High End Weekly™ – Page 51 – High End Weekly™

Art Deco Style

Then and Now

As it was back then, the great names of Art Deco jewelry are now household words:Cartier, Boucheron, Lalique, Van Cleef and Arpels, to name a few. Established jewelers like Cartier, and Boucheron set the standard for today’s “nouveau deco”. As with furniture, the use of exotic new stones and metals was promoted. Since the jewelers were no longer limited to the traditional precious stones and metals, they made full use of new materials, and started to use platinum as a setting.

Josephine Baker

This meant that other elements could be accentuated even more. When it comes to materials for Art Deco Jewelry, the common ones to look for are: onyx, ebony, chrome, plastic, lapis lazuli, jade, lacquered metals, agate, coral, Bakelite, rhinestones, tortoiseshell, jet and moonstone.

Cartier

c. 1920s – 30s

We have a penchant for all things Deco, especially the jewelry.

Taken at the Folies Bergeres in 1926, this revealing yet teasing photograph of Josephine Baker wearing some of the most alluring and coveted Art Deco jewelry of its time peaked our interest even more.

Lalique

Le Jour et La Nuit (Day and Night, c. 1925)

Timeless elegance

Georges Fouquet Art Deco brooch

Top: Van Cleef and Arpels diamond watch from their 2011 collection

Zipper Necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels

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.

Art Deco Dreams

Architectural References of
Art Deco Buildings transmitted to Jewelry

Harry Winston

DeWitt
The DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Regulator A.S.W. Horizons features a winding system
that maintains optimum main spring torque. It also features dead-beat seconds, an in-house tourbillon and a 72-hour power reserve.

Tiret Second Chance Chrysler

Depicting the Chrysler Building in a brilliant array of diamonds across the metal dial, this unusual timepiece displays double time zones, double chronographs, and double date windows. The oval-shaped stainless steel boasts a bezel featuring twelve subtle curves that sparkle with a sprinkling of diamonds at each hour marker.

Harry Winston

The King of Diamonds

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.

The Weekender: Rafael Nadal

“I’m going to get even better.”
Rafael Nadal

As far as I’m concern, Nadal is going to win, because he’s got the taste for it, and he is perfection personified. This summer, we should expect to see nothing less from him. Oh, how I wish I was present at the All England Club in the suburb of London, from June 20th to July 3rd to witness this great event (!)

Most of you already know how hard tickets for Wimbledon (celebrating its 125th anniversary, this year) are to come by, ever since its beginning in 1877. But for me, it’s not always about the tennis, you know. For the last few years, besides seeing my favorite champion on the court, what I usually look for is the high fashion, the strict dress code among the competitors, and of course, the strawberries and cream, which sales for far too much. But who cares? It’s Wimbledon, a tournament which is considered by most one of the most prestigious of them all. And for two glorious weeks, it is Tennis Heaven for Rafael Nadal‘s enthusiasts like myself.

Above: Rafa Nadal wearing the Tourbillon RM 027 by Richard Mille which was developed for him in 2010.

Mille’s team took almost a year to create the $525,000 watch. Titanium base plate, with bridges of aluminum lithium. Barrel pawl with progressive recoil, winding barrel teeth and third-wheel pinion with central involute profile.

Can somebody say “Advantage Nadal“? Thank you.

In April of this year, Richard Mille continued his collaboration with Rafael Nadal by donating the RM 027 to Only Watch Charity Auction. The proceeds went to fund research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Wimbledon’s famous Strawberries and Cream

The Official Wimbledon Website

Yes, sublime tennis will be on the minds and hearts for two straight weeks, but what about some site seeing, and adventurous getaways? One can get plenty of those. Visit this tourist guide to

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship and the local towns.

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.

Interior Lighting For The Home

“Always try to use natural light as the great enhancement. There is nothing like it.”
Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

Last Monday evening, the New York IIDA Committee, designing students and guests, along with several distinguished designers, gathered together at the swanky Swarovski Crystalized Concept Store in Soho to talk about something that effect us all – Interior Lighting.

Art + Design in Neighborhoods was to be discussed that evening. Lighting is an integral part of our everyday lives, yet some of us have chosen to live with bad lighting, and not demand the best. I remembered a scene from British comedy Absolutely Fabulous when upon arriving at Edina’s house, Patsy asked “What’s going on here? Is it the lighting, or am I badly lit?” A little British humor, yes, but considering that great lighting is within our reach, and can be achieved through careful selected interior colors, furniture, and textile, there really is no excuse for anything less. Celebrity interior designer and architect, Mr. Benjamin Ortiz talked about how he focuses on metals, whimsical lighting, and color, when he designs for himself and his clients.

