James Andrew and the beach at Savannah.

Savannah's dining room acts as a wonderful screened porch from which all rooms can be accessed.

James Andrew at David Hicks' Savannah.

David Hicks’ concept of Savannah was far from the usual colonial fare so prevalent throughout the Bahamas. In fact a first encounter with Savannah was, and still is, a bit shocking. But of course, being the brainchild of David Hicks, it actually makes perfect sense that he drew upon the Egyptian aesthetic for his fantasy Bahamian retreat – the sun, the sand, and palms all lend a shared context that make Savannah perfectly at home on Windermere Island.

And then there is the interior – Hicks’ interior is typically hyper stylized with a signature sophisticated look, yet through his highly considered choice of local materials and finish, Hicks makes sure we never lose a sense of place. All the interior walls and floors were constructed from a rusticated mixture of local pink sand, cement, and marble dust. The ceilings by contrast are highly polished with almost a lacquered appearance, lending them a certain weightless quality – this buoyant effect is further enhanced by a painted black gap between the walls and ceiling. Floor to ceiling windows accentuate the vertical and were made to slide into the walls, inviting an easy interplay between interior and exterior. Two scroll top pictures specially painted by the artist Bruce Tippet in a vibrant Caribbean palette anchor the seating areas in the living room – the rest of the artwork at Savannah is by David Hicks himself as well as by Ashley and India Hicks.

Following the ravages of Hurricane Floyd, India Hicks lovingly undertook some much needed renovations to Savannah. But “there was no improving on the master,” she tells us, so thankfully virtually everything has been restored to its original specifications.

While a visit to Savannah is primarily reserved for family and friends, it is available for a week or two on occasion for those seeking a truly unique experience. Are your bags packed already?

I’m pictured (above) enjoying the super chic living room at Savannah. Dressed in homage to the master I’m sporting a white linen jacket by Gucci, pale blue Glen plaid cotton French cuff shirt by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps silver pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, shocking pink cotton jean cut pants by Dior, yellow ribbon belt by Club Monaco, yellow and white silk retro print pocket square by Charvet Paris, white leather Gucci loafers, and my fragrance is Royal Water by Creed – Incidentally Creed’s fragrance Royal Water was created for the young house of Windsor, and as chance would have it Prince Charles and Lady Diana spent time at Savannah on their honeymoon in the summer of 1981!

James Andrew at David Hicks' Savannah.

At last we’ve made our pilgrimage to Savannah, David Hicks’ tropical masterpiece on Windermere Island’s Savannah Sound.

Let me tell you, it was one of those most sublime thrills to experience this tropical masterwork in person. You may have heard me go on quite a bit about the British born Hicks – and I’ve had good reason! He was quite simply one of the most prolific, innovative, and sought after decorators of the twentieth century – his touch extended into every conceivable design forum, from aristocratic homes, to set design, to fashion, to industrial design, to landscape design etc. etc. etc. – and his genius was only matched by his bigger than life persona. Needless to say much of what I do has been inspired by David Hicks – so you can only imagine how honored I was when the London Telegraph described me as an “…updated David Hicks.” – High praise that I aspire to live up to one day!

Savannah became of keen interest to me especially when I learned that it has remained virtually unchanged since it was completed in 1969. I’ve had the great fortune to speak with Ashley and India Hicks who graciously provided me with fascinating background information on the property.

Tomb of King Djoser at Saqqara.

Paying Homage to the great David Hicks I’m pictured standing in front of Savannah’s monumental entrance way, absorbing some of Hick’s enduring brilliance – I’m sporting lemon yellow jeans by Cassette, palest pink safari shirt and silver chain link belt both by Gucci, black leather sandal/espadrille by Christian Louboutin, KVA sunglasses by Oliver peoples my fragrance is Citrus Bigarrade by Creed.

James Andrew at the Young Fellows Ball at The Frick.

It seems not even even a blustery NYC snowstorm could keep guests from the much anticipated Young Fellows Ball at The Frick. Dubbed the Diamond and Deco Ball to kick off the The Frick’s 75th Anniversary commemorating the opening of this world class property to the public, the YFB is considered one of the most important social events of the season – In fact the New York Times called it one of the “most memorable parties of the year.” And lest you get the impression that this is a purely hedonistic event it should be pointed out that nearly a quarter of a million dollars was raised in support of education programs at The Frick – a thought that made making merry an even merrier thing!

Of course any YFB would be incomplete without the most delicious food – and this gala was no exception. Our evening menu included deco-era chafing dishes overflowing with Swedish meatballs and mini Beef Wellingtons, quiche Loraine offered on elevated platters – Martini glasses rimmed with shrimp, and chicken and wild mushroom pot pies all took the chill out of the raging storm outside. Dessert included opera cakes, coffee cream puffs, mini chocolate ice cream sandwiches. And Free flowing Pol Roger champagne inspired most of us to head to the Frick Music Room to dance the night away.

