection of the bright, lightness of the room, and it is simply glorious. Susan Zises Green
Susan Zises Green‘s room overlooked the peaceful flow of the Hudson River, and her color scheme is as soothing as nature itself. She envisioned this room as a grand living space for a newly married couple – and the furniture that you see are the joint efforts of two hearts which now beat as one. “Storage lockers opened and trucks were dispatched to collect the bounty within.”
Unlike what we sometimes experience with large spaces, the soaring ceiling compliment instead of overwhelm the carefully selected furniture, textile choices and art pieces. Susan’s room is next to Patrik Lönn’s dinning room, and the harmony between them ought to be explored and absorbed.
The idea behind this library was to create a new retreat for the book lover, and philosopher as they surround themselves with lacquered spruce green mill work that is contemporary, yet with a retro feel. These custom chairs are über chic and inviting. Along with the custom sofa they were inspired by a Maison Jansen design from the 1940s. The trims on the chairs, and the textile choices for the pillows are immaculate and compliment the lacquered wall to an exact science.
The Murano glass light fixture overlooking Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams’ kitchen for St Charles stood out like no ones business. And that was a good thing. The latest effort from the designing duo, Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz was not what I would call an inviting kitchen, even though it had all the “right fittings”. Recognized brands like the flamberge rotisserie from La Cornue, faucets from Frantini USA, counter tops from New England Stone were overshadowed by the fabulous 1940s Murano glass tulip fixture which was a sight to behold.
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The Weekender: Madison Avenue Watch Week 2012
Editor’s Top Picks
From the Malte Collection which is celebrating their 100th Anniversary Edition.This jaw dropping, elegant timepiece is a mechanical hand-wound movement calibre 4400 developed and crafted by the veteran watch watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin.
Grasshopper Clock from AspreyThe Asprey Grasshopper clock is an English 8 day fusee timepiece with Grasshopper escapement and swinging bar balances. The clock retails for $18,400 and can be found at their Madison Avenue Location.Asprey: 853 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021
Happy Diamonds from ChopardMany years ago, the talented Chopard designer became fascinated with the sparkle of unset diamonds. The incomparable radiance and color of these inimitable gems was such that an inspired dream was born: that of creating watches and jewels where diamonds could enjoy total freedom of movement, unfettered by any metal whatsoever. What a tribute!Chopard is located at 709 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065
The Privilege of Style and BeautyFrom the Malte Collection which is celebrating their 100th Anniversary Edition.This jaw dropping, elegant timepiece is a mechanical hand-wound movement calibre 4400 developed and crafted by the veteran watch watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. The timepiece is approved in accordance with the new Hallmark of Geneva criteria Sandblasted silver-toned dial hours, minutes. It is a limited Edition of 100 pieces for the 100th Anniversary of the barrel shape by Vacheron Constantin.VC: 729 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065 - Charles and Ray Eames, Decorative Arts, Design, Goerge Nelse, Herman Miller, Modern Art, Noguchi, Showrooms
The Herman Miller Pop Up Shop in Soho
The Collection’s final, vital elements are wholly new works from Herman Miller to be introduced this Summer and beyond. In the queue are designs by Ayse Birsel and Bibi Seck, Leon Ransmeier, Sam Hecht and Kim Collin, to enhance and extend The Collection’s reach and service to virtually every space in modern life.Right foreground: Eames lounge chair and stool upholstered in whiteNot simply an exercise in nostalgia, however, the collection also includes recent award-winning contemporary designs by some of today’s best known practitioners from Italian alliance partners Magis and Mattiazzi. These highly respected design houses represent the work of Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, the brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Steffano Giovannoni, Nitzan Cohen, Naoto Fukasawa, Marcel Wanders, Sam Hecht and Kim Collin.
Eames Arm Chair
Mattiazzi ChairsThe Collection includes familiar and well-loved pieces from the company’s early collaborations with the giants of 20th design, many reintroduced after decades or freshly reinterpreted with new materials and manufacturing technologies.
