James Andrew at the Frick Museum Boucher room - photo Lars Stefan.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you are anything like me, most of your thoughts are typed, texted, or sent via instant message! And while it is nice to be in constant contact, sadly I think receiving an electronic note today just doesn’t have the same impact that opening a crisp envelope had.
François Boucher (1703 - 1770) The Arts and Sciences: Poetry and Music, 1750-1752 Oil on canvas 85 1/2 x 38 in. The Frick Collection, New York
Now, when discussing love and the art of woo, you must surely think of Boucher and Fragonard and their pink cheeked suitors all ablaze in passion’s glow – we at WIJW do, and if you aren’t sure what we’re talking about, then may we strongly recommend that you take your Valentine on a mid day stroll to visit the Boucher room at the Frick Museum – a high Rococo enclosure studded with perfumy Boucher panels. Be sure and stroll through the Fragonard Room as well. Originally commissioned by Madame Du Barry, mistress of Louis XV, the paintings therein are some of the most intoxicating odes to love on the planet, and will surely have your lover thoroughly seduced in no time! – Indeed, it’s likely that the place will have you both heading right back to your room at the Four Seasons for an afternoon romp – so please do have some chocolate and bubbly at the ready.
Diamond cufflinks, Raj Tolaram
“I don’t know why
It always comes as a surprise
To find I am here with you
You smile and I am rubbing my eyes
At a dream come true …”
-Pet Shop Boys
This could be a Vogue shoot with Grace, James!
Of course, you are right (write). Yes, e-mail and blogs are fun, but beautiful stationery, a gorgeous pen and a loving note just can’t be replaced. That’s why we save them.
And The Frick, ahh! Fragonard and Boucher are deee-vine. I hope you get lots of marvelous truffles and treats this year… and to keep that gorgeous dressing gown!
That picture of you is so amazing and perfect, I can’t even bring it into words.
James mon cher !
One of your best pieces ever ! Love the Frick, and I really like your Edwardian looking smoking jacket…you look fantastic and so handsome. This is a very iconic image of you, in a very iconic setting… GREAT JOB !
Dean Farris
This outfit is absolutely fantastic! Less in words! Highest pilotege…
James, one wish…
It would be nice, if there was some opportunity to see this (and other images in future) in largest resolution for smallest details of the outfit. It’s so exciting to see materials more detailed! 🙂
Gorgeous picture but didn’t the guards at the Frick take issue with your photo shoot?
i love the Pink, is very powerful.
love it james, as always.
happy valentine’s day!
You are so right on about the notes. I totally agree with you. The pic of you is wonderful. Love the Frick. Happy Valentines Day James! xo
I wish I had someone to write some nice words for me on valentine´s day…….
Love the Boucher room at the Frick, it´s a very romantic place, really inspiring…….
Hugs
Christian
This is the best post I have seen of you yet! Love it!
Thanks All! WIJW has been having hiccups today – some malicious hacks into our system – we’ll do our very best to keep things running smoothly!
The setting and pose certainly are striking, but I find myself most curious about the logistics of this photo shoot. How exactly does one pitch something like this to the Frick?
I’ll never think of the Frick the same again! Love the dressing gown — very handsome photo.
Great picture and great post on the art of letter writing. I especially loved the Pet Shop Boys quote. I copied it on paper to post and to ponder throughout this week. Well done!!!
-David
Valentinstag das kommt ja bald, ich muss mich um meine Karten kümmern…….
Du siehst sehr gut aus, und das Foto ist sehr schön!
Alles Liebe
Christiane
Hola James,
Tienes toda la razón, escribir una carta es mucho más especial que mandar un mail o un mensaje! Iré a comprar papel y lindos sobres para mandar mis cartitas en ese día tan especial!
besos
María Juana
Frick Museum ist eine sehr gute “Location” für dieses Foto, schönes Motiv mein Lieber!
Wow, increíble, no dejas de sorprenderme mi querido James!
What a super fantastic scene!
You look divine!
Always thought of you as a Tom Ford person over a Gucci one.
Happy valentine!
Matt
What a luxurious place, as your beautiful pink Tom Ford gown!
you look absolutely lovely in pink!
These cufflinks are really amazing!
Ese color te queda divino, es una hermosa fotografía, realmente romántica e inspiradora!
I love it!
You have chosen the perfect environment for that picture! Love the way you look!
Ok. I CAN’T BELIEVE I’ve never read your blog before and I just have to say that the premise is so fab. Love it.
you are my wildest dream…….