Indeed, color is important because it creates sensation, and that is crucial in any room. Did you know that great lighting in any room can be achieve by simply highlighting a reflective ceiling light? Product designer, Jason Miller, uses his lighting creations to define a space. His current collection is divine and have several cultural references which make them even more alluring. It was so interesting to learn how Mr. Ivan Navarro, uses the purity of florescent light bulbs in his work to highlight social and political factors that inherently lie within formal composition. Through the eyes of each of these designers, it became plain to see how each of us can take minimal or significant steps in order to live with the benefits of exceptional lighting. The benefits are not just about the aesthetics, but purely therapeutic.

From left: Moderator Ms. Julie Taraska, senior editor of Gilt Home at Gilt Groupe, lighting artist, Mr. Ivan Navarro, Mr. Benjamin Noriega Ortiz principal of BNO Design, Mr. Jason Miller of Miller Studio,

Mr. Hans Galutera of BG Studio,

and Ms. Debra Gerstenfeld from Wolf Gordon

VSP, Ms. Janet Valenza from Closet Revolution, and Mr. Benjamin N. Ortiz

Enlighten conversations, and great ambiance all around.

Shop Like A Parisian

Parisians take their shopping very seriously. After all, it is the birthplace of haute couture and hard core fashionistas take this business to the highest possible level. Whether they’re window shopping from les grand magasins, or quietly ushered inside the more intimate boutiques for their “first look”, Parisian men and women shop at ease in a city that offers just about anything from the unique to the sublime.

For me, the one shop which I often found myself admiring (and yes, sometimes gawking at their goods!) is Colette. There is no other shop in Paris like it. Since its opening in 1997, the store has thrived as an arbiter of Parisian cool, eclectic high-end fashion, designer collaboration, and it is also home to some of the silliest, unexpected books and knickknacks. The owners of Colette, Sarah Lerfet, and her mother, Colette Roussaux have impeccable taste and a keen sense of humor.

213 RUE SAINT-HONORÉ 75001 PARIS
www.colette.fr

Robert Doisneau

Sweet Paris

Robert Doisneau’s photographs make me happy. Yes, they do. I have been intrigued, in fact enchanted by his work ever since I can remember. Nowadays, when I walk down the second floor corridor of our home, I take extra care as to look and examine his photographs more and more.

Admittedly, I am smitten by his work. The image of the little girl at the bridge, gazing at the River Seine brings to mind a Paris long gone, but which I yearned to have been part of. The warmer weather is upon us, and all I can say is this: Here’s to those long lost, and lazy summer days in Paris!

Robert Doisneau, Paris

Robert Doisneau, Bois Bouloigne

Robert Doisneau

Robert Doisneau, Paris

Robert Doisneau Collage

Robert Doisneau

photos via Online Browsing

Robert Doisneau, Les petits pains de Picasso, 1952

Robert Doisneau, Couples Kissing

Robert Doisneau

Robert Doisneau: Paris: New Compact Edition

Robert Doisneau, Self-portrait, 1950s

TimeCrafters at The New York Times Center

Looking back: The TimeCrafters in New York

It pays to bear in mind that this was the very first luxury watchmaking fair, and how successful it turned out to be. Worldwide, watch lovers will soon be making The TimeCrafters a yearly destination.

The Bulgari’s booth was admired for its simplicity, which is just as well since their watches certainly are not! I loved how they got the New Zealand’s ALL BLACKS to star in their short film, and introduced their newer masterpiece (with the team’s namesake).

Baume & Mercier continues to promote, hardily, their Hamptons lifestyle by the beach with their new creation. Their space was truly cozy. Surely this picture does not convey enough how charming it was.

Great displays of antique watches in the first floor level.

Opening Party

Dan D’Errico Photography
New York Times Center

Designer Spotlight: Phillipe Nigro

The irresistible (and versatile) style of Philippe Nigro.

Philippe Nigro is one busy man. Since 1999, the french born designer have developed products, furniture, lighting, interior architecture, events and scenography for illuminary studios such as De Lucchi in Milan, Olivetti, Poltrona Frau, Artemide, Alias, Caimi, Interni, Feg, Listone Giordano, and Ligne Roset. At the same time, he has also worked on projects for Nube Italia, Felicerossi, NavaDesign.

