I'm so excited about the Spring Summer 2018 menswear collections. From Balenciaga to Hermes, to Fendi, Yamamoto, Vuitton and Balmain, each of the runway shows below is more inspiring than the next. When I'm designing an interior, I often look to the world of fashion to spark new ideas. But that does't stop with women's fashion. I love the androgynous forms and color palettes found in all of the men's ensembles hitting the hottest catwalks. Here's a little eye candy to enjoy on this Monday!
{I N S P I R E D} Gorgeous Finds at NYCxDESIGN /
Talk about being inspired. The makers who exhibited this year during NYCxDESIGN Week—at ICFF, WantedDesign and Sight Unseen's Offsite—were innovative, fresh and a welcome dose of creative energy. While there were so many spectacular finds, I wanted to share a few that especially stood out and planted seeds for my next interior design projects. Get ready for some design magic!
1/ Pulpites, Dear Human. 2/ Erich Ginder. Photo by Amanda Ringstad. 3/ Fauna Fantasía wallpaper in Habana, Grow House Grow. 4/ Aura Mirror in Fluorite, Another Human via Offsite. 5/ Anna Karlin. 6/ Fold Collection, Uhuru. 7/ Coexist Askew Marble and Brass Side Table, Slash Objects. 8/ Luvere Studio via WantedDesign. 9/ Sass Side Table by MPGMB for Souda Brooklyn. 10/ Black Marble Hex Mason Watch, Analog Watch Co.
{A R T} Organized Chaos /
A few months ago, Beth and I popped into MoMA and of course had to stop into the museum gift store. I was so enamored by the Jackson Pollock Table Textiles—a collection of placemats and runners that feature the master painter's signature splattered look. I just knew that one day I'd have to post a blog about all the things that inspire me to take calculated risks, have fun and let loose.
Below, I've shared a video—"The Anthropologist," directed by Alistair Banks Griffin—that rethinks freestyle painting entirely. It's the work of Etsuko Ichikawa, an artist based in Seattle who uses molten glass to create freeform pyrography. Watching her work is completely entrancing. Take a look and enjoy!
Slideshow image credits: 1/Drip Wallpaper, Jonathan Adler. 2/Yellow Brushstroke Lamp, Jana Bek. 3/The Medium Transport Tote: Splatter Paint Edition, Madewell. 4/Hinson Wallpaper, Photo by Maura McEvoy, House Beautiful. 5/Nesting Bowls, Chris Earl. 6/Hinson Wallpaper, Photo by Maura McEvoy, House Beautiful. 7/Suite One Studio. 8/Drip Wallpaper, Jonathan Adler. 9/Oyster Colored Velvet. 10/Jackson Pollock Table Textiles, Runner, MoMA. 11/Wing Chair painted by Kerry Irvine Fine Art for EKB Interiors.
{F A S H I O N} Taking Flight /
“It’s not enough to have feathers. You must dare to fly!”
Image credit: Balenciaga Fall 2017 / Monica Feudi / Indigital.tv via Vogue
Feathers have been popping up on catwalks, in my favorite boutiques, and just about everywhere you turn nowadays. They're the perfect mix of flashy and fun, and I can't help but find inspiration in them. From feathered fashion accessories to Balenciaga's latest runway show, to Blake Lively’s gold and peacock-hued plumed Versace gown from this year’s Met Gala, these beautiful quills are sure to make your imagination take flight.
Top row: 1/ Heari Feather Bib Necklace via Anthropologie. 2/ Sunrise Feather Hoop Earrings via Anthropologie. 3/ Lisa Blue Bathing Suit, Gasoline Glamour Feather Collar, Glynneth B Necklace. Photo by Ben Cope via Very Very Chic. 4/ Kate Spade Belle Elliana Feather Clutch via Nordstrom. 5/ Prada Slingback Sandals via Barneys New York. 6/ Balenciaga Satin Pumps via Net-A-Porter. 7/ Couture Hat by Arturo Rios via The Feather Girl. 8/ Blake Lively, Atelier Versace, Met Gala 2017. Photo via Harper's Bazaar Singapore.
{A R T} Up, Up and Away! /
Image via Oh Happy Day
Floating into the weekend on this rainy Cinco de Mayo—I mean is there anything better than a happy balloon installation? I'm a huge fan of experiential artist Jihan Zencirli of Los Angeles balloon studio Geronimo Balloons. She's taken the art of balloons to a whole new level! I hope these inspired shots make you smile and kickstart your weekend.
Happy Friday!
{I N S P I R E D} Designing Women: Open May 1-26 /
I can't tell you how consistently inspired I am by my creative peers who challenge me to dig deeper and design fearlessly everyday. And the latest collaborative exhibition of all-women design rockstars has me so excited to spread positive vibes and girl pride!
