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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

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

Badgley Mischka spring 2013 show finale
Fashion

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week | Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

It’s not surprising that at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the Badgley Mischka team of Mark Badgley and James Mischka were inspired… Read More

Naeem Khan spring 2013 look 41
Fashion

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week | Naeem Khan Spring 2013

At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Naeem Khan‘s collections are, for me, perennial favorites. Their timeless glamour, elegant  embellishment and incredible craftsmanship… Read More

Tory Burch Spring 2013
Fashion

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week | Tory Burch Spring 2013

At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, tt was a bright sunny day inside and out for the Tory Burch show at… Read More

Fashion Week Collage Final
Fashion

Wait For It – Spring 2013 From NYFW Continues

I came home from my final fashion week show feeling rather under the weather. So I will continue with my… Read More

Reem-Acra-fuchsia-and-nude-gown
Fashion

Reem Acra at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Reem Acra, in her show notes, cited Aaron Young’s famous motorcycle art as inspiration for her collection. His reductionist, raw, minimalistic… Read More

Lela-Rose-ink-blue-etched-dress-for-spring-2013
Art & Antiques, Fashion

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 | Lela Rose

At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Lela Rose frequently cites an artist or, in the case of last season, an architect, as… 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

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It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest in Nantucket baskets this summer. They’re suddenly everywhere — 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.

Several 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.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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