
James Andrew at the Frick Museum Boucher room - photo Lars Stefan.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you are anything like me, most of your thoughts are typed, texted, or sent via instant message! And while it is nice to be in constant contact, sadly I think receiving an electronic note today just doesn’t have the same impact that opening a crisp envelope had.

François Boucher (1703 - 1770) The Arts and Sciences: Poetry and Music, 1750-1752 Oil on canvas 85 1/2 x 38 in. The Frick Collection, New York
Now, when discussing love and the art of woo, you must surely think of Boucher and Fragonard and their pink cheeked suitors all ablaze in passion’s glow – we at WIJW do, and if you aren’t sure what we’re talking about, then may we strongly recommend that you take your Valentine on a mid day stroll to visit the Boucher room at the Frick Museum – a high Rococo enclosure studded with perfumy Boucher panels. Be sure and stroll through the Fragonard Room as well. Originally commissioned by Madame Du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, the paintings therein are some of the most intoxicating odes to love on the planet, and will surely have your lover thoroughly seduced in no time! – Indeed, it’s likely that the place will have you both heading right back to your room at the Four Seasons for an afternoon romp – so please do have some chocolate and bubbly at the ready.

Diamond cufflinks, Raj Tolaram
“I don’t know why
It always comes as a surprise
To find I am here with you
You smile and I am rubbing my eyes
At a dream come true …”
-Pet Shop Boys

As always we here at WIJW continue to focus on a better story, and hope that our readership will join us in a few moments of optimism here and there to combat the constantly glum (and often debilitating) outlook that seems so popular these days. It is lucrative events like the AIFAF that help to confirm what we at WIJW have professed from the very beginning – Opportunity abounds!
(left) Taking a wonderfully rejuvenative lunch pool-side at the Chesterfield Hotel, I’m sporting a 


















