May, 2015:

During my years with Albert Hadley, I loved shopping with him to find interesting things for his clients. As you might imagine, that time under his mentorship has had such a major influence on my own aesthetic. The wildly eclectic Hadley was drawn to pieces with personality, and he always managed to find the most sublime things wherever he was. He did have his favorite haunts, though. Take for instance, Yew Tree House Antiques — located slightly off the beaten track at 414 East 71st Street here in town, they’re known for their assortment of “Antiques of Character.” One is always guaranteed a sensational surprise - there you’ll find the unusual, the witty, and the superb.

I approach design as a couturier would, creating highly personal environments for my clients. My mission has always been to delight the senses, and to create the perfect backdrop for the good-life. Needless to say, I’m hugely reliant on shops like Yew Tree House Antiques to realize this mission. I recently found a fabulous English Arts and Crafts fender seat for a client and stopped by Yew Tree House Antiques to see what other treasures they might have — I was quite taken with the remarkable collection of 52 carved miro wood fish (top) made as souvenirs from Pitcairn Island. I can easily envision these displayed on a massive wall in a client of mine’s Montauk home.

Suitably attired for a warm Spring day, I’m sporting a Tom Ford palest pink silk suit, brown and pale pink floral print cotton shirt, brown and ivory silk glen plaid pocket square, brown leather belt with rose gold buckle and brown suede tasseled loafers, vintage Rolex, and my fragrance is Creed Acqua Originale - Vetiver and Geranium https://www.creedboutique.com/creed-acqua-originale-collection/203-vetiver-geranium.html

I’ve always wanted a garden — I really can’t wait to acquire a home outside of the city. At such time as I do find that perfect plot, my first call will be to Madison Cox - a true modern day Russell Page - to help flesh out the garden in my mind’s eye.

In the meantime, I’m living the garden of my dreams vicariously through regular visits to some of my favorites gardens here in town.

I adore Conservatory Garden which we shared recently, and Paley Park too — a marvelous modernist jewel box of a garden; and of course there is my favorite Russell Page garden at the Frick (you may remember our involvement with Unite to Save The Frick — which is making good efforts to protect it from a rather hideous and destructive renovation plan). For our post today, we’re off the beaten path at the delightful Elizabeth Street Garden. With its glorious hodgepodge mix of statuary and garden ornaments, the places makes one feel that one is on the grounds of some magnificent mansion.

What are some of your favorite gardens?

Dressed for my garden stroll, I’m sporting a vintage Worth & Worth parabuntal straw hat, Tom Ford linen, silk, and cashmere glenn plaid suit in browns and ivory turquoise and brown silk pocket square and brown suede tasseled loafers, Turnbull and Asser turquoise herringbone cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs, Seaman Schepps precious turquoise cuff links, vintage Rolex and my fragrance is Creed Pure White Cologne.

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I am fascinated by the idea of Zeitgeist, particularly when designers happen to start to vibe with a shared aesthetic. For many years, I myself have been personally inspired by the work of the interior design master, Renzo Mongiardino, as well as the impossible chicness of Marella Agnelli. When my friend, interior designer, Mark D. Sikes shared his ravishing room with me at this year’s Kips Bay Show House, I was quite overcome with joy since Sikes has imbued his creation with so many of my own favorite influences. Really, I am absolutely blown away by Sikes’ brilliance. His room entitled “Up in the Villa” is a tremendous tribute to Mongiardino and Marella Agnelli — it’s the most terrific take on uptown-New-York-City-meets-California with a super stylish Italian sensibility. Sikes’ masterful mix of Bennison’s Malabar with a red gingham from Schumacher on the walls provide a rich backdrop for a collection of modern art, blue and white porcelains, as well as classical paintings and antiques.

His room also provided Sikes with the opportunity to showcase his new line of wicker furniture for Soane - conjuring up images of Marella Agnelli’s beloved wicker which she uses in almost all of her homes. There are also the most divine club, slipper, and dining chairs, as well as tables and much more. I just want ALL of it!

Bravo!!!

I am sure this room is destined to go viral, much like the room created by Alexa Hampton at last year’s show house, but you should definitely see it for yourself, as photos simply can’t replace a first hand viewing in the round!

I’m pictured with Sikes in his “Up in the Villa” by artist Boris Glamocanin. Here I’m sporting a Tom Ford era jacket in white, black and saddle leather, a bespoke shirt by Bruce Cameron Clark in a mini Liberty of London floral print with contrast white collar and cuffs, Seaman Schepps pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, vintage Rolex, vintage Gucci python belt with sterling double horse head buckle, Uniqlo slim jeans and red sox, and Tom Ford saddle leather loafers. My fragrance is Creed Cedre Blanc and I’m using a bit of Tom Ford Bronzing Gel for a sun kissed glow.

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