James Andrew - photo Gabriel Everett

When decorating a client’s home, I try to insist on the best possible quality materials and workmanship. However, even the wealthiest of my clients has a budget! With that in mind, I’ve found one can still achieve superior results with modest materials by applying a high level of craftsmanship and design. For example, I might seek out a simple cotton/linen and trim them in gross grain ribbon to produce some rather spectacular looking curtains. It’s a high/low approach. The same goes with my wardrobe. I have no problem mixing no-compromise brands like Tom Ford and Savile Row tailoring with basic items from Uniqlo like jeans and sweaters. Uniqlo, in fact, produces some quite well made/designed basics in fantastic colors. I often wear Uniqlo jeans and a cashmere sweater paired with a Tom Ford jacket and shoes for a super stylish yet casual high/low ensemble.

Enjoying a snowy afternoon shopping at Uniqlo and the Tom Ford boutique, I’m sporting a Gucci tweed top coat and brown wool hand knit sweater, Uniqlo jeans, Le Chameau wellies, Sermoneta dark green leather gloves. My fragrance is Creed Bois du Portugal.

James Andrew - photo by Gabriel Everett

Let’s face it, most well intentioned New Year’s resolutions are forged and then forgotten. For whatever reason, they just don’t seem to stick.

At the risk of sounding a bit preachy, I want to quickly share my thoughts on the subject.

A big part of the problem seems to lie in our concept of time, and particularly with our expectations of the future. In fact, looking to fulfill dreams somewhere down the road often prevents us from finding them in the only moment we’ll ever have—and that, of course, is “the present.” The past is gone by definition, and the future is always beyond experience. Once we know that, then the real question becomes can we muster the courage and focus to bring our dreamiest of dreams into this very moment. Most of the time the little voices are saying no—doubt and/or fear prevail. Don’t get me wrong, caution can be a lifesaver, but if we can’t turn the negative self-speak off, then we’ve got a real problem. It colors our whole present.

In an effort to break this limiting internal dialogue, I’ve found the following two tiered approach to be particularly effective. While you may already be familiar with these ideas, it might be well worth reacquainting yourself with them. For fun, let’s just call these the WIJW Commandments:

1) Be aware of the story you’re telling yourself, and if it isn’t helping, then tell yourself a better story—this new story doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just the tiniest positive shift in the tragic narrative you may be imagining. You can build a better and more beautiful story as things progress. Focus on POSSIBILITY instead of impossibility, and why things CAN happen, instead of why they can’t.

2) Practice gratitude. Find that spot that feels good, even if it’s only the tip of your toe, acknowledge and feel its goodness. We need to make space for good things to happen right here and now, and unproductive feelings of want and lack only perpetuate themselves. Like attracts like.

Give these a try if you care to, and be sure to let us know your thoughts along the way! Whatever your situation may be, WIJW wishes you good luck on your own amazing adventure.

Here’s to a remarkable New Year, filled with awareness, light, and blessings!

Cheers,

JA

Taking some time to reflect and contemplate, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Country Jacket” in a dark brown wide wool check, brown silk pocket square, brown wool knit tie and “Cyrille” sunglasses, Turnbull and Asser red and white striped cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, vintage agate cuff links, Gucci brown tweed motor cycle pant, python belt and brown leather Chelsea boots, red leather gloves by Sermoneta, Etro silk paisley scarf and my fragrance is Creed Vintage Taborome.

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 Sotheby's

I have to say I was a bit saddened by my visit yesterday to see a few items from the collection of Albert Hadley at Sotheby’s.

Working with Hadley provided me with invaluable insight into what it takes to make a sublime interior, and seeing so many familiar Hadley pieces on the Auction block really had me feeling that this marked an end of an era. But then I thought—perhaps this is not an end. The opportunity still exists to carry on—to imbue my own interior work with the same spirit that made Parish-Hadley the iconic firm it was for almost half a century. Suitability and comfort; collaboration with world class artisans and crafts people; exquisite workmanship; an unerring eye for detail; and a love for even the most modest of materials to create perfectly understated elegance—all of these characteristics typified the Parish-Hadley approach, and I’d like to think these are still relevant to designers and their clients today!

And so I’m making an effort to temper my sadness, and to actually elicit some joy in the face of things. I continue to owe so much to Hadley’s great legacy, and perhaps the best way to honor this debt is to renew my commitment to uphold the high standard that Parish-Hadley and Albert Hadley Inc. set for us all.

Leaving Sotheby’s, I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci camel hair top coat, aubergine velvet jacket and python belt with silver buckle, Tom Ford dark brown cotton corduroy pants and pink silk pocket square, shocking pink cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, vintage moon stone cuff links, dark brown silk satin tie by Ralph Lauren, aubergine suede “Eton” boots by Yves Saint Laurent, sunglasses by Tom Ford, brown suede gloves by Sermoneta and my fragrance is Eau d’Italie Paestum Rose from our friends the Sersales.

James Andrew at the H. M. Luther gallery - photo by Justin Williams.

