High End Weekly™ – Page 32 – Design for a better living!

Going for Gold

A touch of gold adds that elevated glamour to any interiors. Noticed I said a touch, and not the over the top gilded furniture that sometimes rear its ugly heads at those beautiful homes and hotels that we’re all too familiar with. Christie’s recently had their Interiors Sale where several decorative items came with that golden touch. The one I liked best was a late 20th century four panel floor screen. At a recent visit to Joan Collin’s apartment decorated by John Lyle for Core Real Estates, I became quite smitten by the designer’s signature pieces, especially his Gold Turtle Side Table. By the way, stay tuned for my interview with Mr. Lyle.

Exquisite 24K Gold Turtle Side Table

John Lyle

Michael Aram Sona Vessel

The Sona Vessels, designed by Michael Aram, are both handmade from burnished copper with gold cladding and a blackened aluminum ring

Pair of Black-Lacquered and Gilt-Decorated Four-Panel Floor Screen

Late 20th Century from Christie’s

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.

Meet John Lyle

No wonder Joan Collins chose to work with John Lyle to design her New York City apartment, as she got ready to sell it through Core Real Estate. He is so intuitive, plus it doesn’t hurt to have an exact eye for great design. So for the first time in her life, the film star decided to work with an interior designer who brought new life to her space while making it warm and inviting for prospective buyers.

“I’m always looking for new and wonderful ways to use the finest materials. Comfort is very important, and I strive to keep that in mind when I am designing. My clients have various lifestyles, some have children, pets, so I design spaces as well as furnishings that fit their lifestyles.” John Lyle, interior and furniture designer

High End Weekly: This Joan Collins’ apartment is both glamorous, and inviting. Pretty much like your furniture lines.
John Lyle: Well, thank you. My company rebrand a few years back as John Lyle Design but in 1985, my former business partner and I founded our design firm and we named it Lyle and Umbach, Ltd. We became business partners at that time because we both loved neoclassicism, and my designs reflected that style and the collection sold at top high-end showrooms across the US. After working with bronze, steel was our next adventure, then fine woods. The latest things we’ve added to our line of furnishings are a variety of exotic materials such as shagreen, parchment, tobacco and beautiful and intricate inlaid seashells. I’m always looking for new and wonderful ways to use the finest materials. Comfort is very important, and I strive to keep that in mind when I am designing. My clients have various lifestyles, some have children, pets, so I design spaces as well as furnishings that fit their lifestyles.

Before

After

HEW: How appealing do you think it’ll be for potential buyers when they find out that this is Joan Collins’ apartment, and that her spirit is reflected in the decor?
JL: Very appealing, indeed. She’s a legend, and a great beauty at that. It’s certainly an advantage for a buyer to have that provenance. This place is now fresh and glamorous, but it also reflects the vigor and vim which represents youth. These days, a great number of young people are buying real estate. These folks are mostly in their 40s, so I wanted to design a space that would make them, or anyone else. feel right at home.

HEW: Is Home Staging the current hot trend in today’s New York Real Estate Market?
JL: This is my first home staging, so to speak, although I remembered helping my brother with his kitchen before he sold his house. I believe that one of the main challenges of staging an apartment in the city may be the cost that goes along with it. The logistics of simply making a delivery to this sort of upscale building became astronomical, and a challenge giving the narrow window of time we were given. The rules and logistics may shy many people away from staging in a city like Manhattan. I’m grateful to so many firms that came to bat with this project. Farrow & Ball for donating the wallpaper and paint, Neidermaier, Leslie Blau, Leah Antiques, Illume Shades, and all the other firms, and people who graciously loaned their magnificent pieces to this project.

The animal reference on these decorative bowls,purchased at an auction house, and suggests the resident’s true sense of travel and adventures to be had !

HEW: Please tell us more about your line of furnishings? Which showrooms carry them?
JL: Largely, all the mirror polished stainless steel pieces are from my new company called Inox New York, which is nationally represented by Donghia. Other pieces are part of the John Lyle Design collection, take a look at the website for our various representative showrooms, including David Sutherland, Holly Hunt, and Johanna Spilman in San Francisco, Jennifer West in Seattle, and Furn & Co. in Boston. The best place to see my work is my Design Studio in Long Island City, which is a great and spacious loft in an industrial building. I enjoy commuting there from Manhattan, while riding my vintage Vespa Scooter. The studio is directly above the entrance to the midtown tunnel and the views of Manhattan are astounding.

