Anthony Minghella (1954-2008)

Anthony Minghella makes art out of art in a beautifully shot scene from The English Patient.

I was extremely sad to hear today's news that British director, Anthony Minghella passed away at the young age of 54. As the director of two of the most stylishly filmed movies of the previous decade, The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, Minghella possessed that rare ability to turn dark source material into a work of poetry and beauty. War and murder aside, the exotic set locations, music, period costumes and complex stories in each of his films combined to form some of the most engaging movie scenes in my memory.


From top: Scenes from The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, Anthony Minghella on set. Photos courtesy of Miramax/The Weinstein Company.

The Director's comments that accompany the DVD versions of these two films are truly engrossing for the design and film fan. I own both and watch them over and over again. We will miss the talented Mr. Minghella.

I Saarinen-der

In honor of the ongoing Eero Saarinen exhibit at Atlanta's modern design museum, aka MODA, I began to prepare what was going to my personal ode to the Tulip Table. Then I stumbled upon the Turkish design blog, A Mad Tea Party with Alis, and realized there was no way I could do it better than this.

The Furniture of Eero Saarinen: Designs for Everyday Living at MODA through May 5th.

Photograph of Saarinen Tulip Table with Norman Cherner Armchairs from Design Within Reach.

In other "Current Exhibition News", one of my favorite Atlanta artists, Carolyn Carr is now showing at the Spanierman Modern in New York City through April 5th. I promise this is the last time I show this photo, but don't the two look great in the same room? 

Photograph via PaperCity.

Style in the American South

Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana.

Despite our sometimes regrettable past, the South lays claim to it's own unique brand of style. Courtney graciously asked my thoughts on what makes decor in this part of the world special, and has posted them with lovely illustrations here.

An Early Spring

Ashley from Decor Amor was kind enough to leave a comment this week and I am so glad she did. Ever since, I have been trolling her blog filled with seriously beautiful floral photography and more.

In addition to the flowering inspiration, Decor Amor introduced me to Fab India, an exporter of hand-printed Indian textiles at very affordable prices. (Above is the Gulmarg tablecloth in green). I am already imagining an alfresco table set for Spring cookouts.

Perhaps an updated version of this vignette, which I believe was torn from a Martha Stewart Living (and obviously folded up) at least ten years ago.

Real Housewives

Real Housewife Bethenny, just hanging out with the girls

Even though last night's The Real Housewives of New York City premiere did not leave me bowled over with style inspiration, I did spot one pretty thing amongst the coffee talk.  

I don't know if it was the blue chain embroidery on Bethenny's bed linens or the Greek-key hem of her dress, but either way I am suddenly yearning for a crisp new duvet cover for Spring. (If anyone knows the manufacturer of the pattern, please share). In the meantime I have found some tempting options.

"Fiorentina" from Matouk is a simplified, graphic chain.

At a slightly lower thread-count, Williams Sonoma Home's Greek Key duvet is the more affordable option.

For a witty recap of the show we love to hate (to love) be sure to check out the Scented Glossy Magazines unofficial "Real Housewives" fansite.

Miss Pettigrew, Chapter Two

It appears the connection between Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and interior design continues. While I would not pass up the opportunity to see such a thoughtfully decorated movie as the aforementioned title, there is another option for the bibliophile.

Clockwise from left: The classic Persephone Book jacket, a collection of works with their corresponding end papers, the "fabric" lining for Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

Persephone Books, known for republishing forgotten books by mostly women authors, has released their stylishly bound version of Winifred Watson's 1938 work, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Lined inside the signature gray jacket is a pattern originally used as a linen print for interiors by textile designer Marion Dorn.

Marion Dorn in 1947 with her fabric patterns. She was also well-known for her rug designs with high profile commissions for Claridges, the Queen Mary ocean liner and Syrie Maugham's famous all-white drawing room. Photograph by Horst P. Horst.