Eames Dinning Room Chairs and TableNames like Eames, Nelson, Noguchi, Girard, Bennett, and Burdick are the foundation for this pop up shop. The shop marks the first public display of the renewed Herman Miller Collection, a comprehensive portfolio of products that offers the ability to create complete environments—from the backyard to the boardroom—with solutions that serve commercial, home, and hospitality spaces. Taking its cue directly from the 1952 writings of George Nelson, Herman Miller’s then director of design, the portfolio represents “the continuing creation of a permanent collection designed to meet fully the requirements for modern living.”
Eames Chairs and tableThe Herman Miller Pop Up Store which is now open in Soho until July 1st is one of the most ambitious pop up store around. During their opening party, over 800 guests gathered together in order to observe and absorb design at its finest. Every piece of furniture and accesory from Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Neguchi, to Girard, have a story of its own. Herman Miller, the American furniture company have always been ahead of the pack by introducing their customers with nothing less but the finest modern furniture in commercial interiors and modern spaces since the 1930s. This particular exhibition officially introduced Herman Miller Collection to the largest metro market in North America. They even have a popular shop filled with design accessories – from Maharam pillows upholstered with George Nelson’s fabrics to my favorite Eames Black Birds. While the Pop Up Shop is intended to serve as a showroom for the commercial architectural and interior design community, it is also open to the public seven days a week. The carefully curated portfolio combined existing and newly reintroduced iconic modern furniture pieces, as well as the contemporary work of some of today’s best known designers, as well as a total of 200 product families, including several pieces previewed in advance of their retail availability this Fall. The flow of the shop’s vignettes made me want to explore the space even more, and I appreciated how these museum quality pieces represented both residential and commercial applications, which provide solutions for casual office environments, executive offices, meeting rooms, dining rooms, living rooms and even outdoor environments. The product display and the shop is located at 68 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broome) in the heart of SoHo. For more pictures of the exhibition, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/highendweekly. And don’t forget to Like US too! -
Annika Connor Revisited
Annika ConnorPhoto courtesy Devon BanksOn an early spring afternoon, I visited rising star Annika Connor* at her light and spacious studio located next to The London Hotel in New York City. I was taken by her joyful and charming personality, as she served up traditional English tea, while sharing her passion for the good life: fine gourmet food, fashion, entertainment, and her thought provoking, yet romantic watercolors.“I love food, and think it relates to painting. That is also one of the many reasons why I enjoy cooking. I think about cooking the same way that I think about color, the complimentary flavors, the unusual combinations… Red and Green are complimentary colors, So if I make pasta salad, it will be with chili and mints for an added surprise…” Annika ConnorHigh End Weekly™: Your watercolors look like actual oil on canvas. Did you start out painting with oil?
Annika Connor: I started painting with watercolor in 2003 when I was living in London but away from the studio for an extended period of time. Originally my watercolors were to be studies for larger oil paintings , however they eventually became so rich and worked I slowly recognized them as paintings in their own right. Because I never studied watercolor in college, I started painting them like oils which made for a very nontraditional approach to the medium. I approached it the same way that I did with my oil paintings: I built up layers and glazes and payed close attention to the details. From the very beginning, I’ve spent a lot of time working on all my paintings. I wanted give the viewers a haze of magic and leave them with a sense of rhythm and significant pattern.
Annika Connor, Blue RoomHEW: Your work has this real romantic feeling to it. Was that purposeful or did that just happen spontaneously?AC: It’s a combination of the two. I made a conscious decision to not overly conceptualize my work, and let my true voice speak for itself. I am naturally a day dreamer, a romantic, highly imaginative, and a very girly girl. I love dancing, art, great books, good food, and I adore fashion; this comes through in my paintings. In my art I embrace my romantic sensibilities. I push this so my paintings will spark my viewer’s imaginations. I want to encourage the world to day dream more, to seek beauty, and to feel the poetry in the day to day.
Annika Connor, Fan CoralHEW: Speaking of inspiration, I can see through your paintings that you are an admirer of great architecture. Did you ever think of going into design or architecture?