HEW: In your opinion, what are some of the most important essentials in a room when it comes to interior design?
JL: Comfort. Scale. Mood. Mood is very important. The secret is in how a room makes you feel personally. David Hicks once said that every living room should have a lower chair so when a woman sits her legs look long and her silhouette can be showed to its best advantage. This in turn will make her feel good, and look elegant.

HEW: Do you urge your clients to buy art?
JL: A longtime client of mine collects a great deal of art. Like his father before him, Robert Rothschild is an avid collector of early 20th century works including Braque, Picasso, De Chirico, Matisse, Miro as well as a very important collection of Russian avant-garde paintings. I usually find that the right textile will present a perfect backdrop for art, and it often sets the mood. With a great art collection, everything else in the room should play second fiddle, and allow the art to take precedence. I enjoy collecting, therefore my apartment’s wall space is pretty limited right now. I love color, I’m into abstract paintings, sculptures, and I mostly like to mix modern furniture with antiques. I collect a lot of art from my friends and colleagues.

HEW: What other profession would be appealing to you if you were not a designer?
JL: A performer, but only if I were a very successful actor, directly out of the box. I wouldn’t have the drive to pay the dues. I guess it comes down to a matter of weighting your passions. I’m totally visual, and designing is such a natural thing for me. Honestly, I just live and breathe design.

HEW: Whenever I see you, you’re always dressed so stylish. If you were to design a clothing line only for you, how would it look?
JL: Most of my clothes are custom-made for me. I like clothing that are clean, classic, simple, although sometimes, I get a little Rock’N’Roll. For the most part, my fashion sense is classic. I enjoy dressing with supple and unique materials, that’s why I’m particularly fond of a well cut, tailored suit. It makes a big difference.

HEW: How would you describe luxury?
JL: Luxury is comfort. Extreme comfort, and inspiration.

The Weekender: Fêtes à Paris

Biennale des Antiquaires –

Part 2 of 3

Gala Diners at the Biennale

So many parties so little time. The Biennale des Antiquaires has never been short of celebrity and high society sightings. HEW have accumulated photos from this celebrated fair through the years, and they’re all for your enjoyment. Who knows? They may motivate you to attend the Gala on Wednesday, September 12th. Cheers!

Left: Christian Deydier, Président Jacques Chirac and honored guests

Estelle Lefebure

Bernadette Chirac

Mrs. Mc Cormick-Blair, and Pierre Bergé

Princesse Ira de Furstemberg

Alberto Pinto (center)

Mr Forbes and Veronica Hearst

Mathilde Agostinelli, Philippe Starck, and Victoire de Castellane

Princesse Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, and Karl Lagerfeld

Farida Lhelfa, Karl Lagerfeld, Distinguished Guest, Pierre Passebon, and Jean de Gunzburg

Anna Mouglalis, and Peter Marino

Baron and Baronne Emmanuel Reille

Christian Louboutin, and Minica Bellucci

Danièle Steel

Jacques Garcia

Karl Lagerfeld, and Hélène Arnault

Monica Bellucci

Mr & Mrs Henry Kravis, Karl Lagerfeld

Valentino

Pierre Passebon, and Jacques Grange

Biennale des Antiquaires – Part 1 of 3

The fêted Biennale des Antiquaires was announced last March at the French Consultat General de France. Looking back, the actual fair seemed so far away…. Nowadays I’m reminded that it is just about a little over a month away. This grande dame of antique fairs will take place at the Grand Palais in Paris from September 14th through the 23rd.

Galerie Jousse, 2008

FINE ARTS

Etienne Dinet (1861-1929), “La Lutte Des Fillettes” (“Young girls fighting”), Oil On Canvas, Signed on the left flower side

(Chadelaud)

The idea of an “antique dealer fair” first appeared in the 1950s and more precisely in 1956 under the aegis of the new chairman of the SNA (National Union of Antiques Dealers), Pierre Vandermeersch. The dream was to create an event where the beauty of the objects on show could compete with that of the women who come visit the exhibition, a venue where elegance, prestige and celebration would await a host of art lovers and collectors. – SNA-France. The 26th Biennale des Antiquaires will feature an unprecedented 120 leading international art, antiquities and fine jewelry dealers representing over $50 billion worth of Archaeological treasures, arms and armor, furniture, paintings, drawings, graphic works, sculpture, books and illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, rugs, objects d’art, coins and medals, stamps, ceramics and jewelry.

