High End Weekly™ – Page 30 – Design for a better living!

Organic Cleansing

As an interior designer, I get to enter a lot of people’s homes. And sometimes I’m a little surprised by what my clients’ previous decoration reveals about themselves. But oftentimes, I’m even more amazed how little they know about the history of their homes. How well do you know your house? You may find this a little trivial, but did you know that about two hundred years ago, bathrooms didn’t exist?

The bathroom’s development has not been a straightforward one. In fact, the Tudor people had even more terrible hygiene than their medieval ancestors. The subject of bathroom is coming up on this post because that’s my current task. I am now in the process of renovating a bathroom that haven’t been touched since the 1960s.

I’ve set my sights on the natural shapes of Laufen’s bathroom designs. They’re beautiful, and well suited for my client’s sensibility for a modern bathroom space. We’ve chosen their Palomba collection of bathroom fixtures which are characterized by natural and organic shapes. Whenever possible, I like to use organic design, or organic-inspired design as a smarter way to decorate a home. The smooth feel of their bathtubs is unique, in the sense that it feels like constant moving water. Palomba is complete for a perfect home spa, comprised of eight washbasins and a series of accessories, that allow me to get completely creative!

Laufen – Palomba Bathroom fixtures

The high back of the Palomba bathtub supports the body for a long relaxing soak. The collection can be found on their official website at www.Laufen.com.

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: The Fall Guy

The days are getting a bit shorter, and the nights a bit more longer, and you know that now is the time to officially put those summer clothes away and start putting together your fall wardrobe. This weekend, I’ve been thinking about the men’s fall fashion, and how beautiful they all seem. So to me, it’s only fitting to introduce these admirable designers whose elegant style have been a hallmark of what men’s fashion is all about. Bon weekend!

Pictured: Paul Stuart Fall 2012 Collection

Autumn in the fall. It just feels right ….

… Especially when you’re faced with some down time. Some me time

Tod’s Loafers

Ralph Lauren Men Purple Label Fall 2012

Palette iPad Case from Nick & Beau

Burberry Prorsum Men’s Fall 2012

German unisex label Drykorn

Ralph Lauren Men Purple Label Fall 2012

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Fall 2012

Paul Stuart Fall 2012

Paul Stuart

The Grande Dame of Antique Fairs

Biennale des Antiquaires, Paris

The XXVI Biennale des Antiquaires:

Part 3 of 3

There is some considerable talk about the Biennale coming to New York this November. Christian Deydier, the president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires, has long toyed with the idea, and it’s becoming quite clear that this may become a reality this fall. If that’s the case, I venture that it will be well received by many people from the United States. This past week, I’ve gotten a great deal of feedback, and read a lot of press about this foremost fair of antiques, fine art, and jewelry.

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld was invited to “reimagine” the exteriors of the old palais. Being that he is one to dazzle his audience at all times, the majority in attendance anticipated an extravaganza in the style of the Chanel shows that he’s become so well known for. Instead, what they got was a demure and uncharacteristic scenography from the Ice Man. Nevertheless, as his hot air balloon took center stage, the euphoric atmosphere was elegant, most appropriate, and for the well-heeled who were seriously interested in collecting design, and jewelry, this was the place to be. Are you ready to enter the festivities inside the grand palais?

Photos courtesy Billy Farrell Agency

Photo courtesy Vogue

Notable attendees: Karl Lagerfeld, Former First Lady Bernadette Chirac, Calvin Klein, Benjamin Steinitz, Becca Cason Thrash, Dominique Levy, Christian Deydier, Peter Marino, Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, Didier Claes, Bernard Arnault, Gisele Croës, Sophie Marceau, Pierre Bergé, Hubert de Givenchy, Yue Sai Kan, Charlotte Casiraghi, Diana Widmaier Picasso, Eugenie Niarchos.

Social Butterflies

The social swirl of New York City already started with a boom. At the closing of Fashion Week, New York’s socialites continued to put on the ritz by attending a series of high profile events. It’s impossible to cover them all, so on this post, I’m only going to focus on just two (look for a series of others to come, and for more pictures on our Facebook Page). Alright then, let’s start with the Nancy Gonzalez‘ event last week at Sotheby’s.

