High End Weekly™ – Page 39 – High End Weekly™

de Giulio’s Beautiful Kitchen Design

There was a time not so very long ago when homeowners had to settle for the standard white oak, pine or soft maple cabinets in their kitchens. Even though the quality of those woods were good, the overall aesthetic was of an acquired taste. As an interior designer, I’ve advised my clients to run from the typical vanilla box kitchens with their shiny, overloaded stainless steel accessories. The kitchen is one of the most important room in a house, and should be treated as such. Overlooking the obvious can sometimes cost you thousands, if not millions of dollars, when the time comes to sale or rent your home.

Metal boy cabinet by de Giulio

Nowadays, the choice of kitchen designs and cookware have proliferated beyond belief. There is an abundance of kitchen stores, specializing in Italian, German, Swedish, or French designs. And quite frankly, most of them have morphed into this idea of what a beautiful kitchen should be, and not necessarily taking functionality into consideration. Good design is crucial. And while I realized what you have in your kitchen is very much a personal choice, depending on how you live and what you like to cook, I encourage you to think carefully about functionality. That is why I favor the new Metal Boy from De Giulio. The Metal Boy is the most recent addition to an extensive collection of signature products designed by the US company. It is an inventive alternative to the traditional pot rack. This new cabinet combines enclosed storage for pots, pans, lids, baking sheets, and dishes with modern form and high-functionality.

details of the Metal Boy Cabinet

Crafted in distressed nickel silver, highly-polished stainless steel, ebonized walnut, and glass, the cabinet is an innovative design element that will be the showstopper in a kitchen design, and it is complete with LED lighting which accentuates the beauty and sculptural form of the interior cabinet. It is perfect for those of you who are considering environmental issues, when building a new kitchen. Shop this exclusive design while you visit LuxeHome at the Merchandise Mart, in Chicago. The kitchen design is on display at de Giulio’s showroom. This could be a beautiful beginning of becoming a domestic goddess (or god).

The Weekender: Shanghai: the Art Deco pearl of Asia

Please join me in welcoming our guest blogger, Richard Rabel. Richard is a New York-based interior designer and art advisor, with a keen eye for some of the most exquisite objets d’art and design. A multi-linguist with a ten-year career as a senior officer and specialist in a London-based international auction house, twenty years of art and design study and over thirty years of international travel, Richard has lived in seven countries and has had access to some of the most exquisite and exclusive spaces. From San Francisco to Mexico City, Sao Paulo to Geneva, Istanbul to Delhi and Sydney to Shanghai, the breadth of his travels has cultivated his eye and contributed to defining his exacting taste and modern aesthetic.

Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s was a bustling international city with government officials and businessmen from England, France and Germany rubbing shoulders with Russian aristocrats exiled from St. Petersburg, American gangsters from Chicago, not to mention the glamorous remnants of China’s Imperial Court. So it is no surprise that with money flowing freely into this capitalist hub, fashion and styles from the West followed too.

The star of the city was (and still is) the Bund, a riverside promenade graced by hotels and offices of the foreign banks and businesses that made Shanghai the most important city in Asia in the first half of the 20th Century. But where did this melting pot of aristocrats, starlets, international business moguls and government officials converge? They did so at The Cathay Hotel, built in 1929 and one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture and decoration in the city.

Can you imagine the feeling as you came in from the crowded, grimy streets into the elegant octagonal lobby? This was the most luxurious hotel in the city and was known for the jazz band that played in the 9th floor restaurant. The interior was decorated with Italian marble and Lalique glass, while the furnishings were imported from France. This was the jazz age on speed!

Photos courtesy Fairmont Hotel Group

Today, after a half century of communist ownership as the Peace Hotel, the Canadian Fairmont Hotel group has restored the hotel to its previous glory and has once again, made this THE hotel to stay in Shanghai. History repeating itself!

Written by Richard Rabel from the Modern Sybarite™

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

Top Picks from the 2012 Architectural Digest Show

Today I’m reflecting on the Architecture Digest Show that took place last week at Pier 94. Those types of fairs are informative, and excellent for product sourcing. But sadly, the AD Show have seen more misses than hits, over the years.

Left: In Memory and Hope

And so it was a breath of fresh air, when I discovered a few vendors who were pushing the limits with innovative ideas, and designs. I loved the Rockwell’s Group’s table concept for DIFFA Dining by Design. It was simple and inviting, with this underlining theatrical effect to it. David Rockwell’s new textiles for Jim Thompson worked well with the playful, and dramatic surface of the table which was covered in a warm white wax.

