DIVE INTO
FALL YOUR PATHWAY TO
Stylish Living PUTTING ON THE RITZ THE PRIVATE LIFE OF A LEGEND PARTY WITH A DESIGN STAR
v Premiere Issue
get excited!
THE MODERN MOVEMENT Our moving new collection has arrived. Move fast for the best selection of in stock items at in stock prices, ready for quick delivery.
FEATURING: Cara 89” Sofa 89”w x 35”d x 34”h, Cara Swivel Chair 30”w x 32”d x 30”h, Emilio Cocktail Table 54”w x 24”d x 17”h, Emilio Side Table 22”w x 26”d x 20”h, Emilio Étagère 15”w x 17”d x 70”h, Powershag 8’ x 10’ Rug in Crème, Sterling Table Lamp 23.5”h
FU R N I T U R E
800.789.5401
+
LIGHTING
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RUGS
+
ACCESSORIES
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PH O T O G R A P H Y
www.mgbwhome.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
PHOTO: JAMIE BECK
As I write my very first editor’s letter, I come to you from a place of overwhelming gratitude. What began as a small idea on my birthday last April has rapidly grown into something larger than I ever imagined. One by one, a team grew. Image by image, a photo shoot wrapped. Word by word, a story evolved. And after months of tireless work from across the country, a magazine was born. We began our journey last June in search of the most beautiful homes and creative ideas to share. Starting in Chicago, we worked with one of the city’s most celebrated interior designers (pg.208); next we flew to New York and spent the day with a design icon (pg. 140); then we traveled to San Francisco and were captivated by an industry golden boy (pg. 33); finally we hopped over to Los Angeles and partied with HGTV’s newest Design Star (pg. 162). Along the way we forged deep friendships and had the time of our lives.
And it is this notion of community—in addition to a wide array of stylish homes, design tips, and entertaining inspiration—that stands at the very core of what Rue promises to bring
Fueled by our mission to bring the inclusive nature
you with each new issue. We are united by
of blogging to a magazine, the Rue team took a
our desire to create a life that reflects who
leap of faith with our adventure. To our delight, a net
we are, by a shared belief in the merits of
appeared to catch us. This net was comprised of the
style, and by our deep reverence for original
photographers who lent their talents on the weekends.
ideas and forward-thinking individuals. To our
The stylists who rearranged their hectic schedules to
contributors and to our supporters, to our
accommodate ours. The interior designers who invited
readers and to our friends: thank you from the
us into their homes with kindness and generosity. The
bottom of our hearts. You’ve welcomed us
writers and graphic designers we’ve never met in
with open arms. It is a privilege and an honor
person who worked through the night when we called
to be a part of your community.
on them for last minute help. And the friends who quickly reached for the phone to cheer us on when
Sincerely,
they sensed our fatigue. It only takes a look at our contributors pages to see that Rue is not the work of a few, but the collaboration of an entire community.
CRYSTAL GENTILELLO CO-FOUNDER and EDITOR IN CHIEF
3
BEHIND
THE SCENES Because we couldn’t take all of you with us for the ride, we thought we’d share some of the fun with you here. Put on your party shoes, pour yourself a mimosa, and let the good times roll!
WORD ON THE
TWEET
v yblacker @ruemagazine You are all talented "social media-istas"
v SerenaandLily Is it @RueMagazine time yet?!
v
MS_Living RT @RueMagazine: Love this b-day party inspiration from @ManviDH, starring @Ruemagazine and @SharkeyHome of @MS_Living!
v lovedeedums @RueMagazine I love that with the closing of my shelter mags I have a new source for inspiration.
v WORD ON THE
TWEET
simplygrove @PlushPalate @RueMagazine we haven't even seen issue 1 yet and I am already thrilled for issue 2! You girls are good:)
v
v blogoutloud WE LOVE @RUEMAGAZINE!!! and ALL of you in the #tweetoutloud e-party! thank you!!!
v
@Windsor_Smith RT @CasaSugar: Exclusive sneak peek & interview w/editor in chief Crystal Gentilello
Casslavalle invitation received. officially ecstatic for @RueMagazine!
v StudioSurface @RueMagazine As an ID, I am excited for a fresh online resource! We have needed something new!
