Birds of a Feather Living Together

More is More in Hunt Slonem's world!  Best known as a Neo-Expressionist, Hunt's childhood spent in Hawaii and a year spent studying abroad in Nicaraqua had a profound effect on the direction this artist's career would take.  Hunt developed a passion for orchids and owned a menagerie of animals which became influential muses that informed his subject matter, but maybe none more than the rabbit; he having been born in The Year of the Rabbit.

With his aviary of 70 plus birds serving as his inspiration and living and working in his extraordinary New York Studio, (Hunt also has homes in Louisiana and Upstate New York) this man melds many worlds.

When I heard he was doing a fabric, wallpaper, and carpet collection for Groundworks thru Lee Jofa, I was intrigued.  How will all those birds, bunnies, and butterflies translate?  Apparently, beautifully!
Slomen, working with the team at Lee Jofa, experimented for two years to get the exacting color saturation, complexity, and depth of field required to have Hunt's menagerie translate as magnificently as it does.  It is not kitchy or childlike, as one might initially think.  It's quite sophisticated, and in the case of the Hutch Gold wallpaper (below) with its matte background, it is downright regal!

The Star of India fabric, in neutral linen with appliquéd velvet and embroidery, was inspired by a tortoise that was a former pet and a large sapphire jeweled tortoise that was said to have been carried around by a Maharani in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas for good luck.

Frittilery, in multi-colored layers of embroidery woven to mimic a cross hatch technique (which could  be interpreted as the cages these birds and animals might find themselves in), were collected and studied by Slonem as a youngster .

The collection translates beautifully from neutrals to energetic brights.
Monkey eyes and mouths are reduced to an interesting graphic design in the customizable carpet collection that was inspired by portraits of Frida Kahlo, where she often posed with monkeys.  They are also a symbol of protection.  The floor bunnies become more of an art installation.

There is a fluidity to his process.  Everything evolves, as opposed to "being designed."  He is a brilliant colorist with a strong need for a historical connection which led him to coin the term "collectorating."  He is an enthusiastic collector and decorator.  "He is energized by the act of creating settings with his collections which in turn fuel his work."  And I understand he hosts great parties in his studio.

"Bare walls scare me" says Slonem

Slonem's birds and butterflies symbolize the soul and spiritual liberation, as in a metamorphosis.  A fascination with these creatures as well as a menagerie of others captured Hunt's imagination and a spiritual life and visual life collided.  The repetitive imagery is like a mantra or meditative experience.  A stillness sets in.

Steven Gambrel

Jonathan Adler

For a little bit of happiness, check out Hunt's book, Where Art Meets Design showcasing his own homes and the magic that happens when art and design intersect colorfully.

The collection really reflects Hunt's joie de vivre attitude!  How do you want a room to make you feel?  Hunt thinks Happy!



Ph; CLI, Kravet/Lee Jofa, The Selby via NY magazine

Aerin's World

Aerin Lauder seems to be quite the topic of conversation these days.  I don't think you can open a magazine that she is not in right now.  Bloggers, editors, and writers alike are buzzing over her life style branding tour.  Look out Ralph Lauren, soon we will be living in Aerin's world.

A lot has been mentioned about her new store or concept boutique in East Hampton, the first of many I am sure, that will bring together many of Aerin's product lines, summer essentials (in this case), and lines that Aerin likes that fit in with her brand.  It is a "must see" for me next month when I am in town!  I wouldn't be surprised if we see a little pop up shop in Aspen next year??

Aerin explains that she has always been in love with decorating.  The enthusiasm generated by the publicity of her magnificent homes in shelter magazines had people always asking where she got this or that.  That prompted her to seriously think about recreating pieces she or loved ones owned or were inspired by her travels as part of a bigger life style brand with a real person standing behind said brand.
Estee seems to be waving an approving wand over her granddaughter.  The obvious 1st introduction to the AERIN lifestyle brand was a notable line of make up in a natural palette.

Tabletops and objects d'art came next.  Each piece has meaning and an inherent beauty that exudes the message that is Aerin:  classic with a traditional twist.  Geodes, shagreen, pyrite, shell, lacquer; It seems everything she touches turns to gold.

