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Industrial Clocks by George Nelson
He was widely known as one of the founding fathers of American modernism, who was also admired as the creator of beautiful and practical things. As an interior designer, I appreciate the aesthetics of George Nelson’s designs, and make use of them whenever the project calls for it. Yes, I’m much enthused with his industrial clock designs, but do not want to over look his architectural contribution; his iconic furniture designs, like the 1956 kangaroo chair, his sling sofa and coffee table, and of course, his ever more popular steel legged chairs. A room with a view: The George Nelson retro modern chairs (circa 1956)are a perfect compliments to his industrial clocks. Photo via ArchzineThe settees, the bedroom pieces he designed while working with the Herman Miller company in the 1940s will forever remain in the archives as a notification of what great design really signifies. George Nelson was an amazing industrial designer with a vision that left an imprint and is still carried out by today’s top 21st Century Product Designers.
Futuristic!George Nelson’s Clocknik Table Clock
Message in a bottleGeorge Nelson Design for Herman Miller Clock Company, circa 1950
Round and Around We GoTop: Re-issued by Vitra, The Wheel, circa the 1950s, or 1960s. Right: Ball Clock, circa 1964Bottom: Tripod Clock, circa 1947. Right: An extremely rare Vintage George Nelson ClockSpoonfedGeorge Nelson Spoon Pendulum ClockForward to a new Modernism
The EssensialsTop: George Nelson: Architect / Writer / Designer / Teacher/ Full color, extensively illustrated, this book from the Vitra Design Museum is a fitting tribute to this seminal figure. With eight essays by German and American design historians, the publication deals with all of the areas of his work, many of which are presented here for the first time. Bottom: Building a New Europe: Portraits of Modern Architects (Yale School of Architecture) covers a series of articles from the 1930s, as Nelson eloquently introduced astonishing buildings and fascinating personalities from across the Atlantic to wider American audiences.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. -
Fairchild Baldwin at The OC Concept Store
Like the memory of the iconic Audrey Hepburn, I predict that these bags will soon see their way to immortality, as the quintessential bag. Shown here in black broadtail with leather trim and shiny silver handles, these limited edition small “O” bag from Fairchild Baldwin are designed to go from day to evening. All of the bags from their collection lined in 100% silk satin. Available in garnet kangaroo with leather trim and gunmetal handles, cream broadtail with leather trim and 10k gold handles, smooth black Italian leather with gunmetal trim and handles, and grey flannel with cognac leather trim and gunmetal handles. From the OC Concept Store.
Left: Hourglass shape coat from Lanvin’s winter collection. Right: Lightweight, weekend Bobby duffel bags with signature “O” accent for men and women. Shown here are the french blue with navy trim, and the grey flannel with tan trim. Also available in silver and espresso brown pebble.
Mariah Carey looked fabulous in this Merino wool pale gray cape, perfectly accessorized with a thin brown belt. Whoever her stylist is, all I can say is well done! Her sunglasses reminds me of the Tom Ford pair we carry in our Amazon store. The Jill bag from the OC Store is flat, lightweight, and offers a perfect compliment to her ensemble. It is designed for convenient travel and everyday use, plus it serves double duty as a clutch. Brown pebble leather with orange stitching and brass handles.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. -
Memorable Actors: Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy
A Class Act There’s no better way to start this series of Memorable Actors other than with Audrey Hepburn. She had that mega star voltage, as well as that coveted, immeasurable style and grace.
And from the looks of things, Audrey’s beauty was beyond skin deep, and I think just about anyone would agree with that statement. Not only was she a Hollywood legend, mother, wife, and humanitarian (not necessarily in that order), she was also the most stylish woman of her time.
These images of her wearing Givenchy are some of the best possible ways that I want to remember her by. She looked event more dazzling in that designer gown (pictured below) she wore in the 1954 film Sabrina. That was a double wow!!
Audrey HepburnNOTE: 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 10 Places to Shop in 2011
Clockwise: Art Deco Furniture from Maison Gerard, OC Concept Store, Arabesques Earrings, Kiki de Montparnasse, Starlet Robe, Fine stationary from Mrs. John L. Strong.
From Top: Darcy, White & Silver Wallpaper ($70/Roll). Bottom from Left: Jana Paintable. Right: Arches Paintable Wallpaper ($30/Roll).
Handblown Czech glass from Artel.
Diamond 18k Rose Gold Bracelet from High End Weekly’s Amazon Store.