Pictured: Santiago Gonzalez, Nancy Gonzalez, and China Chow

Nina Garcia, and Nancy Gonzalez

For those who are not familiar with her work, Nancy Gonzalez is a precious skins accessories designer who’s known and admired for her innovative design, distinct craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Recently, she’s partnered with TWO x TWO, a Dallas-based charity, in order to create a truly unique, and outstanding tote collection. Cindy and Howard Rachofsky of TWO x TWO and her design company commissioned ten world class contemporary artists to each create a one-of-a-kind Leaf Tote Bags for the upcoming TWO X TWO For Aids and Art benefit for AmfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. The one-of-a-kind totes debuted at a preview event at Sotheby’s in New York last Thursday evening.

Leaf Tote, Lawrence Weiner

Leaf Tote, Joseph Meckseper

Leaf Tote, Kaws by Nancy Gonzalez

Lorenzo Martone, Cheyenne Jackson

Richard Phillips, Nancy Gonzalez

China Chow

Lorenzo Martone, Chris Salgardo, Darian Darling, Jeremy Kost

Nina Garcia, and Nancy Gonzalez at Sotheby’s

Howard and Cindy Rachofsky will host the TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art gala and auction in their Richard Meier-designed home on Saturday, October 20, 2012 in Dallas, TX. The ten ‘priceless’ Artist Leaf Totes will be available at auction the night of the event with 100% of the proceeds benefiting TWO x TWO for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

Photos courtesy Billy Farrell Agency

2ND ANNUAL TIMECRAFTERS

When I told my friends I was going to attend the TimeCrafters event at the Armory, generally, all of them asked: What is that? Now on its 2nd year, and from the looks of things, still going strong, The TimeCrafters Luxury Watch Exhibition is an event organized by Editions Temps International, a leading European publisher of magazines in the international watch sector. Their goals is to educate people on fine watchmaking and showcasing the latest designs from the world’s top watchmakers. Brand executives and representatives were on show at the Park Avenue Armory up until this past Sunday, as they presented an excellent timepiece exhibition, and discussed the newest inventions to this centuries-old craft, as well as shared technological advancements and behind-the-scenes information. Last year, the show was held at the New York Times Building in midtown Manhattan, but for some reason or the other, they moved into the Armory. Although fairly well attended, the exhibition itself lacked the warmth and atmosphere which the former building brought about so effortlessly. But I believe most of the folks who attended were not there to notice the negative space, but to enjoy and buy some of the world’s most exquisite and sought after timepieces.

Don Mcnichol, Stephane Linder, Matt Space

Photo courtesy High End Weekly

Marta Danylyk, Francois Bezault, Simran Malhotra

Robert Weintraub, Michael Margolis

Rolf Studer

Sarah Siciliano, Shelby Freda

Photos courtesy A. Johnson

Patrik Lonn, and his guest

Photos courtesy High End Weekly™

A Glamorous Past

Now that Fashion Week is slowly coming to an end, let’s rendez-vous at Bernheimer Fine Art Photography and Trinity house Paintings. Here’s why. This season most fashionable art exhibition will take center stage from September 13th until the 29th. The show highlights Beauty Endures: Studies of Glamour and Intrigue. The memorable, and glamorous images which you’ll discover while you there, are from Paul Cesar Helleu and Cathlenn Naundorf.

