Decorate your Home with some of The World’s Finest Linen

Feux de bangale by Patricia J. Kha
From Paris with Love
It’s often said that the devil is in the details. And looking at the embroidery of Patricia J. Kha, an experienced artist who follows a very tight and precise technical descriptions with accuracy and skillfulness, I tend to agree. Last month, I was given a private viewing of her collection, since I was linen shopping for a client’s guest bedroom. After seeing a single pillow case, I was struck by the way the design resembled a true work of art. The needle point was so fine, so detailed, that the motif bore a strong resemblance to a hand block fabric, but au contraire, it was hand made with love.


Patricia Kha’s work showed the necessary diligence required to execute the delicate work that is essential in haute couture. I was so pleased to have been introduced to her work, and she quickly became my go to source for rare and fine linen. To view more of her work, including her monogram pillows, visit: www.architecturalwatercolors.com/alphabet.html. Her fine line of home hand-embroidered linen is sold exclusively in the United States through Patricia Mentor: patriciajkhausa@gmail.com Tel: 917-664-1098.

Patricia J. Kha
An Architectural Alphabet is an exhibition and book project from Patricia Kha which comprises 26 small-format watercolors incorporating the letters of the alphabet in architectural or garden-themed vignettes. Taking their inspiration from Ancien Régime France and the Grand Tour, the watercolors evoke the playfulness and exoticism that inspired the architects and garden designers of the period.”

Des jours et des nuits 
Custom sizes and colors available

January’s Key Events on Review

Rose Hartman, celebrity photographer of Incomparable Women of Style and Pamela Hill of Hill Gallery (Birmingham, Michigan) at the Metro Show opening night accompanied by a life-size sculpture of a amiable man dressed in 18th-century fashion carved from Southern pine, Early 19th Century,

From 18th century textiles from Asia, folk art from the Americas, Jule Leleu’s arm chairs from France, to art deco tea service by Brüder Frank from Maison Gerard, the major antique art shows opened with a brilliant and optimistic note last month starting with the opening night at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, home to the 2nd Annual Metro Show.

A SOIRÉE AT THE METRO SHOW
    Editor’s Top Picks


Lillian Nassau LLC (New York): Tiffany Studio art glass, early 20th Century

Photos courtesy High End Weekly™

THE 59TH ANNUAL WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW

Set of four Armchairs by Jules Leleu, Carolle Thibault-Pomerantz
* Mahogany and gilt bronze sabots, numbered on right back leg, France c. 1935
* Pair of Fine Ceramic vases by Primavera. Signed on base: Primavera France, impressed with hatchet mark for Sainte-Radegonde. Atelier of Les Grands Magasins du Printemps (founded in 1912)
* Fine rare extension and adjustable center table/coffee table “guéridon elevator” by Jules Leleu. France, c. 1955. *Wallpaper, Incas. Wood-block printed by Dufour in 1818, after Jean-Francois Marmontel. One scene from the panoramique “Incas”: pizaro disembarking with his companions in Peru. Rare panel: in pristine condition and colors, never hung. Wood-block printed by Dufour in 1818, after Jean-Francois Marmontel. * Wallpaper, “Les Chasses de Compiègne” (Stag Hunt at the Chateau de Compiègne): Quarry Scene ( La Curée). This is the only scenic panoramique designed by the painter Carle Vernet who specialized in hunt and horse scenes. The panels were wood-block printed by Jacquemard & Bénard, successor of Reveillon. Provenance:
Jean Zuber private collection.
Black Wings is a hand knotted carpet, made at the Wilton Royal workshops, England,
circa 1935 by Marion Dorn., Keshishian
Salvador Dali, Spain, Ménagère , 1962
Silver-gilt cutlery comprising: “Cuillère artichaut”, artichoke spoon with snail shell, painted and lacquered artichoke bowl. “Fourchette- é l é phant 3 dents”, fork with three teeth and elephant head, the eyes set with rubies. “Couteau escargot aux larmes”, snail knife with tear-shaped pendants., Didier Ltd
Italian Glass Past
Barovier Intarsio Vase designed by Orcole Barovier 1961
Venini Mosaico Zanfirico Vase, designed by Paolo Venini, c. 1954, Acid signed “Venini Murano Italia” to base, *Three Venini Incamiciato Vases designed by Paolo Venini, 1950, Acid signed “Venini Murano Italia” to base * Salviati Fascia Murrine Vase designed by Luciano Gaspari, 1964, Inscribed signature “Salviati Murano” to base * Venini Fasce Verticale Vase designed by Fulvio Bianconi, c. 1952, Acid signed “Venini Murano Italia” to base * Venini Tessuto Vase designed by Barlo Scarpa, 1940 Acid signed “Venini Murano Italia” to bas * Venini Battulo Vase designed by Carlo Scarpa, c. 1940 Acid signed “Venini Murano Ars” to base * Venini Occhi Vase designed by Tobia Scarpa, 1962, Acid signed “Venini Italy Murano” (Circular) to base * Venini Mezz-Filligrana Decanter, c. 1956, Acid signed “Venini Murano Italia” to base * Venini Mezza-Filigrana Bird designed by Tomaso Buzzi, 1932, Acid signed “Venini Murano Ars” to base * Venini Incamiciato Vase designed by Tomaso Buzzi, c. 1933, Acid signed “Venini Murano” to base * Venini Mezza-Filigrana Bird designed by Tomaso Buzzi, 1932,
Acid signed “Venini Murano Ars” to base
Fine & Rare Art Deco Silver six-piece Tea Service by Brüder Frank, Vienna, Austria, circa 1920 from Maison Gerard
Serge Manzon, White lacquered bibliothèque with three stained oak shelves, c.1970, Magen H Gallery
Wingback Lounge Chair, Unknown, Denmark, c. 1951, Wool and Teak, Lost City Arts
The decisive leadership that made Lincoln great 
He overrules his military commander to protect Washington Autograph Letter Signed. May 21, 1862, The Kenneth Rendell Gallery

