Stills from the WIJW video short by Matthew Dean (watch below)

Tonight, a bit more from Matthew Dean, our multi-talented genius/photographer/videographer extraordinaire.

You may recall Dean’s WIJW video, The Champ is Here celebrating my friend Ngo Okafar who was hugely instrumental in motivating me to start WIJW. You’ll also recall, Dean has photographed me on several occasions, creating some gorgeous scenarios like James Andrew Film Maker. It is Dean’s plan to travel the world filming hotels and properties, but we think he’d find fantastic material wherever he was—case in point, tonight’s dramatically geometric setting right here in New York City!

Dean’s photographer’s eye, superb editing, and accompanying music have coalesced in this most perfect video snippet, and should give you a taste of where his talents lie were you wish to secure him for YOUR next project!

I’m wearing a bold mix of black and white checks and stripes to compliment this visually striking spot—Tom ford era Gucci black flannel jacket, mini hounds tooth wool pant and black and white striped shirt with French cuffs, black pearl cuff links, white and black silk scarf by Turnbull and Asser, Tom Ford black and white silk pocket square, Ralph Lauren purple alligator belt, Lanvin sneakers in green ans black, green leather gloves by Sermoneta, black leather tote by Gucci, sunglasses by Dior and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

James Andrew - photo by Gabriel Everett

I read a quote on The Bach Book recently, and it had me smiling all day.

I don’t want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic! I try to give that to people. I misrepresent things to them. I don’t tell the truth, I tell what ought to be the truth. And if that’s sinful, then let me be damned for it!

Blanche Dubois — A Streetcar Named Desire

I’d forgotten these lines from Williams’ legendary Pulitzer Prize winning play, but they so do resonate with me!

I’m sure there are quite a few people out there who might call me delusional, but I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m a very active dreamer! I’ve certainly had many lively discussions with friends about “what is” vs. “what we want it to be,” and I always like to make the point that most things start merely as a dream—something only imagined—and I needn’t even bring in the old cliché of man going to the moon. I’ll bet there are a hundred things in your room that were once only an idea, and one of them is right in front of you!

And here’s my point. Everyone has those moments of fatalistic self-doubt and poor self-esteem—we may think we’re overweight, unsuccessful, or obsess over getting older, but why not imagine you’re a gorgeous goddess or whatever elevated thing you’d like to be. At the very least it’s better than moping around with that old warn out self image, and it’s definitely a better place from which to actively build on your dreams. I myself always try to focus on the impossible being possible, and I do love to help others to see themselves as the stars that they are—ultimately validation has to come from within of course, but every now and then we can all do with a bit of support!

Now if someone happens to consider any of this delusional, well then so be it!

I’m sporting what I think is a terrific “transitional” look with a dusty rose suede safari jacket, pale khaki pants, python belt and brown suede loafers with pink suede trim by Gucci, Tom Ford lilac cotton over check shirt, and brown and pink floral print silk tie, sunglasses by Lanvin and my fragrance is Eau d’Italie’s Paestum Rose.

Be fearless and don’t be afraid to dream really big!

James Andrew and Gabriel Everett - photo Gabriel Everett

It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Very much an individualist, it doesn’t surprise us that our own beloved WIJW photographer, Gabriel Everett, holds so dear these words by Emerson. And just as Emerson and his fellow Transcendentalists professed freedom from social convention in the pursuit of greater truths, our Everett is quite passionate about utilizing his creative talent to make some rather provocative social commentary:

“I think there is a real opportunity to have a message other than lust, elitism and addiction,” observes Everett. “I want to create consciousness to the realities of our world through my work, not just showing fantasy lands. I think truth is the most beautiful of all, it turns me on thinking about spreading truth rather than only fantasy. We live in a world where it’s cool to be stupid, companies and brands market this message to the sheep and those who don’t think for themselves. I love when standards are risen higher. I think it’s much sexier and cool to have substance, be original, think for yourself and be sexy in our own skin. Yet the gods of our world are the people lacking the most substance. We live in a culture that idolizes fame for its sake. We praise Kim K who is famous for a sex tape, Jersey Shore, Twilight and the housewives of New Jersey. I think this needs to change.”

photo Gabriel Everett

photo Gabriel Everett

photo Gabriel Everett

Needless to say, Everett has us waiting with bated breath to see more of the body of work that perhaps will ease some of the great deluge of pop culture he speaks of! In the meantime we look forward to bringing you more photos and video by this very gifted artist.

