James Andrew

My devastation upon not winning Saturday’s Power Ball lottery was of theatrical proportions—well, not really. Actually, Scott McBee and I had a grand time discussing our rather elaborate plans for the 600 million dollars we’d be winning.

Just to get us feeling comfortable with all that cash, we’d start off with a two week Mediteranean cruise on Paul Getty’s yacht, Talitha G, revisiting all of our favorite ports of call along the way and perhaps a few new ones. And real estate! My first priority would be to procure a country house in Rhinebeck NY, a Manhattan townhouse, and perhaps that tropical villa in Lyford Cay I’ve been dreaming about.

As you know, I adore coming up with some rather outrageous fantasies. I like to keep a playfulness when doing so, which keeps things light and fun. Of course, one can become a bit discouraged sometimes. It seems especially so for many of us who work in the creative field— essentially freelancers with big hopes, and even bigger imaginations! And certainly one can become impatient when things don’t unfold on one’s preferred schedule, but when things aren’t just snapping into place, I like to remind myself that delays don’t mean denials.

When one is able to let go of worry and anxiety, and simply feel as good “as if” one already had, say, $600 million dollars, one is much more likely to find a more positive shift. With this sort of mindset, for instance, I often find new or old client coming to me, seemingly out of the blue. Opportunities present themselves and once again I’m on the road to abundance, and manifesting some of those aforementioned dreams. The point is, we really do have to “joy our way to success.” This understandably can be a bit challenging if one is down to the last buck, but in those times, it’s always good to remember that we do indeed create our own reality. With our thoughts feeling and actions in line, we really do have the power to change our lives. Reality, in fact, can change in an instant!

Feeling like a 600 Million dollar power-ball winner, I’m paying tribute to the style of Tommy Nutter who reinvented the Savile Look for the 1960′s and 70′s. I’m sporting a Tom Ford lilac rose silk wool linen melange twill Snowdon suit, floral shirt in lavenders and purple, white silk tie, purple and brown polka dot silk pocket square, brown leather tasseled loafers and a brown leather belt with rose gold buckle, with “Cyrille” sunglasses, vintage Rolex and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew at the Donghia New York showroom

Angelo Donghia was the Halston of the interior design world—a super-star designer with equally spectacular clients.

‘Trained at Parsons, steeped in classicism, and highly disciplined, Donghia stressed simplicity of line, purity of materials, and boldness of form, in rooms that appeared at first glance modern, but were actually based on the eighteenth-century belief in sensible proportions and careful symmetry,’ in the words of Stanley Barrows, Donghia’s teacher at Parsons….These ‘sensible proportions’ translated into comfort, something Donghia also insisted upon. ‘I design for people’ he maintained. ‘Rooms are backrounds for people : that’s why they’re called living rooms.’ (From the book, Manhattan Style, Esten).

Certainly these are all principles that inform my own approach to interior design!

As many of you may know, Donghia actually decorated Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s homes and worked on many of the early Polo Ralph Lauren stores.

Angelo Donghia and Ralph Lauren

As it goes, Hadley told Lauren that Donghia’s scheme and architecture was so beyond perfect that he (Hadley) didn’t want to disturb what had been done. Instead, Hadley advised Lauren to simply mix in some fine antiques and paintings. And so, per Hadley’s suggestion, the Lauren’s employed their own design team to do just this. Recently, however, the Lauren’s have very nearly returned their home to Donghia’s original design. It goes without saying, that this speaks volumes for the longevity of Donghia’s designs.

Since Donghia’s passing, his company has been through many incarnations, but I’m thrilled to see there’s been a strong return to Donghia’s roots. Many original Donghia pieces have been brought back to life—and are as fresh and perfect for today as they were back then. There are many new and original designs to choose from too—all imbued with the founder’s spirit.

There is a whole generation coming up today that are now buying their first homes and apartments, and many of them are curious about the decadent glamour of the 70′s and the opulence of the 80′s. If you’re one of them, do look at Donghia’s latest pieces, as they recall the fabulousness of those decades. Visit the recently re-decorated Donghia showroom here in New York City, there are so many fabulous pieces that I’m feeling rather inspired to incorporate many in my own design work. Keep a lookout for the room with corner banquettes—so very chic! I’m wildly crazy about them.

I’m photographed in a stunning living room at the Donghia New York showroom which showcases several of their latest additions like the “Kent” sofa and draped “slipper chair” -—perfection!

