James Andrew and Nigel. photo Lars Stephan

As many of you may know, my beloved Rupert passed away back in January of this year, and as you might imagine he has been sorely missed by both me and his brother Nigel. It’s been strange adjusting to having one dog, but I’m focusing my energy on Nigel rather than adding another member to our family. Sadly now my dear Nigel has been diagnosed with a degenerative heart disease, and so I’ve been taking him to the best heart specialist here in New York City as well as to The Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York.

The SRVC is an alternative clinic specializing in an “integrative approach” to healing using a combination of the best alternative, holistic and traditional methods. Happily Nigel’s condition seems to be stabilizing and I’m doing all I can do to assure that his days are filled with as much joy and love as possible, and I continue to rejoice in the blessing of sharing each precious moment with him.

Taking a leisurely stroll with my sweet Nigel, I’m wearing a Gucci ivory cotton pinstripe suit, Etro silk pocket square, Tom Ford pink and white cotton plaid shirt with french cuffs, Seaman Schepps silver pearl with pale blue sapphire cuff links, Hermes “blue jeans” blue leather belt with silver buckle, Tom Ford loafers in black and saddle leather, Gucci sunglasses, Cartier vintage “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse.

James Andrew at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion week has just ended here in New York City and we were thrilled to have been invited front row for the best of it!

WIJW was initially conceived of as a way to bring more attention to my work as an interior designer, and so it may seem a bit strange that my wardrobe is the constant that connects the wide ranging content we share each week. A quick explanation – I’ve always seen style as all inclusive – that is, whether I’m discussing clothing, interior design, food, travel, etc., it’s all coming out of a desire to share my personal vision for what we call total elevated living – sounds like something we should trademark, right? Many of my favorite designers, architects, and artists, in fact were quite proficient in several creative disciplines – it’s only natural that we here at WIJW are happiest when blurring the lines as well.

Interestingly in the process of shamelessly pursuing our own self-interest, WIJW has become a powerful promotional venue for others – our stories are propelling designers and dealers alike quite instantaneously to the very top of popular search engines, and subsequently to an enormous global stage. Needless to say we’re constantly receiving requests and offers now. However, you may rest assured we are committed to bringing our WIJW readership only the things that really turn us on!

Taking a moment in front of the tents at Bryant Park to feel gratitude for all the terrific things that are unfolding in my life I’m wearing a smoky pale blue suede biker jacket, shocking pink silk turtle neck sweater, brown tweed motorcycle pants, brown leather “Chelsea” boots and brown leather and suede satchel all by Gucci, an over sized silk paisley scarf by Etro becomes the inspiration for all the pieces I’ve assembled, red leather gloves by Sermoneta, glasses by Tom Ford and my fragrance is Royal Water by Creed.

James Andrew at Tillet and Rauscher - photo by Nicholas Turner

It’s becoming more and more challenging to find unique textiles that are actually made by hand. The subtle variations inherent in a hand-screen process can imbue a fine fabric with that bit of soul that we at WIJW not only love but require when creating a spectacular interior.

One of the very few studios offering fantastic hand screened fabric is Tillett and Rauscher. They continue the legacy left by DD and Leslie Tillett who designed fabrics for iconic clients like Jacqueline Kennedy and Babe Paley. It’s no wonder that my design mentor Albert Hadley still creates dazzling interiors using Tillett fabrics and I myself can’t resist using their fresh colors and playful patterns in everything I do. – In fact I used their beautiful faux bois pattern for my own drawing room curtains and will certainly turn to Tillet when making my next interior.

Tillett and Rauscher textiles.

Happily, along with many more recent offerings, all of the classic hand made patterns produced by DD and Leslie Tillett are still available. And If you are not finding exactly what you want, you may choose to have your selection custom colored or you may opt to have Tillett and Rauscher create something entirely new, something truly bespoke. The Tilletts were also well known for their fabulous fashion designs, and so for all of you young couturiers, may we suggest that you put Tillett and Rauscher at the top of your resource list!

I can’t wait for my next Tillett and Rauscher visit! – I’m pictured here at their studio fascinated by the beauty of all these wonderful fabrics – I’m wearing a blue corduroy jacket and plum feather weight cashmere turtleneck sweater both by Gucci, this gorgeous Etro scarf inspired by the work by the artist Sonia Delaunay, “Thanaz” jean in blue/gray denim by Diesel – aubergine suede “Eton” boots by Yves Saint Laurent and my fragrance is Royal Water by Creed

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.

James Andrew at Claremont - Photo Lars Stephan

It’s no secret that I’m a bit of an Anglophile – and I think it often comes through in the interiors I create.

Claremont is a historic London based textile firm that has been in operation for almost eighty years. Several years ago, while I was still working with Parish Hadley, Claremont’s New York outpost introduced me to their most exquisite line of old school loom textiles and I have been smitten ever since.

I now use their distinctive fabrics for almost everything I design; from my trademark high style traditional commissions to my lux modern creations and everything between – from a contemporary ski house in Vail, to within my own home!

(left) Serge Antique (right) Lampas Serpent - at Claremont

You’ll not only find a remarkable assortment of textiles at the ultra chic Claremont showroom, but fabulous trims, wallpapers and mid-century furniture as well, and if you need help with all of this, then there is a super attentive and capable hands-on staff there to explore solutions with you – and in the rare chance that you are not finding the exact color, say to match your favorite pet Bengal’s eyes, well then Claremont will custom color most of their fabrics and trimmings per request!

Getting inspired at Claremont’s New York showroom (top), I’m wearing a cognac/cashmere corduroy suit, tweed checked coat, and python belt with silver double horse head buckle all by Gucci, white and green striped cotton shirt with French cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, silver pangolin cuff links by Patrick Mavros. white and green silk retro print pocket square by Charvet, oranage suede tasseled loafers by Etro, loden wool window pane plaid tie by Ralph Lauren. Photo by Lars Stephan.

