It’s a Wrap Video with Susanna Salk and John Derian

Posted on December 12, 2013 by quintessence   •   7 Comments

It’s a Wrap Video with Susanna Salk and John Derian

John Derian is one part Charles Dickens, one part Saint-Germain-des-Prés and one part East Village, but 100% authentic. His distinctive and idiosyncratic vision of the world is addictive and it is difficult to leave any of his shops without something in hand. Recently, Susanna Salk and I paid a visit to John in his studio to see his new line of gift wrap for One Kings Lane and discuss how presentation is an integral part of any gift.

Since 1989 John has been producing his handmade decoupage plates and platters to the delight of his legion of fans around the world.…

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Celebrating Art at Holiday House

Posted on December 11, 2013 by quintessence   •   2 Comments

Celebrating Art at Holiday House

Holiday House is a cause easy to embrace. Founder Iris Dankner’s showhouse, now in its sixth year, celebrates the best of interior design while benefitting the fight against breast cancer, with this year’s proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Each year, designers choose a holiday or special occasion to celebrate with great creativity and ingenuity. What stood out this year to me was the notable level of impressive and interesting art at Holiday House. From emerging artists to established masters, it was eminently clear how much art contributes to the aesthetics and personal meaning of living spaces.
photo above by Bill Jacobson
In the elegantly eclectic entry and foyer, inspired by the film Blue Angel, Studio Tim Campbell chose works from Julie Heffernan and Bill Jacobson for their romantic and fantastical visions.…

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Antique & Artisan Christmas Boutique

Posted on December 10, 2013 by quintessence   •   8 Comments

Antique & Artisan Christmas Boutique

It’s no secret that the Antique & Artisan Center is one of my favorite local sources for all that is chic and unique and starting tomorrow, their very first Christmas Boutique will be unveiled. I stopped by yesterday for a sneak peek at some of what partner Mari Ann Maher, below, has hand selected for the event. Behind a red plaid taffeta curtain in the back of the shop, awaits a treasure trove of never-viewed-before gifts and antiques.

The hall outside offers a hint of the treasures beyond

with these fabulous gigantic parrot sconces?! If I just had the right spot…

Inside are multi-tiered displays, grouped by color, special interest and theme.…

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Posted in food and drink, furniture, gifts, holiday, interior design | 8 Comments  

Lunch Fifth Avenue Style with Howard Slatkin

Posted on December 9, 2013 by quintessence   •   11 Comments

Lunch Fifth Avenue Style with Howard Slatkin

Not surprisingly, lunch Fifth Avenue style chez Howard Slatkin is a luxurious treat. Following Susanna Salk’s and my video shoot for our “At Home with” episode several months ago, we enjoyed a splendid lunch in Howard’s magnificent dining room.

Entering the space is like being transported to St. Petersburg via Paris. As you’ve seen, every surface and collected item is carefully considered.

Living with what you love is an art form chez Howard.

And the table is a mini masterpiece set with objets and functional art.

Monogramming is a regal tradition that lives on nobly here – these elegant glasses are crafted and personalized in Venice.…

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At the Movies | The Bishop’s Wife

Posted on December 8, 2013 by quintessence   •   2 Comments

At the Movies | The Bishop’s Wife

Naturally, I love hearing that readers have liked a recommendation. This week The Bishop’s Wife received thumbs up from a subscriber who mentioned they had purchased (and loved) it after discovering it here. I then read that it is now out on blu ray so I thought a reminder of one of my favorite holiday films might be in order.

Long time readers will no doubt remember this film, but for any not familiar with this Christmas classic, it’s a seasonal must-see. On a brisk day, in the next couple weeks, as a brief break from a hectic holiday schedule, get yourself a cup of cocoa, settle in and be prepared for a nostalgic treat. …

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Holiday Shop Picks | The Neue Galerie

Posted on December 6, 2013 by quintessence   •   3 Comments

Holiday Shop Picks | The Neue Galerie

I’ve been feeling it for a while – something gemütlich is in the air and it’s not just Sacher torte and Tostmann Trachten. A focus on Austria seems to be making the rounds. This week T Magazine shared an amazing art collection in a 17th century Austrian Manor and Travel + Leisure explained why “Food is reason enough to come to Vienna in winter.” So since I don’t have a visit to Vienna scheduled in the immediate future (although I’ve discovered some designer friends do), the next best thing was obvious. An outing to the Neue Galerie to scout holiday gifts was in order.…

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Holiday Shop Picks | Verdura

Posted on December 5, 2013 by quintessence   •   2 Comments

Holiday Shop Picks | Verdura

It’s always a good day when I have a reason to visit Verdura. In their elegant boutique overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park, I had a chance to take a gander at their Mid-Century Master vintage exhibition on view (and of course for sale) through December 27th. Included are coveted pieces from Verdura and Suzanne Belperron, whose archives now reside within the Verdura vaults. Both icons of 20th century jewelry design, the exhibition shows how their distinctive styles each revolutionized the century’s style. A few favorites included these gold, platinum and diamond “wing” ear clips with peridot, gold and diamond pendants Verdura designed for Flato in 1945.…

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The English Country House

Posted on December 4, 2013 by quintessence   •   4 Comments

The English Country House

While trends in architecture and decor come and go, the appeal of the English country house is one that perennially remains. And for those who have been lost without their weekly dose of Downton Abbey, this season’s addition to Vendome’s Country House series will obligingly bridge the gap. Featuring ten exceptional British country homes still in the hands of the original families, The English Country House tells their stories, from stylistic evolution to familial traditions and historical relevance. As noted by Julian Fellowes in his introduction, the English country house will always hold “that intriguing blend of great art and architecture mixed in with the romance and tragedy of the people who have lived within their walls.”

Like last year’s The Scottish Country House, the book includes beautiful natural-light photography by James Fennell and through James Peill’s approachable and informative text, we are escorted through the houses, replete with architectural explanations and savory social tidbits.…

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Holiday Shop Picks | Calvin Klein Home

Posted on December 3, 2013 by quintessence   •   3 Comments

Holiday Shop Picks | Calvin Klein Home

The interholiday days are officially here. And that means my eyes are peeled for potential gift picks almost everywhere I go. Over the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite finds as I’m out and about.

While I’ve passed the Calvin Klein shop on Madison Avenue countless times, I had never ventured downstairs to the world of Calvin Klein Home. It had just been decked out in their version of a winter wonderland with a luxurious and luminous naturalistic vibe.

Calvin Klein Home has a zen-like minimalist mantra. And although not normally a minimalist at heart, I found quite a few items that could augment a setting of any style.…

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Francois Halard | The Book

Posted on December 2, 2013 by quintessence   •   1 Comment

Francois Halard | The Book

It would be hard to beat Mayer Russ’ incredibly eloquent and elucidating introduction to the much anticipated monograph of Francois Halard. “The collected images unfold like an intoxicating reverie, a poetic meditation on the themes of memory, history, inspiration, and the elusive, ecstatic epiphany of coming face-to-face with true beauty and genius.”
Think less traditional book and more immersive experience. You will be beguiled by the imagery, intrigued by the words and inspired by the ride. It’s a seductive, insider look at many of the greatest tastemakers and artists of our time, filtered through Halard’s personal and poignant lens. Both evocative and elusive, you will be transported to Casa Malaparte in Capri, the dramatic house and location that have inspired so many and to which Halard waited ten years for entry.…

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