James Andrew for Scalamandre.
Scalamandré has been one of my preferred resources for the most beautiful fabrics, trims and wallpapers. Their distinguished reputation has made them the go-to fabric house for some of the finest and most important interiors in America, including the Kennedy White House! Many of their fabrics have been used in the restoration of my favorite Newport mansions as well, including Marble House, The Breakers, and Rosecliff. Scalamandré has quite a rich history but great breadth as well, and I’m always thankful that they maintain a firm understanding of what today’s designers and clients want and need.
I had the great pleasure recently to bring together a selection of Scalamandré’s most select fabrics and trims to show our WIJW readership how I might put together a magnificent room! And so, if you will indulge me…
For a start I might use the “Oiseau des Exotiques” in sage silk – this is a super chic warp printed taffeta based on a French document. I adore this fabric for its clean, clear and fresh coloration – very much in keeping with my own design aesthetic. I would then work in a mix of the most luxurious fabrics in scrumptious colors, several solids in different textures, and a spectacular stripe I found that has almost all the colors of the print – this gives the mix a cleaner, more contemporary vibe.
Featured left to right – Skipwith linen/silk damask in lavender (I’d use this on some comfy club chairs); Sunset silk taffeta stripe and Tulip tieback (for the curtains); Folio turquoise silk velvet (sofa pillows); Oiseau des Exotiques – sage warp printed silk taffeta (on a pair of Louis XVI bergeres and pillows); Kilfane damask in taupe (on sofas) with Gripsholm fringe in flax and cream, Gloss polished cotton/linen in acid green ( I’d upholster the walls in this) arabella braid -green (to finish the edges of the upholstered walls) and Pitti cut velvet in Venetian red (on chairs and pillows) with A tassel silk fringe from the Edwards collection. And Voila! – There you have it – a vibrant and youthful quiver of fabrics that would certainly make the most gracious drawing room for your very chicest friend!
I’m posing (top) amidst the sumptuous splendor of my recent Scalamandré selection, on a gorgeously outrageous “Dos a Dos” throne upholstered in tiger silk velvet – I’m wearing A Gucci slate blue corduroy jacket with matching twill elbow patched and tab, buttons are silver and leather, lavender end on end cotton shirt with French cuffs and contrast white collar and a brown and lavender polka dot silk pocket square – both by Tom Ford, Seaman Schepps silver pearl and blue sapphire cufflinks, gray flannel pants and python belt both by Gucci. Yves Saint Laurent aubergine “Eton” boots complete the look.
I had so much fun bringing together these ultra luxe fabrics – reminded me a bit of Sofia Coppola’s 2006 Marie Antoinette! – If you haven’t seen, then you must! I’ve included a little snippet here to get you in the mood for your next Scalamandré visit! – enjoy.
James,
another wonderful post ! I so loved your selection, and then the video just brought the whole thing into another very vivid WIJW dimension ! Can’t wait to visit Scalamandre’ now.
Thanks ! DF
Dear James,
I absolutely LOVE wallpapers and fabrics, specially the ones with flowers. I have heard from Scalamandré before, it is good that there´s a place with a quality that remains flawless trough time.
Have an excellent day
Hugs,
Christian
Wow James I could make 1000´000 outfits out of these wonderful fabrics, our rooms in East Hampton used to have beautiful wallpapers, you know it is hard to keep the line between the past and the present…….
love,
Edie
Dear James,
You are “my eyes” in NY, thank you for showing us so many wonderful things and places, you are very inspiring…….
Kisses
Rosie
Hey James, this sounds really complicated, I couldn´t look for myself which fabrics would I use to decorate my home, It´s better to hire you so my home will have your exquisite taste.
Best Regards,
Tom
Dear James, your suggestions are perfect, I agree with all of them. i am sure many people are learning from you.
love,
Baroness Mara
Love the clothes ! You look great ! DF
Dearest James,
I am glad there are still places that have fabrics and wallpapers like these, when I was a child my mother took me always with her when she wanted to make something new at home.
Wish you a pleasant afternoon,
Johann
This is absolutely fantastic; damask and velvet are my faves 😉
Kisses
Alexandra
The YSL aubergine boots rock!
Hugs,
Martin
I want to renew my sofa and its pillows, I´m going to take your advice 😉
Love,
Eugenia
Your blog is unique James!
Pearl
Lieber James,
Dein Blog ist umwerfend schön und macht Spass. Das ist das erste Mal dass ich hier schreibe aber ich habs mehrmals gelesen. Ich wünsche Dir viel Erfolg und werde Dein Blog immer besuchen!
Liebe Grüsse
Christine
Your bolg and posts are awesome like ever!!!
I want Candy, Marie Antoinette… cool and hot.
Hugs.
Diego
Quality attracts quality ! The better it gets, the better it gets !
DF
James, Love those shoes !
Dean
Killer jacket.
z
Oh my! All those gorgeous fabrics, I must pay a visit as I do love that style of interior. It all looks so lovely.
It reminded me of Marie Antoinette too, that film is so beautiful.
Florrie x
james, these shoes are killing me! The photo is beautiful, I love its softness with the light and those beautifu colors!
You know, I loved the film Marie Antoinette entirely for that scene- oh my god the eye candy! Just posted that same clip on my site a week ago, actually. Beautiful fabrics, gorgeous colors.
Lauren
James,
Thanks for sharing Marie Antoinette with me. I am still watching it and can’t stop !
Dean