AC: Sometimes I can be jealous of architecture because it is an art form where you can literally exist in it. You cannot ignore it, architecture has such a strong impact. When I visit spaces that are beautifully designed, whether they are from the Rococo era, or modern interiors, I feel so moved and inspired by them. I would love to collaborate with an architect one day on a space. For now I am just starting to dip my toes in the design world. I recently had the opportunity to designing some wallpapers and textiles. I was approached by Cavern, who worked with me to develop a line of wallpaper and upholstery fabrics.For one of the Chandy wallpaper pattern we developed a design which comes in two color variations and which is inspired by my chandelier paintings. To create this, we literally took the chandeliers out of
my paintings, reduced them down to four colors, silk screened them, and created a cascading pattern of chandeliers. Go here to see. This was a really exciting project for me as it gave me the chance to bring my art into a space in a new way. In the past my paintings have been inspired by the patterns and spaces i see, now my paintings are decorating new spaces by making patterns for them. I loved the symmetry in this.
“Lottie” available in a light beige linen background in gold and silver colorwaysFabric, wallpaper and pillow, designed by Annika Connor for Cavern Home
HEW: All of the interior designers that I’ve shown your work prior to this interview absolutely loved it. The interiors that you paint lend themselves to art collectors as well. Now that I see your textile designs, I’m wondering if this is something you’d like to do regularly. Do you want to start licensing your own work to various textile companies?AC: Sure! Why not? I love the idea of one idea inspiring another. One day I would like to collaborate and do greeting cards, create patterns for fashion textiles, or design more home decor. I’m on the fashion committee of the National Art Club, and see a huge connection between my art and my love of fashion. The arts often divide themselves into separate categories: design, fashion, fine arts, dance, etc but I see them as very inter-connected. If licensing my work could help me link to other forms of art I would jump at that. I really admire the way Gustav Klimt made that connection with his paintings, decor, clothing, etc and would be happy to follow in his footsteps and do the same.
In my dream world, I could definitely see a painting like my King Angel Fish working as a gorgeous print for a Diane von Fusternberg dress, and I would gladly welcome the chance to collaborate more in this way. As a painter I am interested in visual communication. If opening the door to licensing my art in new ways, gives people a chance to be exposed to painting in a manner they can relate to then great! Honestly, one of the things that I don’t like about the art world is how exceedingly elitist it is. The gallery can seem so inaccessible to many people. Often times even affluent highly educated individuals can be intimidated by the art world if they are not well versed in art history and art theory. This is a shame. One should be able to look at art and on some level feel a connection regardless if you have studied art. I really want to make art which makes these connections, the goal is to one day make art that will move the audience to feel something wonderful. I want to make paintings which spark the imagination, which reach beyond the white walls to speak to a wider world.
Annika Connor, The Love Joy ApproachHEW: Are you still working on oil paintings? And is there a gallery in NYC who is currently showing your artwork?AC: I occasionally still do an oil painting when I want to work large, but i am primarily interested in watercolor these days. You can see my work at http://www.fordproject.com/artists/annika-connor.HEW: How do you view your overall work?AC: Collectively, my work is all about beauty, the feminine aesthetic, the celebration of the imagination, memories, and daydreams.HEW: Do you get inspired living in New York City?AC: Of course! How could one not be! I love this city and all it offers! My work is shaped so much by living in the city. It is like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong sing in Autumn in New York.My studio is in the heart of Midtown and I am surrounded by offices, hotels, and these canyons of steel. New Yorkers are such hard workers. The drive and ambition in this city is an inspiration and helps to keep me motivated. However, I also love how this hard working city is when it relaxes and plays. New York is a city of celebration and champagne. When this town kicks back it does it in style, with a ball gown and a tuxedo. I love it! I think New Yorker’s love of glamour is wonderful. A night at the opera, the ballet, out dancing, or simply enjoy great art happens at least once a week for almost all young Manhattanites. New York City is so generous and supportive of the art and institutions they admire. It is the generosity of spirit that makes this city so special. More then any grants or government programs it is the citizens of this city who create and cultivate the culture. Perhaps it was Le Corbusier who summed it up best when he said “Vehement silhouettes of Manhattan-that vertical city with unimaginable diamonds”.* In addition to being a painter, Annika Connor is the Owner/President of Active Ideas Productions (AIP) which was launched in 2008. Active Ideas Productions is an innovative organization committed to the education, distribution, and development of emerging artists and the art community. AI Productions explores the intersection of art as a business and discovers innovative ways in which artists can collaborate to manufacture their creative endeavors while giving them a platform for artistic excellence.For more information on Annika Connor please visit www.annikaconnor.com, her Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/AnnikaConnorArtist. Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnnikaConnor, and Active Ideas Productions: www.aiproductions.org. Active Ideas Productions is also on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/ActiveIdeasProductions, www.twitter.com/ActiveIdea.