The Rockwell Group 2012 Dining by Design for DIFFA

Photos courtesy Strohl & Co

Whimsy

Mark A. Perry Sculptor

Sculptural Forms

Contemporary Vases from artist Young Mi Kim, Cocobolo Design

Vibrant Hues

Luxurious Qashqai blankets from D. Bryant Archie Textiles

Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier

Fall 2012 Furniture Collection

The Curator’s Eye

Robert A.M. Stern Stern Collection

Photos courtesy High End Weekly™

Robert A.M. Stern‘s booth was beautifully curated, and brought to mind Maison Gerard’s gallery spaces. The furniture was offset by a gorgeous white-washed herringbone floor. I’m so glad that my friend Rio Hamilton from Neidermaier brought the booth to my attention! Speaking of Neidermaier, their furniture collection are always so stylish, and in accord with hospitality, and residential projects. Did I mention how chic they are? I’ve always been impressed with D. Brynat Archie‘s striking hand-made, vibrant, yet subdued, luxurious fabrics. Her new resort collection of 100% cotton fabrics, pillows, throws and bed covers reminds me of Marrakesh. How exotic!

Top Picks from AD 2012

Top Picks from the 2012 Architectural Digest Show

Today I’m reflecting on the Architecture Digest Show that took place last week at Pier 94. Those types of fairs are informative, and excellent for product sourcing. But sadly enough, over the last few years, the AD Show have seen more misses than hits. And so it was a breath of fresh air, when this time around, I discovered a few vendors who were pushing the limits with creative ideas, and designs. No cookie cutter design, please. David Rockwell’s new textiles for Jim Thompson was one of the designs that I thought worked well with the playful, and dramatic surface of the table which was covered in a warm white wax.

Whimsy: Mark A. Perry Sculptor

The Rockwell Group’s table concept for DIFFA Dining by Design was simple and inviting, but still managed to evoke a theatrical effect.

Robert A.M. Stern’s furniture was offset by a gorgeous white-washed herringbone floor. I’m so glad that my friend Rio Hamilton brought the booth to my attention, otherwise I woud of missed it!

The large booth was a modernist dream, curated with a minimalistic approach. At the end, it did not feel cold, but instead had a zen-like feel to it.

Vibrant Hues: Luxurious Qashqai blankets from D. Bryant Archie Textiles – I’ve always been impressed with D. Brynat Archie’s striking hand-made, vibrant, yet subdued, luxurious fabrics. Her new resort collection of 100% cotton fabrics, pillows, throws and bed covers reminds me of Marrakesh. How exotic!

Top Right: Robert A.M. Stern Stern Collection

Art Deco from Japan

An Art Deco past from Japan.6 — The Modern Girl and Art Deco Photo courtesy High End Weekly™

The quality and beauty of every object showcased at the exhibition Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture from the 1920s through 1945 is stunning. The show is heart-stopping beautiful, and highlights an era of glamor and luxury. Judging from the number of paintings, jewelry and metalwork displayed throughout the entire second floor of the Japan Society’s gallery space, it’s fair to say that most of the works belonged to the impressive collection of the Levenson Family. I must admit, I was not familiar with the influence of Art Deco in Japan until I attended the Deco Japan Symposium* on Saturday, March 24th (one day before the end of Asia Week New York, which fetch about $170 Million).

The modern girl had a close association with art deco, feminism and women sufferance, since it was a period of cultural transformation, fashion, and memorable architecture.

It’s hard to imagine that art deco would have such a huge impact on a closed society as Japan was back then. But obviously, Deco being what it was, managed to break through that barrier. Imperial Japan was ripped for more progressive thinking, and fine arts managed to have a vital role during the war in Japan. Japanese craft represented the totality of the Japanese society, and the upper class were vastly concerned with art and design. Interior designers understood that all too well, as they hurried to create interiors that were harmonious, and functional.

amazaki Katutaro (1899 - 1984) Pair of vases with design of leaping hares, lacquered wood, 1939 - 1942 — amazaki Katutaro (1899 – 1984) Pair of vases with design of leaping hares,
lacquered wood, 1939 – 1942

Enomoto Chikatoshi (1898 - 1973) Young woman adjusting her skis. Two panels folding screen, in powdered shell, silver, and colors on panel, late 1930s — Enomoto Chikatoshi (1898 – 1973) Young woman adjusting her skis.
Two panels folding screen, in powdered shell, silver, and colors on panel, late 1930s