"Fabrics are as much a part of our daily lives as furnishing and dress materials, yet we rarely see them used in any other context. However, fabric design should be celebrated for its own sake; and because it is a field in which women designers have been particularly prominent we would like to use their work whenever possible." -Persephone Books

Like the seventy-five titles in the Persephone library, the fabric patterns chosen as end-papers are largely rediscovered works from the early to mid-20th century, which coordinate with the style and year of the story.

Kudos to Persephone for keeping female artists from fading into obscurity!

Mrs. Joel Lives for a Day

Katie Lee Joel's dressing room in March's Town and Country reads like a jewelry box from the Deco era.  Designer Nate Berkus and architect Ahmad Sardar-Afkhami used $25,000 worth of gold-leaf transform a 105 sq. ft. vestibule between the master bedroom and bath into a glimmering, 1930's style boudoir. (Photographs by Miki Duisterhof).

"We wanted it to be a place where the act of dressing would be heightened to an exquisite ritual." -Ahmad Sardar-Afkhmi

To that I say, "mission accomplished".  The soft blue-greens and golds remind me of another glamorous interior that has been in the press lately.

Scene still from Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

It seems that Berkus, Sardar-Afkhami and Sarah Greenwood, production-designer for the upcoming Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, had similar sources of inspiration.  (Habitually Chic has more on that subject).

Happy Weekend!

Photo inspired by Easy and Elegant Life.

Hope you have a wonderful March!

Eau d'Italie

Decorno recently asked her readers, "What is your favorite perfume?" I chose the inconspicuously packaged line from Eau d'Italie (pictured above) with the explanation that wearing it makes me feel "brassy". However, I feel this description is only partially true. The real reason that I love, LOVE this scent is because it reminds me of being here...








...Hotel Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy.

The fragrance was created by Marina Sersale, a member of the family who has owned Le Sirenuse since it was the private summer residence of the Marchesi Sersale. Inspired by and developed especially for the hotel in 2002, the scent has become more than an free amenity with a night's stay. An entire line has been developed for the hotel's boutique and has become a best seller based on it's ability to instantly transport you to the Amalfi Coast.

As far as the hotel goes, I don't have the words to describe how incredible this place is. Have a visit here.

Society Portraits, Then and Now

Amanda Hearst at age 16 with portrait of her great-grandmother, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst (1882-1974). Image from Bright Young Things, published in 2000.

Amanda Hearst in her New York City home, 2008. (Photo from Inheriting Beauty via Black Book Magazine).

The tradition of society portraiture continues with Inheriting Beauty, a new book of photographs by Roger Moenks. In addition to the lovely Amanda Hearst (seen above), the coffee table size collection will include design blog favorites, India Hicks, Carolina Herrera and Tinsley Mortimer. While the book does not focus on interiors, it does capture it's subjects in their respective homes around the globe.

Gettin Ziggy

This textured, raffia chevron fabric caught my eye in a fashion spread from the latest Town and Country. Unfortunately for my plans to reupholster a bench with the find, this fabric is vintage. For anyone interested in a set of four chairs however, they are available from Liz O'Brien via 1st Dibbs.

The floral dress is from the Ralph Lauren Collection, Photograph by Jonathan Skow.

Set of four chairs designed by Howard Perry Rothberg, 1968

Update: Courtney has offered a pretty good fabric substitute from F. Schumacher in a linen/cotton blend. I hope to pick up a sample tomorrow.

More Marchesa

It has been a couple of months since I have shown any closet love, so in connection with yesterday's post on Marchesa, here are a few shots of co-founder and designer, Georgina Chapman's elegant dressing room from Harper's Bazaar.

Chapman named her company after the wild Italian Marchesa Luisa Casati (1881-1957) who was known for going naked under her coats and wearing live snakes as jewelry.

A sheepskin rug, Lucite stool, and a sparkly chandelier dress up an otherwise basic, white laminate shelving system in one of her three closets. Must be nice to be the new Mrs. Weinstein!

Photos by Alexi Lubomirski. For the full article, visit Harper's Bazaar.