Annika Connor, LagoonImages courtesy Annika ConnorAll rights reserved - Art, Bernardaud, Calendar of Events, Legends of La Cienega, Life and Style, Park Avenue Armory, Sebastian and Barquet, Showrooms, The Weekender
The Weekender: Social Butterflies
LEGENDS OF LA CIENEGAOn Wednesday, May 9th, acclaimed interior furnishings company Rose Tarlow Melrose House hosted the VIP cocktail party that officially commenced the La Cienega Design Quarter’s 4th Annual LEGENDS of La Cienega.The opening event historically draws notables across categories and offers the design community an opportunity to gatherin celebration of the Los Angeles design scene, of which the LaCienega Design Quarter is the heart. Last night’s event reflected the “Windows to the World” theme with globally inspired catering by Taste that referenced the featured countries of the windows.
Partygoers from the East and West Coasts
The evening was attended by some of the world’s most celebrated names in interior design, including Amy Kehoe, Campion Platt, David Hicks, David Phoenix, Joe Lucas, Kathryn Ireland, Madeline Stuart, Malcolm James Kutner, Muriel Brandolini, Oliver Furth, Mary McDonald, Jeff Andrews, Suzanne Rheinstein, Todd Nickey, Trip Haenisch and Waldo Fernandez, as well as Susan Feldman, Co-Founder, Chief Merchandising Officer of One Kings Lane, among others. The Legends of La Cienega Kick-Off event was hosted by Meg Touborg, CEO of Rose Tarlow Melrose House.
Photos courtesy D. BlodgettJOHNNY SWING OPENING RECEPTION AT SEBASTIAN + BARQUETMurmuration brings together five examples of Johnny Swing’s iconic coin furniture, and will serve as the debut of his most recent and ambitious work to date. His recent publication is a fully illustrated catalogue showcasing each of the works from the series, with essays by David Collens, Judd Tully and James Zemaitis, will accompany the exhibition. The opening reception was hosted by Interior Designer, Geoffrey Bradfield.
Geoffrey Bradfield
Michael Brummel, Corice Arman
Jim O’Donnell: Sitting on his Johnny Swing ChairPhotos courtesy High End Weekly™SAKE TASTING at BERNARDAUDBernardaud welcomed 150 guests to its flagship boutique on Park Avenue for a unique Sake Tasting reception on Wednesday, May 9th. Four kuramotos ot house masters from four of the most venerable sake breweries in Japan – Urakasumi, Sudohonke, Masumi, and Masuizumi. The four masters offered samples of their products, the fruits of centuries-honored brewing techniques, that were accompanied by unexpected food pairings of French cuisine (such as duck breast and pate) during the cross-cultural gastronomic event. Guests savored the various sakes in a Bernardaud Anno cup that was designed by architect Sylvain Dubuisson. The Sudohonke brewery boasts a legacy of 55 generations of family ownership. Many of Japan’s breweries have been severely impacted by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake.