Hiramatsu Koshun (1896 - 1971) Bull. Cast bronze, about 1930 - 1943. bull cast bronze Photos courtesy of Levenson Collection, via Japan Society — Hiramatsu Koshun (1896 – 1971) Bull. Cast bronze, about 1930 – 1943.
bull cast bronze
Photos courtesy of Levenson Collection, via Japan Society

They were quite keen to sell that lifestyle to their clients. The objects on view are of social identity, paired with functional, subdued, yet spirited interiors. All three speakers who were part of the symposium were brilliant, and a leading voice in their field of ability. I especially enjoyed Vera Mackie’s talk: The Modern Girl and Art Deco. The modern girl had a close association with art deco, feminism and women sufferance, since it was a period of cultural transformation, fashion, and memorable architecture. The last room from this exhibition is where you’ll be able to view, and explore this exciting topic. The modern girl in Japan was known to decorate with exotic fabrics, many of them from India. She had a very active social agenda, got involved with shopping, playing tennis, drinking, and smoking cigarettes. The art deco style became clear in the kimono designs from her wardrobe, her bobbed hairstyle was all about modernity. In short, Ms. Mackie explained that the modern girl in Japan was an Icon of Modernity. But at the end, she was consumed, as people consumed the image of the Modern Girl.

Kendall Brown (the exhibit’s curator and author of Deco Japan), Gennifer Weisenfeld, Vera Mackie, with a welcome and introduction by Joe Earle, director of the Japan Society Gallery

Deco Japan is from March 16 until June 10, 2012 at the Japan Society

The New York School of Interior Design’s Chairman Spring Luncheon

The New York School of Interior Design is having some pretty amazing lectures this spring. One such event is Regan Fletcher: An Insider’s Guide to the Interiors of Shubert Theater. Reagan Fletcher is a longtime archivist of The Shubert Archive and co-author of Shuberts Present: 100 Years of the American Theatre. He is scheduled to talk about this subject tonight at 6 PM.

Pictured: Duane Hampton, Patricia Sovern

I was delighted to be invited to the Chairman luncheon last week where all in attendance had the rare opportunity to listen to a short presentation by the man himself. Fletcher touched upon the history as well as the interiors and restoration of various Shubert theaters located in the heart of Times Squares. His exhibition is beautifully curated, and is not to be missed by Broadway enthusiasts and those of us with a penchant for great architecture.

Inge Heckel, Katie Ridder, Betsy Ruprecht

Vyna St Phard, Cynthia Hazen Polsky, and Karen Hsu

Karen Hsu, David Sprouls

Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Reagan Fletcher, Patricia Schoenfeld

Atmosphere

Belasco Theather

Photos courtesy The New York School of Interior Design

Fletcher has brought together a selection of archival photographs and design documents that show the sumptuous interiors of the Shubert Organization’s seventeen Broadway theatres, focusing on the historic restorations of the Barrymore, the Belasco, the Longacre, the Shubert, and the Winter Garden. Nowadays, the Winter Garden houses one of my favorite show, Mama Mia! But whenever I pass by this iconic building, I can’t help but remember the times I went to see Cats over the years, and the memories, and emotions that show still manages to evoke within me.

2012 Biennale des Antiquaires Officially Announced

Biennale des Antiquaires, Paris 2012

A global group of esteemed guests both from the US and France, gathered at the French Consulate last week to celebrate the official announcement of the Biennale des Antiquaires which is set to take place on September 14th through the 23rd.

Pictured: Juan Carlos, Dominique Levy, and Peter Marino

Fashion Designer and Renaissance Man, Karl Lagerfeld will be the Scenographer this year. Peter Marino, who attended the event with Juan Carlos, will share double billing with another world renowned designer, Jacques Grange, by creating some of the most remarkable and noteworthy booths one will ever find at a furniture fair. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair. This year show will also be held at the landmark Grand Palais – Le salon d’honneur which has been closed since 1940. All this is nice to hear, but you may ask yourself why is the Biennale des Antiquaires different, and worth spending time in Paris in the fall?