Since 2005, his long-term furniture projects have been supported by the VIA, thanks to which he was able to design the Spiral shelf, Storage-Unit chest and Intersection divans. In January 2009, the Twin-Chairs chairs and the Tréteau universal table base fallowed.

Some of Philippe’s projects have been put into production, like the Cross-Unit (Sintesi) or Intersection, from which sprang the Confluences collection of upholstery, produced by Ligne Roset.

One of the many highlights of his career was in 2008, when he was awarded 2nd prize in the ‘Autogrill’ restaurant competition, with M. Biffi. Philippe Nigro’s designs have an international appeal and resonate with design lovers.

Entailles

This is the quintessential sofa for your summer house.

The Entailles is a classic example of Philippe Nigro design, these couches are “semi”-articulated in that they have functional notches that allow the insertion of little occasional tables
(for reading, writing, working, drinking, eating).

Spiral Shelf

The PassioSofa (top) is influenced by a growing environmental awareness and the need to get closer to nature. Philippe designed Passio / Résille, to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors. The inventive design is conceived mainly for living rooms, dining rooms or kitchens, but a choice of suitable materials also lets it be enjoyed al fresco. This collection is comprised of a sofa, an armchair and a chair.

T.U. Table 2010

This spectacular dining table has a metal base in folded soldered steel finished in epoxy white, red or black lacquer. It comes in a thick alveolar panels (laminate, reversible & double-sided with natural oak veneered edges) or in solid wood (faces and edges in walnut; core in spruce), and a base which is adjustable in both width and thickness thanks to a system of clamps which attach to the edges of the tops (clamp has chromed steel screw fitting).

Inseparable 2010

This small low table from a collection designed for Ligne Roset can also be used as a sofa end table. A footstool slides beneath it, offering an occasional seat when used independently of the table.

Ingenious and extremely useful when you live in New York City where space is at a premium, and when each piece of furniture must be as adaptable as it possibly can.

Patrick Gaguech

The Art Deco Style of Patrick Gaguech

Mr. Gauguech founded his company in 1977. His goal back then as it is now is to bring together artistic trades relating to furniture and the world of interior design around a single organization – his. That world consists of manufacturing furniture, metal works, bronze, flooring, and lighting.

With over 500 models, Patrick Gaguech’s collection is now the largest in the world. Reissues, antique reproduction, cabinet making, metal work, marquetry, artistic lighting. His company undertakes so much meticulous work where the central theme is and always will be a Love of Detail.

Patek Philippe

Since 2006, Patrick started collaborating with Pakek Philippe in Paris. Since then, he went on designing his London, New York, Madrid, Milan, and Frankfort’s VIP lounges.

His creations are recognised for their originality and quality. Patrick has successfully surrounded himself with men and women passionate about their work, and that singular fact had kept him fulfilling orders in fields as diverse as yachting, luxury watchmaking and interior design projects.

Patrick Gaguech’s Art Deco Designed Lounge at the 2011 New York Times’ TimeCrafters.

Patrick Gaguech

61 Avenue Philippe Auguste

75011 Paris – France

www.patrickgaguech.com

A Room Of One’s Own

Recently I discovered a fabulously decorated living room by a designer that goes by the name Owens, while browsing through HOUSES MAGAZINE, on a chilly spring morning. The house in question was a 1940’s bungalow that the designer thoroughly enhanced by providing a modern open plan. You can just imagine what a task it was for such an original space. From pages after images, I discovered no real distinction between old and new, public and private. Spaces were integrated seamlessly and elegant furniture – modern classics – complement every room.

J Robert Scott

Natural materials were the choice palette, and they were incorporated masterfully. His decor worked so well, mainly because of their fundamental appreciation for simplicity, and elegance. Nature provides us with a rich palette, and coming home to a zen-like space relaxes and soothe the soul.

The Morgan HotelThe grande dame of modern design, Andrée Putman designed the Morgans Hotel in New York with a very skilful palette devoid of color. And guess what? Instead of being blah, the overall design is sheer beauty.

Not too long ago, I attended an event there and was taken by the modern interiors. Last year, Ms. Putman gave the hotel a face lift from her original design. I didn’t think it was possible, but you can indeed improve on perfection. Bravo Andrée.