Author: High End Weekly™

High Fashion from Downton Abbey

Ralph Lauren, Downton Abbey Inspired Outfit from the 2012 Fall/Winter Collection
Photo via Ralph Lauren
“The best pleasure is the creativity.”
Ralph Lauren
Prolific fashion icon, astute businessman, museum-quality automobiles collector, recipient of the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur award, and according to an article in 2012 from Forbes magazine, Ralph Lauren’s net worth has placed him as the 122nd richest person in the world. And so now, the wildly popular British hit TV show Downton Abbey had caught the designer’s eye, and he has since produced a whole line of dazzling garments, inspired by the show. We loyal fans are ever so grateful. And by the way, did you happen to catch his advertisement at the end of Downtown Abbey on Sunday night? One word: Breathtaking.
Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 Collection
Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 Collection
Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 Collection
Above Images: Ralph Lauren models at the Skylight Studio in the Soho district wearing a total of 57 outfits inspired by the British Drama Downton Abbey to mind.
Photo via Ralph Lauren
Photo via Ralph Lauren
Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley) poses in a stunning fashion spread for Harper’s Bazaar. During the fashion shoot, Michelle wore several elegant gowns from Ralph Lauren, Alberta Ferretti and Tom Ford, which depicted the life and spirit of the addictive popular TV series.
Love the Art Deco carpet, don’t you?
Photo via Ralph Lauren
Edwardian inspired outfits worn by the cast in the 3rd series of Downton Abbey which is set in 1920 England. Photo via DailyMail.co.uk
High Drama: Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Shirley MacLaine joined the Downton Abbey cast as Martha Levinson, the mother of Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern).
Photo via InsideTrack.com
Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 Collection inspired by Downton Abbey during New York Fashion Week. 
Image courtesy Carlo Allegri/Reuters, via www.timeslive.co/za
Ralph Lauren
On the runway with Ralph Lauren, Fall/Winter 2012 Collection
Image courtesy Carlo Allegri/Reuters, via www.timeslive.co/za

Becoming A Domestic Diva

Vyna St. Phard, and Michael Aram
Photo courtesy High End Weekly™
A Cheerful Invitation
In my opinion, everyone who appreciates the pleasure – and the importance – of preparing a meal for family and friends, should also appreciates the importance of setting up an elegant table. On Tuesday morning, I was invited to visit Michael Aram‘s flagship store on West 18th Street, and was just delighted to see his fine porcelain collection, designed to reflect the way we are entertaining today in the modern world. His pieces incorporated ease and comfort without sacrificing grace and detail. I’ve always liked Michael’s designs because they’re perfect for parties, celebrations, get-togethers, sit-down dinners, brunches and fabulous holiday buffets.

Constructed of Limoges bodies with exceptionally executed graphic details, the pieces remain sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. Each motif stands on its own but can also be combined with any or all of the texture patterns to create many variations of place settings. The designs are also carefully managed to integrate perfectly with Michael’s existing array of metal, glass, wood and stone serving and decorative objects.
 All the body shapes are exactly the same, so you can mix the plates any way you want
and know they’ll always look beautiful.

The result is an exquisite table every time you use them…casual when you want to be, more formal when the time is right…with motifs that go from two-dimensional expressions in the place settings to fully sculptural executions in the center of the table.
This table setting was styled by yours truly. Michael called on various design bloggers to create
a table setting that will incorporate his new collections along with his old pieces. 
The bouquet arrangement is from his fabulous team.
Incorporating the outdoors into his designs is one of the many strenghts of Michael Aram’s body of work.
This simple yet elegant tabletop setting called for a little mix and match – silver and wood accessories
equal a congenial mariage.
Photos courtesy HL GROUP
The fun continued at the office later that day, when I mixed Michael Aram’s glamorous coasters
with pieces from Jasper Conran and Gerard Nouri.
Our office table adorned with a Michael Aram’s coaster from his new collection as well as his old cat and mouse tray (“abstract” photo taken by our intern Jerome Massi).
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™
Renown international designer Michael Aram
Photo courtesy HL GROUP

