James Andrew at Evergreen Antiques

With its rich patterns and a deep rooted connection to the Russia’s Romanov dynasty and the Russian Czars’ pension for lavish malachite laden palaces,* it’s not surprising that legendary designers like Tony Duquette were also fascinated by this sumptuous stone.

Malachite clock at Evergreen Antiques

Many designers today including Kelly Wearstler and myself are equally mesmerized by malachite. Of course when I came across this beautiful nineteenth century Russian malachite and ormolu mantle clock while hunting for objects at Evergreen Antiques I nearly fainted! This may have to be an early Xmas gift to myself!

I’m wearing a forest green leather bomber jacket, purple feather weight cashmere turtleneck sweater, and wool hounds tooth pants all by Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent aubergine suede “Eton” boot and sunglasses by Dior.

* see – the Malachite Room — produced by the architect and interior decorator for Alexander Bryullov in 1837 for Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna.

I’ve been admiring this exceptionally handsome secretaire – it’s furniture like this that brings me to Evergreen Antiques again and again. I’m drawn to Scandinavian and Northern European design for its confluence of sublime proportion, understated elegance, and utility. The superlative work pictured here is the perfect example – Incredibly versatile, this fall-front piece, with its rich mahogany finish and brass fittings simply exudes luxury and will go equally well in an upscale traditional interior as well as in an opulent contemporary setting.

Determining where I might best use this lovely piece I’m wearing a beige silk, wool and cotton jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford lavender end on end cotton shirt with contrast white collar, Tom Ford magenta and white silk pocket square, Dior shocking pink jean cut pants, Gucci python belt with silver double horsehead buckle, Gucci saddle leather tassled loafers, Louis Vuitton document folder and sunglasses by Tom Ford.