Still looking for an elegant and luxurious home away from home while you travel with your family for the remainder of the summer ? Why not try any one of these insanely beautiful and soignee hotels listed here? All of them stemmed from The World Top 100 Hotelsin the United States and Canada, from The Robb Report.
There are so many fine choices to look at, (from the Mandarin Oriental in Atlanta, The Four Seasons in Santa Fe, to the Waldorf Astoria here in New York). But alas, time only allowed for simply nine of which I’ve had the pleasure of staying in. For the complete list, check out the article directly from The Robb Report. Hope you’re enjoying your time in the sun!
“The best of everything – that’s (that is) what I wish you all
The best of everything – a rembrandt (hanging) on your (the) wall.”
Frank Sinatra
MASTER STROKE Today, art lovers all over the world are celebrating the life and art of Dutch Baroque master Rembrandt (1606 – 1669). Before I start a yet very busy week, I thought it’s worth the time to stop and take notice that Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was one of the greatest and most influential painters in the history of Western art. I find it both remarkable and fascinating how his paintings depicted a masterful and compassionate side of his sadly complex and at times, anguished life. Although he was made famous in his early 20s, his personal life was marked by tragic deaths and financial ruins. Rembrandt combated these difficulties by painting with great technical brilliance which made his work universally significant.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn
photo by gijsvanderwal, via flickr
REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van RIJN – Saskia van Uylenburgh in Arcadian Costume
Designer show houses are places where anyone can visit and be inspired to dream, built, and perhaps dare to even design one’s own home as well. For decades, The Kips Bay Decorators Show house became the staple of American Design, and now there seem to be a risen star among the myriads of decorators show houses across this country. One can easily argue that the New York State Area does boast its fair share of top designers, but does that necessarily mean that the houses that they design are worth a visit? The answer is positive, of course. There is no price on beauty, but when it comes to supporting the fight against breast cancer, the sky is the limit.
The Holiday House Hamptons 2013: 4 Fair Hills Lane, Bridgehampton, New York, was opened on Monday, June 24th, and it closes on Sunday, July 21st, 2013. Hours: Friday – Monday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Participating Designers are:
Ally Coulter Designs | De-Spec, Farnaz Mansuri | Decor by Guillaume Gentet | Design House | Donna Livingston Design | Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors | Eugenia Au Kim – The Design Studio | Fawn Galli Interior Design | Inson Dubois Wood | Huniford Design Studio | James Michael Howard | Lynne Scalo Design | Mabley Handler Interior Design | Marshall Watson Interiors | Richard Mishaan Design | Mabley Handler Interior Design | Marshall Watson Interiors | Richard Mishaan Design | Serena & Lily Stephen Burks for Dedon | Steven Dubner Landscaping | Susan Glick Interiors | Tamara Magel Home Thom Filicia | Timothy Brown Studio | Tracy Anderson Method
Marshall Watson Interiors
Thom Filicia, Inc.
Thom Filicia, Inc.
Susan Glick Interiors
Donna Livingston Design
Donna Livingston Design
Mabley Handler Interior Design
Huniford Design Studio
Huniford Design Studio
Lynne Scalo Design
Lynne Scalo Design
Elizabeth Bolognino
Stephen Burks For Dedon Outdoor Space
Opening Night at The Inaugural 2013 Holiday House Show House
Photo courtesy Sarah Boutinon-Tharse for High End Weekly™
East of Eden: The AHAE Exhibition – Part I
We were delighted to be invited to attend the opening of the AHAE exhibition in Paris just about a few days ago. Since then, I’ve been so busy with various projects that I was unable to talk about it (we also have at least 4 interviews coming up in the next week or so). This show was very special. For one thing, I think it’s quite remarkable how through a single window, from dawn to dusk, the Korean photographer AHAE, now in his 70’s, embraces the world in the details and landscapes of nature with photographs taken from a single window, day in, day out, all year long.
A modest man, AHAE and his supporters have exhibited his works at Grand Central Station in Manhattan, at the Louvre in Paris last summer, among other locations around the world, and now at the Palace of Versailles, in conjunction with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of legendary royal landscaper André Le Notre. Until September 9th, 2013, visitors will also be able to experience the extravagant natural beauty of Le Notre in the gardens, juxtaposed with the simplistic natural beauty of AHAE’s photography in an exhibition.
