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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Style

Behind the Scenes Video at Verdura at 75
Design, Jewelry

Behind the Scenes Video at Verdura at 75

2014 was a big year for Verdura and the iconic jewelry house celebrated in singular style with an unprecedented exhibit last… Read More

Style Knows No Age
Fashion

Style Knows No Age

I am certainly not alone in my espousal of the belief that style knows no age. And it seems lately that the… Read More

Lilly Pulitzer for Target
Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Yesterday evening, in the iconic Pool Room of the Four Seasons Restaurant, Target announced their latest design collaboration with another iconic American… Read More

Verdura Accessories for Affordable Gift Glamour
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design, Style

Verdura Accessories for Affordable Gift Glamour

Less than 10 days remain to see the wonderful Verdura at 75 exhibit. I encourage any of you within the… Read More

Austria in the Air and Other Online Gallavanting
Fashion, Gifts, Style, Travel

Austria in the Air and Other Online Gallavanting

You may remember last year at this time I suggested a visit to the Neue Galerie Gift Shop as all things… Read More

A Busy Week in the World of Design
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Jewelry

A Busy Week in the World of Design

As December hit, so have a multitude of events in the world of design. In catching up, let me share a… Read More

Fashion and Interiors Meet in Style at de Le Cuona
Fashion, Interior design

Fashion and Interiors Meet in Style at de Le Cuona

From the beginning, Bernie de Le Cuona has been known for her extensive knowledge and production of luxurious linens and other sumptuous materials,… Read More

Catching Up Out & About
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design

Catching Up Out & About

I thought I would have time to bring you more in depth news today but it is already proving to be… Read More

Cartier in the 20th Century
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Jewelry

Cartier in the 20th Century

Few names have been so inexorably linked with luxury and exceptional jewelry as the House of Cartier. And in a… Read More

Haute Couture Ateliers
Books, Design, Fashion

Haute Couture Ateliers

While the sharing speed of the internet and social media has made the accessibility to the Paris haute couture shows universal, what… Read More

Grand Hotel Miramare in Santa Margherita Italy
Style, Travel

(Not Quite) 48 Hours in Santa Margherita and Portofino

While less than 48 hours on the lovely Ligurian coast seems impossibly short, it was just long enough to get a… Read More

Lalique Fine Jewelry 2014 Soleil de Gaia collection
Fashion, Jewelry

Lalique Fine Jewelry 2014

Long before René Lalique began to focus on his legendary crystal creations, he was a master of fine jewelry. Influenced by the… 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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