- Decorative Arts, Didier Krzentowski, Hotel Keppler, Interior Design, Marc Newson, Paris, The Weekender
The Weekender: French by Design
“Every man has two nations, and one of them is France.” – Benjamin FranklinARTISTIC LIFESTYLESKnowing how the French usually do things with great panache, one might get the impression that they approve of nearly anything as long as it is done with style, but I don’t believe that is the case. Style is great but savoir faire is so much better. And thankfully, French design carries both elements. To me, it reveals the secrets of fierce creativity illustrated with a futuristic point of view on design at its best!
Above Images: Didier Krzentowski’s Parisian HomePhoto via Dwell MagazineMarc Newson
Marc Newson’s classic ride-on horesy designed for Magis
Paradise Found: Marc Newson Qantas Lounge And Spa Room InteriorHOTEL KEPPLER
Hôtel Keppler: 10 rue Kepler, 75016 Paris
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Conceptual Designs by Joe Cesare Colombo
“I don’t think of myself as an artist nor as a technician, but as an epistemologiest… A designer is the creator of the environment of the future” – Joe Colombo
The Milanese organic designer Joe Colombo who passed away the same year I was born, firmly believed in creating an integral habitat where the aesthetics of a home developed out of the way it was meant to be used as environment for living.Thoroughly Modern: Multi chair by Joe ColomboHe originally started his career as a painter and sculptor, and you can see evidence of this on the lurid colors, as well as the technological and functional innovation he used in his furniture design.
The famous KD27, circa 1970, in my favorite color, Orange!These designs are in great demand at auctions houses throughout the world. In the 1960s Joe Colombo created the 4801 chair – an authentic symbol of the design world at that time. That famous chair, which has since been licensed to Kartell was produced entirely of wood. Nowadays, technology enables the manufacture to produce them in PMMA, a process which emphasises their rounded, smooth shapes.
From Left: Continental, 1965, and Combi Center, 1963, by Joe Colombo
The 4801 Chair
The 4801 chairs by Joe Colombo now produced by Kartell
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Aesthetically Speaking
Ralph Lauren Modern Art Deco Fine Jewelry Collection features bold geometric pieces made from 18-karat white and rose gold with diamonds, emeralds, green agate and black onyx. Designed to represent the distinctive simplicity of the 1930s Art Deco era. Right: Salvador Dali Spanish, Fish Service, marked by Pierre Hugo, Paris, circa 1957, Silver gilt and sapphire. Twelve forks and twelve knives from Doyle New York October 2012 Design Auction.
Left: From Waterworks‘ latest collaboration with Roman and Williams Atlas: An elegant Metal Two Leg Single Washstand. Right: Crinkle bag vase from the Fall Collection at MOMA Store.
From Top Right: Rare English Regency papier mâché tray, circa 1820, on later stand. A capriccio view painted on a green ground – from Patrick Bavasi. Whimsical Duck Feet Lamp by Porta Romana. Available in gold and silver finishes. -
Collecting Design: Sebastian and Barquet
Sebastian & Barquet are Design Dealers who are quite well known for focusing on and bringing back to the public eye the impressive work of renowned artists such as Buckminster Fuller, Charlotte Perriand, George Nakashima, Gio Ponti, Isamu Noguchi, Johnny Swing, Paul Evans, Joe Colombo, Vladimir Kagan, Le Corbusier and others. The gallery, located in the trendy high line district of Manhattan, offers an impressive collection of 20th Century Design.
A client of mine was interested in their 1984 Michelle de Lucchi’s sidetables, so I took a trip there a few months ago, only to find that not only did they carry this important piece, the gallery was a temple of design savoir faire. We were impressed with their Carlo Bugatti’s collection which was featured on its own special section. This artist’s work was beautifully curated so that one can truly appreciate the furniture and art in their true sense and form. I noticed that some of Buggatti’s art work consisted of inlaid bronze and pewter, materials which I am drawn to since they offer such a striking finish. The main gallery is a mecca for collecting great design. They have an excellent collection from one of my favorite artist, Prouvé. I’ve always emphasize to you, dear readers, the importance of an artist like Jean Prouvé. He was a brilliant creator and a totally committed citizen, craftsman, workman, industrial constructor, architect, and designer. If you are serious about collecting, this is one of the trusted dealers that are worth your time and resources because of their expertise and commitment in their respective specialities.
