James Andrew

White Tie is the most formal of men’s dress wear and it’s usually reserved for only the most prestigious balls, society weddings, and state dinners. The elegance of white tie is such a rare treat, I asked myself why not incorporate the idea (albeit with a necktie) into a more casual ensemble? The stark white simplicity of a white tie set against darker colors and/or a bold patterned shirt turns out to be a pretty smashing look I think!

For a triple booked evening, I wore a terrific Tom Ford white silk tie with a midnight cotton dotted herringbone print shirt, a Tom Ford era Gucci navy cotton pique jacket, Battistoni white and navy mini polka dot silk pocket square, J. Brand “Kane” dark denim jean, Ralph Lauren black alligator belt with silver buckle, Gucci navy suede loafers, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne, and my coiffure (which happily was quite well received) is by the brilliant Jordan Blackmore.

James Andrew, Palm Beach. photo Carolyn Thorson

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been waxing nostalgic about the Palm Beach of my youth—and today I’m reminiscing over the really bold, nearly riotous, color-use at that time. There were marvelous prints (e.g., Lily Pulitzer, Pucci, etc.) and outrageous jewels, and all seemed effortless and appropriately tropical. I’m captured here on my way to a super chic dinner party, and I think I’ve created an up to date look while celebrating the freshness and optimism of those Palm Beach halcyon days.

Of course, my friends set the most gorgeous table (as they always do!); there were lovely Italian plates, silver, linen, and beautiful bouquets of indigenous flowers. The effect was simply sublime!

I’m wearing a lilac rose silk wool linen melange twill, Tom Ford Snowdon suit, pink cotton glenn plaid shirt with French cuffs and ivory suede loafers also by Tom Ford, Pucci silk pocket square in pink and lavender, vintage shell and coral cuff links, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, Gucci python belt with silver buckle and my fragrance is Iperborea by Lorenzo Villoresi.

Gardenia - photo James Andrew

My favorite Gardenias were in bloom everywhere and I clipped one for my lapel as well as a few of for my room!

Strong Boalt board shorts.

While we’re on the subject of Palm Beach, I thought this would be the perfect time to mention my friend Amanda Strong Boalt’s spectacular line of men’s swim trunks and board shorts.

Strong Boalt, originally from Palm Beach, spent eight years in New York City working at our mutual alma mater, Ralph Lauren. “It was like attending an Ivy League fashion school,” explains Strong Boalt, (you may recall yours truly spent his early days working with Ralph Lauren as well, and I can wholeheartedly agree with Strong Boalt’s assessment!).

With some inspiration from her grandmother, Lilly Pulitzer, Srong Boalt wanted to focus on resort-wear, and felt the market needed “…a new option for bathing attire.” Armed with this idea, she returned to Palm Beach to build her business.

Strong Boalt tells us her current collection was created in collaboration with artists Sunny and Kai from London, (they’ve designed prints for Alexander McQueen as well). “Each season the prints feel new and different, they’re the prints that feel exciting and good to me at the moment.”

Infused with her love for the “…unique Palm Beach sensibility,” Strong Boalt’s swim trunks and board shorts have a tailored fit and are the perfect length; not too short or too long, perfectly classic and sexy!

Strong Boalt board shorts.

Do visit the Strong Boalt website.

And ladies, stay tuned, the Strong Boalt line will soon be expanded to include women’s and children’s swim wear in 2013.

I, myself, picked up “Sharks in Shallow Water” and “Fan Palms in Sunshine and Shade” board shorts, and am now feeling well equipped for our June holiday in Capri and Ischia! We’ll be sure to wear these for you in situ then!

James Andrew, Palm Beach.

When I visit friends or clients in the Palm Beach area these days, my thoughts invariably turn to memories of the place I remember as a young man when I’d come with my mother, and I can tell you it was a true bastion of old-world elegance and sophistication – qualities that seem harder and harder to come by, even in my beloved Palm Beach. Thankfully I do believe that one’s enjoyment of a place has a whole lot to do with how one approaches it, and to this end I do search out the places that still represent the perfection of yesteryear. For me, a visit to Palm Beach isn’t complete without a stroll down Worth Avenue and perhaps a meal at Renato’s. Situated off on Via Mizner, Renato’s is a marvelous little restaurant offering Italian/Continental cuisine with a super chic courtyard for alfresco dining in that oh-so-very-Palm-Beach-of-my-memories way.

Renato's, Palm Beach

Composing myself before dinner (top), I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci white linen jacket and kelly green cotton shirt with French cuffs, Charvet pink and white retro print silk pocket square, vintage moonstone cufflinks, Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, Tom Ford “Regency” pants in pink & green silk cotton madras check, ivory suede loafers, and my fragrance is the uber elegant Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew at the Spring Show - photo by Annie Watt

With its select dealers from around the world offering the finest in art and antiques, the Spring Show is one of my favorites! It’s being held at the Park Avenue Armory and the show is only open until Sunday May 6, so make a point to go—you’ll be sure to find something to pique your fancy! I had the great pleasure to attend the opening gala preview benefiting the ASPCA (also in attendance were some truly lovable animals!).