Photo credit and story by Laurence Fayard

William Helburn Washington Square Arch, 1950 Gelatin Silver Print
William Helburn Red Canoe, 1959 Archival Pigment Print
Both photographs from Peter Fetterman Gallery
VARIOUS VENUES
A reproduced Campbell’s Soup Can by Andy Warhol from the MOMA Store
Unknown artist oil on canvas at the offices of Drs. Chapas and MacGregor of Union Square Laser Dermatology
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™

Trends from the NYIGF: Natural Fibers, Geometric Patterns and Raw Wood

Rope Study: in Natural and White from Natural Curiosity
The Year of Pretty
The NYIGF ended earlier today in a most positive note. And that isn’t necessarily because the fair was set aside as being particularly exciting, but rather it was because the materials on display were aesthetically pleasing and comfortably safe to unwind with. Natural fibers such as abaca, wool, hemp, jute, and sisal were seen as strong trends throughout the show. At one point, I saw so much jute, I thought I was transported to a street fair at The Philippines.
On Monday afternoon, I ran into interior designer, and former contributing editor at Elle Decor, Elaine Griffin, while I was at Pier 94. Elaine shared with me some of the trends that she noticed from this closely watched gift fair. “Most of the trends that we saw today were launched last year, and so this year, they’re playing catch up. These are not necessarily new.” So I had to ask, what’s new?

“We’re seeing raw wood, and geometric patterns everywhere. Mind you, this trend was already launched last year, but it is now expending into fabrics, rugs, and furniture. Colors such as yellow, green are just exploding! I think that green is still a very popular, and important color. Overall, what we’re seeing is a lot of pretty at this fair. This is the year of pretty because in a time of economic uncertainty, people want pretty. The vendors want something that is going to sell, and pretty is safe.”