Gio Ponti, a rare and important secretaire and chair, circa 1930
Sofa and chair by Vladimir Kagan
George Nakashima Walnut dining room table and chairs. Background painting from Julio Galan,The Black Pear, 1990
From Left: Charlotte Perriand, Sconce Collection – Set of 12 from the Galerie Steph Simon, France, circa 1962. A Gio Ponti armchair from the Hotel Parco dei Principi, Rome, circa 1964. Right: Le Corbusier, a partially painted wood wardrobe/room divider, 1949
Ko and Luisa Parisi Sof, circa 1946, and Guilermo Ulrich, Grand Console. corca 1940, in the background
Photos courtesy High End Weekly™ -
The Weekender: The Return Of The King
CHRISTIAN LACROIX’ NEW ADDRESS
“It’s LACROIX, darling, LACROIX.” Remember Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina, and her constant refrain in Absolutely Fabulous? She was known for her wild streak as well as her desperate attempts to stay young and hip by donning the most hilarious, ostentatious clothing. And guess what?
We all loved her for that even more since his fashion was fit for her personality. I’ve long admired Christian Lacroix‘ spirit, if not necessarily his fashion, so this week, I was thrilled to receive in my mailbox an email from Robb Report about the flamboyant fashion designer and the re-opening of his left bank Parisian boutique. The interior design was hip, without being over the top, and for me that was a huge plus. In addition, I liked the gold wallpaper that was used throughout this quaint little space which once was an old printing shop. According to their creative director Sacha Walckhoff, gold is definitely in for the home this fall.
When Amanda Millin asked about incorporating gold in the home, and still making it look modern , Sacha responded “For furniture, avoid gold and grand style, and go for the ’50s and ’60s designer pieces like the ones of Jean Prouvé or Charlotte Perriand in order to add a modern touch. Then go back to gold for the little decorative objects like “One Minute Sculpture” by Marcel Wanders. It is always nice to mix gold with a fabric that looks simple. Natural beige linen, for example, or a rough cream cotton. Try our gold Voyage wallpaper (an ancient map of the south of France) with our Feria natural beige linen fabric. The Voyage wallpaper is very light and can be used anywhere.”Photos by Francis Amiand, via Robb Report
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East & West Coast Parties
Picnic by DesignA number of young NYC interior designers came together to support DIFFA by spearheading Picnic by Design. The event took place this past Wednesday under a bright city sky.
Members of the design community enjoyed each other company, as they came together at the lawn of the MiMA roof-deck, a space designed by DIFFA’s own co-chair David Rockwell. Guests enjoyed a variety of picnic baskets designed by Mary Davis, Brooke Lichtenstein, Yiannos Vrousgos, Dwayne Clark, Bob Gaynor, Nigel Sielegar, Dee Kemper, and Michael Aram. This was an evening filled with laughter and cheers, as well as a movie screening of Mart Crowley’s revolutionary play-turn-movie “The Boys in the Band.”
Photos courtesy Marco BollingerThe Pebble Beach Scene
Kristina Marchitto, from Rolls-Royce and Chef Thomas KellerVacheron Constantin Hosts Special Event
with Rolls-Royce Motor CarsLast Saturday evening, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest high end watch manufacturer, hosted an exclusive event with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world-renowned annual classic cars show. The soiree took place at a private villa situated in the hills of one of the most beloved region in the US, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Guests were treated to a unique and customized dinner crafted by none other, Chef Thomas Keller and prepared by The French Laundry, his famous 3-star Michelin restaurant in Yountville, CA.
Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North AmericaIn his welcome speech, Hugues de Pins spoke about the common values shared by Vacheron Constantin, Chef Keller and Rolls Royce Motor Cars, such as the passing-down of traditions, the constant search for excellence, and the nurturing of creativity in each of their respective industries.Vacheron Constantin Historiques Collection
A view of the villa in Carmel, CaliforniaPhoto credit Paul BoutrosDuring the cocktail, guests were invited into the kitchen to interact with The French Laundry team and witness the preparations for the meal. A staff of 19 from The French Laundry and Per Se, Chef Keller’s New York City restaurant, prepared and served the meal for 60 guests.
Models greeting the guestsUnless otherwise indicated, All images courtesy Derek Gardner Photography -
The Stately Home of Brooke Astor
Brooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well-travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail about the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.” Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartment
Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper
A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwood
Bergères en gondole, 20th Century. For a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebble surface cowhide (see below).
A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)
The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.
The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid). Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant choice in the September auction.
A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment
Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700
An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th century
The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William Delano. According to Sotheby’s “The sale will include fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. About 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”
Images Courtesy Sotheby’s
All rights reservedTo inquire further about these art and design objects, please contact us.
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- At The Auction with Vyna, Auction Houses, Brooke Astor, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Life and Style, Sotheby's
The Stately Home of Brooke Astor
“Brooke Astor’s enthusiasm for every detail pertaining to the furnishing and decorating of her rooms is charmingly effective. No one can equal her gaiety of spirit, her joyous laughter, and her keen wit.”Albert Hadley, famed decorator who designed rooms for both Holly Hill and the Astors’ Park Avenue apartmentBrooke Astor’s property revealed a woman who was well travelled and had a keen eye for English and French pieces from both the 18th and early-19th centuries, as well as Chinese lacquer furniture primarily dating to the Qing dynasty. The beloved philanthropist and legendary figure in New York society also had a penchant for both Old Master drawings – including works byRiches: Holly Hill, Staircase, The main staircase at Holly Hill, showing a selection of dog pictures. Courtesy Sotheby’s
Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Nicolas Lancret – and Chinese export reverse-painted glass pieces. I must have looked at the Sotheby’s catalogue at least half a dozen times before I was able to choose a few items which I thought would be quite fitting for a “modern” interior.
The Park Avenue duplex apartment of Brooke Astor in the Rosario Candela designed building is on 73rd street. It is one of New York City’s most famous residences, and housed the iconic library that is one of the most photographed rooms in the history of American interior designEDITOR’S TOP PICKS
Portrait of Brooke Astor by Sir Cecil Beaton, signed Beaton lower right, watercolor over pencil on paper
In The Mix: Louis XV style ormolu-mounted Chinese blue-glazed porcelain clock, 19th Century, The Dialsigned Balthazar A Paris
Mid 20th Century Art: James Montgomery Flagg, I Like It This Way, signed James Montgomery Flagg lower right
A pair of Louis XV/XVI transitional style carved beechwoodBergères en gondole, 20th CenturyFor a completely different look, I would have these chairs upholstered in a Shagreen – pebbled surface cowhide (see below)
Image Courtesy Kick Shaw Productions
A George III style mahogany etagereOne is not enough. Etageres should come in twos, so I would have Rosini & Sons, my furniture maker,duplicate this snazzy piece of furniture.
A pair of Chinese Cizhou-type baluster vases, mounted as lamps from the Qing Dynasty,from the 19/20th Century
A pair of Chinese carved celadon-glazed brushpots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722)The muted celadon is spot on for a modern look.
1 of 2 polychrome-painted and carved figures of sheep, Dan Falt, northeast harbor,Maine 20th CenturyThere’s no rule that says you cannot bring these painted sheep into your indoor space. I personally like a whimsical element in my decor, because it invigorates an interior and makes it that much more interesting
The Dog Show by Vicente Viudes, signed Vicente Viudes lower right (signed again and inscribed Madrid)Mrs. Astor surrounded herself with objects she loved, and her gardens reflected her life and passions. Although the dogs were the center piece for this painting, the outdoors reference was a singular reminder. BTW: A multitude of her beloved dogs will form a significant selection in the September auction.
