WHAT IS JAMES WEARING? » Galerie Van den Akker

Ultra Contrast

James — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:37:18 +0000

One of my favorite designers, David Hicks, often created exciting contrasts by placing, say, a cutting edge space age plastic and leather Joe Colombo “Elda” chair within an otherwise Edwardian period room.

I often work with this idea in my own interiors, and really love the wonderful “tension” created through mixing seemingly disparate pieces together. In the super chic Galerie Van den Akker I happened upon this outrageous citron yellow “Boomerang” desk by the French sculptor Maurice Caulka for Leleu-Deshays. This is exactly the kind of sculptural modernist furniture that David Hicks loved to use, and I’m having the most fun here visualizing a room utilizing this pop piece. – Chocolate brown covered velvet walls, a David Hicks black, beige and white hexagon carpet, ivory and brown upholstery, a mix of fine antiques, and some good modern art – voila! – a room that is dramatic, warm, comfortable and inviting.

With my mind running quite wild thinking of all the possibilities for this really exceptional piece, I’m sporting a shocking pink cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs by Turnbull and Asser, Seaman Schepps black pearl cufflinks, vintage Cartier tank watch from Raj Tolaram, black and white silk/cotton mini houndstooth check pant by Gucci, black patent leather belt with silver leather trim and grommets and black, white and silver leather loafers both by Gucci.

Modern Wicker

James — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:55:47 +0000

I love wicker! The hand-made, airy quality of it really adds texture to a room. I often use a mix of wicker or rattan with upholstered pieces for country or beach houses, tropical retreats, or wherever a client wants a more casual vibe. I was really excited when I came across this fabulous pair of French 60′s wicker and leather swivel club chairs at the fantastic Galerie Van Den Akker. What a clever, modernist use of wicker. I can’t wait to place them in my next casual contemporary project.

Enjoying one of a pair of lovely sculptural chairs, I’m wearing a red leather biker jacket by Gucci, a Balenciaga chambray shirt with blue and white cotton stripes lining the collar and cuffs, royal blue cotton pant by Gucci, silver chain link belt also Gucci, Dior sunglasses and silver leather sneakers.

The Maison Jansen Look

James — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:25:59 +0000

The legendary firm of Maison Jansen used pieces from all periods to create vibrant exciting interiors that were both classic and cutting edge. This “Coclea” cocktail table designed by Fabrizio Cocchia for Sormani in 1970 is a fantastic example of the finest quality modernist furniture Jansen was known for – it is available in four of its original lacquer colors – black, white, sand, and deep red. The large black lacquer version, featured here, is available at the very stylish Galerie Van Den Akker.

James Andrew at Galerie Van Den Akker

I am wearing a bright olive green suede safari jacket over a yellow cashmere turtleneck both by Gucci, white skinny jeans by Diesel, Tom Ford sunglasses and not seen Gucci python loafers.

A Spectacular Find

James — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:39:21 +0000

One can create heightened drama in an interior through the use of floor to ceiling paneling – perhaps made from fine and exotic woods – a pale blue sapphire or smoky topaz mirror can also be employed to great effect. Shown here is a truly exceptional variation on this idea – a wall of thirty-six textured glass silver backed panels in reds, yellows, golds and greens all conspire to make the most spectacular impression. Created by Vol St. Lambert for a 1948 apartment in Brussels, this would be the perfect wall piece to enliven a private elevator landing or entrance gallery. As you can imagine I was thrilled to find this at the sensational Galerie Van den Akker. They always have an excellent collection of the most beautiful and unusual 20th century furniture and they always have new finds to be seen – It is well worth stopping by there often.

I’m wearing a dusty rose suede safari jacket, an ivory cashmere turtleneck sweater, sand colored corduroy pants, brown suede loafers with pink suede trim, brown suede and leather satchel, all by Gucci with Dior sunglasses.