The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   14 Comments

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner is always a favorite event of the season. This past Tuesday evening, in its new venue at the The Plaza Grand Ballroom, the event raised more than $600,00 for the development of the NYBG’s orchid research collection. With media host Veranda, a list of twenty five top designers were assembled to create tables celebrating this year’s Orchid Show theme of Orchidelirium with elegant tabletops and dramatic orchid centerpieces.

Cullman & Kravis‘ table was not only beautiful but layered with references to the history of orchids and the upcoming show at the Garden.…

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First Peek at the NYBG Orchid Dinner

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   4 Comments

First Peek at the NYBG Orchid Dinner

Last night was the NYBG Orchid Dinner, the annual tabletop fundraiser for the development of the New York Botanical Garden’s orchid research collection. I’ll be back shortly to share more details from this wonderful event but thought you’d like to have a first peek at a few of the glorious tables created by the group of this year’s talented designers.

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La Tuile a Loup

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   15 Comments

La Tuile a Loup

In the heart of old Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, La Tuile à Loup has been a go-to source for the best of artisanal French craftsmanship for over 40 years. When the original owners were retiring in 2006, private banker Eric Goujou was already a devoted customer. But a small “selling” sign on the shop’s door “Passion a transmettre” (passion to be passed on), proved to be a life-changing note for Eric, whose long time interest in interiors and the art of the handmade inspired him to take the plunge as shopkeeper.

For the past ten years Eric has continued the legacy of made-in-France art de vivre at La Tuile a Loup. …

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Rajiv Surendra Letters in Ink

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   10 Comments

Rajiv Surendra Letters in Ink

If you have received your March issue of House Beautiful, you have no doubt noticed the amazing artwork of Rajiv Surendra. On the first page of the well (the editorial section of the magazine) is Garrow Kedigian‘s fantastical writing room, embellished (in chalk!) by the amazing artistry of Rajiv Surendra, below. And be sure to see the rest of Kedigian’s handsome Montreal abode – it proves the seductive power of a dark palette.

photo Paul Raeside

I have had Rajiv’s work on a long list of potential posts for a couple of years and this article offered the impetus to push him to the top.…

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Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   5 Comments

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville is a much anticipated event of the season. A highlight of not only Nashville but antique, garden and design aficionados across the country, the show features over 150 dealers from far and wide as well as between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors. Vintage Millworks set the tone with their Chatsworth inspired bench.

I was honored to be a part of the illustrious lecture series that is overseen by both the Antique Show and a national advisory committee of prestigious names in design. With a huge range of antiques, art, and horticultural offerings, I thought I would share a few of my favorites.…

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Quick Peek at Nashville

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   5 Comments

Quick Peek at Nashville

I’ve just arrived back from a whirlwind trip down south and wanted to at least give you a quick peek at what I saw in Nashville. It’s clearly a city on the rise, with a burgeoning young population, redevelopment and building everywhere and a strong cultural core. Southern hospitality is not a myth and I felt truly welcomed every place I went. I’ll certainly have much more to share once photos are edited and thoughts collected. In the meantime, a big thank you to my Nashville friends and hosts, to the Antiques and Garden Show and my talented panelists. Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and relaxing long weekend!…

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2016 Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   3 Comments

2016 Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville

I am very excited to be heading south this weekend to the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville where I will be moderating a panel on Saturday with designers Brian Murphy, Suzanne Rheinstein, Mark Sikes and Windsor Smith.

It will be my first visit to Music City and the Antiques and Garden Show there has been on my short list for years. With Bunny Williams as Honorary Chair, this year’s show features Gwyneth Paltrow in a conversation with Windsor Smith on design and lifestyle kicking off the Keynote Program.

The largest show of its kind in the country the Antiques and Garden Show features more than 150 fine antiques and horticultural vendors.…

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Year of the Monkey

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   15 Comments

Year of the Monkey

Monday marks Chinese New Year with the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. For centuries, people’s fascination with these simian creatures has been documented in both fine and decorative art, often depicting them dressed up and aping human behavior. If you have studied art history you probably know that the term for such scenes is singerie, from the French meaning monkey trick. Monkeys have been used by artists for mocking, mirroring and expressing man’s foibles for centuries. From the Greeks and Egyptians who, in general, held a less than favorable opinion of the creature to the Middle Ages when monkeys were often placed in Eden, symbolizing a human who has given into sin, to the Flemish masters of the 16th century.…

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Boutet de Monvel at Sotheby’s

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   8 Comments

Boutet de Monvel at Sotheby’s

Today continues the story of Paris and Art Deco with the work of fascinating artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel, whose art is the subject of a Sotheby’s Auction in Paris on April 5th and 6th. I first became acquainted with the work of Boutet de Monvel from the portrait of Le Maharadjah d’Indore which graces the cover of a favorite book, Made for Maharajas. It is a marvelous depiction of Raj life and the Indian royals’ love of Western luxury. Dangling from the Maharajah’s Chaumet pearl necklace are the “Indore Pears,” diamonds weighing approximately 47 carats each that were attached specifically for this portrait.…

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In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right

Posted on February 2, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   11 Comments

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right

Among the surging sea of colors at Paris Deco Off was also a strong undercurrent of black and white. From exuberant prints to handsome wovens, it proved the graphic and enduring power of the most basic color combination. At Pierre Frey their new Jungle collection of wallpapers tells the story of a yet unexplored South American country. Pampa, also available in a fabric, is a fresh interpretation of a classic toile. Printed only in black and white, it recalls engravings documenting voyages from another time to exotic lands.

Another paper in Jungle, Amazon, is  a completely hand drawn pattern expressing the secrets of the jungle.…

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