WHAT IS JAMES WEARING? » Oliver Peoples

Parco dei Principi

WIJW — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:21:24 +0000

James Andrew at Parco dei Principi

Since its inception in 1962 the Parco dei Principi has been providing guests with a truly unique architecture-as-art experience. Set on the grounds of an eighteenth century property that has been owned by the Bourbon Royal family as well as a cousin to the Russian Tsars, it’s no wonder the Parco commands such a spectacular position high above the azure ocean below. Furthermore, it is a testament to Ponti’s sensitivity to place and history that he has retained so many architectural and landscape elements from this royal legacy – In Ponti’s words “.. for life to be great and full we have to combine the past with the future..”

Parco dei Principi

The Parco is a symphony of blue and white – everywhere one looks Ponti references the sky and sea. Working with the tile company D’Agostino of Salerno, Ponti produced thirty different designs that could be utilized in a multitude of combinations to create both a cohesive overall palette while lending each of the hundred rooms their own uniquely patterned floor.

Parco dei Principi

In the dining room and lounge Ponti worked with celebrated ceramicist Fausto Melotti to create modernist majolica style tiles to adorn the walls – another expression of Ponti’s willingness to blur the lines between art and architecture – and it is not surprising – after all, Ponti himself was not only one of the twentieth centurie’s most influential architects but he was also a noted poet, painter, industrial designer, and writer!

Parco dei Principi

Les Ambassadeurs

WIJW — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:23:27 +0000

James Andrew at Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon.

Edger Degas' The café-concert at Les Ambassadeurs.

A brunch at Les Ambassadeurs is the perfect thing to fortify one before a day of exploration, and this legendary 18th century rococo room at the Crillon certainly sets the mood for our next intended destination – Versailles! Les Ambassadeurs has drawn high society and artists alike to its hallowed tables since the nineteenth century – and now as ever, it continues to delight and inspire.

Yes, I’m wearing my favorite Gucci leather jacket again, but we were only in Paris for a couple of full days – we’ll try to mix it up a bit more on our next trip! I’m also wearing a shocking pink shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, black pearl cufflinks by Seaman Schepps, gray Maison Martin Margiela jeans, belt in black patent leather with silver leather trim and grommets by Gucci, Tom Ford loafers in black and saddle leather, KVA for Oliver Peoples sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

Nature’s Cathedral

James — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 05:28:03 +0000

James Andrew at the Conservatory Garden.

A walk through an alley of beautiful trees is one of those ageless and enduring pleasures that we here at WIJW simply can’t refuse. I’m pictured above taking just such a stroll through one of two glorious alleys flanking the central Italian section of my aforementioned “secret garden” – ie. the Conservatory Garden.

These fragrant cathedrals to nature are a sure cure to any city slump, and during this time of year in particular it’s quite impossible not to be inspired and awed by the Spring crab tree bloom.

Sadly a peak display like this is all too easily missed, as it lasts for just a few days – so please turn off your cell phone, excuse yourself from those pressures and obligations, and simply take yourself to the Conservatory Garden THIS WEEK – don’t worry, the world will continue to spin without you! Side-effects may include: uplifted spirit, increased sense of well being, and a sudden urge to smile.

Blissing out in a perfect moment, I’m wearing an olive suede safari jacket, royal blue cotton pants, python belt with silver buckle, khaki safari shirt, brown leather “Chelsea” boots and a brown leather and suede satchel all by Gucci. KVA sunglasses by Oliver Peoples and my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat. (The color combination of my look today was inspired by Reed Krakoff’s Fall 2010 Collection – I was crazy about his pairing of cobalt and loden).

Dreams to Reality

James — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 04:29:10 +0000

James Andrew at Ralph Lauren.

We here at WIJW make no excuse for being escapists – in fact we think a good dose of it is a must, if only for our health. And when we think Escapism with a capital “E,” our minds invariably take us to the South of France – and how about let’s set things seaside a la 1950′s when people were smart, beautiful, unbelievably wealthy, and every single ray of sun glancing off that azure ocean said “all is well, all is well.” Impossibly perfect you say? – Well I’ll tell you it sure beats most of the “realistic” scenarios constantly trying to crowd our heads!

Although it may appear that I’m standing here in a handsome Juan-les-Pins villa, I’m actually at the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Madison Avenue @ East 72nd Street here in New York City where it is always easy to elicit some of our favorite dreams. As I’ve mentioned, I did put in several years at Ralph Lauren, learning my craft while creating similar scenarios for them. This being said, it will come as no surprise that I would become particularly excited whenever a “South of France ” collection came along, and it always gave me the welcome opportunity to make my very best SOF design dreams a reality. Even now at James Andrew Interior Design I still draw on Ralph Lauren and collections like this one to help produce many of my own fine interiors!

