James Andrew at Carlton Hobbs - photo Lars Stephan.

We’re interupting our WIJW in Paris series to share with you a special announcement. My friends at the superlative Carlton Hobbs Gallery will be exhibiting in London at the Masterpiece Fair. Stefanie Rinza, managing director of Carlton Hobbs LLC, describes the exclusive showcase as a “… successor to the prestigious Grosvenor House Show, [which] has great promise to become one of the best in the world.” With only the finest treasures both traditional and contemporary, this sounds like our kind of thing, and we’re hurrying to the phone to get our room sorted at Claridges.

While you are in London to see the Masterpiece Fair, be sure to visit Carlton Hobbs’ London gallery at 16 Bloomfield Terrace, off of Pimlico Road as they’ve curated a special exhibition of recent acquisitions to coincide with the show.

Just to get you excited about your visit, I’m leaving you with an image of the grand focal point of Carlton Hobbs’ exhibition at the Masterpiece Fair – “…an extraordinary French 18th century parcel gilt and white painted Library from the Hotel Gaulin, Dijon.” Now this is something I would like to build someone’s home around!

French 18th century Library being offered by Carlton Hobbs at the Masterpiece Fair in London.

I’m pictured here (top) on the grand staircase of Carlton Hobbs’ spectacular New York gallery, in what was once the Vanderbilt mansion, sporting a smashing “Spencer” jacket in rose silk linen, black and white silk pocket square and black and saddle leather loafers all by Tom Ford, Richard James shirt in black and white striped cotton with french cuffs and contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps black pearl cufflinks, black and white silk hounds tooth pant and black patent leather belt with silver leather trim and grommets by Gucci, a Cartier vintage “tank Divan” watch from Raj Tolaram, and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

James Andrew at David Duncan Antiques

Just coming off the President’s day Holiday weekend, I’m reminded of my intent to decorate the Obama White House. Not sure why this has not come about, but I’m having a grand time fantasizing! One cannot help but wax a bit nostalgic about the Kennedy era, when, with the help of Stephane Boudin of Maison Jansen, the White House was restored to its original splendor – I’d definitely continue in this spirit – but I’d like to bring the White House into the twenty-first century by showcasing the works of some of our most brilliant twenty-first century artists, photographers, and designers. This would make the most perfect statement – we respect and value where we came from and yet we are open to embracing where we are now and where we our going!

English Regency Bulls-Eye Mirror Great Britain. Circa 1830 An English Regency bulls eye mirror surmounted by an eagle having a ball suspended from chain and dropped by carved and ebonized wood dolphins and shaped ogee molded edge with ball finials. Brass girandole candle arms with cut glass bobeches are draped with crystal drops.

For the more classical aspects of my White House I’d start looking for material at the super chic David Duncan Antiques – these fabulous busts of Lincoln and Washington I’m pictured with set the mood for our post President’s Day Post, resting on a pair of Swedish Neo-classical square pedestals, flanking a French Charles X period mahogany console and topped with an English Regency bulls eye mirror, the whole grouping really would make our presidential fantasy sing!

President Busts Late 19th century. American plaster busts of President Lincoln and President Washington.

(top) All of this has me feeling rather presidential in my Tom Ford amethyst window pane tweed jacket, Turnbull and Asser gray and charcoal silk pocket square, Richard James white and black cotton striped shirt with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps charcoal pearl cuff links, gray flannel pants by Gucci, purple alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren and black leather “Windsor” loafer by Yves Saint Laurent, my fragrance is Windsor by Creed.

James Andrew at the Club 50 elevator lobby.

While at the Viceroy Miami, McBee and I had the concierge arrange for a speed boat to take us and a couple of South Beach friends on a little tour of some of the swankiest water front enclaves – Star and Palm Island etc. – reminded me a lot of a wonderful Capri boating expedition we took last year. Certainly getting on the water was quite nice, but we didn’t see any properties that really peaked our interest, and we happily returned to the Viceroy to enjoy an afternoon of lounging at the magnificent monumental pool (said to be the largest infinity edge pool in Florida) – If you are in the mood to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in a luxurious and peaceful setting, then this is a must visit location – our friends were so taken by the splendor of the place that they actually opted to spend the afternoon with us by the pool rather than return to the beach – I think that speaks volumes for the Viceroy Miami. Of course, I’d like to think that our fine company added a little extra incentive for them to stay as well!

The Club 50 Lounge.

I’m photographed (top) posing at the Viceroy’s Club 50 lobby. Towering hand painted cranes on silk wallpaper, an exquisite geometric marble floor, a stone center table set with an eclectic grouping of stone objet d’art, and a crowning starburst light fixture all conspire to make the most perfectly surreal effect – one cannot help but have a sense of wonder and expectation as one makes one’s way upwards towards the spectacular views high above where a couple of Club 50 pre-dinner, pre-opera drinks and the Miami city skyline mix in the most heavenly way – I still have Mojitos dancing in my head! Once primed, there are a myriad of fine restaurants off Brickell Avenue. Special mention simply must go to The River seafood and oyster bar – everything we’ve had there is absolutely scrumptious, and it’s just a few blocks from the hotel!

I’m wearing a mint green cotton twill jacket by Gucci, a magenta and white silk pocket square by Tom Ford, a white and black cotton striped shirt with white contrast collar by Richard James, Seaman Schepps black pearl cufflinks, shocking pink jean cut pants by Dior, black patent leather belt with silver leather trim and grommets by Gucci, black leather sandal/espadrilles are by Christian Louboutin.

I am wearing a black wool flannel peaked lapel jacket by Gucci with a Tom Ford black and white silk pocket square, Richard James cotton shirt in white and black stripes with contrast white collar and cuff, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, plum skinny jean by Diesel, silver chain link belt by Gucci, silver leather sneakers by Dior.