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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

back of Naeem Khan petal gown
Fashion

Naeem Khan Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

From the very first dress, it was clear that Naeem Khan is yet again red carpet ready. With a wide… Read More

Ralph Rucci fall 2013 collection
Fashion

Ralph Rucci Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

When explaining my set of photographs from the exquisite Chado Ralph Rucci show to my sister, she suggested entitling the… Read More

Veronica Beard and Angela Guitard
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 | Veronica Beard

Do you know the charming story of Veronica Beard? Of two sisters-in-law, both named Veronica, who married brothers? With backgrounds… Read More

Museum of bags and purses cafe
Architecture, Fashion, Travel

The Museum of Bags and Purses

Yes, you read that right. I am happy to report that there is actually a Museum of Bags and Purses…. Read More

Nude, Study for a Painting
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Fortuny y Madrazo | An Artistic Legacy

It wasn’t until I saw the exhibit Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute that… Read More

Coming Soon
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Travel

Coming Soon

I’ve been out and about and will have lots to share but until I have a chance to catch up,… Read More

YSL gloves on quintessenceblog
Fashion

Fashion Friday | Holiday Wish List

As many of you know, I moonlight as the co-style editor for the non-profit Women’s Voices for Change. This week… Read More

Monique Lhuillier purple gowns
Fashion

A Fashionable Day | Valentino and Monique Lhuillier

Despite the dismal weather, yesterday was one of those days that involved a lot of pretty. First the Valentino team… Read More

scent diffusers
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

J. Seitz | Connecticut Country Chic

In a picture perfect vintage building overlooking a waterfall in the historic village of New Preston, Connecticut, J. Seitz is a… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

250 west street nyc
Architecture, Fashion, Interior design

Hearst Designer Visions | Antony Todd for Veranda

This year’s Hearst Designer Visions takes place in the landmark building 250 West Street in Tribeca, renovated by Gal Nauer… Read More

fetch
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Thank you Taigan and Fetch!

Any of you longtime readers will be familiar with the online shopping site Taigan. I have written before about their… Read More

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
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