Antibes from the South of France collection at Ralph Lauren.

La Plage, is the name of their latest “South of France” incarnation, and I have to say I am loving this collection – The Antibes rattan lounge chair (right) is absolute perfection and I cant wait to use it along with many other items from this collection in upcoming JAID interiors!

Transitioning from winter to spring, I’m sporting an azure cotton corduroy jacket and skinny khaki pant both by Gucci, Balenciaga chambray band collar shirt with contrast blue and white cotton stripe lined collar,placket and cuffs, Turnbull and Asser pale blue silk pocket square, Hermes “blue jeans” blue leather belt with silver buckle, Lanvin taupe suede and patent leather sneakers, Oliver Peoples KVA glasses and my fragrance is Creed Citrus Bigarrade which conjures up images of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor living in glamorous exile at their palatial villa in Cap D’Antibes – La Croe.

WIJW Playlist

James — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:56:21 +0000

James Andrew NYC. Photo by Scott McBee.

Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.

Robert Fripp

We here at WIJW have been filling our cup with:

1) Words like “I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, and no ones gonna bring me down today…” from “Keep Signing My Song” by Christina Aguilera – Adversity? – this will help you face it.

2) The soundtrack to a A Single Man. Uninspired? – this will re-awaken a sense of the beauty and magic that surrounds.

3) Robbie Williams’ – “I Will Talk And Hollywood Will Listen.” a sweeping and powerful ballad – will have your aspirations all but realized!

4) Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.”
Simply the best soundtrack for your power strut down the street.

I’m wearing cognac micro cotton corduroy jacket, and wool/cotton check pants both by Gucci, Tom Ford lavender end on end cotton french cuff shirt with contrast white collar and brown and lavender silk polka dot pocket square, vintage moonstone cuff links and purple alligator belt with sterling buckle from Ralph Lauren, aubergine suede boots by Yves Saint Laurent, KVA sunglasses by Oliver Peoples, my fragrance is Vintage Tabarome by Creed. Music played on my iPod Nano.

Savannah

James — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:36:52 +0000

James Andrew at David Hicks' Savannah.

At last we’ve made our pilgrimage to Savannah, David Hicks’ tropical masterpiece on Windermere Island’s Savannah Sound.

Let me tell you, it was one of those most sublime thrills to experience this tropical masterwork in person. You may have heard me go on quite a bit about the British born Hicks – and I’ve had good reason! He was quite simply one of the most prolific, innovative, and sought after decorators of the twentieth century – his touch extended into every conceivable design forum, from aristocratic homes, to set design, to fashion, to industrial design, to landscape design etc. etc. etc. – and his genius was only matched by his bigger than life persona. Needless to say much of what I do has been inspired by David Hicks – so you can only imagine how honored I was when the London Telegraph described me as an “…updated David Hicks.” – High praise that I aspire to live up to one day!

Savannah became of keen interest to me especially when I learned that it has remained virtually unchanged since it was completed in 1969. I’ve had the great fortune to speak with Ashley and India Hicks who graciously provided me with fascinating background information on the property.

Tomb of King Djoser at Saqqara.

Briefly stated, it was on David Hicks and Lady Pamela Mountbatten’s Bahaman honeymoon that they fell in love with the islands and decided they should have a home there. Originally the Hickses and Lady Pamela Mountbatten’s sister, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, had acquired a property at Lyford Cay but were subsequently convinced by Sir Harold Christie to buy property on Windermere Island instead. They enlisted the help of Nassau architect Robert Stokes to build their homes and as India Hicks put it with the sort of familiarity that only a family member could have, her “aunt built a ‘proper’ house on the beach… and her father constructed a mausoleum to the sun!” David Hicks had been to Egypt and was deeply fascinated with the tomb of King Djoser at Saqqara – It was this tomb that Ashley Hicks tells me was the inspiration behind his father’s Egyptian fantasy. Ashley Hicks sent me this fantastic image of King Djoser’s tomb (left). Do pick up Ashley Hicks’ book, David Hicks: Designer to see more fabulous images of this spectacular structure.

Paying Homage to the great David Hicks I’m pictured standing in front of Savannah’s monumental entrance way, absorbing some of Hick’s enduring brilliance – I’m sporting lemon yellow jeans by Cassette, palest pink safari shirt and silver chain link belt both by Gucci, black leather sandal/espadrille by Christian Louboutin, KVA sunglasses by Oliver peoples my fragrance is Citrus Bigarrade by Creed.

