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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Style

BuDhaGirl core_cuff_hero_lrg
Fashion, Gifts

Meet BuDhaGirl | More than Just Beautiful

In the crowded world of fashion and luxury, sometimes it’s not only about being beautiful. And indeed, the new jewelry… Read More

Anna Trzebinski fur and belt
Fashion, Travel

Anna Trzebinski | The Luxury of African Chic

You know when you see a certain woman on the street who just has that special something? That unmistakable style… Read More

J.Crew purple and red for fall 2013
Fashion

J.Crew Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

While Moroccan themes have been at play for a while in both fashion and interiors, inspiration from a recent trip… Read More

Back of J. Mendel silk chiffon gown
Fashion

J. Mendel Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Unabashed luxury always marks the collections of J. Mendel. But this fall it’s a luxury with conspicuous contrasts – outerwear… Read More

Jenny Packham fall 2013
Fashion

Jenny Packham Fall 2013 | Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Jenny Packham’s beautiful new collection is princess pretty – literally and figuratively. With elegant slim shapes and flowing silks and… Read More

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

Hyde Park Antiques regency sofa table detail
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Jewelry

1stDibs Designers Preview at the Winter Antiques Show

Before the throngs arrived on opening morning at the Winter Antiques Show, I was delighted to attend the Designers’ Preview… Read More

Paris Collage
Style

Hello from Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off

A quick bonjour to all of you from Paris as I write from my charming hotel room. It’s been a… 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

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As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh brea As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh breath with inspiration from Spanish designer @ludovicoporta . See how he creates a sense of calm elegance using curated collections and negative space in his magnificent renovated 18th century palacio. Watch the entire house tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel.
Monday blues with an international cadre of artisa Monday blues with an international cadre of artisanal tableware from our @shopqworthy collection. Shop it all through link in profile.
And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table c And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest is… (drumroll please!) this extraordinary table by @Monicabardaji!! She entered on the very last day of the competition and completely won us over! With this table, Mónica has managed to create something both modern and classic, using completely unexpected elements. Nothing on the table is unnecessary and yet nothing is missing. The mix of wood and silver is phenomenally chic, the color and size of the flowers are perfect and we found it extremely elegant! It was a tough choice for us judges, as there was strong competition right on her heels!

Mónica is the lucky winner of the best prize we have ever given (what you see in the last photo), consisting of a Limoges porcelain tableware set, Cristóbal Marine, offered by @raynaud_porcelaines; six hand engraved glasses from @artel_glass; six embroidered placemats with their napkins from @noel_lingedemaison_paris; and six Tokyo Noir cutlery sets from @alain_saint_joanis.

All the finalists’ tables were wonderful, each with something that made it extraordinary, and we can only congratulate you on your creativity and craftsmanship!

Congratulations to Mónica as the winner, but also to all the other participants—each of you, with your tables, makes this possible! Over the coming days we will be raffling off the remaining prizes!!

Heartfelt thanks to the “usual” jury (@azarraluqui @amarosanchezdemoya @bea_satrustegui @carmencarooneill @paz_qb @raulromeropress and @vanessacraccoliving) and to our guest stars @bonadeaofficial @casa__lopez @quintessence (honored to be included) and @vioscooking — it has been a fantastic edition! ♥️
In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
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