Christian Deydier

Christian Deydier, Corice Arman, Xavier Samson

Scott Buccheit, Emma Snowdon Jones, Gillian Hearst Simonds

Vyna St Phard, Laura Rothfuss

Milly de Cabrol, Sabine Bourgey

Jonathan Farkas, Somers Farkas

Chip Kidd, Yvonne Bendinger Rothschild

Lauren Remington Platt

Karl Lagerfeld Designed USB Drive

Images courtesy Billy Farrell Agency

The genesis of the fair dates back to the 8th arrondissement on the Avenue Winston Churchill. The Biennale des Antiquaires will expand within the Grand Palais for the first time this fall, and this will re-open the famed Salon d’Honneur wing after years of renovations. Since 1962, the Syndicat National des Antiquaires has hosted the Biennale des Antiquaires, which will welcome the foremost art and antiquities exhibitors. An unprecedented 150 exhibitors are eager to show their works for this grand occasion. From what I gathered, the expanded venue means more first-time exhibitors will be welcomed in the new wing. However, 80% of the booths will represent Parisian galleries, many of whom boast an impressive roster of American clients. The luminous Marlborough Gallery will return to the show, as they did two years ago. Be prepared to be dazzled by fine jewelry houses such as Wallace Chan, Chaumet, Bulgari and Boucheron. Let’s not forget Piaget, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Cartier and Christian Dior. Paris is an international style capital, and this September will surely see an influx of collectors, dealers, curators, designers and art connoisseurs to the city of lights, fashion, unparalleled gastronomy, and of course, art and design. With all that said, see you at Biennale for the fair. But then again, who needs an excuse to visit Paris!

High Five: Decorative & Fine Arts Sourcing

The oil on canvas is by Hong Viet Dung who is well known for his intensely serene artwork. I was drawn to Path to Tranquility for that very reason. The scene is dreamy and has this certain bewitching quality about it. www.artnet.com/judithday.html

Path to Tranquility

So Chic!

Contemporary round stool Pieds de Bouc with bronze legs by Marc Bankowsky, France 2010.

The historical reference to Greek mythology brings this stool en par with the other antiquities selected for this post. Plus it is a fresh and witty way to live up any type of design disciplines.

Maison Gerard

Photo courtesy 1stdibs.com

Princely Figure

Bodhisattva head, Grey schist

Art from Gandhara, 2nd-3rd Century

The Bodhisattva head is supremely regal and refined. I instantly liked this one because of its rarity, excellent condition, and what’s more, it looks great in whatever angle you choose to gaze at it.

Christophe Hioco

Pure Elegance

Wada Akira (b. 1978)

White porcelain Geometric vessel, 2011

A friend of mind told me that this vase reminded him of something one might have seen at Crate and Barrel. Upon closer look, one could see the careful details embellished on this vase by young and emerging artist, Wada Akira, disqualifies such thinking. Mass produced decorative works will never look this good.

www.mirviss.com

Photo courtesy of Joan B Mirviss LTD, New York

(Photography by Richard Goodbody).

High Horses
Detail of a six panel screen, depicting horses in a stable.
Mineral pigments on paper, 17th century.
The images on this screen seem to fade in and out of darkness, and they have incredible movements. Not to mention effortless elegance.
Alex Michels

To acquire these, or similar works of arts, please contact us for Fine Art Consultancy.

Highlights from Asia Week New York 2012

The Strange Elizabethans

Growing up in Hong Kong, at times, the artist felt lost with her identity, and often envisioned the Chinese population as anonymous, but with a strong tie to England.

By artist Annysa Ng from China 2000 Fine Arts

Imperial Pairs

Although my taste in porcelain is much simpler than these, I was attracted to this pair because of their commending stand and beauty. Their provenance is most likely tied to another pair of identical vases from a garniture from the Jiaquing period as illustrated in the Treasure in Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Quing Dynast, back in 2003.
From Ralph M. Chait Galleries.

Forced Happiness

Beautiful carved wood prints, and works on pencil have become the signature of Pace Prints on East 57th – right across the street from the Fuller Building. The cynical sense of humor of artist Yue Minjun, creates a potent sense of what the political climate feels like in communist China.

Layered In

The one man show of artist Tai Xiangzhou is now on display at the Chinese Porcelain Company. Tai’s work (pictured in the background) is extensive, intense, and has a dreamlike quality about it.
He is the only existing artist whom have studied under Liu Dan.

Simple as a Ring

Eric Zetterquist on East 66 Street has a great exhibition of some of the more well known Chinese porcelain from the 6th Century A.D. I liked the Japanese jade-like porcelain vase pictured here on the top left corner.
It has an acute simplicity, and the look is quite modern.

A finely carved painted pottery figure of a Fat Lady at Courage and Joy.

The miniature statue looks right at home in its surroundings.