Kent Sofa at Donghia

Slipper Chair at Donghia

I’m sporting a Tom Ford indigo and ivory glen check silk jacket, pale blue cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cobalt and pale blue polka dot silk tie, Charvet vintage print silk pocket square, Paul Smith pale grey wool pants, Ralph Lauren navy leather D ring belt, Gucci navy leather slip on shoes, vintage Rolex, pearl cuff links with pale blue sapphires and my fragrance is Royal-Oud by Creed.

James Andrew at the celebration for the inaugural season of the Fire Island Opera Festival – Sky Club Lounge at The Sheffield

One might think that the words “opera” and “Fire Island” would have never appeared in the same sentence together…fortunately for us, my multi-talented friend and visionary Edwin Cahill doesn’t see things this way. In fact, he’s forged from this unlikely pairing one of the most anticipated events of the summer, namely the Fire Island Opera Festival scheduled for the the weekend of August 24th 2013.

With a mix of one-act American operas and revivals of forgotten works from the 17th and 18th centuries, the FIOF will unite top artists from opera, theatre, classical music, fashion, and the visual arts. The place: a Pines mansion and its grounds, transformed into a beach opera house by Marfa-based installation artist, Charles Mary Kubricht. The result: an intimate exchange between art and nature, and a singular theatrical and musical experience!

The 2013 Season will feature two fabulous Operas:

“Bon Appétit is a comic, culinary, extravaganza by Lee Hoiby that taps the wit and antics of Julia Child, one of America’s best-loved television personalities. In this episode, live from the Fire Island Beach Opera House kitchen, Julia Child will sing us through the recipe for her famous chocolate cake with a hilarious flour flying and frantic egg beating demonstration. You will then taste the glorious results of her famous recipe at intermission.”

“L’Arbre Enchanté (The Magic Tree) is a sexy, comic opera by Gluck last performed in a 1775 for Marie-Antoinette at Versailles. In what will mark its ‘New World’ Premiere, the original melodies and French lyrics will come alive within a contemporary script adaptation in English which tells the story of two men fighting for the love of a beautiful young man. Will the dashing, rich business man with a beach mansion win or will it be the hot, penniless, pool boy? Only under the spell of a magic tree does the story reach its exciting climax!”

I just can’t wait to enjoy a louche weekend on Fire Island, and an enchanted evening of opera!

Now, what will I wear?

From the Sky Club Lounge at The Sheffield

I had the great pleasure to attend a spectacular soirée celebrating the inaugural season of the Fire Island Opera Festival just now. We raised glasses of rosé champagne and were treated to several sensational performances, as well as the unveiling of the tent-sculpture designs by Kubricht, and the delights continued with the most delectable handmade truffles from the Coda Chocolate Company. Coda Chocolate is inspired by the musical term signifying the end of a musical composition—the culmination of everything that has come before it while remaining truly distinct in composition. Coda Chocolate even created a special chocolate to celebrate the Fire Island Opera Festival: a cayenne pepper truffle!

Pictured above, I’m captured high above New York City, and dressed to celebrate the Fire Island Opera Festival in a Tom Ford tangerine silk herringbone suit, white cotton shirt with French cuffs and saddle leather loafers, black pearl cuff links and a grey, orange, and hot pink “Madison Square” pocket square by Pochette Square, vintage Rolex, Gucci sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Millesime Imperial.

James with Paul McCarthy’s Balloon Dog (2013). Photograph: John Berens/Frieze

I’m always on the prowl for the perfect art for my clients, and attending world-class art fairs like the Frieze and Pulse provide me with the perfect opportunity to acquaint myself with new galleries and artists from around the globe.

The Frieze Art Fair is held at Randall’s Island—a ferry service from the East River makes attending a bit of an adventure as well! This year, one of Jeff Koons’ enormous red balloon dogs greeted us upon arrival, and with it, a marvelous assortment of dining options as well—from St Ambrose to the Fat Raddish.

There was quite a lot to see with 180 contemporary art galleries showcasing a diverse assortment of pieces. Now, I don’t pretend to be an art critic, but I do know when I’m looking at something truly considered, (even if I don’t particularly like a piece), and I have to say I’m pretty amazed at what passes for art these days. Yes, I know I’m on shaky and subjective ground here—perhaps this was the intended reaction in a few instances….Let’s just say I was happy to remain blissfully ignorant when a gallerist tried to explain in “art speak” the significance of a pink trash bag hung from a wire!