The Raj at Table

From 1858 to 1947, the British occupation of India created a new dining culture when the flavors and table customs of both countries collided. The March issue of Elle Magazine pays homage to this crossover with a British Raj style dinner party hosted by Allison Sarofim for the creators of the Marchesa fashion label.
Inspired by and in celebration of the Marchesa 2008 Spring line, Sarofim says, "I wanted that Victorian English-meets-India fantasy feel." Champagne served in an eclectic array of glasses adds a vaguely aristocratic vibe to an otherwise common Indian curry menu. (Photos by Ditte Isager for Elle Magazine).

Indian influences appear in many of the dresses from the Marchesa Spring line, which in turn inspired the meal and decor.

While Sarofim choose to be her own chef, I would personally go with takeout. (The dish above is Chicken Curry with Basamati Rice). Carlos Mota set the table with orchids, silver candlesticks, garlands draped over Chivari chairs, and elephant place cards from Mrs. Strong (which I know is also a favorite of Courtney).

For the rest of the article and more photos, pick up a copy of Elle Magazine. For more on the "culinary landscape" of the British Raj, Elle recommends David Burton's The Raj at Table: A Culinary History of the British in India, which is a cult-classic among history buffs and foodies alike.

Tropi-California

Alkemie's Friday post featured photos from the March InStyle spread of Nicky Hilton's L.A. home. One of my favorites was the breakfast area, which was designed out of nostalgia for the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Hilton ate her pancakes by the pool growing up. (Rough life).

The famous Banana Leaf Wallpaper seen in Hilton's kitchen above was originally used throughout the hotel in the 1950's by decorator Don Loper, and is also recognizable from the set of a popular 1980's sitcom. Any guesses? (The correct answer wins a free bottle of Geritol).

The iconic signage of The Beverly Hills Hotel surrounded by wallpaper-inspiring foliage.

For more photos of Nicky Hilton's home, be sure to visit Alkemie. You can also see a video tour of the kitchen and dressing room on the InStyle website.

TGIF

Have a fun weekend!

My Jazzy Valentine

I just learned that the legendary Dave Brubeck Quartet will be visiting the "Classic City" of Athens, Georgia this week. While tomrrow's Valentine's Day concert is sold out, there are still tickets for tonight's show.

In case you are looking for a last minute Valentine's gift, I suggest the remastered version of Brubeck's classic 1959 album Time Out. While this may be considered Jazz 101 for some, it remains one of my favorites. Below is a 1961 performance of "Take Five" off of Time Out.

For more hardcore jazz aficionados Ken Burns Jazz is a must add to the DVD collection. With almost 19 hours of documentary footage, you will become a veritable expert on the subject of jazz history. I watched the original 2002 broadcast on PBS and was the lucky recipient of the box set for Christmas this year.

Wise Surprise

Each time I do a post about baby items (which has only been 3 out 143 posts, by the way) I get a lot of speculative comments. So let me preemptively state that I don’t have any of that kind of news. What news I do have is about Wise Surprise, a fab new gift service for mother and child. With presents that fall closer to the aesthetic of B. Braithwaite than Babies-R-Us, you can send a sophisticated gift to all of your new mom friends (as well as house warming presents and green gifts for moms and non-moms alike). When your friends are scattered around the country like mine are, a shop like this comes in handy.

And speaking of cool babies, how about this chic nursery from Orange Beautiful, created for her very own. I would not mind having the grown up version of this room for myself.

Sugah Buttah

It's messy, expensive and I don't even consider trying to travel with it (after an unfortunate suitcase incident), but Fresh's Brown Sugar Body Polish is what saves my skin through the winter months. Even though it will make your bathtub feel as if you used it to mix the ingredients for a lemon pound cake, it is worth having around for that moment when global warming allows you to shed a few layers.  

So, what gets you through the winter?

For more on the Fresh brand, be sure to check out last week's post from Me, Myself and I.