This being a post dedicated to Gabriel Everett, I thought it fitting to let him handle art and creative direction, and it was his desire to reference French and Italian film styles of the 60′s and 70′s. Everett wears a Tom Ford era Gucci black linen denim jacket, white cotton shirt with black piping, black and white silk polka dot bow tie, python belt with silver double horse head buckle and sunglasses by Lanvin his fragrance is Lorenzo Villoresi Garafano. I’m wearing a white and black silk cotton window pane plaid jacket, black and white silk hounds tooth pant and black patent belt all by Gucci, Richard James black and white cotton shirt with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps shell with coral bead cuff links, Tom Ford black and white silk pocket square and black and tan leather loafers, Tom Ford era Gucci sunglasses, white and black silk mini polka dot ascot by Le Noeud Papillion and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Mellisime.

James Andrew

I do love a luncheon served al fresco in a glorious garden setting, and my super-chic friends Michael Devine and Thomas Burak offered exactly this at their lovely country home. Needless to say, I quickly had my outfit sorted out and train tickets purchased.

With 25 x 120 feet to work with, they’ve managed quite cleverly to create the illusion and feel of a much larger plot. Its formality, Devine says, draws inspiration from the gardens at the Rodin museum in Paris.

Our garden table was set with the most beautiful palette of lavenders, purples and cornflower blues punctuated with a crisp white table cloth and lavender napkins. This all to accommodate Devine’s delicious menu, with many of the ingredients harvested right on the spot.

We were treated to a chilled gazpacho, followed by a salmon and leek tart with salad. We finished with an uber fantastic raspberry fool of sorts and lots of ice cold white burgundy.

With such a lovely garden laboratory to work in, it might not surprise you to hear that Devine’s textile work owes much to these natural surrounds.

Michael Devine Home 'Fretwork'

Take for instance the Michael Devine Home line “Fretwork” pattern—an impossibly fresh take on a treillage (it’s one of my favorites to utilized as, say, a curtain backdrop). Match it with a gorgeous floral chintz fabric, and you have a wonderfully luxurious interior garden.

Enjoying the lovely garden setting, I’m sporting the palest pink silk jacket and lilac cotton over check shirt by Tom Ford, Charvet Paris pale gray silk pocket square, vintage moon stone cuff links, Gucci python belt with silver buckle and white and gray striped cotton pant, Lanvin sneakers and my fragrance is Iperborea by Lorenzo Villloresi.

James Andrew at Hotel Cap Rocat

When visiting the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a must—our only regret is we didn’t get to explore much of it. You see, once we beheld the Hotel Cap Rocat, we were so utterly captivated that we never actually ventured off of the property! With 88 private ravishingly rustic acres and stunning views of the Bay of Palma de Mallorca, there is in fact not much reason to stray beyond the hotel’s beauteous bounds. We’ve spoken here at WIJW of hotels that capture the essence of a place—Hotel Cap Rocat does this, and with undeniable world-class sophistication.

James Andrew at Hotel Cap Rocat - photo © Cap Rocat

Built as a fortress and military base in the late 1800s to defend Palma and its bay, the fort wasn’t utilized in battle and nearly two centuries later in the 1990s it was declared a national monument. The property is now owned by the brilliant Spanish architect and interior designer, Antonio Obrador, who has been responsible for the refurbishment and decoration, as well as the landscaping—which he has approached with an eye toward preservation, integrating indigenous new plantings quite seamlessly with the existing geography.

Hotel Cap Rocat - photo © Cap Rocat

So that is enough for now, but we’ll be sharing a few highlights from this magical place over the next few days with the hope of luring you to experience Cap Rocat for yourself.

James Andrew at Hotel Cap Rocat - photo © Cap Rocat

I’m pictured above basking in the golden rays of a spectacular sunset and enjoying a bit of exploration before a fantastic dinner on the terrace of The Fortress Restaurant, which serves a perfect menu using seasonal local Mediterranean produce of course! I’m wearing a mint green cotton jacket and lavender silk paisley band collar shirt both by Gucci, lavender cotton glenn plaid pocket square by Tom Ford, white cotton slim cargo pants by Uniglo, Lanvin sneakers, sunglasses by Gucci, rock crystal pendant on white leather cord from Las Dalias Hippie Market and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

James Andrew at the Museo del Prado

While visiting Madrid you couldn’t do much better than to secure the uber-luxurious Royal Suite at the Villa Magna Hotel. With its own private terrace, spectacular views, and many special amenities, it’ll definitely have you feeling like La Duquesa de Alba.