The women of Egg Collective have come together to host a benefit expressing true girl power through the varied works of female artists and designers. The girl trio behind Egg Collective has always been focused on female empowerment, collaboration, and camaraderie. And, in that vein, they had the genius idea of putting together a show that unites the top female designers and artists operating in NYC to support the Girls, INC NYC foundation, which empowers young women to be our future leaders. The show is called Designing Women and is currently on display through May 26th at Egg Collectives Hudson Street Showroom.
Bravo ladies! This is one spectacular show!
{R O A M} More Chic Eats /
Dining out is really a sensory experience. Of course, the emphasis is on the food, but the lighting and furnishings, color palettes and music also play a hand in how our taste buds register that meal. It's all about the V I B E S! I love discovering new eateries that not only satiate my appetite but also appeal to my design ethos. Restaurant interiors tend to be more avant-garde and playful in their designs. I love when I leave feeling inspired and sometimes I even walk away with a clever idea for a client's home.
Check out these chic restaurants and give them a go the next the time you find yourself in their city...
{I N S P I R E D} Studio State of Mind /
Martyn Thompson Studio via 1stdibs
Currently in the midst of a big studio revamp, I find myself reflecting on how much time I spend in my atelier. The truth is that studios are truly an extension of our homes—sometimes we even call them home like the lovely and talented NES Creative team or the insanely artistic textile artist Martyn Thompson. I'm happy to report that more and more industries are seeing the value in creating well-designed, positive workspace interiors. I know that I am so much more productive when my own space is happy and bursting with artistic energy.
Here are a few creatively inclined studios that I love and hopefully they will inspire your workflow...
{D E S I G N} Architect Spotlight: Bjarke Ingles /
All images via BIG
“I call architecture frozen music. ”
I find the above sentiment to ring so true about architecture, but also design in general—I always say there's a certain harmony that comes together when an interior hits all the right notes. There is something especially mellifluous about the work of architect Bjarke Ingles. I've been in awe of his work for quite some time and was delighted to see him featured on the Netflix series, Abstract. So often words like 'visionary' and 'rule-breaker' are thrown around, but Bjarke is rewriting the whole script with each creatively executed and environmentally-minded structure he dreams to life. Here are a few of my favorites.
{H O R I Z O N} Best in Show: Salone del Mobile 2017 /
Image via CC-Tapis
Every April a plethora of talent descends on Milan for one of the design industries biggest trade shows, Salone del Mobile. This fashion-minded city pulls out all the stops and the creative energy can be felt far and wide. From the gallery exhibitions in the Brera District all the way out to the main event at the Fiera Milano, the best in design is front and center everywhere you turn. Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year, but I've been glued to my Instagram loving all the new products and inspired installations from some of my favorite design houses.
I had to get in on the action, so here are some unforgettable moments.
Grazie Milano!
{A R T} The Writing's on the Wall /
Gallery walls are like a visual puzzle that is so much fun to create. What makes them interesting is the scope of the images that you want to showcase. One recipe that I often use is a mix of different mediums, like we did in our Nantucket beach house (above): Line drawings, photography, oil paintings, sculpture, pastels, posters and collages. When I buy art, I buy it because I like it and then somehow make it fit into the tapestry of a collective.
If you’re looking to make your own gallery wall, one common thread could be a similar color or a similar frame. Using various sizes of images make it feel more like that visual puzzle that gets worked and reworked until it fits just right. The advantage of a gallery wall is that you don’t have to commit to one arrangement; you can change your mind and shuffle the art around as you go, and that way there is no stress when putting holes in the walls. Think seasonal or have your own art show in your house! Make the artwork the pattern and color, and keep all the furniture monochromatic.
A well curated collection of an art or gallery wall can consist of art bought at a thrift shop, your child’s first painting and your great uncle’s watercolor masterpiece. The trick is having the confidence to put it all together. Here are a few of my favorite examples, starting with my very own home.
{A R T} April Showers Bring May Flowers /
Spring has me revisiting one of my favorite artists: Meredith Wing of Moo Mooi. She combines two things I really love—fashion and flowers—so her work instantly puts a smile on my face every time I come across it. She's a fashion illustrator who lives in Australia and sketches the most adorable, dainty women in haute little dresses and skirts made from beautiful blooms and sometimes other fun things like produce, or even fringe, which makes me happy as a designer. She's already collaborated with Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff and Pantone, so I can't wait to see what's next for her! Follow Meredith and her series #SomeFlowerGirls on Instagram at @moomooi! But first, check out some of her drawings here.
Images via Moo Mooi
1/Bok Choy. 2/Deauville. 3/French Babes. 4/Swing Dress. 5/London Balloons. 6/Mandarin et Cabbage. 7/Marie Antoinette. 8/Magic in the Air. 9/Wildflower Frock.
