James Andrew Christmas 2011

We are a bit busy planning some uber posh holiday festivities, but just wanted to take a few moments to send out a message of love, light and appreciation to our readership. I AM pretty crazy about this time of year—getting dressed up, setting spectacular tables, and yes, concocting some gorgeous cocktails to help usher in the spirit of the winter season. It’s all about the people in our lives, and sharing one’s good fortune with loved ones—be sure to take a breath and de-frazzle along the way, so that you’ll be at your very best to share in all the joy!

Wearing my own special brand of holiday attire, I’m sporting a Tom Ford Gucci era red leather biker jacket, a red tartan shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, Paul Smith black watch wool tartan pants, forest green cashmere tie by Borrelli, Gucci black leather tasseled loafers, Ralph Lauren black alligator belt with sterling buckle. black pearl cuff links and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Millesime.

James Andrew at the Frick - photo by Gabriel Everett

It’s interesting to speculate what art Henry Clay Frick would have added to his collection had he lived on for a few more decades. I’d like to think work by Picasso would have been included—if not by the insistence of Frick’s advisors and dealers, then by its references and underling roots in the grand European artistic tradition. No matter what may have been, I am happy to say that Picasso at The Frick has become a stunning reality with the exquisite exposition Picasso’s Drawings, 1890–1921: Reinventing Tradition which, as the title suggests, brings to the fore the element of drawing and its roll as an essential means of invention and discovery for Picasso.

“The Frick Collection, New York, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., have co-organized an exhibition for 2011–12 that will look at the dazzling development of Picasso’s drawings, from the precocious academic exercises of his youth in the 1890s to the virtuoso classical works of the early 1920s. Through a selection of more than fifty works at each venue, the presentation will examine the artist’s stylistic experiments and techniques in this roughly thirty-year period, which begins and ends in a classical mode and encompasses the radical innovations of cubism and collage.”

Certainly a visit to this magnificent show at the Frick and its splendid surrounds is a WIJW approved perfect way to spend an afternoon!

I’m photographed in the glorious dining room at the Frick by Gabriel Everett—referencing a still from the upcoming Madonna film “W.E.” I’m wearing a Tom Ford era navy velvet jacket and black leather tasseled loafers, Tom Ford bottle green mini hounds tooth check shirt with French cuffs, teal hounds tooth wool cashmere tie and a teal and navy silk pocket square, black watch tartan wool pants by Paul Smith, black alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, Seaman Schepps aqua marine and diamond cuff links and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

James Andrew at the Lincoln Center Theater

This past Memorial Day weekend provided us with the perfect opening to see War Horse at the fabulous Lincoln Center Theater. The date itself was quite fitting as well, considering War Horse pays tribute to the 8 million horses that died during World War I.

The essential story is that of a boy who joins the British cavalry after his father sells the boy’s beloved horse. Needless to say, both boy and horse together learn of the terrors of war. The horses are brilliantly portrayed through the use of beautifully crafted life sized theatrical puppets (it takes several puppeteers per horse) that move and gesture with an incredible attention to locomotive and expressive detail.

I’m unashamed to say that the visually stunning and emotionally stirring story had me in tears by the end of the play—it is a spectacular story of hope, courage and unfaltering faith. This is not to be missed. While one is in the area, why not have a pre or post dinner at the super chic Lincoln Restaurant—it’s a lovely place to set the mood, or perhaps decompress from an evening at the theater!

Dressed for the occasion, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Spencer”sport jacket in tangerine silk linen basket weave,cotton shirt in blue cotton oxford melange with contrast white collar and saddle leather loafers, Charvet blue silk tie and retro print pocket square, Seaman Schepps pearl cuff links with pale blue sapphires Gucci python belt with silver double horse head buckle, pale gray wool pants from Paul Smith and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Millisime.

A special thanks must go to my friend, Euan Rellie who inspired my color choice for this outfit; when he married the lovely Lucy Sykes, he wore a pale blue waist coat and a tangerine necktie with his morning suit—I thought the effect was stunning!

James Andrew at the Soirée au Louvre

Enjoying the evening, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Spencer”sport jacket in rose silk linen basket weave, white cotton french cuff shirt, and grey and ivory silk tie, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, grey silk pocket square by Turnbull and Asser, pale grey light weight wool pants by Paul Smith, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram vintage Gucci python belt with silver double horse head buckle, saddle leather loafers by Tom Ford and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Millesime.

