After a much too long 17-month hiatus, the captivating and visually seductive Mad Men is back! I don’t know about you, but I am crazy about the 1960s fashion and always have been, ever since the Kennedy’s. Apart from the amazing fashion and enthralling intrigues, one of the obvious reasons for such extraordinary popularity is America’s fascination with the Mid-Century Modern style, perfectly displayed in Don Draper’s new Manhattan swanky pad, that he now shares with his young new wife Megan. For the full story behind Don’s new apartment, read my article Mid-Century Modern at its best in Don Draper’s new swanky pad.
One of my favorite NYC restaurants Spice Market has just opened the outdoor patio for the spring and summer seasons. Besides the mouth-watering food, pleasant ambiance and exceptional service, I am mostly in awe of the enigmatic Southeast Asian decor.
The eminent chef Jean-Georges collaborated with designer Jacques Garcia to recreate the interiors of the far-off Eastern cultures. A valuable collection of artifacts – including antique wall carvings, screens and pagodas – were imported from exotic places such as Rajastan, South India, Burma and Malaysia to transform the open two-floor space. The titillating blend of décor styles makes for a peaceful Oriental sanctuary, nested from the outside hustle and bustle. Custom-made colonial style furniture combined with white leather is mixed with Oriental period pieces such as wooden Thai and Chinese porcelain garden stools. The former warehouse’ raw timber beams and teak floors are now beautified with lavish French fabric embroidered drapes from Lelievre and with the soft glow of Herves Descottes’ lighting. A rich color palette of violets, indigos, ochres and deep reds instantly transports the clientele inside an ancient Bombay palace. For my full article, read Jean-George’s Spice Market opens outdoor patio for the spring and summer season on Examiner.
Pearl River Mart in Soho is my favorite Chinese decor store, which offers two floors of your infinite porcelain cups, bowls, chopsticks, silk, good-luck charms, Buddhas etc. I absolutely love it, it is always a treat to go there.
Ever since I can remember, Jonathan Adler was my first designer crush. I’ve always loved his quirky pottery, fun pillows and geometric patterns. The first JA item I bought was a black and white kitchen towel, that I used until exhaustion. Given the subject of my Examiner article on Adler’s new gig of designing E!’s Fashion Police set, I went on a visit to one of his NYC stores: the Columbus Avenue location, to be more precise.
I met Bil Donovan a few days ago. What an honor! He is the quintessential New York artist everyone aspires to be. His high-fashion illustrations are to die for, which is why he is Christian Dior’s beauty first-artist-in-residence; he is also a teacher and mentor for generations of fashion students at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I met him at his studio – a wonderland of genius illustrations and happy vibes – and decided we would work together in a Fashion Drawing event he is putting together for April 26th. You can read his full bio below, as well as his interview for Italian Vogue.