22 SHOPPING CART
IN EVERY ISSUE
3 14 16 280 284
Editor’s Letter Meet the Team Extended Family Free Stuff! Parting Shot
A well-designed vignette is more than just the sum of its parts.
40
20 22 24 26 28 30
Champagne & Sparkles Gray Days On Mulberry Street Wall Street Sweet Scandal Kate’s Greats Shopbop’s Fashion Director knows a thing or two about what’s hot.
Atelier 9 to 5 Luxe office picks from fashion ingenue Katie Ermilo.
INSIDE SCOOP Shops 33 Rue Grant K. Gibson reveals the best decor shops in the City by the Bay.
40 Side-by-Side 42 Man in the Blue Blazer 44 Meet the Designer
A bachelorette pad grows up with Habitually Chic's Heather Clawson.
50 Gallery Wall
138
HANDS ON
52 Must-Do DIY 54 Studio Tour 60 Rue Remodelista Recipes 62 Rue Sweet indulgences to ring in the fall season.
The Kitchen 64 InSteal This Look with the renovation.
FEATURES 68
Silver Screen Revival
84
Bright Light on the Left Coast
A lavish Los Angeles penthouse from the dashing duo of Woodson + Rummerfield.
Bright white flea market style from Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay.
116 The Private Life of a Legend Walk in the footsteps of interiors master Vicente Wolf.
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FEATURES
cont.
138
It’s My Party
152
Brooklyn Aerie
166
Founding Femme
184
Queen of Her Castle
HGTV Design Star’s Emily Henderson throws the party of her dreams Hayden-Harnett's founding couple build an empire in the heart of the city. Rue Editor-in-Chief Crystal Gentilello shares her sanctuary of calm. Old world Chicago charm in the home of designer Julia Edelmann.
FEATURES
cont.
No Party Like a ban.do Party 198 Ain’t Bust a sparkly move with fashion's cheekiest accessories label.
226 Art,MaryCelebrated Douglas Drysdale turns an artist's home into a private gallery.
to Creativity 238 Servants Jamie and Larry Oliver live in Texas, but that doesn't mean they're country.
MEET THE TEAM v CRYSTAL GENTILELLO CO-FOUNDER and EDITOR IN CHIEF Design is in Crystal’s blood—just ask the childhood friend whose crown molding inspired her covetous ire. The Chicago resident has since tamped her interiors envy with her blog, her editorial work, and her clients’ homes—some of which do indeed boast crown moulding.
BLOG: PLUSH PALATE
ANNE SAGE CO-FOUNDER and EXECUTIVE EDITOR Anne’s first design project was a charming three story Cape Cod with damask wallpaper, Victorian sofas, and real electric lights. The doll family loved what she did with the place. Anne now works in 1:1 scale, blogging and styling for fashion and interiors in San Francisco.
BLOG: THE CITY SAGE
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BRI EMERY:
ALAINA KACZMARSKI:
CAITLIN FLEMMING:
Rumor has it that Bri’s first word was ‘bouffant’ and that she begged her mother to change the family name to ‘Funicello’. Now Bri channels her love of vintage fashion and design through her abiding passion for graphics, type, and a killer pair of go-go boots.
Once upon a time, a box of crayons held Alaina captive for hours of drawing bubble letters and blueprints of her dream house. Her sketchbook is now an iMac, but this graphic designer/style blogger/ puppy-enthusiast from Chicago still loves the smell of Crayolas.
Caitlin honed her treasure hunting skills early; her first memories are of traveling with her mother to antique and flea markets around the world. Today, when she’s not writing her lifestyle blog, she’s scouring the globe and the streets of San Francisco for the latest design finds.
BLOG: DESIGNLOVEFEST
BLOG: LIVE CREATING YOURSELF
BLOG: SACRAMENTO STREET
ART DIRECTOR
MANAGING EDITOR
WILL TAYLOR:
MARISSA LIPPERT:
At age eleven, Will rode his bike to the local newsagents, bought his first shelter magazine, and never looked back. A journalism grad and certified interiors geek—with a hot English accent!—he writes & styles for interiors titles whilst blogging about colourful decor and design.
Ask Marissa her four food groups and she’ll tell you: wine, cheese, ice cream and a hearty dose of fruits and vegetables. As implied by the title of her new book ‘The Cheater’s Diet’, this NYC nutritionist and foodie brings the perfect balance of health and indulgence to the table.