Inspiration

James — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:44:30 +0000

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.

Magnificent Montauk

James — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:06:44 +0000

James Andrew - Montauk

Looking for a killer one word definition for the opposite of dreary? – Well I’ve got it for you here – Montauk. And it’s no wonder that Montauk has become the destination of the assiduously affluent, singularly select, and fabulously famous! Whatever your sport this place will provide, and if you are simply looking to decompress well this is the place to do that too, and no, Montauk’s chamber of commerce isn’t paying for our high praise here at WIJW! So it goes without saying (but I will) that I’m thrilled to be starting a project here for some discerning clients of mine. The feel will be high style surf shack with a casual chic vibe – can’t wait to take you on a tour!

I had the great pleasure of spending the day in Montauk recently and could not resist taking a moment to soak up some positive seaside ions. I’m wearing a camel hair coat, hand knit brown wool sweater, purple feather weight cashmere turtleneck, wool/cotton check pant in browns, purple and camel, brown leather “Chelsea” boots all by Gucci, purple leather gloves by Sermoneta, KVA glasses by Oliver Peoples and camel and brown wool cap by Ben Sherman.

Eduardo Garza

James — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:17:28 +0000

James Andrew viewing works by Eduardo Garza

Extasis - rock crystal matrix and gold by Eduardo Garza

I’m a huge admirer of the fantasy genre and the work of designers like Tony Duquette, and Serge Roche. These highly imaginative designers created magnificent works that took their inspiration from the Natural, creating the most exquisitely fantastical pieces. My dear friend, the brilliant designer Eduardo Garza has given his own take on this genre, embellishing nature just enough to enhance and highlight its beauty. His inspiration often comes to him in his dreams, says Garza, – which happily for us, he translates to the waking world with an ultra chic classic/contemporary aesthetic. Needless to say you can almost always find a fabtastic Garza piece in a James Andrew interior. Besides his collection of decorative objects, he also produces furniture, mirrors, tabletops and hardware, and in the unlikely case that you are not finding just what you need his talents are available for private commission, (I myself will be working with Garza to create a spectacular chandelier!). Garza also has a line of jewelry, which has won high praise from style makers and that pinnacle of taste, Vogue magazine, which recently called Garza’s work “divine” (see article). Many of his fine pieces are available at Bergdorf Goodman here in New York City and at Harrod’s in London. I met with Eduardo recently at Berdorf Goodman’s sensational 7th floor to have a look at a sampling of some of his spectacular work, and have included some treasures here for your enjoyment.

Goddess of Flowers - pink agate necklace by Eduardo Garza

Lucite Box by Eduardo Garza for Berdorf Goodman

I’m wearing an Aubergine velvet peaked lapel jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford fuchsia silk pocket square and blue end on end cotton French cuff shirt with contrast white collar, silver pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links by Seaman Schepps, over-sized silk paisley scarf by Etro, shocking pink jeans by Dior, silver chain link belt and navy blue cap toe shoes both by Gucci, KVA glasses by Oliver Peoples.

NYC New Year 2010!

James — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:29:43 +0000

James Andrew 2010 - photos Lars Stephan

In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you,
Lets here it for New York…

From “Empire State of Mind,” by the brilliant Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

It’s no wonder this is the music used for the upcoming “Sex in the City 2” – such a celebratory ode to this fantastic city!

When I was a boy, I constantly fantasized about living in New York City – watching classic television shows like Green Acres with scenes of Eva Gabor on her Park Avenue terrace, or Family Affair with all it’s fabulous New York City imagery, I knew one day I’d make NYC my home.

This time of year we often become introspective – reflecting on what we have accomplished, the joys, the sorrows, where we need to make improvements in our lives etc.. When I think back on all the circumstances that brought me to where I am today, it was a lot about creating my own reality – imagining what that reality would look like, and taking action to achieve those dreams. This New Years, I’m taking time to recapture the same excitement and enthusiasm I had back then, and I’m planning on having the most spectacular new year. We at WIJW trust this year finds you well on your way towards realizing your must outrageous dreams and desires as well!

CHEERS!

Dressed to celebrate the holiday, I’m giving slightly formal attire a bit of a twist. Harking back to some of those old Ralph Lauren ads, I’m wearing my super chic shearling coat by Gucci, with a black wool dinner jacket, black wool pants, black and white silk polka dot bow tie, silver chain link belt and black patent leather shoes all by Gucci, Richard James shirt in white and black cotton stripes with French cuffs and contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, Charvet white silk pocket square, pale blue peccary gloves by Sermoneta and KVA sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.

Photos by Lars Stephan.