Pictured: Homage to Horst P. Horst, Coco Chanel’s Apartment at rue Cambon, Paris, 2008

Valentino en rose – HC Winter 2007, Atelier d’artiste, cite Jandelle, Paris 2007

La fille en plâtre IV, Dior by John Galliano, Les ateliers du Style, Paris, 2009

The Crying Game I, Dior – HC Summer 2008, Atelier d’artiste, cite Jandelle, Paris 2008

This show is a collaboration between Bernheimer Fine Art Photography and Trinity House Paintings. It brings together the work of painter Paul César Helleum and fashion photographer Cathleen Naundorf for a special exhibition dedicated to two elements which this city is well-known for: glamour and fashion. The collection of works on paper and photography, spanned over 100 years of haute couture, and it celebrates beauty, glamour and all things fabulous from two of the western world’s most captivating artists. So arrange your plans in order to attend this fabulous exhibition which runs from September 13-29, 2012 at Trinity House, 24 East 64th Street. The famed photographer herself, Cathleen Naundorf, will meet guests and sign copies of her book Haute Couture -The Polaroids of Cathleen Naundorf (Prestel, $60.00) at the preview which takes place today, Wednesday, September 12th from 6-8PM.

Vogue Puts on the Ritz

Vogue’s Fashion Night Out with the ‘The Burlesque Beadles’

Vogue Fashion Night Out was an alluring spectacle that came with a circus and burlesque theme, show girls, blindfolded acrobatics, chameleon’s and snakes – not to mention an exciting crowds and the shopping! Our UK contributor David Stocker, was there to capture the unforgettable evening inside the Burlington Arcade – an epitome of luxury from its discreet location set back from the packed thoroughfares of the capital, where visitors can enjoy impeccable service and unparalleled specialist knowledge, and uncover rare examples of some of the world’s finest accessories.

Pictured: David Linley, English furniture maker and chairman of the auction house Christie’s UK and Theo Fennell, exclusive jeweler to the stars, with a Burlington Beadle

During VFNO, Popcorn and candyfloss, from fairground-style carnivalesque machines was served by performers dressed in costumes by Prangsta and two chocolate fountains, perched upon glowing tables and served with an assortment of fruit and sweets, were positioned at opposite ends of the Arcade. The fashionable crowds gathered together to celebrate this joyous occasion, among them were: Hugo Taylor, Natalie Joel and Frances Boulle from Made in Chelsea, Corrie Neilson and her models, Theo Fennell, Sophie Anderton, Olly Murray (Nickelodeon presenter), and Vince Kidd.

Full swagger, and ready to party

Burlington Arcade Style

The Last Tuesdays

The Last Tuesdays Performers

Blindfolded Acrobat

Vogue Fashion Night Out

Francis Boulle (Made in Chelsea)

Hugo Taylor and Natalie Joel (Made in Chelsea) outside Theo Fennell at the Burlington Arcade

Olly Murray wearing Susannah Lovis jewels

Samantha Bond with her daughter celebrating Vogue Fashion Night Out at the Burlington Arcade in collaboration
with The Last Tuesday Society

Snaky Situation – At The Burlington Archade

VFNO

Theo Fennell and Mark Lord (Head Beadle) – Vogue Fashion Night Out at the Burlington Arcade

Vogue Fashion Night Out, UK

Burlington Arcade

Images Courtesy Thomas Chatt

Nigel Barker’s West Village Apartment

Former host of America’s Top Model, and famed fashion photographer Nigel Barker, sat down with The New York Post last Thursday to talk about life after the show, his beloved family, and his eclectic collection of art, artifacts, photos and family mementos. High End Weekly™ was fortunate enough to obtain permission to republish the interview, and naturally, we’re excited to share it with you on this glorious Monday morning in New York City.

Pictured: Photo by Michael Edwards

New York Post: On his treasure-filled home:

Nigel Barker: “It’s colorful, and it’s real. It has a heartbeat. Everything means something.”

Wife Crissy, who describes their apartment as a “souk” adds: “It’s like those little outdoor market places in Morocco, with knickknacks and collections.”

NYP: On a treasured portrait of his mother:

NB: “This…is my mama. Crissy said whenever she’s in the kitchen she feels like my mom’s staring at her.” The painting used to hang in the bedroom. “But she got put in the hall, which is far more appropriate,” says Crissy.

NYP: On being axed by Tyra Banks:

NB: “I know it was tough on [Tyra] as well. It’s never easy to fire someone, least of all, of course, a friend. At the same time, this is business, and things change. She’s a good girl, a strong woman, and she’s done a lot with her life. I take my hat off to her, to be honest with you.”

