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D. Porthault

Kim Cattrall and D. Porthault’s Joan Carl

Dec 19th, 2009
by James.
23 comments
Kim Cattrall, James Andrew, and Joan Carl at D. Porthault

Kim Cattrall, James Andrew, and Joan Carl at D. Porthault

A D. Porthault champagne fête is one of those not to be missed events, and as one might imagine, having the super chic beauties, actress Kim Cattrall and Chairman Joan Carl on each arm was all one needed to take the chill out of a NYC Winter’s night!

D. Portholt's "Tigre"

D. Portholt Tigre

If you didn’t already know, Cattrall, who also happens to be good friends with the Carls, has championed D. Porthault on screen and off. After financier Bernard Carl and his wife Joan (also creative director of the brand) acquired D. Porthault in 2005, they sent their friend some swatch books. Cattrell tells us that she was wowed by the elegance, sophistication, and sexiness of the 1960’s Tigre pattern, and selected it to decorate her home a few years ago. Later, in an art-imitates-life-imitates-art moment, Cattrall turned to D. Porthault’s Tigre once again, but this time to create the perfect backdrop for her character, the tigress Samantha Jones, in the 2008 Sex and the City – the Movie. Happily for us we’ll be seeing more of these ultra luxe French textiles, thanks to Ms. Cattrall, in the next cinematic Sex in The City 2, to be released in Spring 2010!

It should be mentioned that Joan Carl became a Chevalier de la Legion d’ honneur last week, (one of the highest awards granted by the government of France), in recognition of Carl’s dedication to revitalizing the esteemed French textile house. Needless to say with timeless patterns like Tigre firmly embedded in our collective design consciousness, the nearly 90 year old D. Porthault is more than alive and continues to thrive in the 21st century!

I’m wearing a navy blue velvet jacket by Gucci, chartreuse silk pocket square by Turnbull and Asser, Tom Ford navy end on end cotton French cuff shirt with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps silver pearl cuff links with pale blue sapphires, a Michael Bastian wool cardigan in olive, chartreuse, and blues; black watch tartan wool pants by Paul Smith, silver chain link belt and navy blue cap toe slip on shoes both by Gucci.

Patrick Mavros @ D. Porthault

Oct 25th, 2009
by James.
16 comments
James Andrew at D. Porthault

James Andrew at D. Porthault

I was recently invited to attend a cocktail party celebrating the artist/designer Patrick Mavros’ trunk show at the super chic D. Porthault boutique – D. Porthault, as you may know, is THE luxury linen of choice, and their NYC boutique was a fitting venue to showcase the exquisite silver work from Mavros’ African Luxury House.

Considered to be one of the most important silversmiths of our time, Mavros creates breathtaking sculpture, jewelery, accessories, and decorative objet – all inspired by the exotic wild life of Zimbabwe where he grew up. The artist traces his business’ beginnings to a pair of carved ivory rose earrings he made as a young man for his fiance – interest in his work grew exponentially, and now Mavros has a truly impressive list of patrons – from dignitaries to celebrities to royalty. The King of Spain is a devoted collector, and Mavros’ silver “elephant hair” bracelets can be seen on the royal wrists of the likes of Prince William and Harry! I’ve included a few images below, but do have a look at the Patrick Mavros website for a larger sampling of these wonderfully exotic works – perhaps you’ll find the perfect piece to enliven a dreary day – a Mavros piece will have you well on your virtual African safari in no time at all!

Mavros silver bracelets.

Mavros silver bracelets.

Mavros sculpture.

Mavros sculpture.

Mavros elephant and tortoise ashtray.

Mavros elephant and tortoise ashtray.

(top) Standing in front of the super chic D. Porthault boutique on Park Avenue I’m wearing an olive/brown box quilted hunting style jacket with brown suede accents by Gucci, a red and white cotton striped shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, a wool tartan tie by Ralph Lauren, vintage moonstone cuff links, brown tweed motor cycle pants by Gucci, red alligator belt with sterling buckle and brown leather “Chelsea” boot by Gucci.

D. Porthault

Jun 14th, 2009
by James.
3 comments
James Andrew at the D. Porthault boutique

James Andrew at the D. Porthault boutique

As one of the most exclusive home couture lines, D. Porthault’s client list reads like a who’s who of past and present social elite – from style legends like Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jacqueline Onassis to modern day figures like Aerin Lauder, Tory Burch, and The Miller sisters. It’s no wonder “The linen of Queens” is inscribed on the Porthault label.

This innovative company produced the first printed linens in 1925, and has had a long history of working with clients to create unique signature prints like “Hearts” for the Duchess of Windsor. Today, the Porthault influence remains equally relevant, (one may have noticed their fabulous aqua tiger print not too long ago in the popular Sex in the City film!).

Porthault offers a myriad of custom possibilities like hand sewn scalloped borders, hand screened prints, embroideries, etc. to create the perfect couture look for any fine bedroom, dining room, or bathroom.

June 15 marks the start of Porthault’s fabulous white sale, so it is an excellent time to indulge! I look forward to seeing you there.

Here at the uber chic Porthault boutique at 470 Park Avenue at 58th Street, I’m wearing a white cotton pique jacket with black and white mother of pearl buttons and a black and white cotton gingham shirt with black trim both by Gucci, Dior shocking pink cotton jean cut pants, black patent leather belt with silver leather trim and grommets, black, white, and silver leather loafers and a black leather tote both by Gucci.

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