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Romantically Rococo

Feb 8th, 2010
by James Andrew.
11 comments

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

To all of you lovers out there wanting to convey your heartfelt and undying love, why not take two steps back in time, pick up some gorgeous hand laid and engraved Benneton Paris stationary, clean and fill your lovely virtually abandoned vintage gold nibbed Cartier fountain pen, and ink BY HAND a few thoughts to that most deserving person in your life! Yes, you may feel completely shot with novacaine while using those long forgotten writing muscles, and your penmanship may have really suffered from years of disuse, but we at WIJW promise that the gesture will not go unnoticed, and the effort will far overshadow your perhaps less than coordinated scrawl. In fact it probably doesn’t matter what you say, as long as it is honest and from the heart – and if you HAVE to quote, then perhaps a well chosen verse from Rumi or Neruda will do the trick.

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

Thanks to the Frick, WIJW is finding the Boucher room a perfect setting to channel Cupid’s arrows. I’m reclining in a Tom Ford shocking pink silk dressing gown from the Tom Ford boutique at 845 Madison Avenue, white cotton voile and lace tuxedo shirt, black and white polka dot silk bow tie, tuxedo pants and black patent leather opera pumps all by Gucci vintage Cartier gold fountain pen and platinum and diamond cuff links and shirt studs from my dear friend private jeweler 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

Posted in: Gucci, Tom Ford.

A Better Story

Feb 6th, 2010
by James Andrew.
23 comments

James Andrew on Worth Avenue. photo ACS

WIJW is thrilled to have been invited down to Palm Beach to share our unique perspective on the American International Fine Art Fair. It is especially encouraging to hear of the record breaking success of the fair – Francois Graff of Graff Diamonds is reported to have exclaimed “It was just like the old days [at the opening of the American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)].”

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!

Despite a fairly exhausting and time intensive press schedule we did finally make a few moments to enjoy a lovely lunch poolside, and take a stroll along the beach, finishing our little getaway in true Windsor style with a visit to Worth Avenue – one of the world’s most celebrated shopping meccas.

(left) Taking a wonderfully rejuvenative lunch pool-side at the Chesterfield Hotel, I’m sporting a Michael Bastian white and pink red striped cotton seersucker hoody with purple and white gingham cotton seersucker shorts by Club Monaco and ivory white Gucci loafers. Photo – ACS

(Top) Channeling a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor on Worth Avenue – I’m wearing a white linen jacket, a white, turquoise and purple plaid linen shirt, lavender micro corduroy pants, python belt with sterling buckle all by Gucci, turquoise silk pocket square Charvet Paris, taupe suede and patent leather sneakers by Lanvin, Rolex Submariner watch. Photo – ACS

We look forward to bringing you much more from Palm Beach in the not so distant future!

Posted in: Charvet, Club Monaco, Gucci, Lanvin.

Some Highlights from the American International Fine Art Fair, Palm Beach

Feb 5th, 2010
by James Andrew.
24 comments

On our way to the AIFAF

So… to the Fair! There is such a great plethora of treasures to be seen wherever one turns – from breathtaking jewels, to exceptionally rare and spectacular paintings, antiquities, and sculpture. With so many ultra fine dealers it really is a shame that we can’t bring you something from EACH exhibitor at the American International Fine art Fair – but in the hopes that you can make it to the fair yourselves we thought to bring you a tiny glimpse of the breadth and diversity represented here. The AIFAF will continue until the 8th of February so there’s still time to snap up a gorgeous little something to bring home with you!

James Andrew at the AIFAF Carlton Hobbs booth.

Our friends at Carlton Hobbs never cease to amaze. I was enthralled by this rare set of Chinese wallpapers which formerly hung in Colonial Williamsburg – and can’t wait to base the decoration of a room on these – I may have to include this Linton Park table as well! Oh, and you must have noticed the splendid parquet floor? It’s this kind of attention to detail that has me continually smitten by Carlton Hobbs!

James Andrew at the AIFAF Simon Capstick - Dale Fine Art booth.

I would would absolutely LOVE to see the above bold and colorful work, Zone 1 painted in 1965 by Larry Zox, mixed into a room with a super chic chintz and perhaps a Willy Rizzo cocktail table.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Buccellati Booth.

I’ve always admired the jewelry and decorative objet created by Buccellati. I’m holding an outrageous silver “cavolo” (above) – and it has me thinking that I may just have to replace my Dodie Thayer lettuce tureen with this fantastical piece.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Martin du Louvre booth.

We were delighted to chat with our new friends at Martin du Louvre and can’t wait to visit their gallery in Paris. I’m plotting where I might be able to place Sonia Delounay’s sublime 1954 “Mosaique” and Brad Howe’s delightful 1993 mobile, “Pursuit” pictured above.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Tomasso Brothers Fine Art booth.

I’m drawn to sculpture, especially busts on pedestals, and as such I absolutely couldn’t resist these grand works at Tomasso Brothers.