Royal Suite at the Villa Magna

Style has much to do with the details—even breakfast at Villa Magna is served with proper linen napkins, starched table cloths, and fine silverware—the most perfectly civilized way to begin one’s day!

Work by Santiago Castillo at Fundacion Pons

I’m continually amazed by the support and feedback I get online, and when the opportunity presents itself during our travels, we do love to meet some of our most avid WIJW friends for an insider’s tour.

The super chic Pepa Charlton so graciously offered to share a bit of Madrid with us—she came to collect us at the hotel with her lovely friend photographer Sylvia Gurrea-Nozaleda and whisked us away to the Fundacion Pons, a fantastic gallery dedicated to the promotion of emerging artists. There we enjoyed an exhibition of works by the brilliant artist, Santiago Castillo. I think I’ve found homes for several of his wonderful paintings!

We then had the great pleasure of going to the home of the highly esteemed interior designer Lorenzo Castillo. Needless to say, it was an absolute dream. (More on Lorenzo Castillo in our coming posts).

We had lunch at the legendary restaurant Lhardy. Established in 1839, it retains much of its original romantic flavor. With a long history as a favorite political hangout, it is said that the fate of Spain has been decided many times amongst its tables.

Michiel Sweerts painting, Boy with Turban

Madrid has a superb collection of museums. At Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, I was quite taken by Michiel Sweerts’ (1618-1664) painting, Boy with Turban. At El Prado—considered the Louvre of Spain—we focused on the works of important Spanish artists like Velazquez(my favorite), Goya, and Ribera, and finishing our day out at the nearby Jardin Botanica.

Villa Magna Restaurant

After our lovely day of beauty, culture, and meeting new friends, we decided to return to the exquisite perfection of the Villa Magna hotel to dine at the exceptional Villa Magna restaurant, where we were treated to chef Manuel Gutierrez’ “cuisine of sensations.” We were quite taken by his motto, “the perfect way to resist temptation is to indulge in it,” and of course we were happy to oblige!

I’m wearing a Gucci mint green jacket and a linen madras plaid shirt, Ralph Lauren purple alligator belt with silver buckle, Tom Ford lavender silk mini herringbone pants and lavender cotton mini glen plaid pocket square, Lanvin sneakers and Gucci sunglasses my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

Keeping my eyes open.

I’m of course captivated by the fabulous film “The September Issue.” VOGUE’s Grace Coddington stole my heart with her warmth, passion and deeply felt aesthetic. I’m particularly taken with the scene where she is on her way to Versailles (see the clip below ).

Coddington relays the rather sage advice given to her by the legendary photographer Norman Parkinson, who taught her to always keep her eyes open, …”never fall asleep in a car or anything like that, to keep watching, because whatever one might see out the window or wherever, might inspire you.”

In an age where most of us have our lives buried in our cell phones, we are quite possibly missing out on some marvelous moments! At the very least, being a bit more present and aware can bring some much needed respite from an overworked and scattered mind.

Taking the advice to keep my eyes open, I found myself strolling along the West Side Highway and happened upon this most magnificent little cobble stone alley set against a modernist stone wall and the most gorgeous row of trees—I stopped for a moment to enjoy the contrasting beauty of this wonderful little place. Perfection!

I am sporting a chartreuse suede safari jacket and python belt with silver buckle both Tom Ford era Gucci, Tom Ford brown cotton safari shirt, mushroom silk pant and brown suede tasseled loafers, pale olive silk scarf from Paul Smith, Lanvin sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Bois du Portugal.

James Andrew at the Armory Veterans Reception Room - photo by Gabriel Everett

A special post today to announce the debut of a very exciting fine art and antiques show—the Spring Show NYC presented by the Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA) at the Park Avenue Amory, 67th Street—all to coincide with the “Art and Antiques Week” here in New York City.

The mission of the fair is to present fine art and antiques in an unusual and fresh way, and to reach a new audience of both young and old collectors. Here you’ll find objects that will not only be of lasting value, but that will delight for years and years to come. The Spring show will offer something for everyone—from antiquities on through to the 20th century—and at every price point!