Top Left: Bookmarc by Marc Jacobs on Bleecker Street. Right: Flowers by L’Olivier. Bottom: Red Velvet cupcakes from Cannelle Patisserie, Jackson Heights, NY.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. -
Promemoria Celebrations
The SceneOn Tuesday, December 13th, Luxury Italian furniture and design company, Promemoria held their new collection preview and holiday party at the New York showroom (The Fine Arts Building – 232 E. 59th Street, 5th floor). Guests were welcomed with delicious Italian Panetonne, flown directly from Italy.The Promemoria Team (L-R) – Rock Axtman, Elizabeth Schofield, Larry Martino, Paolo Sozzi and Davide SozziA live trio band played holiday music in the background as guests from the design community mingled and took in the joyful holiday festivities. Beautiful Promemoria velvet gift bags with personal Panetonne cakes were given to visitors as well.
Italian Panetonne
Atmosphere
Sons of Promemoria founder Romeo Sozzi (L-R) – Paolo Sozzi and Davide Sozzi
Paolo Sozzi, Promemoria US Showroom Manager Elizabeth Schofield, Davide Sozzi
Atmosphere (background: George Armoire)
Larry Martino, Promemoria’s Area Manager speaking with editors Helene Oberman, Interior Design magazine (Left) and Vyna St. Phard, High End Weekly (Right)
Promemoria at The Fine Arts Building, New YorkPhotos courtesy of Promemoria -
Coco Chanel Signature Look
Left: Enamel costume jewelry cuffsCoco Chanel dazzled the fashion world in the 1920s with her signature “little black dress”. It caused a stir, and went on to become a fashion staple for women everywhere. She revolutionized fashion by liberating women from confining corsets by introducing a freer, more casual elegance.The designer wanted to design for women who wanted to “laugh and eat, without necessarily having to faint”. In 1983 when Karl Lagerfeld took over as Chanel’s designer, he followed up by producing more accessories, which became the order of the day for the fashion house.
“A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous!”
From Left: The 1958 Suit. Spring 2004 Chanel Ligne Cambon Handbag Collection. And an updated Chanel Tweed Coat.
Classic Chanel Evening Gowns
Totally ahead of her time, Chanel set a trend and popularized large costume jewellery in the 1930s. (In the 1990s, Karl Lagerfeld brought them back, along with clean, tailored lines.)
She continued that trend by developing an array of trinkets inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s.
Chanel signature large signature metal ring. Celebrating Coco Chanel’s 125th birthday, Karl Lagerfeld designed a €5 coin capturing the history of Coco Chanel, and incorporating many aspects of the name with the coin. Truly a great match for Chanel No. 5 fragrance.
The quintessential quilted Chanel handbag. The only one you will ever need ladies.
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Design Masters at Phillips de Pury
Phillips de Pury’s Design Masters auction took place last evening to a stunning result of $4,914,925. The crown jewel was the gonse chairs by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. This was a magnificent triumph for Art Deco.
Stunning Results: Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Pair of “gonse” armchairs, 1930-1932. Lacquered wood, fabric. Underside of one frame branded with “Ruhlmann”. Estimated at $600,000 – $800,000. Realized at $1,426,500Over the last few years, the results for auction houses world-wide have proven that Art Deco ruled supreme. Another significant factor came to light as a result of the Design Masters sale. It became quite obvious that a continuing strong appeal and results for French mid-century design is in demand, and that Phillips de Pury is the market leader in Italian glass. Exceptional prices for works by glass masters Carlo Scarpa and Fulvio Bianconi (realized prices totaled $287,000) came up in the very top.
George Nakashima
Early “Conoid” bench with single free-form arm, 1961
American black walnut, hickory, three East Indian rosewood butterfly keys. Underside signed in black marker with “Reed.” Together with a copy of hte original order card and a letter of authenticity from Mira Nakashima.
Estimate at $100,000 – $150,000
Realized at $230,500
Dagobert Peche
Rare table lamp, 1921
Ash, ash-veneered wood, fabric.
Estimate at $120,000 – $180,000
Gio Ponti
Monumental chandelier, for the Hotel Parco dei Principi, Rome 1964
Rosted glass, brass, manufactured in Italy. Certificate of authenticity from teh Gio Ponti Archives.