Katsuhiko Miyasaka, George Kakaty and Ryuichiro Masuda
Koichi Saura, George Kakaty and Genuemon SudoPhotos courtesy BernardaudPARTICLES + WAVES at ILIADCornelia Thomsen at the the opening reception of Particles + Waves, which is a curated group exhibition at Iliad Gallery located at East 57th Street. The exhibition presents a group of twelve artists whose work resonates with quantum theory, the perplexities of the subatomic world, and various interpretations of the “observer-dependent universe” through visual metaphors presenting the paradox of particle/wave duality as a modern day parable. Featuring provocative works by Cair Crawford, Karen Gunderson, Alice Hope, Ron Kingswood, Kari Lindstrom, Nefeli Massia, Norman Mooney, Svetlana Rabey, Taney Roniger, Rhonda Smith, Cornelia Thomsen and Andrea Zemel, the exhibition will include a rich variety of artistic media in a broad range of 2D and sculptural works.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Madison Avenue Watch WeekVacheron Constantin kicked-off the Madison Avenue Watch Week with an exclusive cocktail reception on the evening of Monday, April 30th at two locations. Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North America, welcomed guests at the Vacheron Constantin Madison Avenue boutique as well as a distinguished private bank across the street from Vacheron. Guests previewed the exclusive 2012 collection of timepieces, including the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon, the Métiers d’Art Les Univers Infinis, and the newly redesigned Malte collection, the highlight pieces from this year’s SIHH.
Hugues de Pins, President of Vacheron Constantin, and Aldo Sohm, world renowned Chef Sommelier at Le Bernardin
and 2008 winner of the “Best Sommelier of the World.”
Vacheron Constantin, The Value of Vintage TimepiecesPhotos courtesy Monica Schipper PhotographySPRING SHOW NYC 2012Earlier this month, at the Park Avenue Armory, astute organizers of art and antique fairs pursued a dual mission by appealing to museum professionals, seasoned buyers, and welcomed neophytes. No art and antiques fair anywhere in the world fulfilled those two goals with more aplomb than the Spring Show NYC, which opened on May 3rd and ran through May 6th. There, in a hospitable, non-intimidating setting, fair goers of all backgrounds were comfortably united in awe and appreciation of the wide range of the fair’s offerings.
Serena Tufo, Mike Gallagher, Vyna St Phard, Rio HamiltonPhoto Courtesy Annie Watt
Magen H Gallery owner, Hugues Magen, and Benoist Drut, Partner, Maison Gerard LtdPhoto Courtesy High End Weekly™
Nara Simmons, David Kristie, Andersen Gumbs
Paul Baker from WhistlepigPhotos Courtesy Annie Watt -
A Must Read: A 21st Century Palace by Geoffrey Bradfield
The pages of Geoffrey Bradfield‘s latest interior design book will certainly take you to one of the most breathtaking and soaring palaces in the world. Get ready to be transported to a rich virtual journey through the creation of one of this stunning new breed of palaces: a high-rise residence Bradfield designed in the heart of Mexico City. It showcases all the requisite building blocks essential to the development of any great modernist collection: museum-worthy 20th- and 21st-century painting and sculpture, ravishing Art Deco furnishings (my favorite!) and extravagant materials cut and quarried from halfway around the planet.This is the first volume in a series that will examine the astonishing particulars of five distinct contemporary palaces located around the world. Geoffrey Bradfield is well equipped to tell this story. “Functional Opulence” is the key to his designs, which draw inspiration from the Orient, African Primitivism, and Art Deco.His work incorporates fine art and antiques with modern materials and high tech accessories, attaching the same sculptural value to utility objects as to important pieces of art. The look, drawn from the twentieth century, results in intensely comfortable and superbly elegant environments that delight the eye, mind and body alike. In 1991, he co-wrote Point of View: Design by Jay Spectre. He is the eloquent writer of Celebration: Christmas in New York, published in 1993, and a book showcasing his work of the last decade, Geoffrey Bradfield – Defining Millennium Modern was published in 2004. In 2009, he wrote Geoffrey Bradfield Ex Arte which was published by Panache Partners. The book featured a compilation of his international projects. Feel free to contact me, if you’d like to have a signed copy of one of the most anticipated book of this season.