His photographs are spectacular, and I find them quite candid as well. I hope you’ll enjoy them, as well as the few glimpses of that famous chateau called Versailles.
Parisian Photographer and fencing champion, Sarah Boutinon-Tharse, and Joan Parker
Versailles, 2013
All Images courtesy Sarah Boutinon-Tharse for High End Weekly™
Earlier this month, we caught up with Vanessa DeLeon, Principal of Vanessa DeLeon Associates (VDA) at the Norwood Club. Vanessa was excited to talk about the launch of her latest venture, VDA Virtual Design (www.vdavirtualdesign.com). The interactive initiative offers design services and solutions to the online marketplace. DeLeon has gathered all the tools and put together a clear and concise digital package for creating customized interiors. Her mission was clear – she wanted to offer high fashion design concepts at affordable prices to clients via the worldwide web.
High End Weekly™: You just launched VDA Virtual Design on your website. Vanessa DeLeon: We are so excited to have launched VDA virtual. The world is driven by technology and social media. This site is made so that people are more inclined to go forward with an interior designer. It’s a great way for people to manage their time and money.
HEW: I like the fact that you have a strong footing on Social Media. Do you think that platform plays a big role in people’s lives when it comes to design and decoration? VD: This absolutely plays a big role in people’s lives. The social networks open up the possibilities of discovering and learning new information, sharing ideas, and interacting with each other.
Vanessa DeLeon
“Our world is changing and people want fast, convenient and digital design solutions that they can personally implement. Thanks to content sharing sites such as Houzz and Pinterest, consumers are extremely well-educated, tech savvy and immersed in design. They have a good sense of their style, but still need a professional’s help to pull it all together.” Vanessa DeLeon
HEW: You’ve been featured on top shows including HGTV’s Design Star and Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible (one of my favorites). What were some of the joys and challenges of working with such tight schedules, and still be able to produce some of the most outstanding projects we’ve ever seen? VDL: The challenge was the obvious, getting the project done in a very limited time frame. Practicality and esthetics are very important with projects like this. Being resourceful plays a big role.
HEW:When I first met you, I was quite taking by your sheer charisma and great sense of style. Have you always been that way? VDL: Thank you!! As a child I was always fascinated by clothing, fashion, and my Barbie house. Growing up my parents weren’t financially able to give me the latest fashion trends, so I always took what I had and used my creativity.
HEW: What iconic designer has inspired you?
VDL: Fashion: Coco Chanel. When it comes to interior designers, my picks are Kelly Wearstler, and Jamie Drake.
Minimalist patios are both beautiful and serene. But make sure they compliment the back room, or the overall design of the house
All images via HGTV
Our favorite time of the year checked in last week on Friday, June 21st. Summer is here and, if you haven’t already done so, why don’t you start making provisions to extend the fun by adding an ultra fabulous patio, or garden to your home? A great design can rescue any space. And that includes a town or country home. Here’s to our days in the sun!
Dr. Stephen Kelly graciously opened his gallery, as well as his beautiful rooftop to a number of his guests from the art and design industries, last Tuesday evening. Visitors were shown some of his most recent collection of French Art Deco from Jean Dunand, and Jean Goulden. Jean Dunand (1877–1942) was a Swiss lacquer artist, a master metalworker, who created furniture and decorative arts. His contemporary, Jean Goulden (1878 – 1946), was a painter, designer and enameller who “excelled in the art of champlevé enameling”. Notables from the evening included, Geoffrey Bradfield, Jared Goss, high end gallery dealers from the New York tri-state area, executive members from various auction houses in the city, and many others.
Renowned interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield and his guest
Stephen Kelly Gallery
Judith Gura, Design historian from The New York School of Interior Design
Vyna St. Phard
Christina Japp, Cynthia Murphy Photo credit: High End Weekly™
Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh, Windsor Castle, 2011
C Print Framed, Edition of 6 (4/6) from Thomas Struth
Masterpiece London 2013 and Ivor Braka Ltd are presenting a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh by distinguished photographer Thomas Struth. The large-scale portrait was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee and formed part of The Queen: Art and Image exhibition showing landmark images of the Queen throughout her sixty year reign. The work shows The Queen and Prince Philip seated together in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle and was taken on 7 April 2011. Exhibited by International art dealer and collector Ivor Braka, the spectacular image will be on display throughout the fair and will present an excellent opportunity for collectors and visitors alike to view the impressive photograph.