James Andrew in Richard Mishan's drawing room, with a fantastic mix of wonderfully curated pieces. Photo Gabriel Everett

Along with the sense of optimism that this time of year brings, the art, antiques, and decorating world starts to stir again with renewed vigor. The opening of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is one of those must see events for anyone with an interest in interior design—and it has a nearly voyeuristic appeal as it is held each year in a truly remarkable home.

This year, the show house is located at 163 East 63rd Street, a striking, neo-Federalist style residence which was once owned by John Hay “Jock” Whitney. And I was excited to hear it was originally decorated for the Whitneys by my alma mater, Parish-Hadley. Needless to say I was quite curious to see how the house would be re-interpreted by this year’s featured designers.

My talented photographer friend Gabriel Everett came with me to the Press Preview, and I’m pleased to bring you just a few highlights—more of a tease really, in hopes that your interest would be piqued. Beyond the general delights held within, it should be noted that the proceeds from the cost of admission go to support Kips Bay, and their ongoing efforts to help many young people reach their best potential. The Decorator Showhouse is an experience that promises to enrich, inside and out!

The lovely Celerie Kemble transformed the library into a super chic 'Lady's Library' with the most stunning antiques and pieces designed by Kemble. Her look is a fresh and exciting take on the classic WASP sensibility.

Aurelien Gallet has the most fascinating approach to interior design—he sums it up best in his own words. 'I want people to read the houses that I design like a book ....Each room is like a chapter, with its own distinct identity. But everything fits together in the end.' His background as an art appraiser, world traveler, and interior designer has given him the eye of a true aesthete, creating super sophisticated interiors that can be best described as 'classic with an edge.' Photo Gabriel Everett

Brad Ford's room had an organic modernist vibe. The space had an almost zen-like quality and there I took a few restful moments to bask in its warm glow. Photo Gabriel Everett

There is so much more to to share, but I certainly don’t want to deny anyone the great pleasure of discovering the house on their own. So do make a point to visit—the show house will be open until the 26th of May.

For our tour of the Kips Bay Show, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Buckingham” jacket in black and ink wool wide twill damier, cotton shirt in blue cotton oxford melange with contrast white collar and a black silk tie, Seaman Schepps pearl and blue sapphire cuff links, Cartier “Tank Divan” watch from Raj Tolaram, Yves Saint Laurent silk pocket square in a paisley and camo print, Gucci black patent belt with silver leather trim and grommets and black leather tasseled wing tip loafers, pale gray wool pants by Paul Smith and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

Derek Nicholas and James Andrew - photo by David Khinda

I like to surround myself with a diverse group of creative friends—artists, photographers, entrepreneurs, etc., all pursuing their dreams and passions.

Derek Nicholas is one such friend. He’s the lead guitarist for the group, Last Stand for Lucy, with Michael O’Neil as lead singer. Their NYC hardcore/British pop vibe won them the 2010 M.E.A.N.Y. fest and their latest song, Burn Everything, is getting a great deal of airplay on the radio and internet.

Their star is definitely on the rise now, but things were not always so smooth going: Nicholas and O’Neil—who happen to be childhood friends—had to adapt to new and more difficult circumstances when O’Neal’s military service was extended in Iraq via the military’s stop-loss policy. This did not deter either of them however, and they continued to work on their musical collaborations via email, sending clips and songs to fine tune the music they were creating together. Having this fantastic dream of reuniting and being able to play their music together kept both motivated and moving forward. As fate would have it, O’Neil was wounded in a 2006 IED attack—he received the Purple Heart—ending his tour, and bringing him home.

Derek Nicholas - photo by David Khinda

What a spectacular and inspiring story of friendship and the courageous pursuit of one’s dreams!

Check out Last Stand for Lucy on iTunes.

For an impromptu music session, I’m wearing a bottle green leather bomber jacket ,purple cashmere turtleneck sweater and sunglasses all by Gucci, Paul Smith black watch plaid wool pant, purple alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, white and black silk scarf by Turnbull and Asser, high top sneakers by Lanvin and my fragrance is Creed Bois du Portugal.

Photos are by David Khinda.

James Andrew with a Carrabba Haus Rottweiler - photo Matt Dean.

I do so miss my beloved dogs Rupert and Nigel – in fact I’m still reeling from the loss. I’m not quite ready to bring new dogs into my life right now, but a good dose of puppy love goes a long way. So when my friend and brilliant photographer Matt Dean recently asked me if I wanted to spend some time with a little Rottweiler, I was more than pleased to meet this lovely animal.