My decorating style has been described as eclectic, and as you might know I have a penchant for mixing traditional and contemporary elements when creating that perfect touch of upscale elegance. Needless to say, I’m always thrilled to find a gallery that shares my aesthetic! One such gallery is the highly esteemed H.M. Luther. They always have an exhilarating mix of contemporary and antique objects, and with an eye for the unusual—they describe their taste as one that “favors the atypical and particular”— you can see why I might champion them. In operation since 1947, they’ve been bringing their clients a highly curated selection of furniture and exceptional objects of interest from the seventeenth through to the twentieth century.

Coffee table designed by Alexander Gerard.

On my last visit to H.M. Luther, I was quite taken by several pieces including a pair of William Haines Hostess chairs covered in ivory kidskin, a rare and possibly unique coffee table designed by Alexander Gerard, a superb set of 3 sapphire blue glass tear drop vases by Per Lutken, and a regal 19th century English painted cast iron sculpture of a talbot passant all of which I can’t wait to incorporate into my latest projects. Do make a point to visit H. M. Luther often, you’ll be sure to find objects to pique one’s imagination.

William Haines Hostess chairs covered in ivory kidskin.

I am wearing a charcoal tweed tyrolean suit and feather weight purple cashmere turtleneck sweater both by Gucci, wool and silk scarf by Etro, aubergine suede “Eton” boot by Yves Saint Laurent, pale blue peccary gloves by Sermoneta, bad cop sunglasses by Dior and my fragrance is Creed Aventus – portrait by Justin Williams

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 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion week has just ended here in New York City and we were thrilled to have been invited front row for the best of it!

WIJW was initially conceived of as a way to bring more attention to my work as an interior designer, and so it may seem a bit strange that my wardrobe is the constant that connects the wide ranging content we share each week. A quick explanation – I’ve always seen style as all inclusive – that is, whether I’m discussing clothing, interior design, food, travel, etc., it’s all coming out of a desire to share my personal vision for what we call total elevated living – sounds like something we should trademark, right? Many of my favorite designers, architects, and artists, in fact were quite proficient in several creative disciplines – it’s only natural that we here at WIJW are happiest when blurring the lines as well.

Interestingly in the process of shamelessly pursuing our own self-interest, WIJW has become a powerful promotional venue for others – our stories are propelling designers and dealers alike quite instantaneously to the very top of popular search engines, and subsequently to an enormous global stage. Needless to say we’re constantly receiving requests and offers now. However, you may rest assured we are committed to bringing our WIJW readership only the things that really turn us on!

Taking a moment in front of the tents at Bryant Park to feel gratitude for all the terrific things that are unfolding in my life I’m wearing a smoky pale blue suede biker jacket, shocking pink silk turtle neck sweater, brown tweed motorcycle pants, brown leather “Chelsea” boots and brown leather and suede satchel all by Gucci, an over sized silk paisley scarf by Etro becomes the inspiration for all the pieces I’ve assembled, red leather gloves by Sermoneta, glasses by Tom Ford and my fragrance is Royal Water by Creed.

James Andrew at the Lever House

Lever House, the modern architectural master piece of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill’s Gordon Bunshaft, was one of the first International style glass curtain wall skyscrapers to be built on Park Avenue.

In the late nineties a massive renovation restored the Lever’s spectacular structure to its original sexy splendor, and since then the ground floor and courtyard has been the setting for some quite stunning art installations. I’m particularly fascinated with the current display by London based artist Richard Woods entitled “Port Sunlight” – nine decorative patterns recalling the nineteenth century with William Morris designs and mock Tudor architecture rendered in wood block style prints on a grid of wood and aluminum tiles. These high Victorian designs contrast quite strongly with the Lever as one might imagine, creating a really exciting juxtaposition of styles, while maintaining a perfect balance of core formal elements as seen, for instance, in the grid motif that ties the building and the artwork together. I suppose I was drawn to this work as I often seek a similar visual resonance between new and old in my own design endeavors.

Feeling energized by this beautiful exhibition, I’m sporting a charcoal wool and cashmere mohair coat and a black cotton wide wale corduroy jacket both by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser mini tartan cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links , forest green cashmere tie by Borrelli, Alexander McQueen tweed cargo style pants, red alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Laure, silver leather sneakers and glasses both by Dior, forest green leather gloves by Sermoneta and my fragrance is the super sophisticated Vintage Tabarome by Creed.

James Andrew - East 60th Street.

I love creating something that clients never dreamed possible (or possibly never knew they wanted)! – The challenge is to produce a cohesive statement that reflects the tastes of the the clients – creating an environment that not only soothes and comforts but elates and inspires the spirit.

An indispensable part of being a successful designer is having exceptional resources – one such resource lies at East 60th Street here in New York City – there you will find a brilliant collection of some of the finest antiques and decorations – some of my favorites like David Duncan, Ann Morris Antiques, John Salibello Antiques and many more – Most of these suppliers are only available to the trade – so hire a decorator and create something extraordinary together! Almost every spectacular project has been the result of creative collaboration! You can play Louis XIV and I’ll be your Louis Le Vau – and I know where we’ll find an André Le Nôtre to help us with the garden – lets make your Versailles visions a reality!

I’m here on East 60th Street shopping for several clients wearing a Ralph Lauren silver ski parka, teal cashmere turtleneck sweater by Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen herringbone wool tweed cargo style pant, Lanvin teal suede sneakers, Gucci black leather tote and glasses, Sermoneta purple leather gloves.

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.