James Andrew - photo by Gabriel Everett

Diana Vreeland has been on my mind particularly of late. Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s two new projects: the large-format book as well as the feature-length documentary, both entitled Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel, certainly has had something to do with it—that, and if you are into fashion like I am, then by default you simply cannot have escaped Vreeland’s hugely influential and enduring vision, as well as some of the humorous and often audacious statements she made regarding style, fashion, and design, during her nearly half century reign.

Red is the great clarifier — bright and revealing. I can’t imagine becoming bored with red — it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.

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The bikini is the biggest thing since the atom bomb.

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I think part of my success as an editor came from never worrying about a fact, a cause, an atmosphere. It was me — projecting to the public. That was my job. I think I always had a perfectly clear view of what was possible for the public. GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY NEVER KNEW THEY WANTED.

…

I have the kind of eye that will travel over a magazine page, find a tiny, insignificant-looking detail no bigger than your fingernail — and get totally mesmerized. My immediate instinct is to want to blow it up — making it big!

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Fashion must be the intoxicating release from the banality of the world.

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I want this place to look like a garden, but a garden in hell.

In tribute to D.V., I’m wearing a Tom Ford era Gucci red (her color of choice) leather motorcycle jacket and black and white polka dot silk scarf by Ralph Lauren. “Perfume is an extravagance” Vreeland once said, and so I’ve given myself a generous misting of Creed’s Royal Exclusives, Spice and Wood to complete my look!

James Andrew at Stephen Score's Metro Show booth

During my time as a designer for Parish Hadley, the emphasis was on marrying pieces that shared a “sympathetic spirit,” rather than matching periods and styles. Needless to say, this approach allowed for some wonderfully playful and unexpected juxtapositions, and was very much at the heart of Parish Hadley’s most innovative and dynamic interiors.

Happily you’ll find a similar approach at the inaugural Metro Show where dealers and designers have brought together an exciting and eclectic mix of fine collectibles from a wide degree of time periods and styles, both new and old. In fact, it may surprise many to know that this is not a particularly new design trend! As Leigh Keno notes, “… the term ‘modern’ apparently originated in the late 16th century. Even in the early 17th century, a room filled with ‘modern’ furniture and accoutrements very often had ‘antiquities’ mixed in, whether collected or inherited.”

Wherever your specific interests may lie, I’m certain you’ll find some tantalizing object to admire at the marvelous NYC Metro Show. But hurry, it’s only open until Sunday January 22 (the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC). I had the great pleasure of exploring the show’s special preview, and I was so thrilled with the selection that I’ll be returning this weekend with some of my clients in tow.

I’m pictured (top) at the booth of Boston dealer Stephen Score, sporting a Tom Ford “Buckingham” jacket in black and ink wool wide twill damier, pale blue mini herringbone cotton shirt with French cuffs and a black silk pocket square, Gucci black flannel pant, black and gray micro stripe tie and black leather tasseled loafers, black alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, vintage Rolex oyster perpetual watch , amethyst sun glasses Tom Ford era Gucci, Hildestahl Medium III bag in purple leather and my fragrance is Lorenzo Villoresi’s Garofano.

James Andrew New Year's Eve

Trusting this finds all of you recovering from the past couple weeks of revelry and readying yourselves for a bright new year!? Of course, if you’ve been with us this past year, you’ll know that we make a point to embrace EVERY day in the spirit of celebration (holiday or not). With this in mind, you may rest assured there will be some truly glamtastic things unfolding here on WIJW during the coming year, and so do check in on us to share in the fun! May 2012 bring opportunity your way as well, turning all of your dreams into reality and all of your efforts into great achievements!

I had the great pleasure of ringing in the New Year with my beloved Scott McBee and the super chic and stylish Mr. Guy and Harrison Morgan. I sported a semi-formal ensemble: a Tom Ford era Gucci black wool dinner jacket with black velvet trim and buttons, black flannel pants and black leather tasseled loafers, Tom Ford black hounds tooth gaufrage velvet bow tie, white cotton shirt with French cuffs and a black and white silk pocket square, Ralph Lauren black alligator belt with sterling buckle, Turnbull and Asser black and white silk scarf, black pearl cuff links, vintage Rolex watch and my fragrance is the uber elegant Creed Imperial Millesime —and my Champagne? Dom Perignon of course!

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.

