James Andrew and Hildestahl Medium III Bag - photo Gabriel Everett

When I saw the Hildestahl Medium III bag I, of course, simply had to have it. It’s the most perfectly useful and stylish every-day bag that one could ever want—and, AND, yes, in this fantastic shade of purple!

Now, you might think a man’s handbag in purple would be a bit over the top, but I can tell you, (and I know a bit about his sort of thing), purple is a hugely versatile color that works well with practically any combination. Gentlemen, do be bold! Wear the colors that you want, whatever they may be!

As far as securing YOUR purple Hildestahl, it is in quite a limited edition of 5, and now that I have one of them, well, you can do the math. So be quick about it.

I’m photographed here by the very talented photographer Gabriel Everett, sporting my marvelous Medium III Hildestahl bag in purple, dusty gray blue suede motorcycle jacket and grey cashmere turtleneck sweater both Tom Ford era Gucci, Etro wool challis scarf, Uniglo slim dark denim jeans, vintage Rolex oyster perpetual in stainless steel, Gucci black suede loafers (not shown), Dior sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Himalaya.

James Andrew - photo by Gabriel Everett

Let’s face it, most well intentioned New Year’s resolutions are forged and then forgotten. For whatever reason, they just don’t seem to stick.

At the risk of sounding a bit preachy, I want to quickly share my thoughts on the subject.

A big part of the problem seems to lie in our concept of time, and particularly with our expectations of the future. In fact, looking to fulfill dreams somewhere down the road often prevents us from finding them in the only moment we’ll ever have—and that, of course, is “the present.” The past is gone by definition, and the future is always beyond experience. Once we know that, then the real question becomes can we muster the courage and focus to bring our dreamiest of dreams into this very moment. Most of the time the little voices are saying no—doubt and/or fear prevail. Don’t get me wrong, caution can be a lifesaver, but if we can’t turn the negative self-speak off, then we’ve got a real problem. It colors our whole present.

In an effort to break this limiting internal dialogue, I’ve found the following two tiered approach to be particularly effective. While you may already be familiar with these ideas, it might be well worth reacquainting yourself with them. For fun, let’s just call these the WIJW Commandments:

1) Be aware of the story you’re telling yourself, and if it isn’t helping, then tell yourself a better story—this new story doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just the tiniest positive shift in the tragic narrative you may be imagining. You can build a better and more beautiful story as things progress. Focus on POSSIBILITY instead of impossibility, and why things CAN happen, instead of why they can’t.

2) Practice gratitude. Find that spot that feels good, even if it’s only the tip of your toe, acknowledge and feel its goodness. We need to make space for good things to happen right here and now, and unproductive feelings of want and lack only perpetuate themselves. Like attracts like.

Give these a try if you care to, and be sure to let us know your thoughts along the way! Whatever your situation may be, WIJW wishes you good luck on your own amazing adventure.

Here’s to a remarkable New Year, filled with awareness, light, and blessings!

Cheers,

JA

Taking some time to reflect and contemplate, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Country Jacket” in a dark brown wide wool check, brown silk pocket square, brown wool knit tie and “Cyrille” sunglasses, Turnbull and Asser red and white striped cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, vintage agate cuff links, Gucci brown tweed motor cycle pant, python belt and brown leather Chelsea boots, red leather gloves by Sermoneta, Etro silk paisley scarf and my fragrance is Creed Vintage Taborome.

James Andrew at Christie's - photo Gabriel Everett

What a tremendously uplifting and optimistic approach to life, and with such an iconic career as an actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian and AIDS activist, it’s clear that those expectations were fulfilled tenfold.

Prince of Wales Brooch once belonging to the Duchess of Windsor - Diomonds of course!

Taylor celebrated life—certainly she loved opulent jewelry and colorful clothes! And with her already larger than life status, she could enjoy her things simply for their intrinsic beauty.

A collection of coral Jewelry

I had the great pleasure of having a private tour of the Elizabeth Taylor Collection at Christie’s, and I’m confident in saying that it rivals even the collection at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute!

A must see for anyone interested in over the top glamor and elegance, the exhibition serves as a tribute to living a spectacular life. I left the show feeling invigorated and very much looking forward to sharing some of its highlights with you here on WIJW.

Ideally one would really have to see the collection in person to fully appreciate it, but for those unable to attend, I can highly recommend the delicious lavender Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set which includes Taylor’s out of print book, My Love Affair with Jewelry, and a gorgeous Christie’s auction catalog. What’s more, with the purchase of this limited edition set, you’ll be participating in Taylor’s enduring altruistic legacy, since Christie’s is donating 100% of the profits of the set’s sales to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation!

Deluxe Limited Edition Box Set - photo Christie's Images Ltd. 2011

In homage to Elizabeth Taylor, I’m wearing (top) her signature color in the form of a lavender windowpane plaid tweed jacket by Tom Ford. In addition, I’m wearing a Gucci gray cashmere turtle neck sweater, gray flannel pants and black python “Playboy” loafers, wool challis scarf by Etro, and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Millesime.

