James Andrew at the Hunt Slonem studio

My friend Harrison Morgan recently arranged for a gathering with the legendary Hunt Slonem at the artist’s home, studio, gallery, garden, and yes, aviary. The space is 15,000 square feet of pure hypnagogia—and very much the extension of Slonem’s art as well as the perfect launching point for the artist’s further creative investigations.

It seems this is exactly the psychophysical space needed to incorporate and so gloriously resolve the great cacophony of exotic birds, bugs, rabbits, butterflies, monkeys, voodoo saints, and even depictions of our beloved Abraham Lincoln that inhabit Slonem’s vision.

Work by Hunt Slonem

As you might imagine, I’m now quite excited about the possibilities Slonem’s work presents for the interiors I’m creating. Do have a look at The Worlds of Hunt Slonem when you’re in the mood for a wondrous adventure!

I’m sporting a red leather biker jacket by Gucci, blue plaid cotton shirt by Tom Ford, Paul Smith pale gray light weight wool pant, Gucci patent and silver leather belt, Yves Saint Laurent “Windsor” loafers in black leather and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew in an Aurelien Gallet interior. Photo by Lars Stephan

The announcement of the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House had us thoroughly excited, and so we quite promptly set off to the High Line Park area to have a personal look. Elle Decor’s select “Designers to Watch” here are paired with leading modern brands, and we’re happy to report that these young designers came up with some truly stunning interiors—quite forward looking, in fact, while maintaining an appreciative eye to the past. The contrasting aesthetic within is refreshing and, perhaps not surprisingly, well balanced—this is an Elle Decor production after all!

I’m pictured (top) in Aurelien Gallet’s super sexy and richly atmospheric interior.

In rather stark contrast, I’m also photographed in a wonderfully ethereal room by Marie Turner.

Detail from the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House.

Detail of a room by Sara Story whose travel to exotic lands inspires her work.

The EDMLCH is only open until June 5th, so do make a point to see it ASAP and be sure to work in a nice stroll along the new extension to the High Line Park!

Oh, and it should be noted that while you are enjoying your visit, your ticket sales go to benefit Housing Works whose dual mission is to end homelessness and AIDS – We here at WIJW have always found the combination of altruism and fine design totally irresistible!

I’m sporting a wild mix of patterns—Gucci white and black window pane plaid silk/cotton jacket, navy linen pin stripe pants, black patent belt and loafers in black, white, and silver leather, Tom Ford shirt in a midnight cotton dotted herringbone print, Yves Saint Laurent silk paisley and camouflage print pocket square, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram 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.

Glass work by Lino Tagliapietra

Heller Gallery featured the work of master glass maker and internationally acclaimed artist Lino Tagliapietra. His works are represented in more than 60 museums around the world, and at an age when most would be considering retirement, he continues to develop and explore his craft. He plays the role of teacher to many acclaimed artists as well, including Dale Chihuly. I was particularly taken by his 2010 piece, “Saturno.”

Mosaic in glass by Andrea Salvador

At Berengo Studio—a fantastic mosaic in glass by Andrea Salvador, who was discovered while working on tomb stones! His painstaking, nearly photographic mosaic work, is entirely created by hand.

Sculpture by Jeff Conroy

The Ann Nathan Gallery featured Jeff Conroy’s “Visible Man,” a sculpture consisting of glass fragments, silicone and 450 images—decoupage on acid! Certainly a complex and wonderfully thought provoking piece.

Porcelain pots by Felicity Aylieff

Flanked by monumental Felicity Aylieff porcelain pots at Adrian Sassoon, I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci dusty grey blue suede biker jacket , wool check pants and black leather tote, Turnbull and Asser dark green micro check shirt with contrast white collar and french cuffs, Seaman Scepps pearl cuff links with pale blue sapphires, Hermes “blue jean” leather belt with silver buckle, Yves Saint Laurent black leather “Windsor” loafers and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

I’ve come to really enjoy chatting with gallerists; hearing their critical insight, as well as the many interesting stories stories behind the work they represent, cannot help but edify and inspire.

James Andrew and Lulu de Kwiatkowski at Clic Gallery - photo Gabriel Everett

The super chic Clic Gallery is one of my favorite go-to sources for the most spectacular selection of art and photography. Their latest exhibition celebrates the work of artist/designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski and coincides with the launching of her new book, “Lulu.”

We had a chance to chat with the lovely Kwiatkowski before her reception—we spoke of love, life, adventures, and change—the closing of chapters in our lives and the beginning of new ones—suffice it to say, there was no shortage of mutually interesting topics.

Kwiatkowski has had a dynamic life replete with world travel. She painted in Paris, lived in Parish Hadley designed rooms, and had a very fashionable mother who encouraged her to be “one with nature”—I must say we here at WIJW are a bit jealous! I was happy to hear that we share many creative inspirations: from major figures like David Hicks, Albert Hadley, and Sister Parish, to brands like D.Porthault. She also related her reverence for the sea and sand—I’m sure you’ll forgive us for being madly in love with her!

