Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

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Olympia Le Tan loves books, so much so, she creates a line of embroidered clutches based on the classics she grew up with.  Books must be in her blood; her father is noted French illustrator Pierre Le Tan.  Each bag is a beautifully embroidered limited edition.  I have been fascinated by them since seeing them on Net-a-Porter.  Liberty silk prints line the inside of the clutch.  

“I was thinking there were all these beautiful books around and they were being forgotten with everybody on the Internet, so I made it so that you can carry them around”  ~ Olympia Le Tan

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I may not be as intellectual as I would like, but I can look like it.  I always say, "smoke and mirrors!"

To Die By Your Side or Mourir auprès de toi is a beautiful little video made by friends Spike Jonze and Olympia Le Tan.  This is what can happen when 2 creative minds get together for lunch one day and one of them has scraps of felt.

Iris Apfel ~ An Accidental Icon

ph:Bruce Weber

I had the privilege of hearing Iris Apfel speak at fall market.  Iris and her husband Carl founded Old World Weavers, a textile company in 1950.  The two of them ran it until it was purchased by Stark in 1992.

I am smitten with Isis, as was everyone in the room.  Her wisdom and one liners were enchanting. 

She is an inspiring role model.

When asked if she thought style was dead, Iris deadpanned, "No, but it's on life support!"  Her advice to women:  "Don't look too styled, you'll end up looking fake; there always needs to be something slightly off.  Don't try to look like anyone else, or fit into anyone else's mold!"

Iris' grandparents settled on the lower east side of Manhattan; she moved to Queens (which at the time was considered the country).  Being exposed to so much diversity at an early age informed Iris' sense of style.  

"More is more and less is a bore"

Iris and Carl are lovers of textiles.  They are travelers, adventurers, and philanthropists.  The two of them are quick witted, and finding it funny that at this stage in their lives, they are busier than ever.  Iris is a cover girl, runway model, and the face of MAC cosmetics.  She has a line of accessories for HSN and Bendel's coming out, as well as many speaking engagements.  All have made her a "geriatric starlet."

 Iris told the funniest story:

They sold fabrics to many a president (9 to be exact) and society lady.  Marjorie Merriweather Post was one of those ladies.  She was decorating Hillwood, her home outside of Washington, DC, see my story here, and bought fabric and trim from Old World Weavers.  Once they were hung, Iris and Carl got a call from Marjorie and she said, "Carl, how many balls should I be able to count in one yard of passementerie?" Carl thought fast and replied, "If I have a bowl of your cereal, how many raisins might I find floating in it?"  Marjorie said, "Touché Carl!" 

She reminds me a little of my grandmother.  Nettie loved fashion and always bought the best she could afford.  A simple black dress, cashmere sweater, Manolo Blahnik classic black heels, and a bag could be transformed in a myriad of ways with accessories.  

What can I say?  I've been "Apfelized"

Want a piece of Ms. Moss?

ph:Pieter Estersohn

Charlotte Moss, an award winning interior designer, author, lecturer, philanthropist, former wall street warrior, world traveler, socialite, etc., etc. is cleaning house.  Known for her refined blend of American and European classicism, Charlotte has seen and done it all.  Decorators accumulate so much.  From various trips, show house rooms, the several homes she has owned (two in Aspen, which truly speak to me), Charlotte will be auctioning off belongings at Doyle New York Auction House, March 7th.  A book signing of her most recent book, A Visual Life (her 8th), on March 5th kicks things off.  Read my post about the book here.

"I have been collecting and decorating for a long time and the time has come to edit, do some redecorating, and make room for new purchases of my own," commented Charlotte Moss about the upcoming sale.

ph: Simon Upton

How I would love to attend this auction.  I have written about the excitement of buying at auction, and while I am not sure this is the auction to get a great deal, they can be had.  Charlotte's auction has generated a tremendous amount of buzz, and I know many designers who are planning to attend, so I imagine the estimates will end up on the low side.  But here's a sampling of the riches:

pair of Northern Italian neoclassical painted and silver gilt console tables

English Chinoiserie Urn

Baltic Neoclassical gilt bronze and cut glass chandelier

18 William Yeoward etched glasses

ph: Pieter Estersohn

Pair of Dutch Delft jars

Glazed porcelain lamps

Continental Rocco style painted commode

Charlotte Moss at Kips Bay Show house

Rococo Style painted daybed

Regency brass bound library table

3 photographs on canvas

Louis XV style iron and steel console table

DeGournay hand painted tea paper panels

Antler Candlesticks

A large assortment of etchings, maps and engravings

There is a lot of things I could get very excited about, the collection includes 400 pieces ~ but alas, I will be unavailable.  I am a great admirer of Ms. Moss' work and her Aspen homes!  Did I ever tell you my story about her home on the west end that I used to ride by, not knowing it was hers?  If you cannot be there in person you can bid online.  Grab a paddle, or your mouse but be careful!  I wonder if anyone has ever gotten addicted?