A view of the famed library at Mrs. Astor’s duplex Manhattan apartment
Mughal-style “chrysanthemum” gem-inlaid jade hand mirror from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)Every room should have a mirror, even if it is just a small one
Bon Voyage: A sixteen-piece T.Anthony red canvas luggage set comprised of thirteen suitcases and three handbags. Together with two similar handbags, All initialed B.R.A.
A modern, neoclassical style cream and green painted low tableOne of the very few pieces from the sale which is estimated below $2,000. Sometimes you just have to mix the highs with the lows. And this lovely piece fits the bill
Three gold photo frames, Cartier, New York and another maker, Mid-20th Century
The September auction will include property from the Holly Hill, Westchester mansion. The estate was designed in 1927 by architect Paul William DelanoAccording to Sotheby’s “The sale will comprise fine and decorative art from Mrs. Astor’s Park Avenue apartment in New York City and her Westchester County estate, Holly Hill, as well as a selection of jewelry from her personal collection. The approximately 900 items in the sale will be on exhibition in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beginning 17 September.”
Rare and important pair of Japanese export black and gilt lacquer covered jars circa 1680-1700
La Sortie Des Six Metegrave; Tres from Raoul Dufy, circa 1935
Sir Cecil Beaton, Lilac, signed Beaton (twice)
An English or Dutch chinoiserie painted and embossed leather eight-panel screen mid 18th centuryImages Courtesy Sotheby’sAll rights reserved - Architectural Digest, Christie's, Cote France, Essence, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Magazines, Ophrah, The Weekender, World of Interiors
The Weekender: The September Issues
How do I keep up with the latest trends from the world of Design, Fashion, to the Luxury Market? Not only does my head stays buried in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times during the week, but on the weekend, I like to indulge in some of the finest magazines like The World of Interiors, Good House Keeping, The Robb Report, Interior Design, Vanity Fair and many others. O The Oprah Magazine has long been one of the few magazines I’ve subscribed to over the years
The World of Interiors is a mind blowing, little gem of a design magazine. It stays ahead of its times,and truly one of the best around
From Paris to Provence, all of the “Cotes” by-monthly issues can often be found inside my tote bags.Christie’s started to send me their International Real Estates magazines, and quite frankly, it’s fast becoming a new favorite
America’s Darling: Architectural Digest is Numero Uno for many designers that I know. And the apparent reasons are written in every page
I believe Good Housekeeping has one of the largest subscribers, and month after month, I can see why that is. I’m asubscriber of their Indian (yes, that’s right) issue as well
There’s something exceedingly appealing about House Beautiful. America’s oldest decorating magazine carries many treasures and inspirations
What can I say? It’s Vogue Paris. It is avant garde, and always elegant
How Can You Drop Your Stress & Your Dress Size? Well, all you have to do is read the September issue of Essence,and you won’t have to worry about another thing – ever
What do I have on my bedside table at the moment? The September issue of Vanity Fair. And it’s lovely seeing the modern princess on the cover. For September, VF also came out with a supplemental issue on travel. Reading the section on The Palm Beach Lifestyle was truly riveting
Always tres chic. British Vogue is fast becoming a favorite
My friend Harry swears by this magazine.According to him, Elle Decoration is the brightest star for every well appointed home
Although I am most seriously displeased with the person on the cover of this issue, I must admit that the Fall Fashion issue ofNew York Magazine is pretty exciting. I’ve been subscribing to this one for as long as I can remember
Fashion Central: Vogue keeps it fresh, Vogue keeps it young, Vogue keeps it relevant
It’s interesting that many Interior Design Magazines are having celebrities on their covers more and more now.
Elle Decor is a dream magazine for so many, and the inspirations it contains are endless
Of course it’s one of my dreams to be on the cover of Town & Country Magazine.Isn’t it everyone’s dream?
W is a great big magazine full of Fashion sense and the latest news on Celebrity Culture.I can’t get enough of those two subjects
It’s great to see Zoe Saldana on the September issue of Gotham Magazine. Good for her. Good for GothamNOTE: 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. -
Eduard Erlikh’s Fashionistas
“Yellow is for sunornaments of gold,color of papers
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