I thought it might be nice to brighten a dreary New York City evening with this stunning lilac rose silk wool linen melange twill Tom Ford Snowdon suit, a silk cotton lavender and purple floral shirt, brown and lavender polka dot silk pocket square and brown leather tasseled loafers, Gucci python belt with silver buckle, vintage shell and coral cuff links, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, Swaine Adney Brigg “Whangee” bamboo handle umbrella, and my fragrance is the uber chic Creed Original Cologne.

M. de Phocas evening set in Banded Agate set in gold.

One of the best ways to compliment one’s formal wear is with a spectacular evening set like the one I’m wearing here by M. de Phocas. Their imaginative and innovative designs make them my go-to resource when I’m looking to take things to that very highest level.

James Andrew at the Kips Bay President's Dinner

I’m captured here at this year’s Kips Bay President’s Dinner, where I was thrilled to dine with the super chic designers from the Profiles showroom.

It was a great opportunity to catch up with many old friends and fellow interior designers whilst helping to support the longstanding Kip’s Bay children’s program (in operation since 1915!). The event also commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House and honored the legendary artist Jeremiah Goodman and the 1973 inaugural Show House Designers.

The Show House will open to the public on May 16, so mark your calenders. This year’s house should prove to be rather fantastic with Parish Hadley alumni Brian McCarthy, Bunny Williams, and David Kleinberg all participating.

On my way to the event, I’m pictured wearing a Tom Ford pale blue silk dinner jacket, black silk bow tie and black and white silk pocket square, Tom Ford era Gucci white cotton voile and lace tuxedo shirt, black wool tuxedo pant and black patent leather opera pumps, my magnificent agate and gold evening set is by M. de Phocas, and my fragrance for such a swellegant affair is Creed Imperial Millesime.

James Andrew at the New York Botanical Gardens - photo Gabriel Everett

I’ve just returned from a beautiful Sunday afternoon spent strolling with friends through the magnificent New York Botanical Gardens. Only twenty minutes via train from Grand Central Station, it’s well worth a quick trip to the NYBG which never fails to refresh and renew. While an example of nature contained (albeit over a substantial 250 acres), one cannot help but marvel at the complex diversity of plant-life represented here. Truly as Thoreau put it, “Nature is full of genius…,” and the glorious spectacle, well away from frenetic noises of city-life, quite inevitably leads one to relaxed contemplation.

A quick note: Do mark your calendars for the ultra chic Conservatory Ball—a marvelous party benefiting children’s education, plant research and the conservation programs at the NYBG. It’s certainly one of the most important events of the season, and a hugely worthy cause. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Dressed in deference to the venerable New York Botanical Gardens, (one can only imagine the sort of elevated weekend attire one might have seen here in the 1890′s!), I’m wearing a Tom Ford era Gucci ivory and gray striped cotton suit, Tom Ford pink plaid cotton shirt with French cuffs and a pink and white floral silk pocket square, vintage moon stone cuff links, Ralph Lauren black alligator belt with sterling buckle, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, Gucci sunglasses and black , white and silver leather loafers, a loosely tied white and black silk polka dot ascot by Le Noeud Papillion, straw hat with black gross grain ribbon from India Hick’s boutique, The Sugar Mill, and my fragrance (well suited to a day like today) is Creed White Flowers.

James Andrew, NYC. photo by the incomparable Gabriel Everett

I can’t believe it has already been a year since I was introduced to the brilliant photographer, Gabriel Everett. Perhaps it was our shared constellation (Libra) that had us in agreement on so many levels. Whatever it was, we began an instantaneous and rather epic bromance…and, if you have not noticed, we’ve produced quite a lot of work together as well! In fact, I often half jokingly liken our collaboration to that of Garbo and von Sternberg. And so, a special thanks goes to Everett for his marvelous WIJW photos! We look forward to many more iconic images!

Captured by none other than our favorite Gabriel Everett, I’m sporting a Tom Ford suit in charcoal wool cashmere Prince of Wales plaid, and black and white silk pocket square, a Richard James black and white cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, vintage cuff links in shell with coral beads, Gucci black leather tasseled loafers, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch, a loosely tied white and black silk polka dot ascot by Le Noeud Papillion and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

As mentioned, I do love this time of year, and in concert with the new season, I usually make a shift in fragrance to a lighter citrus/floral mixture.

Enter Creed Royal Exclusive’s White Flowers. With notes like Parma violet leaves, green apple, Calabrian lemon, jasmine, geranium, rose, and sandalwood, it has all the freshness one could desire in a Spring/Summer fragrance, without sacrificing the rich sophistication of Creed’s heavier bodied scents. Need I say it’s one of my new favorites?

Why not stop by Creed for a refreshing spritz, and add White Flower to your Spring/Summer kit!