James Andrew and work by Lars Stephan

Our Lars Stephan is off adventuring in search of fresh environs to inspire him to create exciting new works. Sadly we will be without him for many months. Paying tribute to his work and sharing one of the last (at least for a while) photos he took of me (see above), I’m posing at a recent show he had here at the Envoy Gallery in New York City. I’m visualizing his provocative images working quite well in one of my fine interiors. For more examples of Stephan’s work, please have a look at his website – you might find just the thing to make an empty wall sparkle.

Lars Stephan artwork.

Celebrating Stephan and our friendship, I’m sporting a white linen jacket by Gucci, pocket square in white linen with pale blue embroidered borders from Baumons, Burkman Bros hooded super light chambray shirt, white cotton slim shorts are Mario Matteo at Behaviour NYC, Gucci silver chain link belt and white leather bag, Tom Ford pale beige suede loafers. My fragrance is Creed Imperial Millesime.

James Andrew in a Jean Nouvel space.

I approach my interior design projects as a couturier. I tailor a concept for each client that fits their taste and lifestyle as I would the most perfectly fitted garment – luxuriously comfortable custom designed upholstered furniture – custom designed fabrics and carpets – every detail, highly considered. I bring together brilliant artisans, builders, painters and valuable resources I’ve collected over the years to create truly bespoke rooms. It really gives me such immense pleasure creating these spaces for my clients and seeing the transformation that takes place.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the most spectacular penthouse. My friend, and Douglas Elliman agent, Philp Tabor (who works with the brilliant Holly Parker team) gave me a tour of this master piece by Jean Nouvel – the perfect blank canvas – ready for me to take to that sublime level! More about Nouvel Chelsea in an upcoming post as we bring some of the most important real estate to WIJW.

I’m sporting a mint green cotton twill suit by Gucci, Tom Ford shirt in pale blue cotton with french cuffs and contrast white collar and brown suede tasseled loafers, Seaman Schepps cuff links are silver pearls with pale blue sapphires, python belt with silver buckle by Gucci, pocket square in white linen with pale blue embroidered borders from Baumons my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWUb_Pwm4hw

WIJW is on German television!

Our lovely host, Niels Ruf, has been a major figure in German television for some time, having had his own late night show “Die Niels Ruf Show,” as well as having hosted German MTV -- With a propensity for cutting edge entertainment, it’s not surprising that he also happened to have created one of the first blogs in Germany! (see “99 days of 99″)

You’ll have noticed I’m not wearing my usual Dior frames since guest and host on the Looki-Looki TV show are both outfitted with video camera glasses! I’m sure you’ll agree this does produce some truly unusual and oft times quite funny first person views throughout the piece.

We’ll be sure to bring you more from Ruf -- until then, enjoy the show! Tschüs!

I’m sporting a royal blue cotton sateen jacket, a Pucci-esq print shirt, black patent belt with silver leather trim and grommets and black leather tote all by Gucci, silvery gray silk pocket square from Turnbull and Asser, Lanvin sand colored suede and gray patent leather sneakers, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

Ngo Okafor and James Andrew - photo by Matthew Dean

Some of you may know the story of how WIJW came to be – the cat calls I’d receive at the gym for my usual (slightly over the top?) outfits – I’d come in with my citron yellow jeans or a dusty rose suede safari jacket and there’d always be a “Hey Jimmy – whatcha got on today?” Of course I’d be tickled by the response I was getting, but I didn’t really see the opportunity I had until I started fitness training with the amazing Ngo Okafor. It was in fact Okafor who, with huge foresight, suggested I make a blog based on my fashion sense. It did take some friendly insistence from him over the next month or so, but I eventually called on Alex Scott to help create what we now know as What is James Wearing?! Tonight’s post is a tribute to Okafor’s persistence and the push he gave me to get this all to happen!

He is a two-time heavyweight champion winning back-to-back Golden Gloves (and yes we saw him knock a fellow out at The Garden not long ago).

As a model, Okafor has worked with major superstars like Gisele, and Mary J. Blige, and he’s currently featured in a huge Under Armour campaign. Okafor has acted in several TV shows as well, including Six Degrees, The Rebound with Catherine Zeta-Jones, and he has just finished work on an upcoming feature film, “Jeremy Fink and the meaning of life.” Okafor is currently at work on a feature-length documentary, which chronicles his journey from Nigeria to the top of the boxing world. “I really want the film to inspire people to dream big and work hard,” says Okafor. “That’s always been my mantra and so far so good.”

Be looking for his 2011 calendar which will be out soon, with proceeds going to raise funds for up-and-coming boxing stars in Nigeria.

So to my dear friend Ngo – thank you for pushing me to become a better version of myself and for being so completely inspirational to us all – may your star continue to rise!

I’m photographed in the ring sporting a Gucci cotton, wool and silk white and black window pane plaid jacket, silk black and white hounds tooth pant, black patent belt with silver leather trim and grommets and black and white silk bow tie, Turnbull and Asser shirt in red and white cotton stripes with contrast white collar and french cuffs and grey and black silk polka dot pocket square, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, Tom Ford black and saddle leather loafer, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Aventus.

