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Be a Bit Over the Top!

Jan 18th, 2012
by WIJW.
8 comments
James Andrew — photo by Gabriel Everett

James Andrew — photo by Gabriel Everett

The 1970′s, along with all of its glamor and decadence, are a huge wellspring of creative inspiration for me. In fact, I’ve spent most of my life developing an appreciation for slightly over-the-top living, and so it shouldn’t surprise you that I dashed right out to see the limited engagement of Whitney Smith’s “Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston.” The film is as much about the time as it is about the rather inscrutable Halston (a characteristic that so many iconic figures seem to share), and I’m quite certain that if you, like me, love a dose of disco-era fabulousness, elegance, and excess, then this flick is for you. Oh, and if perhaps you’d like to revisit our 2009 thoughts on Halston to get you in the mood, you can find them here!

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

I’m celebrating the spirit of Halston and the 1970s with a slightly over the top ensemble—a spectacular shearling coat, ivory corduroy pants, tan leather tasseled loafers, brown plaid wool cashmere scarf and peccary gloves all Tom Ford era Gucci, Tom Ford “Nicolo” sunglasses, amber cashgora sweater and brown and white hounds tooth shirt, vintage agate cuff links, vintage Rolex oyster perpetual watch and my fragrance is the very seductive Creed Himalaya.

Posted in: Creed, Gucci, Random, Rolex, Tom Ford.

Oliver Messel: In the Theatre of Design

Jan 16th, 2012
by WIJW.
12 comments
Rizzoli's book, Oliver Messel: In the Theatre of Design

Rizzoli's book, Oliver Messel: In the Theatre of Design

I’ve long admired the multifaceted genius of the English artist, Oliver Messel, whose many talents included stage and costume design, interior design as well as architecture.

Messel’s theatrical sets actually received standing ovations, making the great mass of ensuing commissions to decorate homes, hotels and shops seem like the most natural progression. (Incidentally, my own early career found me designing fanciful sets as well, but in my case, these were actualized within the walls of the Ralph Lauren showrooms, and the clients I met there also facilitated my transition into full fledged interior design).

Health issues drew Messel to the West Indies, and the island of Barbados, which quite by accident (not sure if that’s the right word) led him to his role as architect, building tropical retreats for his many affluent clients. Of particular note are the super chic Leamington Pavilion in Barbados which I’m planning to rent, as well as the fabulously fantastical Turkish style great house he designed for Lord Glenconner.

Leamington Pavilion

Messel's Leamington Pavilion

On the grounds of the Turkish style great house for Lord Glenconner

On the grounds of the Turkish style great house for Lord Glenconner

Whether I’m designing interiors here or in the tropics, I often look to Messel’s vision for inspiration, and so it probably goes without saying that Oliver Messel: In the Theatre of Design, is on the WIJW must-own list. It’s packed with glorious images of the complete range of his work, and we’re sure you too will find inspiration within its pages.

Posted in: Rizzoli.

Celebrating Scott McBee

Jan 13th, 2012
by WIJW.
15 comments

Scott McBee and James Andrew at the Four Seasons

This week has seen both the monumental and marvelous as our very own beloved Scott McBee has just turned the half century mark, and, in addition, our six year anniversary is coming up!

So yes, a week of celebrations are afoot, and we’ve already made some good headway, having enjoyed a spectacular birthday dinner with close friends at the most glorious Four Seasons—and if you are wondering, for his special day I gave McBee a Tom Ford tuxedo and evening ensemble—and oh he does wear it so so well! I love a man in a tuxedo.

Anniversaries do give one pause to reflect. With such an incredibly high attrition rate these days, one can be truly grateful for a lasting relationship. Of course there is some effort involved—so much of it is about being on the same page. Looking back over my six years with McBee, I can say we’ve never had any agenda. We’ve resisted the somewhat unnatural pressure to “get somewhere”—rather we take each day as it comes, making time to listen to each other, and giving space where needed (we are both pretty busy with careers). We enjoy hitting the town as well as spending quality time together. Above all, we continually cultivate an attitude of admiration and mutual respect for one another. That’s a big one. In short, we’re still very much in love!

I look forward to sharing ever more beautiful experiences with my very best friend and gorgeous companion. Cheers to you, Mr. McBee!

For birthday celebrations, I’m dressed in the most sensational Tom Ford three piece suit in charcoal wool cashmere Prince of Wales plaid, checked cotton shirt with French cuffs, hounds tooth black velvet bow tie, black and white silk pocket square and black and saddle leather loafers, black pearl cuff links, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and my fragrance is Creed Royal Oud

Posted in: Creed, Rolex, Tom Ford.