Romare Bearden: America’s Greatest Collagist

Romare Bearden, Three Women, Lithograph
Photo via pegalstonfinearts.com
The Sotryteller
One of the most memorable moments in art last year was the centennial celebration of Romare Bearden’s body of work at various museums and galleries exhibitions throughout the world. Often referred to as this nation’s greatest collagist, Romare was a visual artist whose works went through many phases and styles, through a wide range of media. As a native son of Charlotte, North Carolina, this talented African-American artist, modernist, citizen of the world, left us with an impressive body of work that tells a unique, diverse, and evolving story.
“Romare Bearden is one of, if not the greatest, American visual artist of the 
20th Century and should be celebrated as such.”
Russell Goins, a friend and collaborator of the famed Harlem artist Romare Bearden
Romare Bearden, Casting the Net, 1987. Collage and Watercolor on Paper
Photo via Jerald Melberg Gallery
 Romare Bearden, Conjur Woman, 1964
Photo via Nonsite.org
Romare Bearden – Time Magazine Cover, 1968
Photo via Dailyartfixx.com
Family Dinner by Romare Bearden
Photo via Artspace.com
Romare Bearden-Pittsburgh Memory-1964
Photo via DailyArtFixx.com
Romare Bearden watercolor on paper, 1944
Photo via Scadmoa.org
Romare Bearden, Mother and child, Lithograph
Photo via pegalstonfinearts.com
Romare Mearden, Near the Watering Hole Collage and Watercolor on Paper
Photo via Jerald Melberg

“Artists like Bearden see what ought to be, look at what is, and then, through their work, try to remove the contradition.”
Sarah Lewis, author and curator

110th Street Harlem Blues by Romare Bearden
Photo via Artnet.com

Take Me To The South Of France

Provence, France
How do I began putting down in words how much this region means to me? Ideally situated between the Mediterranean sea, and the South of France, Provence is where I have some amazing close and supportive friends, clients who have incredibly sentimental views of their homes and lifestyles, it is where architecture speaks and tugs at my heart, lavender fields that I long to see all year round. I love the region’s fine cuisine, street fairs, daily marchées, but what makes it extra special is the warmth and excellent vibration of the people of Provence. They are among some of the warmest and kindest folks that I’ve had the privilege of meeting. Of course, there’s so much more behind these statements, but I’ll let these stunning pictures tell a story of their own. Bon weekend to you all!

Photo via Les Tours Dhorloge


Photo via Backroads.com
Photo via Flickr (Tame 1954)

Photo via decordeprovence.blogpost.com
Photo via Weheartit.com

Photo via Flickr (Julia Fredenburg)


Unless otherwise noted, all of the above photos are via Pinterest
Highly Recommended Reading
Vyna St Phard in front of La Place et l’hotel d’Albertas
Provence 2000

Photo High End Weekly™

How to Anchor a Room with a great looking Rug

On my way to dinner last night, I was thinking which post should I start the new year with? Afterall, this is the time when most folks are feeling highly optimistic, and making countless of resolutions… So as I cast my eyes across the restaurant’s corridor, I noticed this extravagantly decorated rug, then I thought: why not start with a post which will hopefully encourage most to do some decorating around their homes? A good looking rug fits the bill, and can change the look of any space. Depending on its color and texture, a rug can make a bold statement or blend quietly. As the foundation of which your decor is based, the color and style of the rug should echo the mood as well as the furnishings of your space.
There are two major things you should seriously consider when choosing a rug. Its color and its uses. Speaking of color:

Dark, rich colors create a cozy feeling and help define a more intimate space. On the other hand, lighter colors open up small spaces and, when coordinated with the wall colors, make a room look appear larger. Rugs with yellow, orange or red add warmth to rooms with indirect light, while cool blues and greens help create a calm atmosphere in sunny rooms.

Diamond Sisal Natural Sisal Rug
via luxtica.com, image copyright: hemphillsrugs.com

High-traffic areas, like family rooms and hallways, call for easy care, durable or reversible rugs. Homes or establishments with small children require easy-care rugs with a softer surface. So remember to choose well. Households with animal pets, such as dogs or cats that like to chew should avoid rugs with a looped pile. No matter how fabulous they look.

