On our way to the AIFAF

James Andrew at the AIFAF Carlton Hobbs booth.

Our friends at Carlton Hobbs never cease to amaze. I was enthralled by this rare set of Chinese wallpapers which formerly hung in Colonial Williamsburg – and can’t wait to base the decoration of a room on these – I may have to include this Linton Park table as well! Oh, and you must have noticed the splendid parquet floor? It’s this kind of attention to detail that has me continually smitten by Carlton Hobbs!

James Andrew at the AIFAF Simon Capstick - Dale Fine Art booth.

I would would absolutely LOVE to see the above bold and colorful work, Zone 1 painted in 1965 by Larry Zox, mixed into a room with a super chic chintz and perhaps a Willy Rizzo cocktail table.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Buccellati Booth.

I’ve always admired the jewelry and decorative objet created by Buccellati. I’m holding an outrageous silver “cavolo” (above) – and it has me thinking that I may just have to replace my Dodie Thayer lettuce tureen with this fantastical piece.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Martin du Louvre booth.

We were delighted to chat with our new friends at Martin du Louvre and can’t wait to visit their gallery in Paris. I’m plotting where I might be able to place Sonia Delounay’s sublime 1954 “Mosaique” and Brad Howe’s delightful 1993 mobile, “Pursuit” pictured above.

James Andrew at the AIFAF Tomasso Brothers Fine Art booth.

I’m drawn to sculpture, especially busts on pedestals, and as such I absolutely couldn’t resist these grand works at Tomasso Brothers.

For our opening day at the fair I’m dressed Palm Beach style (with our trademark WIJW edge) – a mint green cotton suite by Gucci, a Tom Ford pale blue Glenn plaid cotton shirt with French cuffs, silver pearl and pale blue sapphire Seaman Schepps cuff links, retro print silk pocket square in pale blue and white silk, my lovely Lanvin taupe suede sneakers, Rolex Submariner watch, and a Gucci python belt to add that edge I mentioned.

James Andrew in front of the Chesterfield Hotel.

WIJW at large! – We’ve begun our Palm Beach coverage here, bright and early and a little bleary eyed, at the historic Chesterfield Hotel - a hardy English style breakfast poolside soon found us rejuvenated and ready to hit some of our favorite Palm Beach locals before heading to our main attraction, the American International Fine Art Fair Vernissage private viewing. Considered one of the highlights of the social season, our VIP viewing provided us an opportunity to narrow the field to a few of our favorite dealers, and we’ll be featuring them in the next installments.

James Andrew at the Vernissage preview

In the Palm Beach spirit, I’m sporting an ivory cotton pinstripe suit by Gucci, mini floral print silk tie and lavender Glenn plaid pocket, bot by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps precious turquoise cufflinks, white and turquoise cotton striped shirt with contrast white French cuffs and color by Turnbull and Asser, Rolex Submariner, purple alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, and Gucci ivory leather loafers.