NYP: On his relationships with former fellow judges André Leon Talley,Twiggy, Miss J and Mr. Jay, and Paulina Porizkova:

NB: “We became good friends. André came to one of my[documentary] screenings the other day in shorts and a T-shirt. That’s the real André.”

NYP: On his new gig, host of Oxygen’s new model reality competition project The Face:

NB: “It’s a whole new take on the genre. Some people have been comparing it to The Voice in that there will be teams. I’m very excited. It’s going to be a great show.”

Nigel Barker, former judge on America’s Next Top Model

Photos courtesy NYP/Michael Edwards

Check out the entire interview with Nigel Barker and exclusive photos of his home and family today at http://www.nypost.com/pagesixmag.

Interview conducted by Page Six Magazine writer Alison Prato.

At Home With Fashion

In honor of Fashion Night Out, and Fashion Week in New York City, I thought I’d do a quick post on the folks behind some of the most amazing fashion we’ve come to love so well. When we think about who’s dressing the First Lady, Michelle Obama, Tracy Reese and Jason Wu’s names immediately come to mind. These fashion designers do their jobs with so much panache that their fames have extended through the far corners of the globe.

Pictured: Jason Wu in his New York Apartment

Diane von Furstenberg’s home in the High Line district of Manhattan is irresistibly chic, and it reflects her love for travel. Then there’s Marc Jacobs’ President, Robert Duffy’s townhouse in Greenwich Village which looms large in its design – just like the man himself.

Tracy Reese in her upstate New York Home

Diane von Furstenberg

Marc Jacobs’ President Robert Duffy’s Greenwich Village’s Living Room

Remembrance of Things Past

The hyperrealist movement

We can all safely agree that art is uniquely a personal choice which creates a lot of emotions. When I first came across the works of Brooklyn-based artist Victor Rodriquez, my emotions ran high. In a good way. Victor Rodriguez‘ credentials in the art world has been rising for a number of years, especially because he’s been highly regarded as a pioneering figure in the new hyperrealist movement.

Vader Kiss by Victor Rodriguez

Major institutions such as Art San Diego, the Museum of Contemporary, Art Flint Institute of Contemporary Arts, and Museo de Monterrey have carried his work. And now, the 40 year old artist who was born in Mexico is set to debut his latest exhibition called Black Dodecahedron at Sebastian & Barquet tomorrow, Thursday, September 6, 2012. The show will run until Friday, October 5th. S+B is located at 601 West 26th Street #300, NYC.

Ulysses by Victor Rodriguez

12 Slice Dodecahedron

In his latest series Victor Rodriguez repaints his pieces multiple times exploring the way our perception of memories change over time. He does this by utilizing techniques of photorealism to evoke the transformation of the past and present. Black Dodecahendron, a collection of monumental-sized paintings, strays from his former work by demonstrating a scarcity of an intense color palette and dramatic pyrotechnics by employing black geometric figures.

Tumbling into Fall

Last year, a Tumblr Page was created for HEW and now, since our official site has grown so much, I’ve reached the conclusion that our Tumblr page has a good chance to reach its potential. This social network website is a great blogging platform for microblogging, and that is exactly what I intend to do there. Look for daily postings, mainly about Fashion, Fine Jewelry, Classic Cars, Art & Design Books, and anything else that strike my fancy. This move will allow me to concentrate more on my design business, and also focus on two of the things that make my clients’ lives easier, and lighter – Great Art & Design. Okay, so the Fashion presence will stay, since I can’t live without it. With that much said, are you ready to take a peek at our rejuvenated page?

High End Weekly now on Tumblr

My current obsession with fashion lies with central London designer, Marios Schwab.

HEW will be covering his upcoming fashion show in The Old Smoke

Baxter has long been a symbol of style and design in contemporary Italian luxury furniture throughout the world. Google them and you too will be impressed

While you’re at it, why don’t you stop by these three sites for a little more diversions? www.highendnewyorkcity.com, www.highendparis.com, and www.artdeconewyork.com