March, 2015:

Over a lifetime, so many of one’s experiences get blurred by the blistering speed of time, and ultimately become forgotten. Where did all that time go? It really is absolutely imperative to savor more of those moments — and to get present in the now — to take time to feel and express gratitude for the life we have. Aside from the peace of mind and tranquility a change of attitude like this brings, it can also bring other benefits, creating powerful vibrations that help attract and manifest more of our most cherished dreams.

After a sublime stroll through Central Park with Scott McBee, we took a few moments to become present — to feel the warm sunshine, to gaze deeply into the clear blue expanse of the sky, to listen to the promise of the emerging spring, and to give thanks for the perfection of the moment!

I am sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci dusty pale blue suede motorcycle jacket and wool checked pants in blue, forest green, and gray, Tom Ford pale blue cotton shirt with contrast white collar, Borrelli forest green cashmere tie, Seamen Schepps pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, vintage Rolex, Pierre Hardy royal suede demi boots, Ralph Lauren black alligator belt with sterling buckle, Tom Ford “Marco” sunglasses, Tom Ford Bronzing Gel and my fragrance is Jo Malone Amber and Lavender Cologne.

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Exhibitions here in the city have been in full swing, and I’ve been anxious to see many of them! The exhibition Helena Rubenstein: Beauty is Power closed this Sunday, and I’m very glad to have caught it! I also dashed over to the National Academy’s SELF: Portraits of Artists in Their Absence.

The Rubenstein exhibition was held at the Jewish Museum and celebrates Rubenstein’s legacy as mogul and collector, showcasing her world of fashion, beauty, art and decoration. Her life is the remarkable story of a polish Jewish immigrant who despite all, managed to create a beauty empire with products that had wide reaching appeal — from socialites to shop girls alike. With regards to her enormous collection — so extensive that the Sotheby’s auction catalogue of her estate filled six volumes — she knew and yes, acquired exactly what she liked. Always at the forefront of taste, she had the foresight to hire then relatively unknown decorators like Emilio Terry and David Hicks who went on to make some of the most celebrated interiors of the 20th century! — (apparently she had fallen in love with an apartment at 625 Park Avenue — when she was told that the building had a “no Jews” policy, she bought the building!).

One of the highlights of the exhibition was a portrait of Helena Rubenstein and her son by Christian Berard — the work once belonged to my dear friend, the late antiques dealer Roger Prigent of Malmaison. It was a wonderful treat to see the painting once again.

The National Academy exhibition, SELF: Portraits of Artists in Their Absence had a certain appeal to me — in an age of the selfies and compulsive self-celebration, I thought the subject particularly topical — no doubt many of these artists painted these works to ensure their presence in their absence!

The show contains the most amazing self portraits by the likes of John Singer Sargeant, Maria Abramovic, Anh Duong, and Jeff Koons to name a few. An added attraction for me is seeing the architect Ogden Codman Jr.’s elegant Archer M. Huntington mansion in which the museum collection is housed. It’s such an exquisite space — certainly one the friendliest and most welcoming of the smaller museums here in town.

For my museum day, I’m sporting a Tom Ford amethyst, grey, and purple window pane wool and silk tweed jacket, amber cashgora sweater and purple glen plaid silk pocket square, a Turnbull and Asser purple and white gingham cotton shirt, Gucci purple silk/wool foulard print scarf, Uniqlo slim jeans, Tom Ford era YSL aubergine suede “Eton” boots, vintage Rolex, Tom Ford Bronzing Gel and my fragrance is Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Cologne.

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I’m thrilled to announce that the second issue No. 1 of the most marvelous magazine Scala Regia is now available, and includes my first assignment for Scala Regia as Editor at Large. For my piece, I had the great honor to interview the legendary jeweler and aesthete Kenneth Jay Lane in his ravishing rooms, and we had the good fortune to be accompanied by the brilliant photographer Oscar Correcher to document the meeting.

Issue No. 1, nicknamed “a parade of eccentrics,” contains some rather fabulous features. There’s a superb piece on Mizza Bricard, certainly one of the chicest women of the 20th century and a muse to Dior (when asked by an lover if she had a favorite florist “she purred yes of course – Cartier.” There’s “A Beautiful Susceptibility” — a fascinating piece on Stephen Tennant’s winter in New England. Another highlight is a piece entitled “Gladys, Duchess of Marlborough” by Hugo Vickers and there are several lovely and louche, richly photographed fashion editorial features with the most stunning backdrops.

Scala Regia is the most sublime celebration of the very best in the worlds of art, culture, fashion and much more! It’s a WIJW must-have for all aspiring aesthetes — pick up your copy of Scala Regia here.

I’m photographed (top) by Oscar Correcher in Kenneth Jay Lane’s celebrated home. I’m sporting a Tom Ford lilac rose silk wool melange twill Snowdon suit, grey and white gingham cotton voile shirt, Ivory silk tie, brown leather belt with rose gold buckle and brown leather tasseled loafers, vintage Rolex, Hermes grey silk pocket square, Tom Ford eyeglasses, a bit of Tom Ford bronzing gel and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.