Jean Raoux, (Montpellier 1677 – Paris 1734), “Portrait of a woman slightly undressed”, Oil on canvas

(Alexis Bordes)

FUN FACTS: Key People from BDA: Karl Lagerfeld, Scenographer Christian Deydier, President of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires. Sample List of Exhibitors: Wallace Chan, Chaumet, Bulgari and Boucheron, Piaget, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Cartier, Christian Dior.

Johann-Ernst Heinsius, (Thuringe 1731 – Erfurt 1794), “Portrait de Pierre-Simon de Laplace, mathématicien” Oil on original canvas. Inscription ” N. Largillière” On the book, bottom right

Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol, silkscreen ink and acrylic on linen

(L& M Arts)

FINE JEWELRY

Chanel Necklace

FUN FACTS: Did you know that it was André Malraux who opened the path to the Grand Palais, a legendary Parisian landmark built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900? Yes, the first International Biennale, in its present form, was held in 1962. It was a focal gathering of the greatest French and foreign antique dealers, decorators, jewellers and book store owners under the famous glass roof in a magic setting made up of pavilions, gardens and fountains.

Bague (ring) Piaget

DECORATIVE ARTS

Eugène Printz (1889-1948) , Jean Dunand (1877-1942)

Galerie Marcihac

Art & Décoration 1933, modèle similaire avec un décor différent reproduit page 297. Guy Bujon et Jean-Jacques Dutko, E. Printz, éditions du Regard, Paris, 1986, modèle reproduit page 278

Paul Evans Sideboard in structure in bronze, wood and covered with weld steel plates. Bronze low relief in front, like patchwork, circa 1970

(Galerie Yves et Victor Gastou)

Marcel Coard (1889-1974)

Galerie Marcihac

Provenance : Ancient collection of Monsieur E. , collaborator at La maison Jansen Décoration.

The Textile Issue

Am I Blue?

REVISED: Working with sumptuous fabrics, like this one from Armani Casa, can certainly elevate your mood, and surroundings. Take this latest textile from Fargo for example. Fargo is based on their much-loved Cleveland material, and it is a decorative geometrical design that distinguishes it from Cleveland. The pattern surfaces vary and form a larger damask pattern on the fabric. Donghia‘s fall collections have something for everyone who desire a chic, comfortable and sophisticated interior. The Urban Safari line is from Sahco. This collection features some of my favorite imitation furs, velvets, and other intricate weaves that are inspired by nature and its natural habitat. What other textiles do I like to work with? Find out here.

Fayette from Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli

Left: Fargo, a fabric based on Cleveland (pictured right). All three fabrics are from Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli and Sahco.

Indigo Collection

(J. Robert Scott)

Indigo is a refined selection of luxury textiles designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis. Sally has designed this collection featuring 100% silks, woolens, and JRS Superskidskin in the deep inky “mood” of the Indigo colorway offering versatility in any interiors.

From left to right: Woven Radiance, Edwardian Floral, Wool Dot, Bengaline, all in the Indigo Colorway. Watch the Duke Ellington/ INDIGO video from J. Robert Scott on YouTube.

Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks: Top Image: Mineral in Indigo/Slat. Bottom: Mala in Lake, Agate in Slate/Linen, Sonoma in Cornflower, Barcelo in Taupe, Oblique in Slate/Graphite, Channels in Periwinkle/Oat, Sunbleached in Linen, Sunbleached in Graphite. Bottom: Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks: Top Image: Mineral in Indigo/Slat. Bottom: Mala in Lake, Agate in Slate/Linen, Sonoma in Cornflower, Barcelo in Taupe, Oblique in Slate/Graphite, Channels in Periwinkle/Oat, Sunbleached in Linen, Sunbleached in Graphite. Bottom: Mineral in Indigo/Slate.

(Lee Jofa)

Art Deco Jewels in The Modern World

I still find it hard to believe that at one point in time, jewelry was often regarded as a trivial luxury. ‘Just that extra touch that completed your outfit – that’s all. The right type of jewelry often makes the outfit. Especially Art Deco Jewelry. Back then as it is now, art deco jewelry truly reached the zenith of its stylishness. The details of such jewelry mimicked the fine craftsmanship often seen in the works of furniture from artists such as Ruhlmann and Dunand. I imagine that’s why this style of jewelry continues to do so well today throughout the most noted auction houses, and posh antique fairs.