Lars Bolander, the international designer and taste maker, has been enlisted to set the stage. “We want this fair to be fresh, cheerful and thoroughly modern – a wonderful juxtaposition between the old and the new….” This sounds a lot like the sort of request I get from my clients! In fact, there’ll be some major innovations here, compared to how fairs are typically presented. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself—I don’t want to ruin the many surprises that await.

Mark your calenders!

• The opening gala benefit preview for the ASPCA Wednesday April 27th VIP cocktail reception 5 – 7 PM and general admission 7- 9 PM. Described as “an art bash for animal lovers,” what could be more fabulous? Dealers have set aside a fascinating assortment of animal-themed fine and decorative arts, with a portion of the sales to be donated to the ASPCA.

• The fair, sponsored by 1stdibs.com, opens to the public on Thursday April 28 – May 2, 2011

• On Friday, April 29th, To celebrate NYC’s Art Night Out, The AADLA has created an evening event for young patrons from 5 – 9 PM. They’ve gathered a fabulous group of interior designers dubbed “The New Traditionals” (selected by the editors of “Trad Home/Lonny,” the new digital edition of “Traditional Home Magazine”), and they’ll be offering free decorating advice! So bring your floor plans, photos, paint chips, fabric samples, and list of what you need for your homes—they’ll help to get you started on your own super chic abode and assist in finding just the right pieces to add to any budding collection.

There will also be a fantastic not-to-be-missed series of lectures during the fair by some very prominent international museum curators, scholars, and interior designers—always honing my craft, I’ll definitely be attending many of these.

I’m photographed (top) getting a sneak peak at the Armory’s Veterans Reception Room—one of the only extant Louis Comfort Tiffany rooms in the world! Getting in the spirit of Spring, I’m sporting a mint green silk/cotton velvet Tom Ford era Gucci jacket, sand colored cotton corduroy pants and python belt with silver buckle, Tom Ford blue cotton Glenn plaid shirt and silk pocket square, Seaman Schepps pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, suede sneakers and sunglasses both by Lanvin, and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

James Andrew at the Met.

I had the great pleasure of attending “Richard Serra Drawing: A Retrospective” at the Met this past Tuesday evening—it’s truly a must-see overview of Serra’s drawings spanning nearly 40 years!

Having experienced many of Serra’s monolithic sculptures in person, it was quite interesting to see his process on paper. Here, as with his sculpture, Serra imbues his forms with tremendous force and space-altering purpose—deeply elemental and dynamically charged, his works give evidence to primordial forces that, while they can be felt, remain utterly enigmatic.

James Andrew and Serra drawings at the Met.

Interior design, as you may know, is very much about the manipulation and the perception of space, and so for me it is always rewarding to see the work of masters like Serra. Needless to say, if you are similarly inclined, do head to the Met for this comprehensive and mind blowing exhibition.

Feeling a bit Audrey Hepburn (descending the grand stair case of the Paris opera in Funny Face) – I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Country Jacket” in a dark brown wide wool check and black and white silk pocket square, Turnbull and Asser white and forest green striped cotton oxford cloth shirt with french cuffs , vintage moon stone cuff links, Tom Ford era Gucci black and grey mini hounds tooth check wool pants and chartreuse python belt with silver double horse head buckle, Lanvin high top sneakers in dark green patent black and chartreuse suede, and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

James Andrew at Lords South Beach Hotel.

As you have probably gathered from our previous posts, we had a rather fantastic mini holiday at Lords South Beach Hotel. They provide the perfect staging for a South Beach weekend—with their super fun vibe, and very well priced rooms, you’ll feel compelled to assemble a group of your most fascinating friends to join you there! And incidentally, one needn’t feel guilty for indulging, since the hotel donates a good portion of the price of your room to its “give-back groups:” The Hetrick Martin Institute, The Point Foundation, and Care Resource.

Lords South Beach Hotel

We’ll be visiting Lords again in the very near future—hopefully before we lose our Miami bronze to NYC’s winter shadows!

Enjoying the “Brokedown Palace” beauty of the lush tropical garden and pool area, I’m sporting a white cotton pinstripe suit by Gucci, TurnBull and Asser turquoise herringbone weave cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs, Charvet turquoise silk pocket square, Seaman Schepps precious turquoise cuff links, Hermes “blue jeans blue” leather belt with silver buckle, Lanvin teal suede sneakers add a more playful feel to my ensemble, white sunglasses by KVA for Oliver Peoples and my fragrance is Creed Erolfa.