James Andrew at Hotel Cap Rocat.

Two days at Mallorca’s Hotel Cap Rocat was not enough time to discover all that this most perfect place has to offer, so we’re already planning our return—hopefully we’ll even venture beyond their grounds to see the rest of the island next time!

Cap Rocat.

Hotel Cap Rocat really is the most beautiful other-worldly backdrop to enjoy long languid days and magical evenings with plenty of time to reflect and quiet the mind. The place provides one of those all too rare total experiences we here at WIJW wax on about—and we can’t think of a better place to take your friend or lover for a surprise escape!

For our last night we had drinks on the fortress patio and then strolled down to The Sea Club restaurant for a fabulous farewell dinner. I was crazy about the nudes to indicate the mens and ladies WC. (right)

Dressed for dinner (top) I’m sporting Tom Ford lavender silk mini herringbone pants, an Etro silk chiffon paisley shirt—a nod to 60′s/70′s jet set style—purple alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren and Etro orange suede tasseled loafers, and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

Breakfast at the Villa Magna Hotel.

Our last day in Madrid before heading to Ibiza had us wanting to see as much as we could without feeling rushed, and so we sorted out our day over a relaxing breakfast on one of the terrific terraces of the Villa Magna Hotel.

At the Museo Naval.

Our first stop was the Museo Naval, which was the perfect place for Mr. McBee to find a bit of inspiration for his upcoming portrait of the Spanish Royal yacht “Giralda.”

Next on our list was the the mansion of the Marquis of Cerralbo—it provides a perfectly preserved glimpse of the life of a 19th/20th century Madrileño aristocrat—essentially the Frick of Madrid. It was designed as both home and showcase to display the art and success of the Cerralbos. Needless to say, this is a must see!

Museo Cerralbo

Museo Cerralbo

James Andrew and Juan Moline

Scott Mcbee and James Andrew - photo Ze Cabral

On the way to meet Moline we were stopped on the street by Ze Cabral of The Lisbon Tailor. He is essentially the “Sartorialist” of Portugal and we were quite honored to be photographed for his brilliant blog!

Then we were off to meet my lovely friend Pepa Charlton for drinks at her stunning home before attending the most divine dinner party hosted by Marta Galatas. Do have a look at her lovely painted furniture. Galatas brought together the most fascinating and wonderful group of friends to celebrate WIJW in her rather splendid flat decorated with the help of legendary interior designer Duarte Pinto Coelho.

Sphinx at the entrance to Museo Arqueologico Nacional.

I’m wearing a Tom Ford “Spencer” sport jacket in rose silk linen basket weave, Etro silk chiffon paisley shirt, Charvet yellow silk retro print pocket square, Gucci python belt with silver buckle and sunglasses, Uniglo white cotton slim cargo style pants, Etro orange suede tasseled loafers and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

James Andrew at Allegri's outdoor Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week presentation.

I used to rant on a bit about how challenging it was to look chic in the rain. Well, thanks to Allegri, I’m finding things a whole lot easier these days!

With a winning combination of technologically advanced materials and a fit that is stylishly modern, there’s simply no excuse now for not looking one’s best, even in the most inclement weather!

I recently attended Allegri’s spectacular visual presentation at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. As the only brand showing outdoors, Allegri rose to the occasion, producing a stunning runway show (festooned with Allegri umbrellas), and a splendid retrospective showcasing over forty years of Allegri’s all-weather fabulousness.

The classic double breasted trench coat I’m wearing (above) is one of their most timeless pieces. It’s constructed from a double twisted cotton gabardine that is treated to be both waterproof and breathable utilizing a special weaving process—and oh is it silky smooth!

Of course Allegri’s genius has not gone unnoticed in Hollywood, and we’re happy to see that the superb Matt Damon wears an Allegri jacket for a very wet chase scene in the movie, ‘The Adjustment Bureau.’ We definitely approve!

Matt Damon hightails it through the rain wearing an Allegri in 'The Adjustment Bureau.'

I took advantage of the runway to show off my own Allegri trench coat, worn with a Gucci charcoal nail head tweed suite, Turnbull and Asser red and white striped cotton shirt with contrast collar and cuffs, Seaman Scepps black pearl cuff links, red alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, Charvet black silk pocket square, Sermoneta red leather gloves, Etro silk paisley scarf, Aubergine Suede “Eton” boots by Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

James Andrew and Will Ryman's 'Roses.' photo by Jory Clay Sutton.

Anyone taking a ride or stroll along Park Avenue cannot help but be delighted by the latest exhibition of sculpture by artist Will Ryman entitled “Roses.” His mass of fiberglass and stainless roses towers over one, creating the most fantastic macroscopic view.

The son of the iconic minimalist painter Robert Ryman, Will Ryman’s sculpture has little to do with his father’s paired down aesthetic. These bold works seem to owe much to the surrealists as well as pop art: a wonderful conflation of the the disturbing and the utterly cheerful. It doesn’t surprise us that the artist openly acknowledges David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” as inspiration!