Platinum Art Deco bracelet consisting of approximately 11.00 carats of single cut and old European cut diamonds set with 1.01 carats natural unheated Burma ruby and 0.75 carats of calibrated rubies

David & Company

Art Deco platinum dress clips; total diamond wight approximately 7.35 carats; circa 1920s

McTeigue

Art Deco pieces such as the ones featured on this posts stole the stage at the 6th Annual New York

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Platinum Art Deco bracelet consisting of approximately 10 carats total weight of Old European cut diamonds, set with 3 round cabochon moonstones approximately 8.50 mm in diameter
and accented with engraving and mill grain edges.

David & Company

“Antique jewelry is back in style with interest at an all-time high from US, European and Asian buyers, antique jewelry [Art Deco] is finally being appreciated in the general jewelry market. Buyers are now open to adding these fabulous antique and estate pieces to their jewelry inventory and personal collections.”

Ronald Kawitzky

D.K. Bressler & Company, Inc.

The luxurious items showcased at the this year’s Antique Jewelry & Watch Show throughout the aisles revealed the latest trends including bold gold jewelry, large statement pieces and classic watches. Also featured this year were items ranging from all categories of jewelry such as cameos, tennis bracelets, decorative necklaces, gemstones and pendants from various time periods including the Renaissance to Art Deco eras.

The Weekender: European Vacations

Luxury Hotels = Location, Location, Location

Today, let us bask in the summer sun by traveling to some of Europe’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Believe it or not, as an avid traveller (mostly business-related), a vacation doesn’t come around too often for me, so when I take a holiday, I try to make it worthwhile. Making great memories that last for a lifetime when you travel around the world is what it’s all about.

Pictured: Windsor, UK

Classical Britain, UK

That’s why choosing to stay in the best hotels is the only choice to make. It’s no secret that the best hotels provide more amenities and better services. And let’s not forget the location factor. Location is one of the key elements to consider when choosing a hotel. Luxurious hotels means privacy and total relaxation.

Classical Britain provides high-end luxury holiday and business accommodation in Windsor and Eton.

Classical Britain also provides their guests with exclusive concierge services, thus giving them access to events, chauffeurs, the English Season, private boat charter and private jets.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, UK

Country House Living at its Best: Lucknam Park Hotel

Horse riding over 500 acres of gardens and walking trails

Bespoke Traditionally Designed Guest Rooms, and Suites

Sumptuous Luxury: Down to the Pool House

Monte-Carlo Beach, Monaco

Monte Carlo Beach

All the hotels included in this post have a 5 stars ratings. I particularly love this one not necessarily for the amneties which are superb, but because it evokes a spirit of the Roaring Twenties in the Riviera. I normally stay at the Parker Meridien when I am in Monaco, so I often visit this Mediterranean beach resort (I’m afraid it’s too rich for my blood) whenever I’m in the the area.

Monte Carlo Beach

This haven has a total of 40 rooms and suites, and is situated on the Cote d’Azur between

Cap Martin and glamorous Monaco

Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design

Jack Lenor Larsen

A series of lectures accompanied by a major retrospective called “Jack Lenor Larsen: 40 Years” are on their way to the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID). The Retrospective will celebrate the designer’s 40th years as a renowned high-end textile producer in the United States. This major exhibit will be on view from September 19 through December 5, 2012 at the NYSID Gallery located at 161 East 69 Street in New York City. Jack Lenor Larsen founded his design firm in 1952 and went on to become a dominant resource for signature fabrics.

The “Larsen Look,” which began with Larsen’s own award-winning hand-woven fabrics of natural yarns in random repeats, has evolved to become synonymous with 20th century design at its pinnacle. The famed designer is also well known for drawing inspiration from textile traditions throughout the world, using traditional and modern weaving methods.

The exhibition will include Larsen’s commissions from famous architects plus fabrics from his solo-exhibit at the Palais du Louvre. The works demonstrate his stellar use of handcraft as well as his innovations in new materials and untried technology—often in heady colors. Viewers will perceive Larsen’s persistent urging to reinforce individuality, as Larsen states, “in this mass world our supporting the singular is more crucial than taste.” In keeping with LongHouse’s (Lenor’s home, also a public garden and art collection in East Hampton, NY) mission to bring together art and nature, the fabrics will be hung on bamboo frames (the bamboo is grown at LongHouse). Additional textiles, wall coverings and custom tapestries will also be on view, as well as images of Larsen’s rugs, bedding, upholstered furniture and interiors featuring Larsen textiles. The exhibition will also include select textiles from Cowtan & Tout, the company that merged with Larsen Inc. in 1997 and has been designing and distributing Larsen Fabrics ever since.

