Passion for Fashion

Iris Barrel Apfel via Bing Images

OK ! I saw the new film "Iris" last night, and haven't enjoyed anything so much since I saw the play about Diana Vreeland years ago, at the Manhattan Theater Club...(Full Gallop)...

This is what I saw when I came out of the cinema !

When one has a strong point of view, one has STYLE ! The fire of passion burns eternally for the shrines of fashion~and Iris certainly has the passion, the grand passion - she and her husband Carl, founded and ran the iconic textile house, OLD WORLD WEAVERS, for over forty years, then sold it to STARK...we represent both OWW and Stark in our showrooms, MP Interiors, at the fabulous Miromar Design Center.  This morning I reviewed some of Madame Apfels fabrics with a fresh eye, after having seen her in "Iris"~and I still vividly recall the Venetian elegance of her showroom at the D and D building.  It had the most sublime hushed and calm atmosphere...Enjoy! DF *****

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A Designer's Life

great new book !

I just picked up a copy of this fascinating new book, by Nicky Haslam~it contains some of my favorite iconic images, including those related to Oliver Messel and John Fowler...plus Sir Cecil Beaton.  Nicky worked for Diana Vreeland, and currently there is a show of photographs in Palm Beach, by her grandson Nicholas, who has been a Tibetan monk for the last 30 years...I was struck by the similarity between Nicky's new flat in London, and the stunning piano nobile salon I had been exposed to, in Bath, when I was introduced to Lord Fry, and experienced the elegance of his Royal Crescent townhouse...and how fortunate is Nicky, to call the Hunting Lodge his country place?  This book is worth buying, for many reasons, but if only for the images that would be reason enough!  A fascinating look at one man's journey into the endless world of interiors...one man who has counted none other than Minn Hogg as a friend! (The World of Interiors)  Enjoy!  DF *****

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"for nearly fifty years my lifeblood has been houses, buildings, rooms, gardens; what and who they contain; where and why people go into them, and how and when they are used; whether they are uplifting, surprising, calming, newly built or a ruin, modern or classic, charming muddles or staggering statements of style or power, or whispered, exemplary refinement."  NH

Dining at The Grand Hotel

Carleton Varney

Here's some powerful inspiration to carry you through the weekend!
Brazilliance wall covering, Carleton Varney, through MP Interiors, Naples, Florida.  
Cheers!  DF *****

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Le Papier Peint Pour Madame Marie

Mary and I found this CHARMING wallpaper, from THIBAUT, for her master bath - it reminds me of the Billy Baldwin selected print chez Diana Vreeland...in a much lighter palette. I put these other samples together for her to consider for her new balloon shade, shirred dressing table, boudoir chair, and duvet...and I gifted her the paper, as she is a very good friend, and a fun person to know. ENJOY! DF *****

Fragrance For The Home

Fragrant rooms are like a kiss, and you feel special as if someone had prepared the very air just for you. I especially like Agraria, Nest, Votivo, Diptyque, Creed, and the classic Rigaud, which Diana Vreeland always had burning away. Yesterday, I visited a new home fashion boutique here in Naples, called SAINT-TROPEZ HOME, and fell in love with the chic of it, and did make a very small purchase of one small bunch of dried lavender. The divine fragrance reminded me of being in the office of the late Mrs. Henry Parish II, where I discovered an elegant small bowl of potpourri nestled in a beautiful linen cloth. I found this fabulous image of "Sister" on one of my favorite blogs, The Devoted Classicist. ENJOY! DF *****

Saint-Tropez Home, 1300 Third Street So. Naples, Florida 34102 Tel. 239.234.4458

Vogue's Book of Houses, Gardens, People

Imagine Valentine Lawford, Diana Vreeland, and Horst collaborating on a book! This one is now a collectible, selling for around $350. This is the book I mentioned having the apartment of the late Cy Twombly in its pages.... not to be confused with the re-edition in a different incarnation...look for it in your local used book store, hidden treasure! Or buy it on Amazon.com - Great classic lifestyle book! Enjoy the weekend! DF *****