A rare and exquisite art deco Leleu rug from Doris Leslie Blau
Lunar Stripe Rug
Stark Carpet
A traditional carpet by Laura Ashley, via AllAboutYou.com 
Chatham runner in azure and New Hadley runner in mandarin, www.rogeroates.com
Courtesy of Good Housekeeping, via Allaboutyou.com
When you need to make a graphic statement, look no further than a dramatic black and white rug
via therugboutique.com
The ‘layered carpet look”: A Darryl Carter and was published in Elle Decor

On Top Of The World

SKI LUXE

If you’re looking for a luxury ski vacation in France, look no further than Courchevel. This “St Tropez of winter sports” has been named the sixth most expensive place in the world to buy real estate. And according to a study quoted on Christie’s Real Estates, around one in six high-net-worth individuals owns a ski chalet. Not a bad way to get your adrenalin going year round!

Dali Exhbit at Courchevel, France, 2010
Photo via On The Snow
As the biggest connected ski resort in the world, boasting three very impressive ski level, Courchevel’s tantalizing lifestyle will certainly transport anyone at the top of the world!

A temporary Chanel boutique in the heart of the Courchevel Resort which was on display from December 19, 2011 until December 14, 2012.
Le Strato, Courchevel, France
Photo via Conde Nast Traveller
Chalet Grande Roche Courchevel, France
Photo via elitedaily.com
Chalet Darkoum is an exquisite family destination, four storey chalet containing three comfortable apartments with a high ratio of bathrooms to bedrooms.
Photo via Alpine Answers
The 1650 Level Resort Skiing at Courchevel
Photo via Trips Geek
Courchevel, France
Photo via The Fancy
Courchevel, France, 2012
A majestic crest as seen on the region’s official website
Photo via Courchevel
Venez nous joindre!
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I’m dreaming of a White Kitchen …

Gwyneth Paltrow’s New York Kitchen. Vogue Photo, via Hooked on Houses

This year, House Beautiful declared the kitchen as “America’s New Living Room”, and I think that’s an accurate statement. The kitchen is where we gather with our friends and families, and share our “joie de vivre” while we savor its special moments. Here’s a few white kitchen ideas that will make you dream in living color.

Minimalist cabinets, modern furniture, traditional ceiling & lighting, 
classic herringbone floors equals Chic, Chic, Chic
 Instantly update your modernist status with these clean lines, white orchards,
and these bigger than life light fixtures.
 The small black touches throughout this space certainly add to the beauty of this minimalist kitchen.
The look is clean, yet it’s by no means frigid.
This kitchen tends to remind me of watching a futuristic movie with no end on site.
 Speaking of futuristic kitchens…
The many textures seen here certainly shake things up, and break up the continuance of the white palette. The metal table is a sight to behold
Love the Eames chairs. They add a firm structure and stability to a space otherwise not very memorable

Photos via Minimalisti.com

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High End Weekly’s Year on Art, Design, and Fashion

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn tops our Number 10 List this year as the most popular post. No surprise there. She was the face of grace and elegance, and everything stylish. And eventhough she exited the world’s stage in 1993, she remains an inspiration and role model for millions of women all over the world.

Other memorable stories were my Q&A with furniture designer John Lyle, my series on the awesome works of Fernand Léger, The Kips Bay Decoration Showhouse, and more.


No. 2
Higher Grounds: Twiggy with Richard Avedon

What strikes me the most about Twiggy is that she has remained strong and confident throughout her career, and her popularity hasn’t waned as seasons passed. This is quite a feat considering that most models and actors usually do not experience this outcome.

No. 3
A pretty pair of pink wing chairs from Leah Antiques, as well as painting of Joan Collins from the early 1960’s take center stage in this exceedingly lively room. 
No wonder Joan Collins chose John Lyle to design her New York City apartment, as she got ready to sell it through Core Real Estate. He is so intuitive, plus it doesn’t hurt to have a marvelous eye for great design.
No. 4
Fernand Léger
Fernand Léger’s work in the 1920s made his international reputation. They combined that certain quality of surrealism and the strong characteristic of the plain forms which he came to be known for.
No. 5
Eileen Gray Transat Chair
As an architect, Eileen Gray designed and furnished herself a new home, Tempe à Pailla, outside Menton, France. That building is an icon of Modernist architecture, and the design was an awesome example of form meets function.
No. 6
Composition, 1940 – 1942, oil on canvas – Fernand Léger
Image via 1artclub
With all the glory that later came as being a blue chip artist, Fernand Léger’s career spaned from early investigations of painting as a means of capturing modern sensations in abstract and near abstract dynamic compositions to heroic images of common life.