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 at the Ocean Club

When at Lyford, a visit to the famous Ocean Club is a must. Once the private estate of A&P heir, Huntington Hartford II, the Ocean Club is now a world class hotel possessing the most spectacular gardens and boasting architecture by the legendary John L. Volk. You may remember the Ocean Club from in the critically acclaimed 2006 remake of Casino Royale, starring the oh so gorgeous Daniel Craig.

Do take a leisurely stroll through the Versailles inspired gardens while there and grab lunch at Dune. A Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, Dune is perched atop a white sand beach with sublime ocean views and serves an innovative blend of French-Asian cuisine infused with touches of local herbs and Bahamian influences.

The Ocean Club gardens.

Blissed out (top) after the loveliest lunch, I’m sporting a Gucci navy cotton pique jacket, navy suede loafers and sunglasses, Uniqlo white slim jeans, pale blue linen cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs by Simon, pearl and pale blue sapphire cufflinks, purple alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren, pocket square in pale blue and white silk retro print by Charvet and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew at Lyford Cay

Slim Aarons was blessed to travel the world on his “…quest for the beautiful and the elegant” as he put it, “…photographing attractive people who were doing attractive things in attractive places.”

His brilliant body of work is a tribute to those attractive people, and if they didn’t all live charmed lives, they certainly appeared to when Aarons applied his craft! Of course staging was crucial to the effect, and after my sublime holiday, I can see why Lyford was one of Aaron’s favorite stomping grounds..

Needless to say WIJW is on a similar quest to seek out beautiful places and celebrate living well, consequently when I’m photographed for WIJW, I often turn to the iconic images captured by Aarons and hope to imbue our images with the same spirit. For today’s post we are paying homage once again to Aarons’ genius in our attempt at the sincerest form of flattery as the saying goes.

I am wearing a Tom Ford “Snowdon” jacket in lilac rose silk wool linen melange twill, white cotton shirt with French cuffs and ivory linen sateen pants, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, purple alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren, Pucci silk pocket square and Gucci navy suede loafers, and my fragrance is Lorenzo Villoresi’s Iperborea http://www.lafcony.com/lorenzo/

James Andrew at Lyford Cay

For years I’ve been fascinated by stories and images of Lyford Cay, tropical retreat to some of the great international figures of the past such as style icon and socialite extraordinaire, Babe Paley.

And so, as you might imagine, I was thrilled to be invited there by some super chic friends of mine—and doubly happy to say that graciousness, elegance, style and good taste still prevail at Lyford Cay! We very much look forward to sharing much of our lovely Lyford getaway over the next few days.

Today’s image finds us paying tribute to one of my all time favorite photographers, Slim Aarons, who so wonderfully captured the spirit of Lyford in many of his beautiful portraits.

I’m sporting the club requisite navy jacket (although mine is with a twist in navy cotton pique by Gucci) Tom Ford white cotton shirt with French cuffs, lavender glen plaid cotton pocket square, lavender silk mini herringbone pant, blue suede Gucci loafers, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, purple alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

Jamaes Andrew at the Nick Turner and Michelle Rogers Exhibition

My dear friend Nick Turner recently collaborated with artist Michelle Rogers to bring together two bodies of work that meet on many unexpected levels. Turner is a multi-talented artist who, as you may recall, created some rather spectacular images for WIJW. For his most recent work, he has turned his lens on himself in nature to create a series of self-portraits revealing his affinity for, and connection to, the strength, beauty and majesty of horses.

photo by Nick Turner

Michelle Rogers, drawn to the tenderness that came through in Turner’s images, wanted to develop a body of work about man and nature and, as it goes, Turner became her most perfect subject: “The idea is how he sees himself or expresses himself in photography and how I as a gay woman paint him—it’s fascinating. There is a real quality to his photography that I relate to, also it is quite rare to have a photography and painting show about the same subject. I felt that would be an intriguing show to see.”

The Sweet Land by Michelle Rodgers

Rogers, an Irish artist living in Rome, has had a rather spectacular career as an artist, receiving awards, accolades and commissions globally. This year the Irish Post Office has published a postage stamp with one of Roger’s paintings on it. Her work will also be on display at Scope with Robert Fontaine gallery during Art Basel Miami.

Needless to say I’m wild about both Turner’s and Roger’s work and I am thrilled to be adding some of their lovely pieces to my own collection.

photo by Nick Turner

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.