BOOK: Henri Samuel

Henri Samuel via AD

More Henri Samuel, so enjoying my copy of "Henri Samuel, Master of the French Interior"...by Emily Evans Eerdmans-
Enjoy this article by Emily on 1stdibs.... DF

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RICH READING: Elegant Emily Evans Eerdmans

Mario Buatta, AD

Summer reads from E.E.E... and to quote this fabulous connoisseur of decorative arts: "I don't know about you, but it feels as if summer has just arrived this very moment.  Could there be anything better to fill the long, languorous days than a delicious book -"

What could be better than learning from past and present authorities on design and decoration?

Emily Evans Eerdmans has a prolific portfolio:

CLASSIC ENGLISH DESIGN AND ANTIQUES (2006)

REGENCY REDUX (2008)

THE WORLD OF MADELEINE CASTAING (2010)

MARIO BUATTA, FIFTY YEARS OF AMERICAN INTERIOR DECORATION (2013)

WENDELL CASTLE (2016)

HENRI SAMUEL: MASTER OF THE FRENCH INTERIOR (2018) 

E.E.E. has also written and writes for AD and House Beautiful... teaches at NYSID,  has a youtube on her Hillwood talk - and one can follow her on Instagram: @emily_evans_eerdmans -Impressive!

www.eerdmansfineart.com 

ENJOY-!  (all books available on Amazon) DF

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“One of the lessons I’ve learned from Mario as a designer and friend is that life is for living. This extended to his rooms, which were pure joy. He was a magician pairing aubergine with cornflower blue, lemon yellow with watermelon pink. He also understood the importance of comfort, something he often lamented that many of today’s 'curated' interiors are missing. But what I will most miss is his sense of humor—another one of his secret weapons, which earned him legions of friends, fans and clients.” — Emily Evans Eerdmans, co-author of Mario Buatta: Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

ART: Collage 1970's

Collage and interior design by Dean Farris

I was reading one of my Parish Hadley books, and came across (the late) Harold Simmons mentioning how Albert would often mix modern things with more "traditional" ones- which inspired me to drag this old collage I had done about forty years ago into my living room- !

Harold and I met many years ago, when he invited me to come to the old Lilly Dache' building- (Parish-Hadley offices) - (no longer there) for an impromptu interview- it was a terribly hot, HOT day, and unfortunately, I was wearing a very dark blue wool suit !  I was also dragging a huge, HUGE black vinyl clad portfolio case full of fabulous over the top Jeremiah Goodman-ish renderings. Luckily, neither Sister nor Albert were there- so they missed seeing me not looking as fresh as I would have preferred.

When my old friend, the designer Thomas (Tom) Pheasant saw the collage I had done back in 1978 or so- he loved it, and said it reminded him of an illustration in W magazine, which was one of his favorites, as he always adored fashion as well as interiors.  I was flattered that he would make such a remark.  DF *****

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CURATED, 02.28.2017

Brian McCarthy

Jacques Garcia

Joan Rivers

Musee Nissim de Camondo

Dean Farris

Thomas Britt

Jane Selfe

Mario Buatta

Alberto Pinto

Some of my favorite rooms, by some of my favorite friends and fellow decorators... DF *****

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BILLY BALDWIN, on my mind

BILLY BALDWIN

One of my biggest inspirations and favorite decorators of all time, William Williar Baldwin, known as "Billy" - is the subject of todays post, a great look back in order to gain fresh perspective for a new month! 
Way back in 1977, I had the chance to meet the master, but little did I know, I had spent the last two years studying under an early protégé of his- Stan Topol! (1975-77). 
My grand tour chaperone, Robert Morring, placed a call to BB's office from our New York hotel suite, to arrange the meeting- and alas, Billy had already left for Sconset- (Nantucket). 
After a brutal beating by the IRS, the most prominent designer in American decorating was left with very little- and ended his days in a small dependency at the kindness of his friends Michael Gardine and Way Bandy. 
The bookkeepers had not been managing Baldwin's business properly, and it's a minor scandal that dear Billy had to end as he did.  (Albert Hadley was a millionaire at the time of his death, and left substantial bequests to several New York institutions).  Here, a few images to look at and be inspired by- representing the genius of Baldwin!  Enjoy!  DF *****

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

BILLY BALDWIN

Chanticleer, one of BB's favorite spots on Nantucket, see here is very high on my bucket list of places to visit NEXT summer!