From the 2013 summer collection – A chic and colorful clutch from Mary y Sol.
All of their products are handmade in Madagascar
Home and fashion designs Flora Bella
Graphic patterns such as these were seen everywhere at the show, from hand towels, boxes, furniture, to even water bottles

The Condotti collection from Dransfield & Ross can deliver a dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere to any bedrooms. This princess duvet was too splendid for words. The blue ribbons threaded with the linen fabric made it just that more special
A few of my favorite things from Hancock baskets
Vintage warmth: Peggy Fisher’s bag from Hancok Baskets
A natural choice: Perfect little summer clutch from the folks at Mar y Sol
Bringing the outdoors in. A strong theme at the NYIGF
This simple graphic brought a nostalgic feeling to a plain, otherwise unmemorable  bag. The splash of red did add to its appeal – to be sure


Rope me in: These natural and aesthetically pleasing accessories are great for some home decoration – on a budget
Pleasure meeting Fabrice Philippe, of Teo Jasmin.  Fabrice is a famous French designer to the stars. His various fun and trendy bags are household names among celebrities like Paris Hilton, and Brad Pitt. Also, think of gift bags at The Oscars, and the Bafta awards. The popular bags depict various English bulldogs in stylish attire, which are quickly making wave in the US market




Unique, natural furniture and lighting accessories from the Design Group


Graphic designs, from furniture to table trays were seen just about everywhere at the fair
Rani Arabella
Images courtesy High End Weekly

First Look: Italian furniture maker, Promemoria, reveals their most fashionable line of furniture to date

AZIZA/ AZIZA LARGE 
Special edition
poltrona/ armchair 74x76xh76 cm – 291/8×2915/16xh2915/16
inches/ 91x82xh80 cm – 3513/16×325/16xh311/2 inches
Base in ancient beech, fabric “KUBUS” extra collection and new velvet
(melanzana 4 – DSR0300817)

Fresh out of Maison & Objet in Paris, this is Promemoria’s 2013 Furniture Collection. Geometric patterns of the days of yore ruled the scene, and stayed ahead of the trends, as Italian furniture company, Promemoria, revealed their most fashionable line of furniture to date.

Promemoria, Paris
FUTURE VOYAGER ATTO II
Cabinet 161x47xh85 cm – 616/16×188/16xh337/16 inches 
Base in ancient oak, covering in smooth moro leather and cashmere (extra collection)
GINEVRA 
Armchair 90x98xh81 cm – 357/16×389/16xh317/8 inches 
Ebony, covering in new crema 1 (DTPANNA), cushion in new cioccolato 6 (S1T10162032)

BATTISTA
Special edition 
Small table 62,5x47xh57 cm – 245/8×181/2xh227/16 inches 
Base in mate black, inlaid top in maple, oak and mahogany
BILOU BILOU LARGE
Special edition 
Chair 50×59,5xh92,5 cm – 1911/16×237/16xh367/16 inches 
Completely upholstered in Bilou Bilou velvet

SCARLETT 
Special edition 
Bedside table with castors 46x46xh50 cm – 181/8×181/8xh1911/16 inches/ 46x46xh68 cm –
181/8×181/8xh263/4 inches
Structure in bronze, removable tray in patchwork leather (smooth moro/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection – smooth rosso/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection)

How To Achieve that famous “Cooper Look”

Anderson Cooper
Photo via Washington Post

A Tailored Man

Who on earth are designing Anderson Cooper’s suits? I’ve been wondering about this for years, and now I need answers. At times, I suspect these stylish garments that we’ve all tuned in to watch on AC360 (of course, we appreciate and like his reporting style too) are the works of the talented Ralph Lauren, Thom Browne, and perhaps even Tom Ford? Somehow, I suspect that Ralph Lauren is his go-to primary fashion designer. Inquiring mind wants to know.
Cooper Style
Image credit:Melissa Lynn/Zuma Press
Ralph Lauren Purple Suit
Star power: Anderson Cooper at the CMJ Film Festival
photo via evilbeetgossip.com
Tommy Hilfiger‘s smart and casual look
Life of the party: Anderson Cooper at a Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Photo via Life.com
ACNE via Mr. Porter
Photo via onewed.com
A very young and stylish Anderson
photo via Thefashionspot.com
Get a similar look: ETRO Blue Tweed Blazer
Photo via lyst.com
CNN’s anchor man, Anderson Cooper
Credit: Apega/WENN.com photo via Sociallitelife.com
Ralph Lauren black label
Photo via Men Style Power

For The Love of Art

Frank Stella, Zane Bennet Contemporary Art
The Metro Show
This Week’s Hottest Events

The METRO Show is among several shows this week which will officially kick off New York City’s art fairs. This much anticipated five-day run will start on January 23 at New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. When the doors open for the second edition of the METRO Show tomorrow evening, visitors will get to admire an array of fine and decorative arts from which to choose from. If it’s anything like last year, then it promises to be a veritable one-stop mecca for both seasoned and novice collectors and design aficionados.