Estimated at $80,000 – $120,000
Jean Royere
Extremely rare “Oeuf” chest of drawers, ca. 1958
Ash, Ash-veneered wood, fabric
Estimate $120,000 – $180,000
Realized at $158,000Photos courtesy of Phillips de Purry -
The Complete Poster Works of Roger Broders
Roger Broders (1883-1953), Monte Carlo, 1930
“Today’s auction was a landmark event. By today’s exchange rate, we set five world record prices, and more than a dozen records for Broders posters sold in the U.S. In the salesroom were bidders who are not typically poster collectors, proving that Broders’s wonderful images transcend the traditional market of poster lovers. In my opinion, the strong prices were completely justified by the great images and the overall superb condition of the posters being offered.” Nicholas D. Lowry, Swann Galleries’ President and Posters Specialist.
Posters can be a visual delight and often present a powerful and informative imagery. Roger Broders’ Art Deco posters from the 1920s and 1930s convey an energetic scenery, and the subject is often a glamorous one. Swann Auction Galleries is getting ready to auction off 100 Art Deco travel posters of his work on Thursday, December 15th at 10AM. This is a unique sale in the sense that for the very first time, Roger Broders’ complete body of work is being auctioned from one single collector. Among these rare gems are Lot Number 9, and 100, which have never been seen before. These vintage posters are simply breathtaking. The colors are striking, the text is crisp, and modern. The scenic views pulled the observer into a world of elegance, and sophistication. Take a virtual tour to Monte-Carlo, Lac D’Annecy, Dunkerque. From seaside resorts to mountainous hideouts, hotels and skiing sites such as les Vosges. One of my personal favorite is the Monte-Carlo Country Club, with twenty one tennis courts overlooking the Mediterranean. I gathered some information from the catalogue which described it this way: “The Monte-Carlo inauguration was attended by members of European royal families. Broders emphasizes the glamorous members of the club and its exquisite setting to create one of his best posters.
These vintage posters are simply breathtaking. The colors are striking, the text is crisp, and modern. The scenic views pulled the observer into a world of elegance, and sophistication.
The elegant couple depicted in Broders’ signature manner, using only flat planes of color. He creates exceptional depth-of-the field via the different levels of tennis courts, people in the grandstands and the beaches in the distance. His handling of the shadows and the bright Riviera sun is masterful and is crowned by the slivers of yellow sunlight which silhouette some of the figures”. In two words: Très jolie.
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Meet Nicholas Lowry
Nicholas D. Lowry is the third generation owner, and president of Swann Auction Galleries. The auction house is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary as a family-owned business. Nicholas was born into a family of antiquarian book dealers in New York City, where he was raised and educated. When I met him last week, I was struck by his mere appearance, his gallant personality, fashion sense (he was wearing his signature plaid suit), and friendliness. Not only is he the principal auctioneer and director of the Poster Department, he is also an avid poster collector himself.
High End Weekly™: Talk to us a little bit about the upcoming sale of the Complete Poster Works of Robert Broders at Swann Galleries this coming Thursday, at 10AM?Nicholas Lowry: The entire collection came from the archives of a single collector. Roger Broders was best remembered for the advertising work he did between 1920 and 1933 for the French Railroad company. One of the things that is uncommonly known about him is that after 1935, he completely stopped working, and no one knows why. This particular auction presents all of his travel posters, including variants, some which are known and several that are unknown. Most of the Art Deco posters are in superb conditions. While working on this project, many of our staff commented on the fact that they looked like they’ve just been printed. The colors are so vivid, and the look is so modern.HEW: Just what did it mean to you to be entrusted with this unique, unparalleled sale?NL: It certainly was a great honor, but the honor was eclipsed by the opportunity. We’ve worked on this project for the past three to four months, and realized that the chronological order of the dates, and his artistic talent progressed throughout the years. Between the year 1927 – 1929, he polished his immaculate ability to create some of the most memorable Art Deco posters. Roger’s work displayed an energy at constructing incredible depth of field. He skillfully used layers after layers of bold, and colorful images which were beautifully conceived.HEW: In your opinion, what is the most note-worthy piece from the Robert Broders Collection?NL: Lot Number 87 (Monte Carlo Country Club) comes to mind because visually, it is simply stunning. It is immaculate, and the image is one of pure confidence. It is expected to fetch somewhere between $15,000 – $20,000. Dunkerque, lot