James at Riverside Park

I often find myself in a real quandary over which parties, galas, openings, etc., to go to – and while, as you know, I do like a good party, sometimes hitting all of them can seem like a second job!

In fact, contrary to what you may have concluded from reading WIJW, it’s often the simplest of things that bring me the most pleasure and peace – say for instance a Saturday stroll through a gorgeous park. In fact, when I’m in the city, I consider my park time integral to my well being. Whether I’m already in a good mood, or I’m looking for a psychophysical bump, the quiet, natural, beauty of one of our parks can go a long way toward turning a less than stellar mood into one of appreciation and love.

I’m pictured here at Riverside Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side enjoying a leisurely stroll in a casual ensemble – Navy cotton pique jacket by Gucci, navy and white silk micro dot pocket square by Battistoni, navy cotton t-shirt by Alternative, white jeans by Diesel, chartreuse python belt with silver double horse head buckle by Gucci, Tom Ford woven olive suede espadrilles, sunglasses by Lanvin white leather bag by Gucci, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram and my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.

In Gustavia

In addition to the most spectacular beaches and fantastic food, there is no shortage of super chic shopping to be done in Saint-Barth, particularly in the village of Gustavia. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring beautiful boutiques while taking a break from the plage. A couple of my favorites are – Sea Memory on Rue de Roi Oscar II – they have a wonderful collection of decorative objects and the most gorgeous model boats and ships like the model of the Riva Aquarama shown below – you will have noted in the WIJW post on Le Sirenuse that our friend Antonio Sersale rockets around the Amalfi coast in one of these – oh and in true one to one scale of course. Another great boutique is Bijoux de la Mer on Rue de la République – they have exquisite necklaces and bracelets made from black Tahitian pearls (the size of acorns) strung on to simple leather cords – very sexy – for girls and for boys as well!

A model Riva Aquarama at Sea Memory.

I’m posing (top) in the Village of Gustavia and I’m wearing a Yves Saint Laurent black cotton band collar shirt with flap pockets, Gucci white, black and turquoise striped cotton linen pants, braided black leather belt and black leather sandals, sunglasses by Lanvin and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse.

James Andrew - Anse du Gouverneur.

Another favorite beach to visit while in Saint-Barth is the secluded Gouverneur – smaller than Saline but just as spectacular.

From here one might head over to Anse des Flamands. On your way there I wholeheartedly suggest a stop at La Langouste for their lobster salad – wash that down with rosé – and the coup de grâce? – the pineapple carpaccio flambeed with old rum of course!

Anse du Gouverneur

Pausing (top) for a shot at the dreamy seagrape gates to Gouverneur, I’m wearing a Michael Bastian Cuban-style guayabera shirt in white linen, H & M purple poplin shorts and black rubber Birkenstock sandals, Dior sunglasses, (not shown, a black Amalfi bikini).

Dining at Maya's.

As one might have guessed, there is an abundance of culinary pleasures available on Saint-Barth where Dutch, Swedes, and French all bring the best of their respective cultures. Among the many exceptional restaurants here, Maya’s is a stand-out – Maya herself (who we had the great pleasure to speak with) remains wedded to the idea of making French Caribbean food from the freshest of indigenous ingredients and presenting them in the simplest, most pleasing way. Scrumptious cuisine, a beautiful seaside setting, and a truly handsome staff all coalesce at Maya’s – making it the perfect island dining experience. We loved it so much we went twice on our rather short stay! It comes as no surprise that Maya’s has been the destination of choice for those in the know for over twenty-five years.

In a classic throwback shot, I’m sporting a cotton voile shirt in white turquoise and black, cotton sateen pants and belt in black patent and silver leather trim with grommets all by Gucci, Lanvin sneakers and my fragrance is Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse by Creed.

James Andrew at Grande Saline.

A holiday at Saint-Barth is all about exploring the many magnificent beaches – though of course one should not forget to pair one’s beach destination with a lovely local lunch as well.

Le Plage Saline.

For lunch – Le Grain de Sel – exquisite French and Creole cuisine with a super casual vibe – the perfect place to stop and refill after a tough morning of sunbathing.

I’m sporting a black and white cotton gingham shirt with black trim by Gucci, shorts by Our Legacy 1980-81 in hemp, cotton, and silk; purple crocodile belt with sterling buckle from Ralph Lauren, sunglasses by Lanvin, sandal espadrilles by Christian Louboutin underneath a Robinson Les Bains “Amalfi” bikini in purple.

James Andrew poolside at Hotel Christopher, Saint-Barth

Saint Barth Emblem

In any case, just a quick glimpse today – We’ll be sharing more on Saint-Barth this week.

À bientôt!

St Barth is definitely one of the more sophisticated Caribbean islands, and accordingly I’ve gone for a casual chic vibe with an eye toward staying cool in these tropical climes. I’m pictured poolside at Hotel Christopher, wearing a Balenciaga black and white silk and cotton micro striped shirt with drawstring neck, Dior shocking pink jeans, Christian Louboutin black leather sandal/ espadrilles, Lanvin glasses, and my fragrance is Creed Zeste Mandarine Pamplemousse.