For our opening day at the fair I’m dressed Palm Beach style (with our trademark WIJW edge) – a mint green cotton suite by Gucci, a Tom Ford pale blue Glenn plaid cotton shirt with French cuffs, silver pearl and pale blue sapphire Seaman Schepps cuff links, retro print silk pocket square in pale blue and white silk, my lovely Lanvin taupe suede sneakers, Rolex Submariner watch, and a Gucci python belt to add that edge I mentioned.

Posted in: Buccellati, Carlton Hobbs, Gucci, Lanvin, Martin du Louvre, Palm Beach, Seaman Schepps, Tom Ford.

Palm Beach Prelude

Feb 2nd, 2010
by James Andrew.
22 comments

James Andrew in front of the Chesterfield Hotel.

WIJW at large! – We’ve begun our Palm Beach coverage here, bright and early and a little bleary eyed, at the historic Chesterfield Hotel - a hardy English style breakfast poolside soon found us rejuvenated and ready to hit some of our favorite Palm Beach locals before heading to our main attraction, the American International Fine Art Fair Vernissage private viewing. Considered one of the highlights of the social season, our VIP viewing provided us an opportunity to narrow the field to a few of our favorite dealers, and we’ll be featuring them in the next installments.

James Andrew at the Vernissage preview

In the Palm Beach spirit, I’m sporting an ivory cotton pinstripe suit by Gucci, mini floral print silk tie and lavender Glenn plaid pocket, bot by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps precious turquoise cufflinks, white and turquoise cotton striped shirt with contrast white French cuffs and color by Turnbull and Asser, Rolex Submariner, purple alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, and Gucci ivory leather loafers.

Posted in: Gucci, Palm Beach, Ralph Lauren, Seaman Schepps, Tom Ford, Turnbull and Asser.

Palm Beach

Jan 31st, 2010
by James Andrew.
10 comments

WIJW is off to Palm Beach for The American International Fine Art Fair!
We’ll attempt to bring you daily coverage of our romps around the island. In the meantime we’ll leave you with this impression to get you in the mood.

Palm Beach coastline.

The Palm Beach coastline.

Posted in: Random.

Christopher Hyland

Jan 29th, 2010
by James Andrew.
21 comments

James Andrew at Christopher Hyland

While trekking through the Himalayas, Christopher Hyland happened upon a bolt of indigenous textile – and it was not only love at first sight, but a fortuitous meeting that informed the course of Hyland’s career – sending him on a world wide quest for more exquisite textiles. A visit to Hyland’s luxurious showrooms, showcasing an extensive selection of rich and unusual designs, (many in pre-industrial age coloration), and all of the highest quality, might just have you falling in love as well! You’ll find all that you need here whether your taste is high style traditional or lux minimalist, and Hyland has one of the most extensive collections of Italian made textile, aiming to keep alive the breadth of design – from historical based documents to the latest modernist creations.

Detail at Christopher Hyland

Detail at Christopher Hyland

Hyland tells us the secret of his success is looking to the new and modern, while embracing and sustaining great design from the past – “…The fusion of the two will be the great statement of the 21st century…,” Hyland says with some authority. We at WIJW could not agree more and always look to achieve a similar marriage of the best of the past and present.

Detail at Christopher Hyland

Exploring the myriad of possibilities at Christopher Hyland showroom, I’m wearing an aubergine velvet jacket and gray flannel pants by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser shocking pink cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs, gray and black silk polka dot pocket square, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, pewter silk tie by Charvet, silver chain link belt by Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent black leather “Windsor” loafers, my fragrance is Windsor by Creed. Photos by Christopher Hyland.

Posted in: Charvet, Christopher Hyland, Dior, Seaman Schepps, Turnbull and Asser, Yves Saint Laurent.

Resources Rule

Jan 28th, 2010
by James Andrew.
23 comments

James Andrew - East 60th Street.

I love creating something that clients never dreamed possible (or possibly never knew they wanted)! – The challenge is to produce a cohesive statement that reflects the tastes of the the clients – creating an environment that not only soothes and comforts but elates and inspires the spirit.

An indispensable part of being a successful designer is having exceptional resources – one such resource lies at East 60th Street here in New York City – there you will find a brilliant collection of some of the finest antiques and decorations – some of my favorites like David Duncan, Ann Morris Antiques, John Salibello Antiques and many more – Most of these suppliers are only available to the trade – so hire a decorator and create something extraordinary together! Almost every spectacular project has been the result of creative collaboration! You can play Louis XIV and I’ll be your Louis Le Vau – and I know where we’ll find an André Le Nôtre to help us with the garden – lets make your Versailles visions a reality!

I’m here on East 60th Street shopping for several clients wearing a Ralph Lauren silver ski parka, teal cashmere turtleneck sweater by Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen herringbone wool tweed cargo style pant, Lanvin teal suede sneakers, Gucci black leather tote and glasses, Sermoneta purple leather gloves.

Posted in: Alexander McQueen, David Duncan, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Lanvin, Ralph Lauren, Sermoneta.