Shoes, candles, sunglasses, and jewelry soon followed.  Her collaboration with Erickson Beamon is based on pieces either her grandmother owned or have a tropical, vintage feel.  Bold baubles that translate from day to night.  Glamour and femininity ring throughout each collection.

I mentioned previously (when I got a sneak peek) the excitement surrounding her newly launched fabric and rug line with Lee Jofa.  Elegant wovens, classic florals, sumptuous velvets, strong graphics, and rich embroideries present a well thought out and complete line; again indicative of Aerin's effortless look.  Her belief is to live beautifully but comfortably.

And this Fall Aerin is unveiling a furniture line with EJ Victor as well as lighting with Visual Comfort.
Aerin has taken cues from the places she loves the most.  From the chic, relaxed beaches of the Hamptons and Palm Beach to the rustic simplicity of her mountains hideaway, her classicism translates to an understandable lifestyle brand that affords everyone equal opportunity to "have a little piece" of Aerin's world.  Everything she rolls out has an effortless, easy going feel that speaks to one another whether it's a lipstick color or a fabric on one of her chairs.

In this month's AD magazine, Aerin's soon to be released furniture line made with her fabrics was set in a few pretty spectacular little vignettes.  You can really get a feel for the luxurious life style brand with a sense of ease that is AERIN.

A book is accompanying all this is to be released in October.  The furor surrounding Lauder will not be quieting any time soon.  There are many more chapters to be written!

Is it purely a coincidence that Aerin is so damn photogenic??



Most photos courtesy of AERIN, room vignettes in AD by Peter Estersohn

Lovely Lilly

I was introduced to so many exciting things at Blogfest which I will be introducing you to for as long as it takes.  Hot off the press:  Lee Jofa has been busy collaborating with designers to bring an aesthetic to the marketplace that is innovative and fresh.  Well, Lilly Pulitzer is fresh as a cool breeze on a hot, lazy afternoon.

What do you do when you have oranges?  You make orange juice.  And what do you do when you spill said orange juice on yourself?  You make shift dresses to disguise the stain.  That Lilly was a smart girl!  It all starts with an idea!  Fifty years later, Lilly is moving indoors.  Why didn't any one think of this sooner?

Everything starts with an inspiration board ~

Did you know the word Lilly is incorporated into every fabric pattern?  I didn't.  It is shown in marker below just so you can see how well it's hidden

A beautiful vignette was set up in the showroom.  For me personally, a little goes a long way; but it is fresh, flirty and fun.  Wonderful embroidery, ginghams, florals, trellis and coral prints are among Lilly's most popular patterns.

All these fabulous fabrics should be rolling into the showrooms any day.  There are many more wonderful collaborations to come.  I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.

What do you think of the Lilly Pulitzer fabric collection?

photos: CLI

I'll Drink To That ~ Blogfest 2011

  

As the days are being counted down and the finishing touches are being put on the Blogfest 2011 activities, several exciting cocktail parties are planned.  A few top designers who have collections with Lee Jofa will be on hand for a meet and greet.


Atlanta based designer Suzanne Kasler says, "a room should be collected, not decorated."  She incorporates her clients' collections easily into the design, incorporating antiques, contemporary furniture, and beautiful textiles, often layering the same color in different tones.   The result is contemporary chic with a classic touch.  Suzanne has had a very busy few years expanding her company and introducing products to market.

Los Angeles based Suzanne Rheinstein finds inspiration for her Lee Jofa, Hollyhock II collection from the antique textiles she has collected.  Suzanne decorates with a Best of the West Coast luxuriousness meets casually elegant sophisticate by deftly melding antiques with linen and light colors.  I know she believes very strongly in the importance of an art history background as the basis for all good design.  I had the pleasure of hearing Suzanne speak and she does so with a passion and child like wonder that is infectious.

New York based and internationally recognized Hall of Fame architect and designer David Easton has long been known for his classic, elegantly proportioned English interiors, but he has recently shifted to a streamlined, less complicated, modern look in response to his clients' changing taste.  His versatility in his fabric collections is as varied as his projects, all will stand the test of time.

Part two will explore the remaining three designers with beautiful fabric collections thru Lee Jofa that will be wining and dining with us bloggers; what fun!

Would LOVE to hear your views on my new blog design!!