Happily, there were some really spectacular works to be seen; which by contrast to the perhaps more questionable works, shone that much more brightly. Works by Anish Kapoor, for instance, and by photographer Katy Grannan certainly caught my attention.

Anish Kappor at the Frieze Fair

Katy Grannan at the Frieze Fair

At the Pulse NY Fair there were other fine works, like Charles Hinman’s “Rubellite” at the Marc Straus booth—his three dimensional, almost crystalline canvases remind me of the sort of art favored by my favorite David Hicks, and I’m starting to visualize some of Hinman’s fine works hanging on one of my own client’s walls!

Charles Hinman’s “Rubellite” at the Marc Straus booth

Dressed for an afternoon of art, I’m sporting a Tom Ford pink silk spencer jacket, brown, white and pink cotton floral print shirt, and a brown and ivory hounds tooth silk plaid pocket square, Uniqlo white jeans, Gucci python belt with silver buckle, vintage Rolex sneakers by Lanvin and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

My friend, Susanna Salk’s sumptuous new Rizzoli book, C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon, is a beautiful and enlightening glimpse into Guest and her world, paying homage to her enduring style and multi-faceted life. Salk reveals Guest for the true maverick she was — trend-setter, horsewoman, fashion designer, businesswoman, actress, author, and columnist (her gardening column for the New York Post helped to promote a whole gardening-as-lifestyle industry!). And let’s not forget Guest as the renowned socialite—but not the vapid sort that one thinks of when one hears the word. No, she was very much more interested in character than social climbing. Guest tells us, “My ambition was to be a successful enough actress to get myself thrown out of the Social Register: I had no talent at all but I enjoyed every minute of my experience.” It’s exactly this rare combination of brazen irreverence, candor, and jois de vivre that makes Guest so fascinating. And it is, after all, Salk to be thanked for so adeptly and lovingly weaving words like these into a truly comprehensive treatment of her subject.

from C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon

I’ve had the great fortune to have lunched with C.Z. Guest at Templeton on quite a few occasions—lunch was always an uncomplicated affair, perhaps a cheese souffle and salad on Dodie Thayer plates. Of course there was always a great deal of wine, and Guest, true to expectations, would captivate us with her tales of superstars, royalty, and mobsters alike—and it seemed like there was not as wide a divide between these various social strata as one might imagine! My time at Templeton remains among my most cherished memories, and I’m happy to say Salk’s book captures Guest and her surrounds perfectly.

from C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon

For those of you looking to know more about Guest, Salk’s book has many never before published photos of C. Z. Guest, as well as musings by a great host of style icons and tastemakers. It’s an intimate look into Guest’s remarkable life, and a must-have for your library. We’re sure it will provide inspiration for you in any of your grand endeavors! Pick up a copy here: C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon

James Andrew – Four Freedoms Park – photo Scott MvBee

The original renewal plan included constructing a memorial to President Roosevelt to be named Four Freedoms Park; an homage to Roosevelt’s legacy, and in particular, a celebration of his ’41 speech highlighting four guiding principles of freedom—namely: freedom of speech; freedom of worship; freedom from want; and freedom from fear.

Architect Louis Kahn – F.D.R.Four Freedoms Park

The iconic architect, Louis Kahn, was chosen for the task, and he drew up a brilliant plan in 1973, but died unexpectedly soon thereafter. With the city in a finacial slump, the construction plans faltered, not to be fully realized until some 38 years later, (confirming one of our favorite adages, “delays are not necessarily denials!”). I was absolutely thrilled to have finally seen it with our very own Scott McBee recently while out on a little city adventure. This is one of those WIJW must see NYC gems.

To celebrate Roosevelt and Kahn, I dressed up Gatsby-style in a white and grey striped cotton suit by Gucci, Tom Ford purple and white gingham shirt, paisley bow tie, purple glen plaid cotton pocket square and white suede cap toe lace up shoes, vintage straw hat, purple alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren, Rolex watch and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

James Andrew and Rolex – photo Zenith Richards

In a world where cell phones have become the de facto time-telling device, some of you might be thinking it is a bit old-fashioned to be wearing a wrist watch? Sure, your cell is giving you atomic-precise satellite time—but the fact is, telling time precisely doesn’t really amaze anymore—any old drug-store watch can do that.

