On Trend: Luxe Textiles from the East

Ok. So, these pics may not be considered modern or glamorous by most, but they're soooo pretty. In fact, it may be one of my favorite things this week – gorgeous fabrics photographed on the streets on Istanbul. It's one of the latest features from AD Russia. Entitled "Orient Express. Shooting AD," (at least according to Google Translate), the magazine captures oriental textiles in creative settings around the city. Stylists, take note.

Oriental fabrics will also play a major role in one of this year's megatrends, mixing culturally-inspired prints and references to personal heritage. In short, the global look is totally in. While nothing new, the trend presents a great opportunity to layer textiles from the Orient and beyond.

P.S. If you like textiles, you’ll love Madeline Weinrib’s showroom.

Images: Architectural Digest Russia

Happy Labor Day!

On Saturday, my mother insisted that I take a trip to the shore in celebration of Labor Day. “You need to get some ocean air!” It’s probably true. The beach does wonders for my health in the most literal of ways (e.g., swimming in salty water remedies the allergies like no other). Unfortunately, a decision on Saturday gave me very little time to plan. So, today, I’m taking a virtual trip to the shores of Sicily with photography by Massimo Vitali.

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I took a trip on Labor Day. Early September is usually a super busy time of year. My consulting work picks up ahead of the new fiscal year (Oct. 1) and the social circuit in DC resumes after an August hiatus. I’d love to get away but for now, Sicily will do!

Did you get away this weekend?

Images: Massimo Vitali

Jessica Craig-Martin for 20x200: The well-to-do are people too!

This is a repost from Luxe.ly, my lifestyle blogging project (2011).

Peer into the world of the rich and unguarded with society photog Jessica Craig-Martin. I personally love the campiness (is that a word?) of these prints but knowing the back story makes them even more delish! It seems Jessica’s specialty is capturing the “1%” in rare form - those socially awkward moments when the proverbial hair comes down.

The photographs that work best for me have a sense of human fragility. Unrealized dreams; our perverse optimism as we swim upstream like salmon in order to mate, find love, security, money, power, to retain youth against all odds and evidence. One is never so naked as when dressed for a party. - JCM

Peel back the veneer, not matter how decadent, and people are people. They get tipsy, smudge their makeup, and accidentally step on someone’s dessert plate. And thanks to Jessica Craig-Martin, it’s captured on film!

At $50 for an 8x10, these prints would make a great addition to a powder or dressing room. Buy them online at 20x200.

Image credit: Cougar Friends and Let’s Party, Jessica Craig-Martin

ADE: What inspires you? (Truly)

An important part of the design process is, of course, inspiration! You’ll find that I write about it frequently and make a point to study its use in interior design. One observation is the common, almost reflexive, responses that many provide when asked: What inspires you?

Let’s be honest. We are each too complex, too unique, and exposed to too many different things to have such limited opinions. Of course, there will be commonalities, but now it’s time to find the outliers. So let’s really reflect…

What inspires you?

If you're like me, it can be just about anything!

Images: Cavalier, GQ, Take Me to the Glory, From Me To You

A Designer's Eye (ADE) focuses on training and refining my artistic eye; developing my instincts; learning to trust them; and sharing what I find.

Out and About: The Black List

On Saturday, I took advantage of the AMAZING weather by visiting the National Portrait Gallery here in DC. The Black List, a nationally acclaimed photography exhibit, has been one of my to-dos for several weeks. The series features 50 portraits of prominent black Americans photographed by Timothy Greenfield-Sander. There’s also an accompanying documentary that originally aired on HBO. Very inspiring stuff! It’s playing as part of the exhibit, so be sure to check it out.

I snapped a few pics to commemorate my visit. I’m sure you’ll recognize some of these famous faces.