WHAT IS JAMES WEARING? » Chinese Porcelain Company

The Fabulous Focal Point

WIJW — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:50:55 +0000

James Andrew at the Chinese Porcelain Company - photo Justin Williams

When creating a room, there are many factors to consider. Among these, producing a strong focal point is an absolute essential. If, say, there is a good fireplace in a room, then that becomes the focal point, and the room will revolve around that. If, on the other hand, there is not a fireplace, I will set myself toward creating a fabulous focal point from, perhaps, an important table, commode or cupboard, topped by a well chosen piece of sculpture or a collection of porcelain, and then, to further enhance the effect, a wonderful work of art on the wall behind or a magnificent mirror will go a long way toward finalizing a room.

5-piece blue and white garniture.

While visiting the uber chic Chinese Porcelain Company recently I was quite taken with the most fantastic grouping consisting of a brilliant Louis XIV console table, a large 17th Century 5-piece blue and white garniture, and on the wall, one of Scott McBee’s very handsome ocean liner paintings, the “SS Rafaello” – while these are unquestionably disparate pieces, I’m sure you’ll agree that together they produce a truly grand arrangement, and would create a stunning focal point for any fine interior.

SS Rafaello by Scott McBee

Louis XIV console table.

Do pay a visit to The Chinese Porcelain Company and see for yourself!

I’m sporting a smashing midnight blue velvet jacket by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser blue and green cotton mini tartan shirt with contrast white collar and french cuffs, Charvet forest green and white silk retro print pocket square, vintage moon stone cuff links, Paul Smith black watch tartan wool pants, red alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, Gucci black suede and leather “Belgian loafer” inspired shoes, necklace with tartan pen knife and charms by Cartography and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

Elegant Enlightenment

James — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:50:58 +0000

I popped into the chic Chinese Porcelain Company to pick up an image of one of their abstract ink paintings to show to a client, and this stunning arrangement caught my eye – an elegant Buddha (with subduing mudra) resting on an Italian 18th century Louis XVI console and a monumental coromandel screen for a backdrop – Not only a highly refined aesthetic statement that would elevate any well designed interior, this elegant statue would certainly make for a powerful daily reminder of one’s own very best potential!

I’m sporting a white cotton pinstripe jacket by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser shirt is cotton purple gingham, lavender Glenn plaid cotton pocket square is by Tom Ford, white Diesel jeans, black patent leather belt with silver leather trim and grommets and white loafers both by Gucci.

Porcelain Birds

James — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:55:50 +0000

Ever since I spotted a pair of Chinese porcelain cranes at the uber chic drawing room of Ann Getty’s Parish Hadley decorated San Francisco home I have been obsessed. Their graceful lines and gorgeous turquoise bases lend the most perfectly elegant quality to any interior. As you might imagine I was thrilled to come across this outstanding collection of 17th century Chinese porcelain cranes at the Chinese Porcelain Company. Also on display are a pair of beautiful 18th century Hawks. Of note are the gilt brackets supporting this fine grouping – a nod to Stephane Boudin of the legendary firm Maison Jansen who used similar brackets to great effect in the decoration of Leeds Castle for Lady Baillie. I think I may have the perfect spot for these gorgeous creatures!

I’m wearing a minty aqua cotton Jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford shirt with french cuffs in pale blue cotton Glenn plaid, Charvet Paris retro print pocket square in pale sapphire blue and white silk, Seaman Schepps silver pearl cufflinks with pale blue sapphires, Hermes “blue jeans” blue leather belt with silver buckle, khaki pants are Gucci, Dior silver leather sneakers and the delightful jack Russell, Oliver, at my feet.

Magnificent Cypresses

James — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:31:00 +0000

I often like to use scenic Japanese screens behind a sofa to create a rich focal point for a room. Recently I attended an exhibition of works by the artist Zeng Xiaojun at the chic Chinese Porcelain Company. Xiaojun’s ink works have great depth and intensity, and would make a brilliant statement in either a very modern or a high style traditional interior. The vigorous and wonderfully detailed work I am standing beside is a depiction of four magnificent two-thousand-year-old cypresses.

I am wearing a black and white pinstripe wool crepe suite by Gucci, lime green cotton shirt, and black patent silver leather with grommets belt, both by Gucci, lime green silk pocket square by Ralph Lauren, Seaman Schepps black pearl cufflinks, silver leather sneakers and glasses by Dior and the delightful Oliver at my feet.

Coromandel Screens

lunarlander — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:32:22 +0000

I love to use Coromandel screens in my interiors. The thirty layers or more of painstakingly applied lacquer and gold on these traditional Chinese folding screens add depth, drama, and a richness to any interior. Beautiful and functional, a fine Coromandel transcends any particular design idiom, and works well in a multitude of settings from high style traditional to modernist.

Here I am at the uber chic Chinese Porcelain Company admiring an important monumental Coromandel screen depicting a fantastic garden scene. Everything in this photo is something I would like to incorporate into one of my interiors. I am wearing an ivory corduroy jacket by Gucci over a Gucci teal silk Russian floral print shirt, a large scale geometric white and black silk scarf by Turnbull and Asser, black skinny jeans by Diesel and a silver chain link belt by Gucci. Not seen – Dior silver leather sneakers.

Scott McBee

lunarlander — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:24:49 +0000

This past Thursday was the launch party for Scott Mcbee’s solo exhibition, Ocean Liners: The Golden Age. Attended by New York’s glitterati and social elite, the show is proving to be a huge success, (see the New York Social Diary). These beautiful paintings are on view through this week at the Chinese Porcelain Company on Park and 58th – don’t miss the opportunity to pick up one of McBee’s fine works!

I am posing here the day after the opening next to McBee’s grand “Normandie,” – in my arms, the very handsome Jack Russel, Oliver. I am wearing a Gucci black wool flannel jacket, Tom Ford black and white silk pocket square, a teal silk Russian print shirt by Gucci, wool windowpane plaid pants by Gucci, silver chain link belt and navy blue leather cap toe shoes also by Gucci.

The Chinese Porcelain Company

lunarlander — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:15:40 +0000

It’s always a treat visiting the ultra elegant Chinese Porcelain Company. This gallery has one of the most refined selections I have ever seen, and Oliver, the Jack Russell Terrier, always makes me smile.

The grouping pictured here totally sums up my aesthetic: a Chinese abstract ink painting hung over an important Louis XVI commode, topped with a pair of Tang Dynasty horses – perfection!

I am wearing a Gucci dove grey cotton suit, Charvet custom mint, grey, and white cotton stripe shirt with white contrast collar and cuffs, Seaman Schepps black pearl cufflinks, Charvet mint green silk pocket square, Gucci silver chain link belt, Dior silver leather sneakers , Gucci white leather bag and the very friendly Oliver at my feet.