Kwiatkowski’s works are simply joy inducing, and you’ll be sure to see these marvelous pieces gracing many of the fine interiors I’m creating for my clients. Do get your copy of “Lulu”—it’s an autobiographical journey shared via her highly personal, wonderfully exuberant, and colorful collages. And while you are at it, make a point to visit the Clic Gallery to experience this exceptional exhibition which runs until May 8th, 2011.

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, Seaman Schepps pearl cuff links with pale blue sapphires, Tom Ford era Gucci black wool flannel pant, black silk tie and black leather wingtip tasseled loafers, black leather belt with silver buckle by Hermes, silk paisley pocket square in blues, gray and black by Yves Saint Laurent, 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 and Brian Gorman - photo Scott McBee

On our recent trip to Miami, my dear friend, the super chic hotelier Brian Gorman, and I co-hosted a fabulous cocktail fete at his ultra glam Lords South Beach Cha Cha Rooster Bar. I had the great pleasure to connect with old friends as well as some fabulous local WIJW fans over drinks—do try the Cha Cha’s mojitos when you go, they’re simply superb! While there we took the opportunity to chat with the brilliant Gorman about his latest venture, Lords South Beach Hotel.

WIJW: What do you mean when you say Lords is “an appropriately orientated hotel?
BG: The hotel is a place for all to feel comfortable, relax and have a good time. It means you don’t have to be something for us; we will be something for you.

WIJW: What were some of your core design concepts when creating Lords?
BG: We wanted the hotel to encourage people to have fun and for this to be communicated in the spirit of the design. The décor is deliberately playful with bold colors, cabana stripes, and quirky details throughout – such as our lobby polar bear and the vintage photos in our restaurant of the old ladies of Miami Beach. We liked the idea of mixing-in these unexpected touches.

WIJW: I also liked what you said about bringing your own cool to a place – can you elaborate on that? You had likened the idea of a studio 54 kind of place where people felt free to be themselves- gay – straight – etc.
BG: Being different, being happy, being comfortable – this is cool. It’s the people that make a place cool and we like to celebrate their differences. That said, we do seem to have an unusually high demographic of handsome people hanging out by the pool and eating in the restaurant! (Laughs).

WIJW: What are some of your aspirations and fantasies as a hotelier?
BG: To continue creating environments where people enjoy spending time and feel part of a community. We believe the Lords brand could work in many cities throughout the country and we are actively exploring these opportunities.

WIJW: I’m sure it would please our WIJW audience if you’de tell us a bit about what you are wearing.
BG: Jeans, always Prada. Jacket and tie, YSL. Shirt, Charvet. Shoes Louis Vuitton.

Glitter Stairway at Lords South Beach Hotel.

A kiss with the super chic Brian Gorman (top), I’m sporting a “Spencer” sports jacket in rose silk linen basket weave and a white cotton shirt with french cuffs by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps coral and shell cuff links, shocking pink jeans by Dior, silk floral print pocket square and ivory suede loafers both by Tom Ford, python belt with silver buckle by Gucci and my fragrance is fragrance is Creed Erolfa.

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

In Gustavia

In addition to the most spectacular beaches and fantastic food, there is no shortage of super chic shopping to be done in Saint-Barth, particularly in the village of Gustavia. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring beautiful boutiques while taking a break from the plage. A couple of my favorites are – Sea Memory on Rue de Roi Oscar II – they have a wonderful collection of decorative objects and the most gorgeous model boats and ships like the model of the Riva Aquarama shown below – you will have noted in the WIJW post on Le Sirenuse that our friend Antonio Sersale rockets around the Amalfi coast in one of these – oh and in true one to one scale of course. Another great boutique is Bijoux de la Mer on Rue de la République – they have exquisite necklaces and bracelets made from black Tahitian pearls (the size of acorns) strung on to simple leather cords – very sexy – for girls and for boys as well!

A model Riva Aquarama at Sea Memory.

I’m posing (top) in the Village of Gustavia and I’m wearing a Yves Saint Laurent black cotton band collar shirt with flap pockets, Gucci white, black and turquoise striped cotton linen pants, braided black leather belt and black leather sandals, sunglasses by Lanvin and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse.

James Andrew at Il Sarceno Grand Hotel.

Having read of Lee Radziwill’s carefree days in the enchanting village of Conca, we definitely had to include it on our tour of the Amalfi coast. As a base of exploration we chose the quirky Il Sarceno Grand Hotel. Built on top of a Moorish structure dating back to the 1500′s, the hotel is filled with an eclectic assortment of Moorish and Italian antiques – very much out of the pages of The World of Interiors.

View from Il Sarceno Grand Hotel.

Certainly we didn’t lack for inspiration, but it didn’t hurt to have a splendid view from here of a seaside villa once belonging to Sophia Loren!

On a bit of a hike down the many steps to the private beach, accompanied by an intoxicated melange of lemon trees, verbena, jasmine, oleander and pine in the air, I’m sporting a Yves Saint Laurent white cotton voile kaftan style shirt with whit silk braid trim, Uniglo pale pink jeans, navy blue suede loafers and sunglasses both by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.