As I pointed out earlier, the Opening Night is on Wednesday, January 23 from 6-7 by by invtiation only. Public preview starts from 7-9 pm, and the tickets are $75, either online or at the door. To obtain their hours of operation, visit their official website.

Le Petit Festival du Theatre

Le Petit Festival du Theatre 2010

My readers in Dubrovnik would be pleased to learn about the Le Petit Festival 2012, which will open with the opening of a photo exhibition by my all time favorite Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto at the Museum Marin Drzic. This year, the theme of Le Petit Festival 2013 will be the Beauty of the Woman. The festival will be open with the exhibition of iconic American photographer Robert Farber at the Museum of Art. Le Petit Festival du Theatre is a small but unique and popular cultural event held annually in historical Dubrovnik, one the most beautiful cities in the world. The backbone of this soulful festival is theatre in its many forms, from ballet to modern dance, classical to modern stage performances, Opera to Fado, collaborating all of the creations in its simplest and yet still magical form.

The Museum of Art in Dubrovnik
Le Petit Festival du Theatre 2011
Le Petit Festival du Theatre 2009
Le Petit Festival du Theatre 2007
Le Petit Festival du Theatre 2012

Winter Antiques Show

Established in 1876, The Fine Art Society (one of the dealers who is showing at the fair), specializes in 19th and 20th century British art and design
Photo via Faslondon.com
The 59th Annual Winter Antiques Show will take place at the Park Avenue Armory. This fair has long been branded as THE institutional art + design show for decades on end. The Show provides curators, established collectors, dealers, design professionals and first-time buyers with opportunities to view and purchase exceptional pieces showcased by 75 experts in American, English, European, and Asian fine and decorative arts. he opening night party is on Thursday, January 24th, and the show opens to the public from January 25th until February 3, 2013. To purchase tickets visit www.winterantiquesshow.com.
Interiors Awards

On Friday, January 25th, a number of fantastic architectural interiors will be honored, a Designer of the Year will be named, and Michael Graves, FAIA, will be recognized with the Legend Award at the 34th Annual Interiors Awards presented by Contract. The who’s who of the design world will gather at Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate the Interiors Awards. Contract—the leading magazine for commercial architecture and interior design—will recognize projects worldwide in 13 market segments. Contract Editor in Chief John Czarnecki, Assoc. AIA, will emcee the event and will present the 2013 Legend Award to Graves—the first Designer of the Year (1981) to also receive the Legend distinction. 

Tickets for this premier event are available for purchase at www.contractdesign.com/interiorsawards2013
Cipriani New York
Iconic:Graves designed Alessi Electric Blue Bird Kettle
Majestic: Michael Grave’s St. Coletta School, Washington, D.C.
photo via Providence Journal
Michael Graves
Photo credit Barry Johnson

I want to live in a Bauhaus home!

Contemporary Bauhaus Residence on the Carmel by Pitsou Kedem Architects
photo via Yatzer

Thank goodness the Bauhaus movement survived down to our modern world of industry, with its teachings methods that stressed the need for rational, and practical approach to design. The Bauhaus aim as we know it, was created to bring together all the arts under primacy of architecture. And so today, when I go through a number of shelter magazines, books, and online design websites that highlight this much beloved design principal in the 21st century, all I can say is: Thank you Walter Gropius!








Contemporary Bauhaus Residence on the Carmel by Pitsou Kedem Architects
photos via Yatzer
BauBike by Michael Ubbesen Jakobsen
Photo via www.yatzer.com
Bauhaus, Dessau, Germany
photo via Emdelight
Photo via Backinistral

Luxury Fabrics for Daily Comfort

Upholsery fabrics from Dedar. Couvertures et Tenues De Jour: Printed on cotton velvet using twenty four flat screens, the design shows elegantly bedecked horses parading at the racecourse. An adaptation of the omonimous Hermès scarf.