Chanticleer, Nantucket

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GLORIA VANDERBILT, Then and Now

1970's

If one picture is worth a thousand words, then this one is worth a million!  The history, the excitement of old New York is summed up here.  The new film and the new book are fabulous too!  I gave the book to my own mother for Mother's Day this year.

2016

Above, the famous Rose Cumming chintz was used called "Carisbrooke" in the Beekman Place flat of Ms. Vanderbilt.  I love the accoutrement displayed on the table, especially the silver flask!  Michael Taylor placed a large order for Carisbrooke, at a time when the Rose Cumming firm was underperforming, and as the story goes, saved the day for them...
The decorator Billy Baldwin also used this chintz - similar to another one from Brunschwig and Fils...the brass "pharmacy" lamps aimed at the screen remind me of his studio apartment in the east 60's with the lacquered brown walls.  Enjoy!  DF *****   

GEORGE BAKER HOUSES, NYC

George Baker house, New York, PART OF A COMPLEX BY Delano and Aldrich

Lovely patron party coming up for Richard Jenrette's preservation society ...

SASHA BIKOFF, NEW YORK

Sasha Bikoff Interior Design

I was inspired today, from reading about the young New York based designer, Sasha Bikoff, on New York Social Diary...bravissima! DF *****

Vintage Tom Britt !

Thomas B. Britt (via Arts by Karena)

Exciting news!  Tom Britt, my one time mentor, and forever friend, is coming out with a monograph on his life's' work, the creation of the most amazing, high style rooms ever.  Mitch Owens will work on this project, in conjunction with Rizzoli ~ !  DF *****

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David Bowie, Iman Redux

Iman

The designer Tory Burch inspired me to recall my time at Bergdorf Goodman, when beautiful, famous people like Iman, would come in to shop and to browse. 

I was, like everyone else, saddened to hear of the loss of David Bowie at the young age of 69, and while I never saw him perform, he was a huge influence on me and my friends back in the late 1970's. 

I can't even begin to imagine anyone more beautiful, graceful, or elegant than Iman.  The staff at BG was pretty much numb to seeing celebrities and selling to them, so we really never fawned over them.  We just tried to treat them like anyone else.  DB r.i.p.  DF *****  

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A (Baccarat) Chandelier Moment, NYC

Plaza Hotel, New York, NY

This past Summer, Billy and I found ourselves in the great city of New York, and I snapped this amazing, huge, antique Baccarat chandelier...do you think anything could be more impressive, or beautiful?  Opulent and understated at the same time.  DF ***** (and check this out, the Baccarat Hotel, via Damsel in Dior) here !

In 1764 King Louis XV of France gave permission to found a glassworks in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region in eastern France to Prince Bishop Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency (1710-1802). Production consisted of window panes, mirrors and stemware until 1816 when the first crystal oven went into operation. By that time over 3000 workers were employed at the site.^[3]

William-Wayne and Co. New York

via NYSD

I found this interesting, on today's New York Social Diary.  Color in a library is almost always a good thing, and this image is one example.  Click here to read the whole story on NYSD ! Enjoy! DF *****

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Recalling the Anglo Indian Rage, Robert Lighton

Robert Lighton, New York

My dear friend, Tice, often spoke of Robert Lighton - which back in the gilded 1980's we called "RobertLightonBritishKhaki..." The Anglo Indian style was all the rage in early 80's New York.  And I do believe, it's come back in a big way.  (if it ever left us at all) - click here to see the full RL website and his ongoing HUGE 50% SALE prices! 
My darling friend, Julie Britt, a former stylist for Harper's Bazaar, sleeps in a silver-leafed bed by Robert, when she is residing at her pied a terre in NYC...Fabulous!  Beyond!  Enjoy!  DF *****

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Black and White Baby: Patrick Mele, NYC

Designer Patrick Mele, via NYSD

Loved this post on today's New York Social Diary so much, had to re-post it!  Style style style! Patrick has it! Click here to read the full story...enjoy!  DF *****

via NYSD

 

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Happy Birthday RL !

Ralph Lauren

Happy Birthday to Ralph!  An ultimate inspiration, icon, and success in business and in life.  When Albert Hadley was asked by the Laurens to visit their Fifth Avenue apartment for a consultation, Albert took in what magic Angelo Donghia had created~(an uptown loft in white)~and was so impressed that he said he wouldn't change anything!  Brilliant! 

