Dining By Design ~ 2014

Architectural Digest 

DIFFA's big, hotly anticipated fundraiser each year is Dining by Design.  Top visionaries, along with a sponsor (in most cases) create the most exquisite tabletop vignettes or installations.

The Design Industry raises money to help fund organizations that improve the lives of those living with AIDS, educate the targeted population, and support public policy initiatives.  35.3 million people are living with AIDS worldwide.  They still need our support!

We can all make a DIFFArence!

Benjamin Moore & Jamie Drake

Arteriors probably created my favorite vignette of the show.  This is totally up my alley: organic and globally inspired

Essie & Robert Verdi

Inside the mouth of the whale ~ The skeleton pulls you in, to a dynamic tea party; nautical in nature and whimsical in feel.  I loved the picture of the little fish on the goblets.

FIT & Jes Gordon

A classical dreamscape ~ marrying the historic beauty of the old world with the modern

Luxe Magazine, Fendi casa & Phillip Corrivan

which sits comfortably next to the futuristic ~

Marc Blackwell

This subtle chinoiserie vignette had an expansive feel ~

Beacon Hill & 2 Michaels

This was a tribute to the artistry of Maya Romanoff, whom we lost a few months ago.  His firm was founded on the craftsmanship of dying and draping, and from that came exquisite wallpapers.  Many of the items came right out of his Chicago studio.

Maya Romanoff & Kara Mann

DVF ~ In keeping with her truly dynamic style

Echo

This was the most provocative ~ 1/2 masculine, 1/2 feminine, each with its own identity sitting comfortably together.  I'm thinking tolerance and acceptance was the driving force.  Look how beautiful it can be.

New York Design Center & Kati Curtis

Ralph Lauren usually WOW's, but not so much this year.  I think of Dining by Design like I think of showhouses.  You might not be bowled over all the time but you always walk away a little more inspired, and it's always a good time!

Ralph Lauren

Manhattan magazine & Soren Rose Sponcer

Knoll & HOK

Every year these talented individuals leave us in awe and delight!  If you didn't make it this year, remember that it falls this time every year, so put it on your calendar.


ph: CLI

American Dream Builders

Speaking of Nate Berkus, he's been very busy with his designing duties, his collection for Target (among others), being photographed with his fiancé, Jeremiah Brent for Banana Republic, and now, hosting American Dream Builders.

Watch a couple of the clips here to see the drama that is about to unfold starting this Sunday night March 23rd.  It looks INTENSE!  Each week, 2 teams of professionals renovate an entire house.  They compete against one another till the last man or woman standing wins an incredible prize.  That kind of impossibly tight time line creates a lot of stress, drama, and tears.  Who will we love?  Who will we hate?  Who will be the diva?  Who will be the underdog?

You may recall that I mentioned when the show was being cast the working title was Home Transformers and I made it thru to round 6.  Then they changed gears.

I jumped at the opportunity and really wanted it at the time, but was afraid simultaneously.  I had every reason to be afraid!  Someone once told me, "Be happy for what you get and be happy for what you don't get."  I repeat those words to myself often.  I will be following along.  Will you join me?  Then we'll discuss...

Besides~ I don't look great in a hard hat.

Affordable Art Fair ?

There was a very complimentary article about Oscar Murillo in the Sunday New York Times.  He is being called the modern day Basquiat.  Oscar has a show coming up at The David Zwirner Gallery and has auction prices in the half million dollar range.  For someone fairly unknown, that is part and parcel of the so called healthier economy, and another sign that the art market is on fire.  When the art world is hot and canvases are selling for record prices, which we have recently seen, what chance do we "average Joes"  have for purchasing well executed oils or lovely lithographs? 

The Affordable Art Fair is right around the corner.  I visited last year (see post here) and was quite impressed.  I can't wait to stop by again.  It is a fantastic way to pick up high quality art, sculpture, and photography, all at reasonable prices; reasonable being relative.  It also affords you the opportunity to get in on the ground floor, if you will, of collecting a piece from an emerging artist.  Take advantage of the un-intimidating environment to educate yourself and ask questions.

Raymond Ciborowski

Talented unknown artists who have had their work exposed here, as well as at the Independent Art Fair that just wrapped, have gone on to become commercially successful and highly collectable.  

Did you know there are art flippers?  Like everything in life, art is a gamble.  The trajectory of an artist and the amount of money one will pay for their works seems to be a risk some are willing to invest in.

If you are thinking of going, take a look at the Talks and Tours schedule.  One of the talks will feature Nate Berkus on art in interior design.

Buy art because it speaks to you, and don't underestimate it's importance when it comes to putting the finishing touches your home.

If you see me there, say hello