If you are in the mood for a slightly surreal and smile inducing experience, I strongly suggest visiting these fantastical sculptures!

Photo by Jory Clay Sutton

I’m wearing a Gucci camel hair coat, fuchsia silk sweater and oatmeal cotton corduroy pants all by Gucci, brown corduroy vest Mackintosh, orange suede loafers by Etro, brown suede gloves by Sermoneta, glasses by Lanvin and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

James Andrew at 21st21st Gallery - photo Justin Williams

If you’re looking for this sort of element, I highly recommend a visit to the super-chic 21st21st Gallery located in the heart of the art district. There you’ll find the most exquisite limited edition unique European design objects and furniture.

Renaud Vuaillat first established himself dealing fine French furniture in Paris, while also carrying his own line of contemporary furniture. He has since expanded his collection to include truly exceptional pieces from around the world. With the encouragement of some rather iconic taste-maker friends like Robert Couturier, Thierry Despont, and Tony Ingrao, Vuaillat now offers his celebrated talent to the US audience, presenting a highly curated mix of exquisite limited edition pieces.

Host to cutting edge emerging designers and established designers alike, the creatively energetic Vuaillat also throws some truly fantastical themed events as well that should not be missed.

On my recent gallery to 21st31st Gallery, I was particularly drawn to the highly sculptural “Romulus” mirror by Hubert Le Gal and simply cannot wait to use this spectacular piece on a client’s wall!

21st21st Gallery - photo Justin Williams

Admiring the ravishing beauty of the “Romulus” mirror I’m sporting a navy velvet jacket, mini Russian floral print shirt and brown tweet motorcycle pants by Gucci, an over the top silk paisley scarf by Etro, red alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, brown silk pocket square by Charvet, (and not seen Tom Ford brown suede tasseled loafers). My fragrance is the very rare Creed Vintage Taborome.

photos by Justin Williams.

James Andrew at the H. M. Luther gallery - photo by Justin Williams.

My decorating style has been described as eclectic, and as you might know I have a penchant for mixing traditional and contemporary elements when creating that perfect touch of upscale elegance. Needless to say, I’m always thrilled to find a gallery that shares my aesthetic! One such gallery is the highly esteemed H.M. Luther. They always have an exhilarating mix of contemporary and antique objects, and with an eye for the unusual—they describe their taste as one that “favors the atypical and particular”— you can see why I might champion them. In operation since 1947, they’ve been bringing their clients a highly curated selection of furniture and exceptional objects of interest from the seventeenth through to the twentieth century.

Coffee table designed by Alexander Gerard.

On my last visit to H.M. Luther, I was quite taken by several pieces including a pair of William Haines Hostess chairs covered in ivory kidskin, a rare and possibly unique coffee table designed by Alexander Gerard, a superb set of 3 sapphire blue glass tear drop vases by Per Lutken, and a regal 19th century English painted cast iron sculpture of a talbot passant all of which I can’t wait to incorporate into my latest projects. Do make a point to visit H. M. Luther often, you’ll be sure to find objects to pique one’s imagination.

William Haines Hostess chairs covered in ivory kidskin.

I am wearing a charcoal tweed tyrolean suit and feather weight purple cashmere turtleneck sweater both by Gucci, wool and silk scarf by Etro, aubergine suede “Eton” boot by Yves Saint Laurent, pale blue peccary gloves by Sermoneta, bad cop sunglasses by Dior and my fragrance is Creed Aventus – portrait by Justin Williams

James Andrew at the Nouvel Chelsea penthouse -photo Justin Williams.

Absolutely one of those rare opportunities to own a home of this caliber in New York City. A singularly spectacular dream penthouse at Nouvel Chelsea with nearly 5000 square feet of light filled living space, 14 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, an awe inspiring 360 degree view of Manhattan, 2 fireplaces, an interior enclosed loggia terrace, all part of a “total design” concept by the brilliant architect Jean Nouvel. The space itself is a work of art in every sense of the word. And if this were not enough, then head to your 5000 square foot rooftop terrace and enjoy a god’s eye view of NYC, the Hudson, and the unobstructed sky above. Whether you seek to create the ultimate retreat in the clouds, or a jaw dropping launching pad for entertainment on the grandest of scales, this property will accommodate one’s wildest dreams.

Penthouse rooftop at the Nouvel Chelsea - photo Justin Williams

Contact my friend and Douglas Elliman agent, Philip Tabor (who works with the brilliant Holly Parker team) for more info., and then give me a ring when you are ready to create a legendary interior and garden.

Nouvel Interior - photo Justin Williams.

Admiring the exquisite space and imagining the interior possibilities, I’m sporting a dusty pale blue suede biker jacket, pale blue cashmere turtle neck sweater, amethyst sunglasses and black leather wingtip tasseled loafers – all by Gucci, pale gray wool pants by Paul Smith, large silk and wool scarf in a pattern inspired by the artist Sonia Delaunay by Etro and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.