No. 7
Furniture trends tend to follow not just changing tastes, but changing needs as the ways in which we live our lives alter over time.
No. 8
Custom made red Zig Zag table stands as a tribute to the late designer Albert Hadley
Raji Radhakrishman’s Le Bureau Privé
The Curator’s Office
No. 9
Metal Boy Cabinet
Most Americans would agree that the kitchen is one of the most important room in a house, and should be treated as such. And de Giulio is happy to prove that point by providing them with some of the most inspiring kitchens to “live with”.

No. 10
Christian Deydier, Corice Arman, Xavier Samson
A global group of esteemed guests both from the US and France, gathered at the French Consulate in March 2012 to celebrate the official announcement of the Biennale des Antiquaires which took place on September 14 through the 23rd.

Legendary Luxury Hotels to Fall in Love With

The Suite Life
Visit our Top 7 choices of the most glamorous places to stay this holiday season.
Signature Suite at Hôtel Metropole
The Bentley suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City
Bentley theme suite, St Regis, NY
The newly renovated Hotel Jerome, in Aspen Colorado has never looked better
English elegance at the Madarin Oriental, London
The lure and excitement of being in Tangier rises to the top at the Laurence of Morroco Hotel
One of the few places where great fashion ideas took shape: The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz, Paris
The Elton John Suite at The Ritz Hotel, Paris

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Greenberg’s Art Deco: The Splendor Of The Sublime

Art Deco

MASTERFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Steven Greenberg collection of Art Deco art, furniture, and accessories represents the magnificence of a time relived through the eyes of this special collector. Capturing the Art Deco zeitgeist through selective acquisition, with an acute eye towards exquisite beauty, Greenberg amassed works by Dupas, Dunand, and Ruhlmann.

Written by Gail Green
As Kathryn Hausman, president of the Art Deco Society of New York, who was both a close personal and professional friend of Steven Greenberg notes, “When it came to his collection, Steven had both an eye for attention to detail and an appreciation for the masterful craftsmanship and beauty that epitomized the Art Deco period. He lived and worked amongst these works of beauty as though each piece spoke to him of a time and artist still alive. Stevenʼs ability to create such a collection illustrates his profound knowledge and love of the period.” With the majority of his exemplary collection centered on the works of these three titans of the times, Greenberg sets the Christieʼs stage with a feast for the splendor of the sublime.

A COLLECTOR’S PASSION FOR BEAUTY

Paul Bonetʼs hand-tooled leather binding with George Barbierʼs lively illustrations
Talking sublime, Paul Bonetʼs hand-tooled leather binding with George Barbierʼs lively illustrations is artistic virtuosity. Influenced by Pierre Legrain, Bonetʼs work exhibits a three dimensionality that is highly innovative. This black Morocco gild leather binding, whose cover is encrusted with a “sunk-in lacquer panel in black, red, gold, silver, and eggshell, and whose lower cover is gilt and decorated with red morocco inlay and golden iridescent silk end leaves” exhibits the whimsy and fanciful decoration of the illustrations within. Encapsulating the beauty and materials of the Art deco period, Bonet was both highly imaginative and daring.

Unlike any Eileen Gray I have ever seen, this rare six panel 1923 dark brown colored lacquer screen is a wonderful example of the designerʼs art moderne style. Incised and painted wood panels display linear and arced shapes reminiscent of the De Stijl movement, Grayʼs work shows a sympathetic alliance to the international artists of her time, both in innovation and technique. The work is about as much as the spaces she defined within the lines as it is about the process and genius that these lines distinguished.

Jean Dupasʻ pair of wall panels, dated 1934/5, define Greenbergʼs taste for the period as well as epitomize the Art Deco period itself. The allegorical themes which it portrays in full splendor are as bold and magnificent as the work itself. Sea monsters, sirens, waves – a drama played out verre eglomise display a boldness of line and spirit that raise this work to magnificent artistic heights. Originally designed for the Grand Salon of the Normandie, the gold, silver and palladium leafing palette must have made a grand gesture matched only by the ship itself.

Steven Greenbergʼs masterpiece collection of French Art Deco artistry highlights the unfaltering eye of a collectorʼs passion for beauty and genius. Best Wishes! Gail.

Six panel 1923 dark brown colored lacquer screen


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