As you know, I’m a huge supporter of animal rescue, but I’m also happy to meet responsible and committed breeders with a life long passion. Carrabba Haus is one such breeder. They’ve received world wide recognition — even taking V1 prizes in Germany — for their fine Rottweilers. As you can see in our Matthew Dean photo today, I find myself quite upstaged by a handsome Carrabba Haus Rottie named Barry.

I’m sporting a wool hounds tooth tweed top coat, brown wool tweed motorcycle pants and a python belt with silver double horse head buckle all by Gucci, Tom Ford brown end on end cotton shirt with French cuffs and contrast white collar, vintage moon stone cuff links, brown cotton corduroy down vest by Mackintosh, striped wool scarf by Paul Smith, Lanvin high top sneakers in greens and black, Sermoneta dark green leather gloves and my fragrance is Creed Bois du Portugal and the splendid little Barry by my side.

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.

James Andrew at the Alte Nationalgalerie.

With a selection of approximately 175 museums in Berlin to choose from you’ll have to forgive me for narrowing down the selection to some of the most spectacular and important collections.

Certainly a must-see are the five major museums on Museum Island – all are architecturally magnificent and contain mind blowing collections.

The Pergamon museum houses restorations of the ancient Greek Pergamon Altar and the Babylonian Ishtar gate. These extraordinary antiquities are presented full scale, so it doesn’t take much imagination to find oneself transported to the ancient world. The Altes Museum designed by the brilliant Karl Friedrcih Schinkel is truly one of the most beautifully balanced neoclassical buildings in Berlin, and it houses an exquisite collection of classical antiquities as well.

As a designer, it’s hard to tell you how inspirational these masterworks are from both the point of the architecture of the buildings as well as their rich content. Purchasing a three day museum pass gives you entry to every museum in Berlin and will help you avoid long lines.

The Neue Wache.

Just a short walk from Museum Island, is the Neue Wache ( a royal guard house designed by Schinkel in the neo-classical style) converted into a memorial in the 1950′s – it houses a bronze “mother with dead son” symbolizing the suffering off all victims of violence — architecture and sculpture here work together to create a deeply moving experience.

After a morning of exploration, we headed to restaurant Tim Raue for a scrumptious lunch of Asian-inspired haute cuisine. Later that evening we treated ourselves to a most delicious dinner at the very chic Schneeweiss (Snow White – with an all white interior), here you will enjoy a twist on “Alpine/Austrian” fair.

I’m standing(top) in the colonnade that surrounds the Alte Nationalgalerie – a re-creation of an ancient Greco/Roman temple, and another must-see on Museum Island – I’m sporting a bottle green paper thin leather bomber jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford shirt in navy end on end cotton with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, Paul Smith black watch tartan wool pants, Ralph Lauren black and white silk polka dot scarf, Gucci black suede and leather “Belgian” style loafers and chartreuse python belt with silver double horse head buckle, my fragrance is Creed Bois de Portugal.

James Andrew at the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Certainly one of the most coveted invitations at New York Fashion Week is an invite to the Oscar de la Renta show.

I’m always selective when it comes to the events I attend, and of course I’m always beyond thrilled to see the Oscar de la Renta shows. You may recall the London Telegraph article mentioning our usual “front row” status? Well, it wasn’t front row this time – but we were quite happily second row!

Oscar de la Renta could not have been more on target with this latest collection which harks back to a Grace Kelly 1950′s elegance and sophistication. With the current fascination for all things 1950′s and early 60′s, his collection references the best from this period, updated for today with his signature fresh take on the classics. His ultra romantic fantasy pieces brought enthusiastic smiles from all including Sarah Jessica Parker and Aerin Lauder who we spotted front and center.

As you all know I’m always pushing for a return to a more dressed up sort of elegance – Oscar’s collection was absolutely a celebration of this spirit, and I do hope to see women dressed in these beautiful confections. I’ve always been inspired by Oscar’s palette and textures, his use of embroidery and embellishment – so many ideas to possibly incorporate into the interiors I create for my clients!

Have a glance at the attached video – you’ll feel like you were there too!

Sporting a de la Renta inspired look, I’m wearing a dusty rose suede safari jacket, palest pink silk shirt with butterfly print, python belt with silver buckle all by Gucci, Tom Ford pale brown silk linen micro herringbone pant and woven olive suede espadrilles, olive silk and wool scarf with pom pom fringe from Paul Smith and for such a stellar event my fragrance is Creed Imperial Millesime.