The Hildestahl Medium III Bag

Jan 11th, 2012
by WIJW.
18 comments

James Andrew and Hildestahl Medium III Bag - photo Gabriel Everett

When I saw the Hildestahl Medium III bag I, of course, simply had to have it. It’s the most perfectly useful and stylish every-day bag that one could ever want—and, AND, yes, in this fantastic shade of purple!

Now, you might think a man’s handbag in purple would be a bit over the top, but I can tell you, (and I know a bit about his sort of thing), purple is a hugely versatile color that works well with practically any combination. Gentlemen, do be bold! Wear the colors that you want, whatever they may be!

As far as securing YOUR purple Hildestahl, it is in quite a limited edition of 5, and now that I have one of them, well, you can do the math. So be quick about it.

I’m photographed here by the very talented photographer Gabriel Everett, sporting my marvelous Medium III Hildestahl bag in purple, dusty gray blue suede motorcycle jacket and grey cashmere turtleneck sweater both Tom Ford era Gucci, Etro wool challis scarf, Uniglo slim dark denim jeans, vintage Rolex oyster perpetual in stainless steel, Gucci black suede loafers (not shown), Dior sunglasses and my fragrance is Creed Himalaya.

Posted in: Creed, Dior, Etro, Gucci, Random, Tom Ford.

Strawser & Smith 

Jan 9th, 2012
by WIJW.
7 comments

James Andrew at Strawser and Smith - photo by Gabriel Everett

In an era where very little is actually made here in the USA, it is truly refreshing to come across a place that celebrates the craftsmanship that this country was once famous for. Enter Strawser & Smith Inc. whose motto, “older is better,” manifests in the repurposing of antique and vintage American industrial relics to create objects with an elegant contemporary twist.

A low console at Strawser and Smith Inc.

We ventured out to the exciting and vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn to meet with David Smith, founder and creator of Strawser & Smith, and to tour his gorgeous gallery. Over lunch at a local haunt we had a chance to chat with Smith about his brand. He had been working for some years as an interior designer until the financial crash of 2008. With clients evaporating, it seemed like a good time to shift gears. Smith had already been creating pieces using reclaimed industrial materials and decided to put all of his energies into developing a gallery to showcase these unique pieces along with a selection of vintage artifacts, all celebrating a made-in-American ethic. Needless to say, the concept has been a huge success, and Strawser & Smith is now a go-to resource for people across the globe who are looking for distinctive, functional, American pieces.

At the Strawser and Smith Inc. gallery.

Stylish AND “green,” Smith’s work is the product of a most perfect marriage—and a quite literal example of opportunity found in the overlooked!

Seated on a 1931 Harley Davidson Model D motorcycle, one of the most exquisite examples of made-in-America beauty and craftsmanship, I am sporting a Tom Ford suit in a olive wool silk tweed over check, pale blue cotton woven herringbone shirt with french cuffs, cream wool knit tie, brown crocodile cap toe suede shoes, “Nicolo” sunglasses and a beige and brown silk pocket square, cuff links are vintage agate, vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

Posted in: Creed, Tom Ford.

Ann Caruso Hosts an Intimate Breakfast for Jules Reid at the St. Regis

Jan 5th, 2012
by WIJW.
8 comments

Jules Reid and James Andrew at the St. Regis Hotel

I was very pleased to attend a recent uber chic event held for my friend and designer Jules Reid at the St. Regis Hotel’s Petite Salon.

It was a classic old school breakfast affair with a preview of Reid’s 2012 Spring/Summer collection hosted by the legendary stylist Ann Caruso who is responsible for styling Reid’s latest look book. Needless to say, with such a marvelous collaboration, the event was something not to be missed.

Reid’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection is a super sophisticated take on resort wear chic, a kind of boho prep vibe that one could see working quite well in one of those beautiful Slim Aarons scenareos, i.e. “attractive people…doing attractive things in attractive places.”

From the Jules Reid 2012 Spring/Summer collection

For the occasion I sported a Tom Ford “Country Jacket” in lavender wool silk tricolor windowpane with leather buttons, gray check shirt with French cuffs, purple wool knit tie and purple plaid silk pocket square, Gucci grey flannel pants and suede “Belgian” style slippers, black alligator belt with sterling buckle, vintage Rolex watch, black pearl cuff links and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

Posted in: Creed, Gucci, Random, Tom Ford.

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