‘The strength of the market for iconic masterpieces was clearly demonstrated in the New York auctions last week, when two works by Roy Lichtenstein, reached new heights and one achieved a world record for the artist at auction. The astounding prices reached for these works show the strong desire amongst collectors to acquire masterworks. Continuing from this, Masterpiece London is delighted that Geoffrey Diner Gallery has chosen our fair and London to unveil this fresh and rare work by Roy Lichtenstein’
Nazy Vassegh, CEO of Masterpiece London
Nazy Vassegh, CEO ‘We are thrilled that Ivor Braka Ltd has kindly agreed to show this wonderful work at Masterpiece fair this year, further strengthening the event’s appeal to all collectors, from antiquities through to the very best in contemporary art.” His engagement with photography dates from 1976. Working at first in black and white and subsequently in color, Struth’s mature style is characterised by formal precision and an approach that is essentially straightforward, avoiding narrative or artificial effects. His principal motifs include buildings, street scenes, visitors to churches and museums, landscapes, nature studies and portraits. He recently had a major touring retrospective in the USA which travelled to venues including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) ‘Puzzle Portrait’, 1978,
Oil and magna on canvas
Geoffrey Diner Gallery (Washington DC) will unveil a highly important work by Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997), at Masterpiece London this June. ‘Puzzle portrait’ painted in 1978 in oil and magna on canvas. The picture was purchased directly from Roy Lichtenstein in 1983 and will be sold together with two hand signed letters from the artist to the collector detailing the sale and its inclusion in one touring exhibition in 1983. The painting will be offered for sale by Geoffrey Diner Stand B29.
In parallel to Lichtenstein’s work inspired by Pop culture, he began incorporating styles from artists of the past. Specific examples of his work engage with historical styles and parodies including impressionism, futurism and surrealism as well as individual paintings by artists such as Picasso. Elements of Picasso and cubism are evident in ‘Puzzle portrait’, heralding Lichtenstein’s fascination with subject: art about art.
‘A lot of people think that the 60’s are the benchmark for Lichtenstein’s work, as this is when he established his Pop Art signature style and when he replicated the Ben Day Dot system. But during the 70’s he delivered works referring back to art history which led to his major series of Surrealist-Pop paintings. ‘Puzzle portrait’ has never been on the market before, and as a follow up to the Tate Modern retrospective exhibition of Lichtenstein’s work, we look forward to offering London an unseen Lichtenstein for sale at Masterpiece,’ Geoffrey Diner, Director at Geoffrey Diner Gallery.
NOTE: Masterpiece London is open to the public on June 27th to July 3rd.
From June 27th to July the 3rd, 2013, Masterpiece London will bring together collectors, exhibitors and curators from around the world for an unparalleled show of fine art, antiques and design. Last month, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the Fair’s co-chairs, international interior designer, Geoffrey Bradfield. Here’s what he had to say about this fresh and exciting new antique fair.
High End Weekly™: Why is Masterpiece London such a destination fair for international designers like yourself?
Geoffrey Bradfield: I try to get to all the major fairs each year. It is very important to remain current in our industry. Masterpiece London is a major event. My clients always seek quality and innovation. Masterpiece delivers both.
HEW: How long has it been around?
GB: I am honored to be on the American Patron Committee since its conception 4 years ago.
HEW: Do you find that the fair attracts new dealers every year? GB: Marilyn White has been the driving force behind capturing the American interest in Masterpiece. And yes, the fair has had the foresight and continues to introduce and attract new dealers every year. This is a very important factor, as illustrated by the demise of Grosvenor, which, although prestigious, failed to move with the times.
HEW: Is Masterpiece London all about fine and decorative arts? GB: Masterpiece London encompasses all the decorative arts. It has a very fresh approach and projection. Their image captures the 21st Century spirit of Inclusion.
HEW: High End Weekly was proud to feature your last book, A 21st Century Palace, and it was one of our most popular post. Is there a new book in the future? GB: Thank you very much for your excellent review of our earlier book, A 21st Century Palace. We are very pleased to report that our next book, titled Artistic License, is due this Fall. Because of our presence in Asia, which has expanded enormously, it is being published both in Chinese and in English. My company’s work is predicated, to a large extent, on the use of contemporary art. Thus, the subject of the book is about the joy of collecting and using Art in one’s interiors.
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