Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Style Alert: The Classic Slipper Chair

Suzanne Kasler's Louis XVI style for Hickory Chair



This one came from my boyhood home down to Florida


While there's certainly nothing new about the decorating classic, I wanted to touch on one of my favorite chairs, the slipper. Billy Haines used a relative, the elbow chair, as did my design inspiration Michael Taylor. Billy Baldwin...was a big slipper chair promoter. DeAngelis in New York still has a BB model in their showroom, and I once had one in my studio apartment at 11 East 66th Street. They are quite versatile, and stunning used in multiples, a la Tom Britt. I can't stop thinking about how chic they are, and surprisingly comfortable, especially when the seat is filled with down. There is a quality of 18th century elegance to the slipper chair, which works well with the sort of european influenced decor I love. I do think that every room in America should have at least one, preferably a pair or two. Exciting news ! Donghia and Bergamo are sponsoring a contest, and seven winners will be chosen to go to Venice next Summer ! Register at your nearest showroom for a chance to win. Perhaps these slipper chairs I go on about could be covered in a Donghia or Rubelli textile ? Just imagine all of the endless and exciting possibilities... enjoy dear friends. DF*****