American International Fine Art Fair – Palm Beach

Jan 27th, 2010
by James Andrew.
21 comments

James Andrew at Carlton Hobbs - photo Lars Stephan.

WIJW is heading to the world class American International Fine Art Fair next week in Palm Beach – an exceptional source for museum quality paintings, sculpture, and antiques. This trendsetting fair caters to the uber chic and discerning collector, and gathers together renowned dealers from around the world to showcase only the best of the best.

My dear friend Stefanie Rinza, managing director of the esteemed Carlton Hobbs gallery, observes that a growing number of contemporary art collectors are snatching up top tier antiques – “We’re seeing younger collectors with contemporary art in their homes’ minimalist interiors now buying truly important antiques which they perceive as works of art” – a perspective we here at WIJW are happy to share! We look forward to bringing you the highlights from this fair which will include our friends at Carlton Hobbs and many others.

The vernissage preview evening, a highlight of the Palm Beach social season benefiting the Norton Museum, will open the fair February 2 from 6-10 p.m.

AIFAF, considered the “crown jewel” of fairs, opens to the public beginning Wednesday, February 3. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. through February 7 and noon to 6 p.m. on February 8.

A list of the stellar exhibitors is available on the AIFAF website.

We hope to see you there!

I’m photographed at the exquisite Carlton Hobbs Gallery enjoying the Jean-Luc Baroni collection of Master paintings and drawings being exhibited at the Gallery – Hobbs featured pieces from their collection that related to the time frame of the paintings and drawing being exhibited, creating a truly sublime synergy that absolutely must be seen!

Feeling a bit Captain Von Trapp, I’m wearing a Tyrolean charcoal wool tweed and leather jacket, black wool flannel pants, black sued and leather loafers, silver chain link belt and black silk tie all by Gucci, white and green stripe cotton shirt with french cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, black pearl Seaman Schepps cuff links, forest green leather gloves are Sermoneta, Rolex submariner watch. Photo – Lars Stephan.

Posted in: Carlton Hobbs, Gucci, Seaman Schepps, Turnbull and Asser.

Inspiration

Jan 25th, 2010
by James Andrew.
22 comments

James Andrew in the West Village

While doing some research to help with fine tuning one of my client’s town house facades, I found my self in Manhattan’s historic “West Village” – a part of town overflowing with historically rich and diverse townhouses just waiting to inspire me. I count myself truly blessed to be able to make a rather nice living doing the kinds of things that I would enjoy doing even if I weren’t being paid to do so.

Life does pass us by so quickly and it seems that events often conspire to make us forget our hopes and dreams – and so, mindful of this, I take a few minutes each day to remember where my fulfillment lies and then set (or reset as the case may be) my course for that star!

As Mark Twain once said,

the secret of success is making your vocation your vacation!

Contentedly sauntering down the street and admiring some beautiful facades, I’m wearing a camel hair coat, shocking pink silk knit turtleneck, and gray flannel pants all by Gucci, Etro huge silk paisley scarf, aubergine suede boots by Yves Saint Laurent, black leather tote by Gucci, purple leather gloves by Sermoneta glasses are KVA for Oliver Peoples – my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

Posted in: Etro, Gucci, Oliver Peoples, Sermoneta, Yves Saint Laurent.

Goods for Good

Jan 25th, 2010
by James Andrew.
20 comments

James Andrew

We at WIJW often speak about “elevated living,” and if you’ve read our thoughts on the subject then you will know that the sort of richness we are talking about is not just some sort of external makeover, but it is a richness that extend into all areas of our lives, inside and out.

To this end I think that one of the most powerful ways to affect change in our lives, is through the simple act of giving. It may seem counter intuitive in tough times to open one’s hearts and give, but this is a sure fire way to produce true and positive change in our own lives and the lives of others. In lending a hand to others we are also cultivate inner wealth – in effect one could call “giving” THE most essential part of one’s well-being stimulus plan!

And here is your chance – why not stop by the upcoming Malawi: Images of Progress? – a show and auction of Brian Marcus’ photographic work to support the Goods for Goods organization in their continued effort to improve the lives of children in Malawi – a portion of the funds will be going toward rebuilding one of the Goods for Goods program sites in Haiti.

The show and auction will be held at the Chelsea Art Museum – 556 West 22nd St. February 1st from 7:00-10:00PM. See Goods for Goods to obtain your ticket for entry. Hope to see you there!

photo by Brian Marcus

Many of Marcus’ captivating images show that despite the complex struggles the Malawi children face, there are moments of hope and possibility!

photo by Brian Marcus

photo by Brian Marcus

I’m at the legendary Fred Marcus Studio previewing Brian Marcus’ photographs and I’m wearing a forest green paper thin leather bomber jacket, dove gray cashmere turtleneck sweater, and window pane plaid wool pants all by Gucci, pale blue peccary gloves by Sermoneta, Submariner watch by Rolex, my shoes (not seen) are navy blue suede Gucci loafers.

Posted in: Gucci, Sermoneta.

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