Deborah Needleman always seems to say just what I have been thinking but haven’t quite gotten around to articulating. In her editor letter for this weekend’s T Magazine Luxury Issue, she writes, “To do ‘simple’ right isn’t as easy as it looks — whether it’s the design of a building, a dress or even a life. If knowledge is power and simplicity requires knowledge, then Socrates might agree with our issue’s premise that simplicity is very powerful.” And of course I’m with Socrates – and T.
Simplicity for me isn’t always simplicity of mere form. It could be simplicity of concept – a singular thought or vision that is adhered to without compromise. That isn’t saying I’m interested in all forms of simplicity – simply producing the cheapest product possible without regard to quality is a singular vision that doesn’t particularly interest me. But simplicity with regard to a honed aesthetic or intellectual calling does.
A perfect example of a singular vision that may not seem “simple” is the design duo, Roberto Peregalli and Laura Sartori Rimini of Studio Peregalli, above. I became somewhat obsessed with their work when I reviewed their book, The Invention of the Past almost two years ago. I was delighted to revisit their unique vision, below, in this issue.
photos of Studio Peregalli by Martin Morrell for T magazine
One of my favorite mantras is that style knows no age and I was happy to see that Needleman agrees. “I gravitate toward stories about older women because they are more often the ones who have their lives figured out in a way younger women, while more obviously photogenic and of-the-moment, often don’t. Style that lasts is the style that counts.” A piece on the 79 year old Italian countess and film director Marina Cicogna, photographed by Bruce Weber, below, is a case in point.
For these stories and more, I’ll be checking out the rest of the T Magazine Luxury Issue online and with a hard copy because I actually like to peruse all the advertising and little extras you sometimes miss in the virtual version.
This post resonated with me so much. I have been feeling like the design world (at least the blogosphere) lately has been filled with endless renditions of lucite, brass, graphic patterns, black walls, the same lamps, deconstructed “Swedish” etc. Where is the appreciation for nuanced rooms layered with history and the artifacts of the people who live there? This is where design artistry lives.
It’s wonderful that the internet makes so much accessible, but it also seems to breed a mentality of following every trend that comes by.
“Simplicity with regard to a honed aesthetic or intellectual calling” always speaks to us. You explain this kind of focused approach beautifully.
Dear Stacey. It is always interesting to see this concept utilized in a way that is genuine and authentic. Your words say it all.
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Love the idea of a ‘singular vision’ as simplicity – unified. The cover of this issue is perfection. Simply! ox
Simplicity is the most difficult of all forms. Aesthetic or spiritual, it requires tremendous knowledge, attention and careful editing. Not for the feint-hearted.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Mary