BLOG: BRIGHT BAZAAR
BLOG: DIET IS A FOUR LETTER WORD
ADVICE COLUMNIST
FOOD COLUMNIST
MARKET EDITOR
WHY, HELLO! IT’S SO NICE OF YOU TO STOP BY OUR NEW HOME! - THE RUE TEAM
CONTRIBUTORS
E X T E N D E D
FAMILY
The premiere issue of Rue couldn’t have come to life without the talents and generosity of our contributors. Hugs and warm chocolate chip cookies go out to all of them!
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EMILY ANDERSON photography
JAMIE BECK photography
ANNI BRUNO hair and makeup
VIVIAN CHEN photography
CHRISTIANA COOP interiors styling
MEGHAN DOLL photography
FIORE BEAUTY hair and makeup
SUMMER WATKINS prop styling
JULIE HOLLOWAY copy
LAURE JOLIET photography
HELLO TENFOLD stationery design
IMAGE PROVACATEUR hair and makeup
IMAGE PROVOCATEUR hair and makeup
ASHLINA KAPOSTA copy
ADAM KRAUSE photography
JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER graphic design
JEN JAFARZADEH L’ITALIEN interiors styling
MAEMAE PAPERIE stationery design
DAVID MALOSH photography
ADRIENNE MURRILL writing
LARA ROBBY photography
MANNY RODRIGUEZ photography
NICOLE SCHULTZ graphic design
SHARK PIG videography
DALLAS SHAW illustration
JENNI SHAW hair and makeup
WERNER STRAUBE photography
THE FLASHDANCE music
THE LIFE STYLED wardrobe styling
TINY WATER photography
DAVID TSAY photography
TWO BRUNETTES stationery design
MAX WANGER photography
TESS WILSON floral styling
MICHELLE WONG food styling
DANIELLA ZITELLA graphic design
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. JANE HOWARD
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®
Duralee
prints 2
w w w. D u r a l e e . c o m
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Av a i l a b l e e x c l u s i v e l y t h r o u g h a r c h i t e c t s a n d i n t e r i o r d e s i g n e r s
t w i t t e r. c o m / d u r a l e e f a b r i c s
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ITEMS SHOWN: FRAMED FABRIC (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT):20961-352, 20962-43, 20964-43, 20959-173, 20963-43, 20958-12, 20966-95, AND 20959-173; DURALEE FINE FURNITURE MONACO SOFA (15-450) UPHOLSTERED IN 20965-45; BOLSTERS: 20960-95. AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL DURALEE SHOWROOMS AND SALES REPRESENTATIVES.
STAR FOREMAN at ETSY $30
SADDLEMAN’S OF SANTA FE $375
JULIA KNIGHT $199
CHAMPAG MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS contact for price
SPARK
LEE ANGEL $75
SHOPPING CART
KATE SPADE $250
HALSTON HERITAGE $385
JAYSON HOME & GARDEN $45-85
WATESTONES £14.99
J.CREW $395
GNE &
KLES Join us in raising a glass to Rue’s premiere issue!
OH JOY! FOR HYGGE & WEST $125/roll
PHOTO: VIVIAN CHEN
WEST ELM $19
IKEA $14.99
ELVA FIELDS $268
JOHN ROBSHAW $75
DURALEE contact for price TABLE TONIC $185
GRAY DAYS ON
MULBERRY STREET The must-have neutral meets its match.
SHOPPING CART VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGLOMANIA $750
COACH $698
BAMBOO by JOURNEE at TARGET $39.99
MADELINE WEINRIB contact for price
SHOPPING CART JONATHAN ADLER $3500
COLE HAAN $198
INFINITY INSTRUMENTS $225
WAL STR
ORREFORS $250
Because
NEIMAN MARCUS $1899
PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX
ROOST $20
LL REET
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN $595
e looking the part is half the job.