Closer Look

Ceramic technology reached its peaked and influenced the cultural tradition in ancient China and Japan. This plum blossom seemed simple, but upon closer look one discovers the masterful hands behind it. The roundness of the mouth is quite unusual, not to mention unique. While visiting Joe-Hynn’s exhibition, I got to explore the individual beauty and relationship between each one of his pieces. This is a finely potted green-glazed stoneware bottle vase, with a globular ‘garlic’ mouth from the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE).

Old and New

I took this shot because it reminded me of the ancient world mixed with the new. Looking at the outside world from the windows of Erik Thomsen‘s gallery, I appreciated even more the contrast of the sereneness of this scroll, with the hustle and bustle of a New York City’s moment.

Exquisite

Although this is not included in the exhibit, I couldn’t help but share it with you. The black lacquer vase looked exceptionally pleasing, and so are the orchads for that matter. Agreed?

A warm welcome from two of the members of Carlton Rochell Asian Art

Symbol Figure

This authoritive figure – a Schist Bodhisattva Gandhara, circa 3rd Century – was a site to behold.
Carlton Rochell explained how they have been pursuing this particular piece for 30 years, and after it stayed a few monhts in their possession, they can happily report that it found a new home – an institution to be exact.

So Wise

Ancient scroll from Jiyoung Koo on East 72nd Street. This particular scroll was from the private library of a collector in New Jersey. It is understood that he had the piece for several years not realising the importance of the provenance.

Fly Away

I fail to remember the name of this artist, but remembered to take this picture since I loved it so much! In Japan, a butterfly is a symbol of abundance and wealth. This comtemporary piece can be found at Dai Ichi Arts.

En Garde!

An earthenware Guardian-Warrior from the Western Jin dynasty from the 3rd-4th century A.D.
Kaidodo Gallery on East 78th Street.

The Fine Prints

This image portrays a Prince inspecting manuscripts in a palace library attributed to Manohar, Mughal, circa 1600. The devil is in the fine details of this intricate photo from Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch. It’s one of their priceless prints from the Indian Painting exhibition for Asia Week New York 2012

Photos courtesy High End Week™

The Weekender: Maimonide of Brooklyn’s Opening Celebration

Culture Chic!

And the party went on, and on, and on at Maimonide (also known as M.O.B.) during its grand opening on Wednesday night. And why not? I cannot think of a better combination than great food and music. And there was plenty of both going around all evening. Guests were treated to delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly cuisine that is affectionately known as avant-garde vegetarian food for carnivores.

Dishes included dried fruit saucissons, vegan chicken nuggets, and open-faced sandwiches that were topped with wholesome ingredients, which are called MOBs. Try the veggie burgers the next time you visit them, and let me know what you think. If this is the way vegetarians eat, I do not think I want to be a carnivore anymore. On second thoughts, I do enjoy a good steak at Sparks from time to time.

This restaurant is a wonderful addition to the ever vibrant and culture chic side of Brooklyn, and I loved its playful design which is an homage to 90s hip-hop culture, Brooklyn, and the healthy-living beliefs of the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides. The walls have poetry by Brooklyn poets, and displays of paraphernalia bringing Brooklyn’s legends to life (Notorious B.I.G. and Spike Lee).

The tables are communal style and each vegetable and fruit used on the menu has a sign on the wall, tombstone style. The corn soup is made with popcorn, to remember the time when corn was grown in Boerum Hill. How nostalgic. The ideas behind the MOB sandwich and the inclusion of Maimonides is explained through the story of Barack, a former fast-food delivery man, who realizes the error of his ways and heads off to save the world, one healthy meal at a time.

M.O.B. is the brainchild of Cyril Aouizerate. His partner in the project is Alain Senderens, the Executive Chef is Neal Harden and Zorina Price is the General Manager. Aouizerate is also the founder of Urbantech and co-founder of Mama Shelter, both located in France. The extraordinary flair of M.O.B. is the fact that the owner has combined his love for urban planning, architecture and philosophy. He’s done it in such way, that it all seemed flawless. Partner Alain Senderens, the legendary French chef, earned 28 consecutive years of three Michelin stars at Lucas Carton before famously rebelling against France’s strict star ranking system and democratizing the restaurant; he contributed to the menu with Executive Chef Neal Harden, formerly of Pure Food & Wine. This concept is so great, and I wondered why no one else have thought of it before. I believe that M.O.B will be a destination restaurant, and no doubt Manhattanites won’t mind the short taxi ride from Midtown, or the 20 minutes train hike from Times Square. I for one, will be making that regular trip. Maimonide is located at 525 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.