I was asked to take an architect, an interior designer, and a chef shopping for kitchen systems as part of a story for Departures magazine's current Home & Design issue. As you can imagine, these three -- Brian Messana of Messana O'Rorke, Young Huh and Angie Mar of The Beatrice Inn -- had very distinct tastes and preferences. I learned a lot...
JCK is one of the oldest continuously published magazines in America. For the 150th anniversary cover, we pulled pieces representing every decade, era and movement, setting them in and around a paper sculpture by Jo Lynn Alcorn. This was shot by Kenji Toma, and includes pieces ranging from vintage Victorian to David Webb, Martin Katz and Anna Khouri. The whole issue is an amazing journey through the eras of adornment. I highly recommend a read...
We put together a selection of vases that look as good (if not better) empty than when filled with flowers and/or greener. Note: the newspaper shows more vases than are shown online, but online you'll find pieces by Amber Cowan, Tung Chiang of Heath Ceramics, Esque Studio, Tracey Glover, BZippy, Wyatt Little, Mica DeMarquez, and Eric Astoul....
I do not know why Vilnius/Lithuania isn't getting more press, but trust me, it is a city on the rise. I'm glad I got there before the place explodes (figuratively), and was able to get a last minute, same day reservation at Ertlio Namas. Incredible meal a la chef Tomas Rimydis, with everything served having roots in history. Read all about it here....
There are rules about shaking versus stirring a cocktail, but they vary. It would take too long to go into all the intricacies but should you find yourself about to prepare a stirred situation and not wanting that cut glass thing everybody is using. check out Felicia Ferrone's Revolution cocktail mixer instead. Details here....
John Derian, the master of decoupage, has for the first time lent his designs to shoes. 6 velvet slipper styles by Stubbs and Wooton are now embroidered with his designs. Read all about it here, and see the whole range here....
Jill Lindsey is a long time resident of Fort Greene and, despite never having worked in retail, and having a background in fashion design (with an expertise in formal gowns but also knitwear), she has managed to to create a cult shop beloved by the neighborhood, and sought out far beyond the zip code. Read all about it here....
Vilnius, Lithuania might not be on your radar right now,it's a cool place to visit that is not overrun with tourists. For now. With the opening of a Libeskind-designed museum, and a new design hotel, the capitol of Lithuania is poised for greatness as a travel destination. Get all my recommendations, here....
I know, I know. I miss Pastis too. And I wanted to hate this place, but frankly, it was awesome. Read all about it here....
Every floor of this Turtle Bay townhouse, designed by Allison Julius and Louis Mara of Maison 24, serves a different function, and is a different color. You can see the whole thing, which is super cool (and I'm not just saying that because I wrote about it) in the current issue of New York Cottages & Gardens....