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Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

04
Design, Fashion, Interior design

Hanging out at Fashion Week – the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge

I’m always amazed by all the towering shoes I see at Fashion Week. Between waiting for shows and standing in… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Spring 2012 – CHADO Ralph Rucci

CHADO Ralph Rucci’s Spring 2012 collection was nothing short of breathtaking. It is in a league of its own.  The… Read More

clothes on rack 2
Fashion

Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Michael Kors

Although we’re anticipating fall soon, this week in NYC was all about spring. Yesterday I attended some of the Spring… Read More

Elizabeth Hasselbeck Introduces Grace To Fashion Week!
Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Milly

You always know you’re going to have a good time at the Milly show. The enthusiasm and upbeat energy was… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Nanette Lepore

Nanette Lepore, with her daughter Violet, looks happy for a reason.  With a renewed spirit, her fall collection reflected a… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Lela Rose

Lela Rose chose as her inspiration for this collection contemporary German artist Gerhard Richter. I thought this a very interesting… Read More

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Fashion

Fashion Week Fall 2011: Derek Lam

Yesterday I was delighted to be back at Lincoln Center for the fall 2011 fashion week shows with my friend… Read More

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Fashion

At the Shows – Spring 2011

What a fun day I had at the shows yesterday! I’m sure you all know by now that Mercedes Benz… Read More

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The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in stor While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in storage, I managed to pull together a simple table for a small family dinner to give thanks on this special day. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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