Spring Ride

Léa présente la nouvelle collection... by BonpointParis

Two of our children learned to ride a bicycle this week, so when we saw the sweet spring Bonpoint video we had to smile.  Do you remember the day you learned to ride a bike?  It was magical...

Happy Spring!

Flair

One of our most favorite guilty pleasures is a magazine read.  After hearing Charlotte Moss' lecturer a few weeks ago, we can not stop thinking about what it would have been like to have been around when Fleur Cowles' Flair Magazine was in publication.  We thought all of you paper junkies would appreciate some good research on one of the most extravagant and avant-garde magazines ever published.

Fleur Cowles was born Florence Freidman, in New Jersey. She married several times and had various jobs in the advertising and publishing world during her early career.  Cowles first gained notoriety as associate editor of Look Magazine in the late 1940's .  Throughout her life, this creative and ambitious woman traveled extensively and networked with the who's who of the day.

Cowles' most defining and outstanding achievement was the publication of Flair.  This highly unique publication covered all the subjects that interested its editor:  fashion, design, travel, entertainment, literature and art. During its 12 months of publication, Flair published works by the Duchess of Windsor, Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, Gypsy Rose Lee, Tennessee Williams and many more notable cultural influencers.  Not only was the magazine's content enlightened and provocative, but its lavish design was like nothing ever seen before.  The signature cover had a die-cut hole in it's center which gave the readers a tease of the feast that lay inside.  The publication's extravagance brought abut it's demise.  Each issue cost more than two dollars to publish and sold for fifty cents and issue.  Despite the magazine's short lived-life, it's cultural impact continues to this day.

We know you have seen this image a time or two before but this dazzling lady against a blue sofa and over sized lamp never gets old!

South of Market

We find it most interesting when we see a well executed room with just the right amount of diverse decor.  It takes one talented person and vision to pull all of that together.  It is certainly why designers have a job.  It is a true art to be able to mix and match all types of furniture and to come up with a plan.  One of our favorite spots for great accessories is a shop in Atlanta called South of Market.  Named because it is literally just south of Atlanta's Design Mart, ADAC.  You can find wonderful treasures mixed with furniture that would be classified as rustic chic.  If you are ever in the area, it is well worth your trip.  Happy Shopping!  

Big Stuff Bruno

Are you familiar with this handsome fellow's website?  If you aren't click here.   Michael Bruno, founder of the decorative arts and fine arts online marketplace, 1st Dibs, has brought the archaic antique business up to speed with the fast-paced modern world.  1st Dibs is a primary source for designers and DIY decorators alike to find impeccably well-edited pieces and stay abreast on current design trends.

Last month, 1st Dibs opened its first physical showroom in NYC.  For those of you who still need to touch, smell and feel a piece before making a pricey investment, this outpost is going to be a dream come true.  Buyer beware, most of the pieces aren't steals or deals, but they provide loads of inspiration for those who appreciate the exquisite.   Located on the 10th floor of the New York Design Center, this open to the public swoon-worthy upscale antique mall is on our must visit list the next time we are in the area.  

Mystery Man

Designer- Architect Daniel Romualdez is certainly having his day in the design world sun.  His work is popping up all over the shelter magazine world.  We just wish the that sun would shine just a little bit brighter so we could know more about this daring designer.  What we do know is this: 

He has designed the homes of Marina Rust, Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, Paul Goldberger, the architecture critic for the New Yorker,  and most recently model-muse Daphne Guiness' New York apartment.

He isn't afraid of color and mixes them with a youthful yet sophisticated manner.

He has got "fresh traditional" down pat.

And he certainly knows how to curate a space, mixing the humble with the refined.

But we want to see more 

and hear more from this mystery man.  Mr Romualdez, are you listening?  

images via Architectural Digest and Instyle

Art into Fashion

As of late, we have been intrigued by the art collections that the major US museums have displayed.  We think one of the most interesting of all is being housed at The Philadelphia Museum March 16 - June 5 2011.  Roberto Capucci is a brilliant Italian couturier designer.  He was born in 1930 and began studying his craft at an early age.  He was easily inspired by architecture, art and nature which is evident in his detailed creations.  Although his sketches and illustrations are mesmerizing, it is his dresses that are awe inspiring.  He is known for his innovative silhouettes, bold color and materials. He is especially interested in pleats, organza and taffeta.  His attention to detail is UNBELIEVABLE and we really are a bit obsessed with his talent!  Take a look at some of his greatest pieces and if you happen to be in Philly over the next few months...Stop in!