number 59, is one of his oeuvre de triomphe. The image projects a sophisticated couple arriving the busy port of Dunkirk on their yacht. The poster creates a refined mood of elegance and ease.HEW: How big of a factor to your auction business are vintage posters?NL: Posters are so visual, and they carry allot of weight. That produces a huge impact to our buyers.HEW: What are some of the strongest areas of the market for Art Deco and why are they in such high demmand these days?NL: Art Deco is king. Everything in art has a cycle. Right now, Art Deco is Up, and Art Nouveau is Down. As the younger generation gets older, their interests go towards design. Good design, that is.HEW: I read somewhere that you yourself is an Art Deco collector. When did this start for you, and what was it with?NL: Not only do I collect Art Deco posters, I also have a huge collection of Czech posters, and books. It began with a Gustav Klimt poster I brought in Austria when I was a young adult, but it really started way before that.HEW: On a personal collecting level, what is the one item you have parted with over the past that you wished you still had?NL: Very little. I tend to keep all of my collections.HEW: What are three things that you consider the strenghts of the auction industry today?NL: Exceptional variety. Auction houses have a greater, more powerful reach to the general public. More powerful than dealers, and they’re armed with a huge mailing lists. It carries thousands and thousands of items for sale, each year. The variety that auction houses offer the public is simply unparalleled. A good auction house should also be able to offer phenomenal pieces to their buyers, and serious collectors. Basic transparency in prices should be at play. When an item is presented as rare, it’s a great mental challenge to perceive value.HEW: Lastly: Complete this sentence/thought. If I was just starting to collect Art Deco, I would recommend…NL: Besides visiting auction houses, start attending shows, galleries. Expose yourself to the art world. Get out there, and experience it with your eyes, and hands. Read art-related books and articles. It’s a mistake to buy the first thing that you see. Look around a bit more, do the research. And last but not least, buy at reputable places. -
The Complete Poster Works of Roger Broders
JUST IN!
December 15, 2011Nicholas D. Lowry, Swann President and Posters Specialist, said, “Today’s auction was a landmark event. It was the first time that the entire work of a single poster artist has ever come up for sale. By today’s exchange rate, we set five world record prices, and more than a dozen records for Broders posters sold in the U.S. In the salesroom were bidders who are not typically poster collectors, proving that Broders’s wonderful images transcend the traditional market of poster lovers. In my opinion, the strong prices were completely justified by the great images and the overall superb condition of the posters being offered.”
Roger Broders (1883-1953), Monte Carlo, 1930December 12, 2011Posters can be a visual delight and often present a powerful and informative imagery. Roger Broders’ Art Deco posters from the 1920s and 1930s convey an energetic scenery, and the subject is often a glamorous one. Swann Auction Galleries is getting ready to auction off 100 Art Deco travel posters of his work on Thursday, December 15th at 10AM. This is a unique sale in the sense that for the very first time, Roger Broders’ complete body of work is being auctioned from one single collector. Among these rare gems are Lot Number 9, and 100, which have never been seen before. These vintage posters are simply breathtaking. The colors are striking, the text is crisp, and modern. The scenic views pulled the observer into a world of elegance, and sophistication. Take a virtual tour to Monte-Carlo, Lac D’Annecy, Dunkerque. From seaside resorts to mountainous hideouts, hotels and skiing sites such as les Vosges. One of my personal favorite is the Monte-Carlo Country Club, with twenty one tennis courts overlooking the Mediterranean. I gathered some information from the catalogue which described it this way: “The Monte-Carlo inauguration was attended by members of European royal families. Broders emphasizes the glamorous members of the club and its exquisite setting to create one of his best posters. The elegant couple depicted in Broders’ signature manner, using only flat planes of color. He creates exceptional depth-of-the field via the different levels of tennis courts, people in the grandstands and the beaches in the distance. His handling of the shadows and the bright Riviera sun is masterful and is crowned by the slivers of yellow sunlight which silhouette some of the figures”. In two words: Très jolie.
Roger Broders (1883-1953)Sports D’Hiver Dans Les Vosges, 193039 1/2” x 24 1/2“Lot 73Estimate: $7,000 – $10,000
Rare AppearancesLeft: Lot Number 9. Il Faut Aller En Rhénanie, 1921. 21 3/4 x 17 3/4″. Estimate: $500 – $750Right: Lot Number 100. Loterie Des Régions Libérée, 1935. 23 3/4” x 15 1/2“. Estimate: $600 – $900
Roger Broders (1883-1953)Lac D’Annecy, 193039 1/2” x 24 1/2“Lot 75-1Estimate: $2,00 – $3,000Photos courtesy of Swann Galleries Auction