The Hermes Collection from Dedar

The 2011 debut of the Hermes collection from Dedar was very well-received and seemed to have produced some wonderful results for both parties. As Maison & Objet is kicking off today in Paris, I’m very interested in finding out what’s new for the Italian textile house in 2013 (look for the latest pictures from the fair on our Facebook and Instagram sites in the next few days). I sincerely hope you get inspired to decorate and refresh your interiors by choosing these gorgeous and wondrous textile patterns for your homes.


FABRICS & WALLPAPER

Op’H: This design from the Hermès archives, composed of vertically stacked Hs, has been a great inspiration to the house since the 1950s
Bibliotheque: Screen printed in 140cm wide, the design evokes Emile Hermès collection of equestrian books
Les Sangles: Girths, buckles and straps necessary for keeping horses blankets in place during horse races are here interpreted in a monochrome mix of black, grey and white, or in citrus colors
Equateur Impression Chaine: An iconic design by Robert Dallet created in 1988 subtly reproduced using the technique of warp printing
Right: As shown in an interior: Bibliotheque
Circuit: A contemporary interpretation of the iconic pattern Chaine d’Ancre.
The striated rings evoke motor racing tracks
Feuillage Imprime’: Taken from an original gouache by Raoul Dufy, these large palm
leaves intertwine on an abaca canvas
Fil D’Argent: The design composed of interlaced rings is inspired by the metalwork
used for horses harnesses
Herringbone: The herringbone design with a raised motif pays homage to the traditional fabric associated with the equestrian world of Hermès
Dedar’s Paris Showroom

OTHER FAVORITES from DEDAR
FALL 2012 COLLECTION

Ziggy: A small geometric pattern on a satin ground. An elegant contrast is created between the smooth ground and the linen relief yarn. Precious, versatile and hard-wearing also for upholstery.
Why from Dedar – A bold and glamorous pattern that is a motif of Japanese inspiration, updated by the chromatic contrast between its satin stitch embroidery and a satin ground. Soft and full-handed when used for drapes, but hard-wearing in upholstery applications.

Red Carpet Moments at The 70th Golden Globes Awards

Helen Mirren, Dress by Badgley Mischka.
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images via New York Magazine

“You Wear It Well”

Perhaps the chilly weather in Los Angeles yesterday left many scrambling for a second choice of outfit for the Golden Globes because the fashion was overall pretty awful. Even some of Hollywood’s best dressed were left looking like they didn’t bother to look at a full-length mirror. But amidst all of that, they were those who weathered the fashion storm and came out on top. This list comprised of a charming group of celebrities who were on my “fashion radar” during the Golden Globes’ red carpet moments. Who did you favor?

Gabrielle Douglas
Photo:Andreas Branch/Patrick McMullan, via New York Magazine
Naomi Watts, Dress by Zac Posen, clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo, shoes by Casadei.
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images via New York Magazine
Bradley Cooper
John Shearer / Invision / AP /via Los Angeles Times
Lucy Liu, Dress by Carolina Herrera, jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz.
Photo:Jason Merritt/2013 Getty Images, via New York Magazine
Jessica Chastain, Dress by Calvin Klein Collection
Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP via Los Angeles Times
Julianna Moore, Dress by Tom Ford.
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Photo via New York Magazine
Julianne Hough
Jason Merritt / Getty Images via Los Angeles Press
THE BADLY DRESSED
Lena Dunham, Dress by Zac Posen
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images, via New York Magazine
Halle Berry, Dress by Atelier Versace
Jason Merritt / Getty Images via Los Angeles Times
Katharine McPhee
Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP / January 13, 2013 via Los Angeles Times
Mayim Bialik
Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP via Los Angeles Times
Kerry Washington, dress by Miu Miu
Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP via Los Angeles Times
Eva Longoria, Dress by Emilio Pucci.
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images via New York Magazine
Kaley Cuoco
Jason Merritt/Getty Images via Los Angeles Times
Kristen Bell
John Shearer / Invision / AP via Los Angeles Times
Jennifer Lopez, Dress by Zuhair Murad, clutch by Jimmy Choo.
Photo:Jason Merritt/Getty Images via New York Magazine