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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Style

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Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Little Augury One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale

I am pleased to share that two of my favorite sites are joining forces this week for a wonderful sale…. Read More

Oscar de la Renta fall 2012 fur collection
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Furs

It all began with the furs. The new collection at Richards was the ultimate temptation. In fabulous spring colors and… Read More

Oscar de la Renta shoes fall 2012
Fashion, Jewelry

My Day at Oscar – the Accessories

You may not have realized how many coordinated collections there are under the Oscar umbrella. It makes adding to the… Read More

Oscar-de-la-Renta-Sable-tweed-dress-with-quilted-coat
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Collection

Who doesn’t love Oscar? Oscar de la Renta is one of only a few designers who consistently delivers timeless elegant… Read More

Michael Kors fall 2012 crystal beaded gowns
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Michael Kors

If you’re looking to ferret out the major trends for fall, you need look no further than the fall collection… Read More

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012
Design, Fashion, Travel

Coming Soon

I lost my fight against time yesterday and just couldn’t manage to get it all done. There is a bit… Read More

Nanette Lepore fall 2012 collection look 15
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Nanette Lepore

While I always appreciate the youthful exuberance of Nanette Lepore‘s collections, this was by far my favorite collection of hers… Read More

J. Mendel Fall 2012
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: J Mendel

J Mendel cited two seemingly disparate inspirations for his luxe fall collection: a Helmut Newton editorial shot at a Gaudi building… Read More

Pamella Roland Fall 2012 show at New York Fashion Week
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Pamella Roland

With a very pretty set, that my photo does not even remotely do justice to, Pamella Roland set out to… Read More

Dennis Basso Fall 2012 41
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Dennis Basso

CBS Sunday yesterday morning did a segment on the new Boeing 787, interviewing the aerospace company’s executives who explained they were… Read More

Vera Wang Fall 2012 collection
Design, Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Vera Wang

Of all the shows at fashion week, I found Vera Wang‘s to be the most artistic, connecting all elements involved… Read More

Peter Gray curling hair at Badgley Mischka fall 2012 show
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Badgley Mischka

Using Fritz Lang’s hallmark German Expressionist masterpiece Metropolis as inspiration, Mark Badgley and James Mischka presented an amazing homage full… 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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