Spring has Sprung!

I had the fortune of being in the Hamptons over the long Easter weekend, and finally on Sunday, the sun and the warmth blanketed the countryside. That day an acquaintance of mine named Bob Tortora took me to a new project he is developing in Sagaponack, NY--a township close to East Hampton. He has built a house in the style of a barn. I like the fact that it's neither ostentatious nor a cookie cutter McMansion. While I took some photos of the inside of the house--the scale is quite stunning--I want to tease you a bit first with the exterior and the splendor of the beautiful spring day that surrounded the structure. I love how the muted colors of the house and the enveloping nature mesh so well together.

I'll post photos of the interior very soon. In the meantime, check out Tortora's website, which he's in the process of updating. Enjoy!

Is it Spring Yet?

This has been the coldest spring that I can remember. I can't tell you how eager I am to be able to ride my bike or take in some sun. Until then, it's nice to at least spruce up your home with seasonal treats like these cherry tree branches. While they will not bring about beautiful spring weather, they might brighten up the day for anyone who sees them, and then we can at least be positive that the warm weather will arrive any day.
Photography by Yale Wagner

Secretaire of the Interior

A quick blog post today . . . I'm in love with this 19th Century English Chinoise secretaire. These pieces are fantastic to color up just about any room. It's stylish and even practical. I love the color, its gilded finials, secret drawers and the patina on the mirrored doors. I've sold many of these over the years and this one currently in my store on E 11th Street is one of my favorites. Stop by and see it some time.
Photography by Yale Wagner

Mad about this Hatter

"Stephen Jones & the Accent of Fashion" began its world tour yesterday at the Istanbul Vakko Fashion Centre, and I had the lucky opportunity to see the hats at the opening. Jones's designs are presented in a specially constructed pavilion, with a separate exhibition on how Turkey and the Orient have influenced on his work. The extraordinary designer has topped the fashion scene for three decades, collaborating with greats like Dior, John Galliano, Comme des Garçons, Thierry Mugler, and Azzedine Alaïa. Celebrities have also flocked to his millinery: from Boy George and Beyonce to Princess Diana. And his designs are most extraordinary, both architectural and whimsical, so just about anyone can appreciate Jones's rare talent.

My Blackberry photos don't do the hats justice, but you'll see that their personalities shine through anyway.

Doggie Style

I'm excited to have one of Rory Mackay's dog portraits in my New York store. Here's what Rory says on his art: "My work focuses on the beauty and innocence of raw, animalistic character. I try to capture the grace, energy, curiosity, clumsiness, devotion, naivety, confidence and all manner of other canine/feline/equine qualities commonly attributed to that animal."
Photography by Yale Wagner

Schnabel's West Village Palazzo

Located at 360 West 11th Street, Palazzo Chupi is a residential building created by artist Julian Schnabel. The lower floors were once a part of a horse stable and after Schnabel bought the building he began building on top of the existing structure. The building now contains five condominium units and Schnabel's studio on the ground floors.

Some regard the building as a piece of art . . . others think it's an extension of Schnabel's ego and completely out of context in the neighborhood. I personally like the building and had an opportunity very recently to design a small private party on one of the terraces. I wanted to take the colors of the building and transfer them to the tented balcony to create a playful youthful environment.

The party was a success and it was definitely a rare treat to finally see inside the infamous building.
Interior photography by Yale Wagner.