As you can see I decided to put a pretty serious twist on the old hum-drum black tie in honor of this really special event – a decision that garnered more than a little attention. As you probably know by now I do put a lot of consideration into my wardrobe selection, so I must admit I was quite pleased when a lovely young woman there bestowed upon me the honorary title of “The Belle of the Ball!”

I’m pictured enjoying this spectacular evening in a woven silk tapestry evening suit, micro pleated cotton tuxedo shirt, black silk cumberbund and black patent leather opera pumps all by Gucci, black silk bow tie by Tom Ford and a set of Art Deco diamond cuff links and studs from my super chic friend and private jeweler Raj Tolaram, my fragrance for the evening is Windsor by Creed.

James Andrew at India Hicks' Cricket Pavilion.

We’re back from the Bahamas and I can’t wait to share all of our adventures, but first I must do a post on The Young Fellows Ball at The Frick which I had intended to do the night before our departure – so we’ll be making a very special post on the ball at The Frick on Monday followed by my beautiful Bahamas holiday posts throughout the week!

In the meantime just a tease…

Having had the great pleasure to spend some time with the divine India Hicks in Harbour Island, I’m pictured here on the porch of her absolutely perfect Cricket Pavilion where we spent several spectacular days.

I’m wearing a smashing straw hat with black gross grain ribbon trim which I absolutely had to have from India Hicks’ super chic boutique,The Sugar Mill, palest pink cotton safari style shirt by Gucci, shocking pink cotton jean cut pants by Dior, silver chain link belt by Gucci, black leather sandal/espadrille by Christian Louboutin and my fragrance is Creed Royal Water.

Savannah's beach, Eleuthera.

And here is that beach I was heading to – a wonderful place to decompress, bask in the sun and sand – grateful to be here in this beautiful place.

A view that caught our eye.

We’re here! Semi exhausting trip has me wanting to shed my travel gear and head for the beautiful open sands nearby for a stretch out and snooze. Leaving you with a quick impression along the house though before I conk out! – Love these clean lines and extensive decks – very pleasing to the eyes – and feels good on the toes as well! It’s always a bit of a strange transition coming from chilly NYC and finding oneself in such a place as this only a half a day later.

David Hicks at Savannah photographed by Ashley Hicks.

We’re off to the Bahamas!

In need of sun and sand, we decided to combine a holiday with a spectacular opportunity to experience the iconic designer David Hicks’ Eleuthran Utopia, Savannah.

So please be patient – my posts may be a bit sporadic while I am on holiday – will hopefully be able to share a few images via blackberry.

Upon my return we’ll have a whole week’s worth of fabtastic posts starting with my evening at “The Young Fellows Ball” at The Frick then some great Bahamian adventure posts.

Now I really must dash – rolling rack is out – getting my wardrobe sorted is like planning a show for the tents of Bryant Park during fashion week – but a lot more fun.

James Andrew at DecoDence - with Scott McBee's painting, SS Normandie

Just back from the opening of DecoDence – an ultra fab exhibition showcasing Mario Pulice’s unparalleled ocean liner related collection at the South Street Seaport Museum. A perfect antidote to the economy-over-comfort trend in current day travel, the show gives a rare glimpse of some of the actual objects and fine French furnishings that one could expect to see on one’s transatlantic voyage aboard the exceedingly lavish oceanic angel, SS Normandie.

Furnishings at the DecoDence exhibit.

How I do long for the return of this kind of elegance and sophistication, where travel was as much about the journey as it was the destination! -Am I over romanticizing this? I think not! As you know, we really crave that all enveloping design experience here at WIJW, so it is quite natural for us to go on a bit about iconic ocean liners like the Normandie – and I’m sure you’ll forgive me for imagining just what we’d wear in those heavenly grand salons, while chatting with the glitterati of yore. And did I mention that the artist, Scott McBee ’s large scale painting of the Normandie is the centerpiece of this brilliant exhibition?! This fact alone, despite the hideous weather, made it an easy thing to make my way down to this fantastic event.

Special mention has to be made of a recently discovered 1939 short color film showing at the exhibit that captures life aboard the SS Normandie on one of its voyages between New York and France – another very good reason to put DecoDence at the very top of your must-see list!

I’m pictured here in front of McBee’s iconic SS Normandie wearing a navy velvet jacket by Gucci, Tom Ford blue end on end cotton shirt with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps silver pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, Charvet Paris retro print pocket square in white and green silk, black watch plaid wool pant by Paul Smith, purple alligator belt with sterling buckle by Ralph Lauren, navy leather cap toe slip on shoes by Gucci. My fragrance is Royal Water by Creed