The following are the lectures to look for:

Jack Lenor Larsen: Master of Textile Design. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6 – 8pm. A discussion on the career and contributions of innovative craftsman and designer Jack Lenor Larsen. Panelists include Hugh Hardy, Principal of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; Lou Gropp, former editor of House Beautiful; and textile designer Sherri Donghia. Moderated by Judith Gura, Design History Instructor at NYSID.
Designing the Winter Landscape: From Private Gardens to Public Parks. Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 6 – 8pm. Though snow may coat the landscape, winter can bring new beauty to garden foliage. The special character of some exceptional gardens will be discussed and illustrated by the celebrated people who design and nurture them. Jack Lenor Larsen will speak about the gardens at LongHouse Reserve; Juan Montoya will discuss his gardens in Garrison, New York; and landscape architect Thomas Balsley of Thomas Balsley Associates will talk about recent projects including Chelsea Waterside Park and Riverside Park South in New York.
Lectures will take place at the NYSID Auditorium, 170 East 70th Street, NYC. Tickets are $12 for general public, $10 seniors and non-NYSID students, free for NYSID students. rsvp@nysid.edu or call 212-472-1500 x440.

Nicola Simbari’s Light & Energetic Paintings

Pictured: Ode To The Sea: Nicola Simbari, La Trottoria

A State of Excitement

When you live in a bold and cosmopolitan city such as New York, you’re bound to open your eyes, and sometimes your heart to some of the latest and exciting things all around you. Case and point, last week, just when I was walking up to the Dorchester building on East 57th Street, I reluctantly stepped inside the Wally Finlday Galleries after my husband encouraged me to do so.

But once we were shown around by the gallery director, I was delighted to discover the works of Italy’s most important living artist, Nicola Simbari. What attracted me the most about his art was the techniques that were used, and their results – masterful paintings on canvas, brilliantly achieved by a palette knife. This technique became his signature look almost immediately after he started to paint at the ripe age of 13. The second thing that impressed me was how well he was able to translate the feeling of summer into his paintings. The Mediterranean came alive with each stroke of his palette knife. His semi abstract impressionist works are a breath of fresh air, and today, they remind me that since August is here, it’s high time to enjoy those long, lazy summer days – before they vanish in the wind.

Repose: Nicola Simbari, II Muretto

Color, Energy, and Emotion: Nicola Simbari, Woman Emerging

Ahae’s Stunning Photographs at The Louvre

The Natural

The Ahae experience continues. Following the opening of the Ahae De Ma Fenêtre at the Louvre Pavilion at the Jardin des Tuileries in June, a memorable concert was held on July 4th.

A review followed: Under clearing skies on a warm July 4th evening in Paris’s Tuileries Garden, the famed Orchestra Lamoureux played a concert of French classics and new compositions while two enormous screens showed images by Ahae, the Korean-born photographer whose exhibition De ma fenêtre (From My Window) is currently on view in the Louvre’s garden. Pieces by Debussy, Saint-Saens and Offenbach were played on a stage specially built for the concert. Ilan Eshkeri’s De ma fenêtre was given its world premiere to generous applause.

Mother Nature: Spectacular entrance to Ahae’s Show at Musée Du Louvre,

Jardin Des Tuileries Bespoke Exhibition Pavilion in Paris

From My Window is an exceptional show of photographs taken from the vantage of just one window in Ahae’s house. The landscape, photographed throughout the year, reveals the subtle changes of the seasons as well as a great sensibility to life in all its forms. Painstakingly photographed and printed, the show is already a popular success. Revealing a tranquil sensibility in the midst of the chaos of nature, it features some of the largest reproductions ever mounted.

Flock of Magpies (2009)

Azure-winged Magpies (2010)

Sold in the Ahae Pavilion bookstore is the new Assouline collectors title, AHAE: Through My Window. Scenes pastoral and comic, dramatic and tragic, dynamic and serene, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful are revealed through his lens. With introductions by the director of the Louvre, the former director of Prague’s National Gallery, and the director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Moscow, and featuring poetic texts by the photographer, this beautiful hardcover volume of inspiring imagery is presented in a luxury slipcase (available August 14th, $200, through Assouline). The exhibits ends on Sunday, August 19th, 2012.

Captivated: Museum goers marvel at the wonders and simplicity of nature

Water Deer (2009)

Contributing Story by Joan Parker