{V I B E S} Spring Awakening /
Big sigh of relief.... Spring is finally here! Now, if only this chilly New York weather would get the memo, we'd be all set. In the meantime, I gathered a few of my favorite springtime essentials to put those warm-weather vibes in motion. I hope some of them become your favorites!
{I N S P I R E D} Weekend Playlist: Fun Machine /
Image via Only Deco Love
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Here are some fun modern jazz songs to get you in the weekend spirit. I feel like music is my secret weapon when I'm creating—I put on some good tunes in my studio and before I know it my design director Beth and I are in a crazy creative zone. This is exactly what happened when I stumbled upon Lake Street Dive's Fun Machine EP. Crank up the volume and sing along because you will all know these classics, which have been reinterpreted in a really fresh way. Enjoy!
{F A S H I O N} Taking It To The Streets /
“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.”
Bill Cunningham said it best: "The best fashion show is definitely on the street." I couldn't agree more, and that's why I can't get enough of The Sartorialist and all the fabulous men and women Scott Schuman captures along his travels. I always say that everyone has his or her own unique creative footprint, and the choices you make with your fashion even in your everyday life is such a fun way to express that footprint and leave your mark on a given day. Come people-watch with me on the streets of Paris, New York and Milan. I hope it inspires your individual creative confidence!
Images via The Sartorialist
{R O A M} Architecture You Have To See To Believe /
Images via Ricardo Bofill
I stumbled across this mind-boggling apartment complex in Alicante, Spain called La Muralla Roja or The Red Wall. This brightly-hued cliffside retreat was designed by architect Ricardo Bofill in 1973 who sought to challenge the thought of geometric constraints and ended up breaking every rule in the book leaving us with this oh-so-chic architectural wonder that continues to inspire.
For me the beauty is in the lines, shapes and the negative spaces created throughout and, of course, the kaleidoscope of colors that starkly shift from one wall to the next. And, that rooftop pool!!! I like to think of structures like this as Haute Couture Architecture. Happy Weekend!
(H O R I Z O N} Flower Power: Inspiring Floral Design /
Image via Running Wild
With spring finally in view, all I can think about is infusing fresh blooms into my studio and home to liven things up. These days I find myself scrolling through Instagram and uncovering the most creative floral designers. From Running Wild (shown above) and Forage & Fleur to Flower & Fringe and FLWR, each blossoming boutique offers whimsical arrangements through unexpected pairings—some subtle and quiet, while others are bold and exhilarating.
Here are a few of my favorite online floral boutiques to put those spring vibes in motion...
These gardenias and lilies from High Camp Supply are one of my favorite gifts to send to family and friends.
The Bouqs always deliver beautiful blooms at great prices.
I love Flower Muse for their wide range of unique flora and their mini-succulents are perfect for this time of year.
{A R T} Fashion Illustrations by Artist Kelly Beeman /
I've been an admirer of artist Kelly Beeman's work ever since I discovered her on Instagram. Her Picasso-like figures, saturated color combinations and use of shapes and negative space is wildly interesting. And, I'm always very intrigued by the environments she places her stylish characters in—the details are exquisite and seemingly simplified. Kelly portrays looks for brands like Dior, J.W. Anderson, Mara Hoffman and Tory Burch, and her ethereal approach reveals fashionable illustrations with true feeling and depth behind them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
{I N S P I R E D} Abstract: The Art of Design /
Earlier this month an inspiring new series came out on Netflix that captured the creative worlds of eight visionaries. Covering everything from sneakers and cars to typography and architecture, the series is simply addictive, and I admittedly binge-watched all eight episodes in one day—trust me it's easy to do!
There's something so fascinating about peeking inside the world of a fellow creative and getting an intimate glimpse into the way they process and harness their artistic landscape. I hope there's a season two in the works! Here are a few highlights...
Renowned portrait photographer and photo journalist Platon. Actress Rooney Mara shown above.
A Somerset residence designed by Ilse Crawford, former editor in chief of ELLE Decoration UK
Known for his thought-provoking New Yorker covers, here is illustrator Christoph Niemann
Composition by Christoph Niemann
{F A S H I O N} The Geometry of Design /
All Images via Shihara
A few weeks ago, I posted about wandering into Tomorrowland NYC while shopping for a client in SoHo. Ever since then, I can't get the Shihara jewelry I saw there off my mind! Their geometric shapes immediately grab your attention. For this Japanese atelier, form doesn't just follow function. Rather, the function is designed as part of the form. They're one and the same. Their 3D earrings, for example, integrate the post into the overall aesthetic of the earring instead of being an afterthought. It's such a pure and simple philosophy, yet not everyone gets it quite like they do. Here are some of my favorite pieces of theirs; I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