This crisp image of RL himself reminds me of the time I was on the beach in the famous Hamptons, and saw Calvin come out in a white terry robe, standing on a terrace, looking just like one of his own models!  New York, you gotta love it!  DF *****

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The Mysterious Mr. Mont

A James Mont  case piece, Todd Merrill via NYSD

If you read my post about the late designer (and mentor of mine) George Clarkson, you may recall that I had a small black lacquer desk that was possibly a James Mont piece.  The dealer Todd Merrill, in New York, specializes in James Mont- and this Summer when I was visiting Tom Britt in Watermill, I learned that Todd had opened a Southampton branch of his eponymous gallery.  These images are from the NYSD article on Todd Merrill the dealer-and a gent who is working in his Southampton gallery was planning to join us for dinner when we were at the Britt estate, but had to cancel at the last minute.  Do read the Antiques magazine piece on James Mont, it's very interesting- here by Gregory Cerio.

James Mont table, Tommi Parzinger cabinet, Merrill collection, via NYSD

Screen behind stairs, James Mont, Merrill collection, via NYSD

Lamps, James Mont, chests, Tommi Parzinger, Merrill collection, via NYSD

So then, to make things even more bizarre ~ fitting, since the story of James Mont is so strange and wicked~ my good friend Linda, creator of Calling It Home (design blog), just gave me these fabulous small Asian looking (James Mont looking!) tables!  I think she said they had belonged to her husband's grandmother.  They have gold veined mirror inset into the tops, and are in perfect condition.  Crazy for these!  Thanks again dear Linda!

Small table, possibly a James Mont? One of a pair

   
I'd purchased my writing table which appeared to be a Mont, from the fabulous dealer Bobby Gingold, back in the roaring 1980's - it was missing it's drawer pulls- but otherwise was in pristine condition.  Then, due to renting a very old truck, I suffered a fire, which damaged the desk, and after bringing it down to Florida, I ended up giving it to my old friend Martin McMahon.  I assume he still has it.  DF *****

Richard Giglio, R.I.P.

Angelo Donghia, sitting under one of his Richard Giglio works, via AD

I've written here before about the time I was taken to the Manhattan residence of the late, legendary interior designer, Angelo Donghia.  What I may not have mentioned was the impact his collection of works on paper by the late artist, Richard Giglio made on me~ dynamite !

Richard Giglio, via Facebook, Raymond Diskin Black

Angelo Donghia

Richard Giglio, studio, via Facebook, Raymond Diskin Black

Angelo Donghia, 1976

You see, there was the most wonderful atmosphere of glamour, artistry, excitement, and freshness, in the house of Donghia~ it was sensational!  These pictures don't fully capture the ethereal and New York-in-the-seventies vibe that was going on, but as I've said before, the combination of satin, bleached floors, lacquered walls, and silver tea papered ceilings is enough to send anybody over the moon! 

Thanks to dear friend Julie Britt for introducing me to her friend Raymond Diskin Black and the world of Giglio...!  I'm hoping to perhaps acquire a Giglio of my very own one day.  Hoping this post inspires you too!  DF *****

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Miles Redd for Schumacher

Designer Miles Redd

More great news, Miles Redd has also created a line for SCHUMACHER click here to see it~available to the trade through MP Interiors, Estero, Florida 239-498-9074

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Weekend In The City

Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue

Algonquin Hotel, Dorothy Parker table in Oak Room, 44th off Fifth Ave

Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue at 58th and the park

Bergdorf Goodman, Fifth Ave at 57th Street

Our friend Tony, Dylan's Candy Bar, Third Ave at 60th Street

Looking north up Third Avenue, Manhattan

Can you say "FUN" ?  We had it, and we saw FUN HOME on Broadway, (standing room only) enjoyed a fab NY pre-theater dinner at Joe Allen, went to DON'T TELL MAMA after the theater....had breakfast in the world famous Oak Room at the Algonquin (the best omelet ever!) lunch with our NY friends, Joe and Tony, chez RUE 57, (lobster roll and a Stella) shopped RL, BG, Pinks, Trump Tower, Dylan's Candy Bar, Bloomies, The Plaza (downstairs)~ it was a real shot in the arm, and then we Jitneyed out to THE HAMPTONS !!!  Fun!  Yes!  Enjoy!

I loved seeing all the beautiful boys and girls, especially the Summer legs, muscular and hairy on the boys and long, smooth and mounted on the highest ever stacked heels on the girls!! Yes! Can't wait to go back to the city that never sleeps!  DF *****

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