A NEON Declaration

She exists, therefore she is ~ British artist Tracey Emin might be in the midst of another 15 minutes.  While not new to art aficionados, she has been a figure on the art scene for 20 years, her first solo exhibition at the North Miami Museum of Contemporary Art showcased her neon works.  In fact, it opened during  Art Basel and will introduce her to a whole other audience.

I think it is safe to say she wears her heart on her sleeve.  Her aphorisms talk of love and loss, vulnerability and fulfillment.  Unrequited love or unbridled passion, you know where she stands.  If, in fact, she is speaking of herself.  Or is she just speaking the universal language?

We  interpret and personalize these words, then fit them in to contexts that seem to speak to each of us as they apply to our lives.  Suddenly everything becomes personal.  Declarations of love, distilled into short phrases are never simple, but they do make us think, and make for great art!

Tracey says, there's a "feel good" factor to neon, and given that Miami, SoBe in particular, subscribes to the same credo, it's a perfect fit for a show.

I'm Enlightened!  Tracey Emin is represented by Lehmann Maupin, should you want to inquire.




phs: Artnet and Traffic, ph 2:Francois Halard, Elle Decor:Simon Upton

Color of the Year 2014 ~ Radiant Orchid

It's charming, it's amusing, it's beguiling, it's the Color of the Year!  Radiant Orchid has been crowned the winner, the color direction for 2014.

"While the 2013 color of the year, Pantone 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,"  says Leitrice Eisemen of Pantone.

Jamie Drake

It's an exotic blend of fushia and purple with pink undertones.  This color blooms with confidence!

Max Mara

Mish New York

Kelly Wearstler

Orchid is as adaptable as it is beautiful.  It enchants, flirts, and flatters.  It's a good choice for fashion as well as interiors.  It's very relevant for spring, having been spotted on the runway in several collections. Skin tone looks healthy and glowing enveloped in the color.  It pairs well with neutrals, metallics, grays, deep greens, turquoise, navy, and for a monochromatic story ~ burgundy and bordeaux.

Marc Jacobs

Jamie Drake

Visually exciting, it harmoniously blends the warm and the cool.  Radiant Orchid is not a primary color. Some form of red might have been an obvious choice, but orchid  encourages creativity and originality.

Amanda Nisbet

Missoni

Madeline Weinrib

                                                     Prepare for the power of purple!

When your Initials are Enough

Nothing says, "You are Special" like a monogrammed something something.  Holidays, weddings, hostess gift, or for no reason at all gift, it looks like you went the extra mile.

We believe that a mark is more than a symbol;
It's an artful mingling of typography and design
that turns a gift into a personal gesture.


Mark and Graham's quote typifies the essence of monogramming something.  The beauty is not only the monogram itself, but the aesthetic of the monogram.  The choice of typography reflects who you are, like a declaration of personal branding.

Their linen napkins elevate a dinner into a dining experience.

A monogrammed mint julep cup is a great catch all.  I was given one many years ago; it's on my desk filled with decorative pencils. Check out Mark and Graham's website to view a plethora of options!

On a more personal note and speaking of pencils, (it's a stretch, I know) ~ News Flash, and new item on my long running wish list.  Hermes Life in Silk program allows you to monogram initials or add a message, up to 20 letters, to one of their coveted silk scarves; as if wearing one doesn't make you feel special enough.

A monogrammed piece of jewelry means so much.  Maybe not diamond encrusted, but who am I to count your money?

Dabney Lee is another great resource for personalized eye candy. I love the tortoise shell necklace, it comes in other fun colors and looks a lot more expensive than it is.

If we're getting personal, I love this idea from Swagstamp.  They will personalize a pair of Tory Burch Reva flats or Hunter boots, how cute!

I have given my fair share of these Williams Sonoma cashmere blankets.  One is never enough.

Leontine Linens is well known as the best go to resource for monogrammed bedding.  What hostess wouldn't love a personalized pillow?  If you are going to do something personal, obviously, just be aware of their decor.

Pottery Barn features a great assortment of monogrammed items for this gift giving season.  Grab some friends, fill this personalized ice tub with liquor, and you've got a party people!

I try to give gifts that I would like to receive, like these hurricanes

I have always wanted to gift someone a Lucite tray from Iomoi.  They're brightly colored whimsical designs, and depth of product satisfies the most discerning giftee.

Melamine dessert plates, why thank you.  You'll be popular at dinner parties.

Note cards are a no brainer, and it makes it easy for the recipient to thank you.  Even though text and email seem to be acceptable ways to communicate a thank you, I like a hand written note.  Again, a written Thank You means a lot.  Can't we take a few minutes out of our busy day to let someone know we care?

The point is simply to give a gift that took some thought.  Personalizing it means something!  And people remember, don't forget that.

* Just a note on regifting.  I see no problem with it, again if and only if, you think the recipient would like it.





Hermes ph: Mimi Ritzen Crawford