James Andrew at David Duncan Antiques - photo by Lars Stephan

Cushions help to evoke a sense of luxurious comfort and can really add visual impact. One of my favorite places to go for cushions is the super chic David Duncan Antiques – For over twenty years he has been featuring a superb selection of cushions made from the most fantastic vintage and antique textiles, woven silk Lampas, Flemish tapestry, and fabulous vintage Fortuny. Duncan’s passion for fine fabrics really comes through in these unique pieces, and many are complemented with antique tasseled fringes and tapes – absolutely divine! You will always see at least a few David Duncan cushions in every James Andrew interior.

Pillows at David Duncan Antiques.

(top) Luxuriating on a heavenly cloud of the most gorgeous cushions, I’m wearing a dusty rose suede safari jacket by Gucci, camel cotton/silk ribbed knit turtleneck,sand cotton corduroy pant both by Gucci and orange suede tasseled loafers by Etro accompanied by one of a pair of fantastical blackamoor tables. This photo from the camera of the very talented Lars Stephan.

James Andrew at the George N. Gallery.

On every level, from their palaces to their appointments, the Russian aristocracy luxuriated in a style unmatched throughout time. And it may come as no surprise to you that I often find myself having Czarist daydreams!

Needless to say a recent visit to the uber fantastic George N. gallery had me transfixed by this incredibly handsome pair of 18th century commodes which are said to have been made to Lvov’s designs for the Catherine Wing, at Monplaisir Palace, Petrodvorets. The pair are painted with faux bois and various scenes from the Aeneid. Painted furniture of this type was not very popular when they were made, making these a true rarity. These commodes topped with a pair of Russian Empire style mirrors might be the perfect touch for one of my modern day Czar or Czarina clients!

I’m feeling fabtastic (my new word) in a Gucci wool tweed topcoat in brown, forest green, burnt orange and olive, Tunbull and Asser white and forest green striped cotton shirt with french cuffs, vintage moonstone cuff links and olive and brown windowpane plaid wool tie from Ralph Lauren, oatmeal corduroy pant, python belt with silver double horse head buckle and peccary gloves all by Gucci, Orange suede tasseled loafers by Etro.

James Andrew at the Decoration & Design Building panel discussion.

My friends at The Editor at Large celebrated the start of Fall Market at New York’s Decoration & Design Building by bringing together industry leaders in the worlds of blogging, reality TV, and online shopping to assess the evolution of design and the impact the internet is having on how we do business.

I was thrilled to be included in this panel discussion along with major players like Michael Bruno, the brilliant founder of 1stdibs – an unbelievably comprehensive site that hosts select boutiques from around the world which specialize in anything from antiques to jewelry, vintage couture to furnishings! Some of the other guest speakers included the charismatic potter, designer, and reality TV star Jonathan Adler, as well as fellow bloggers, Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic and Brad Ford from Design Therapy.

Dressed in an uber fantastic fall ensemble to participate in this event I’m wearing a cognac micro corduroy suit by Gucci, a huge silk paisley scarf by Etro, blue Tom Ford end on end cotton shirt with French cuffs and contrast white collar, vintage moon stone cufflinks from Ralph Lauren as well as a plaid cotton pocket square, Gucci Python belt with silver double horse and Gucci navy leather cap toe shoes.

James Andrew at Conservatory Water.

One of the most fantastic places in New York City has got to be Central Park – it’s our oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of an oft times exhausting brick and mortar world. When I’m looking to energize, a walk through the park is a sure bet. As you know I’m prone to dream – on my walks I love to imagine this is a vast country estate with acres and acres to enjoy.

One of my favorite spots along the way is “Conservatory Water” – a fabulous ornamental pond based on the model boat ponds of Paris. Originally the name was given for the tropical plant conservatory slated to be built on this spot. Sadly due to lack of funds the plan was nixed and in lieu of a possible floral parterre this fantastic monumental body of water was placed in its stead – a perfect place for ducks and humans alike to enjoy aquatic pleasures.

Taking a leisurely stroll around this glorious pool before meeting some friends for drinks, I’m dressed for the season – a Mackintosh down vest in brown cotton corduroy with an orange lining, Tom Ford end on end brown cotton shirt with French cuffs and contrast white collar, vintage moonstone cufflinks from Ralph Lauren, purple silk paisley skinny scarf by Gucci, brown tweed motorcycle pants and python belt also by Gucci, orange suede tasseled loafers by Etro and KVA sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.

I’m not sure if it was my recent viewing of the breathtakingly beautiful BBC mini series Brideshead Revisited that has rekindled my interest, but I’m fantasizing about a sojourn in the UK and perhaps a jaunt into the misty Highlands of Scotland!

For Fall/Winter it’s all about tweed and tartan for me. Each season I take inventory of what pieces I’ll need to really create totally pulled together looks, along with a myriad of accessories, including hats, shoes, gloves, etc.

I’ve realized that I’m a bit lacking in earthier colors and textured fabrics and I could really use some more fabulous tweeds! Luckily this Season brings us a spectacular selection of tweed checks, tartans, and plaids.

I came across this handsome hounds tooth check tweed topcoat in shades of brown, oatmeal, olive and burnt orange by Gucci – ask and ye shall receive! This is one of the many pieces I’ve acquired for Fall/Winter to bump things up a notch or two. I can see sporting this outrageous piece with the burnt orange Gucci kicks featured in yesterday’s post (if I manage to get my size) or perhaps with the Etro orange suede loafers I featured in my Spring/Summer Must Haves that are still begging to be worn.