My point is, owning a fine wrist watch isn’t just about telling time anymore. It’s a much more poetic thing than that. It’s about celebrating the passage of time, and ennobling your place in it. A fine wrist watch is requisite gear for your fight against a chaotic world—a companion for, and witness to, all the years of your hard-working waking life…and when you’re done, it’s an object to pass on to some lucky fellow, who’ll wonder about you, who’ll rub his thumb over its time-worn surface and take comfort in its persistence. Meanwhile, the fifteen cell-phones you’ll have owned, will have been long forgotten—relegated to some laughable technological obsolescence.

So, you say you want in? Among the actually obtainable wrist-watches that are capable of capturing this sort of poetry, Rolex stands alone.

Rolex is certainly one of the no-compromise brands we go on about—and aside from the Cartier I sometimes wear, it’s the only watch I truly love. It’s a nearly indestructible piece of precision hardware, and its ageless style will garner you a lifetime of admiration. It’s one of those rare investments that you’ll simply never tire of, and like a fine oriental rug, it’ll be sure to keep or increase in actual value as it ages.

I am particularly fond of the stainless steel Rolex Daytona as well as the yellow gold Daytona—the sportiness of the model offsets a dressed up scenario with a nice touch of casual elegance.

James Andrew and Rolex – photo Zenith Richards

There are many styles to choose from. Why not start making memories with a Rolex today!?

James Andrew – Orly Genger at Madison Square Park

Orly Genger at Madison Square Park

Orly Genger at Madison Square Park

I’m offering just a bit of a glimpse here to tempt our readers to visit this joyous exhibition in person. Exploring the almost complete installation of Red, Yellow and Blue on a glorious Spring day I’m sporting a Tom Ford era chartreuse suede safari jacket, chartreuse python belt with silver double horse head buckle and white cotton voile safari shirt, indigo ikat pants by Burberry Prorsom, Tom Ford woven olive suede espadrilles, vintage Rolex watch, Gucci aviator sun glasses and my fragrance is Creed Bois De Cedrat.

James Andrew – photo and painting by Scott McBee

From da Vinci to Thomas Jefferson, Mariano Fortuny to Oprah…we here at WIJW love Renaissance men and woman. Taking our cues from the greats, we like to give ourselves free rein to indulging our many and diverse curiosities. We’re passionate about what we do…and this forum truly has given us the widest berth to explore! I’m pretty proud to have Christie’s call me “interior designer, style icon, and blogger extraordinaire.” It does seem to encapsulate much of what I’ve been dedicated to over these many years—and yet, I remain open to new interests and possibilities. Why limit oneself? I adore Henry Ford’s “If you think you can or you think you can’t either way you are right.” It is really is up to us to decide!

I’m photographed here with a marvelous collage by Scott Houston McBee. Quite a Renaissance man himself, McBee is no stranger to diverse artistic explorations, with work ranging from monumental ocean liners and private yachts, to animal paintings, to top-notch storyboarding and illustration, to collage, and photography.

I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci navy cotton pique jacket, Tom Ford pale blue herringbone weave cotton shirt and pale blue silk knit tie, Charvet retro print pocket square, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, Paul Smith light weight grey wool pant, Ralph Lauren Navy leather D ring belt, Gucci navy slip on shoes, vintage Rolex, Tom Ford Reading glasses and my cologne is Creed Original Cologne.

I’m thrilled and honored to be included in this handsome Rizzoli book, Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living by Ronda Rice Carman!

Carman, as you know, is the author and creator of the ever-popular lifestyle blog, All the Best. She also happens to be near and dear to our hearts on a personal level. When WIJW was in its infancy, I reached out to her to help us share the WIJW word—she promptly responded with this gracious note: “I do not know you, but I love you and can’t wait to meet you.” Soon thereafter we met up with her during a trip she made to New York City—needless to say, we became fast friends!

James Andrew interior – Designers at Home, Personal Reflections on Stylish Living by Ronda Rice Carman

Carman was inspired by aspects of the French literary salons, envisioning a “…hand bound modern day version…” of the great tradition, to “…[serve] as a source of information, inspiration, and occasion to exchange ideas. We’re pleased to say these aspirations have been fully and beautifully realized in this richly illustrated work.

Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living brings together a marvelous collection of 50 top taste makers, and you’ll adore the musings of some of my favorites, including Nicky Haslam, Charlotte Moss, Rob Passal, Alex Papachristidis, Bunny Williams and Hutton Wilkinson to name a few. As an invaluable resource, you’ll find Ideas on entertaining, decorating, flowers and fragrances and all of the essentials for living well at home. It’s a requisite course in fabulousness that simply must be in your library. Do pick up your copy today and tell us how you like it!

Purchase below on Amazon:

Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living