DVF $365
AMAZON $165
SW
SHOPPING CART COLE & SONS contact for price
S
FOREVER 21 $24.50 PHOTO: THE RUG COMPANY
FRESH $12
WEET
CRATE & BARREL $79-99
SCANDAL Did you hear? Florals broke up with Spring and moved in with Fall. TUCKER $385
ANTHROPOLOGIE $12
URBAN OUTFITTERS $58
THE RUG COMPANY contact for price
TARGET $24.99
SHOPPING CART
ALEXANDER WANG $525
CAVALLINI $21.95
KATE’S TORY BURCH $325
PHOTO: ELLE.COM
GR
DESIGNERS EYE $119
CRANE $29
R&Y AUGOUSTI $125-$355
ALEXANDER GIRARD $95
MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS contact for price
JONATHAN ADLER $78
REATS
Shopbop’s Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch knows a thing or two about wardrobe must-haves. Lucky for us, her top fall trends--minimalist camel, lipstick red and a dash of leopard--look pretty darn good in the home too.
Atelier TO
CITRINE BY THE STONES $125
MARC BY MARC JACOBS $368
Poised on the brink of superstardom, fashion designer Katie Ermilio is no stranger to burning the midnight oil. Luxe yet playful office accoutrements make her stylish studio a homeMODERNICA away from home. $2795
SHOPPING CART
PHOTO: JAMIE BECK
EXCEPTIONS DE GRANGE contact for price Floral Sequin Oxfords // FOREVER 21 $24.50
ASSOULINE $40
Crate and Barrel $199 each
A9telier 5
Violet Moss Soap // FRESH
TO
$12
30
JONATHAN ADLER $78
Poised on the brink of superstardom, fashion designer Katie Ermilio is no stranger to burning the midnight oil. Luxe yet playful Silk studio Crepe de Chine Dress // office accoutrements make her stylish TUCKER at NET-A-PORTER a home away from home. $385
Floral Trail Rug // FLORENCE BROADHURST AT KNOT RUGS contact for price
MARK ROTHKO at ALL POSTERS $19.99 Zinnia Thicket Salad Plates // ANTHROPOLOGIE $12
KATE’S PAPERIE $22
VOLUSPA $27
GRAPHIC IMAGE $174
LANVIN $275 GOYARD contact for price PROENZA SCHOULER $1995
Madras Violet Wallpaper // COLE & SONS contact for price
KELLY WEARSTLER for PIKARD CHINA prices vary
SLIM AARONS at PHOTOGRAPHERS GALLERY
$275
Zelda Pillow // COMPANY C $160
Augustine Curtain Panel // CRATE AND BARREL $79-99
INSIDE SCOOP
RUE SHOPS :
san francisco with GRANT K. GIBSON
Brimming with entrepreneurial energy from dotcom start-ups to slow food enthusiasts – this West Coast metropolis also hosts a flourishing design scene. Leading the pack is interiors guru Grant K. Gibson, whose Laurel Heights neighborhood just happens to offer the city’s best decor shops.
Photography: Vivian Chen,Text: Anne Sage, Golden Gate Bridge – DESIGNbyHELEN from Etsy, $20
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INSIDE SCOOP Good design is ingrained in Grant K. Gibson’s DNA. A mainstay on tastemaker rosters nationwide, the celebrated designer exhibited his talents at an early age. Not even his cabin at sleep-away camp was safe, as the budding aficionado ripped up the astroturf carpet and disassembled his bunk beds to make Casbahinspired divans. Fast forward a couple decades. Though he now deals more with real Casbah divans than with bunk beds, Grant’s enthusiasm for a meticulous floor plan prevails. Since founding his firm in 2002, he’s built a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from stylized gentlemen’s
Anthem 3274 SACRAMENTO STREET Anthem’s range of stunning finds – from $7 mother-of-pearl spoons to $7000 porcelain chandeliers – makes it impossible to walk out empty-handed. Grant heads here for finishing touches like textured throws, gleaming bar accessories, and posh coffee table books. The vibe? It’s “swank without being too precious.”
retreats – complete with trophies and canary cages – to classically elegant spa sanctuaries. His timeless aesthetic and his outgoing personality have made him one of the industry’s most sought-after designers. Grant travels frequently for both work and pleasure – with clients in New York, Palm Beach, London and Zurich, he’s racked up some serious air miles. Like many designers he gains fresh inspiration on his voyages. But he always looks forward to each return, and his top resources remain those along the beaten path just around the corner from home.
Sue Fisher King 3067 SACRAMENTO STREET The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of Sue Fisher King belies its status as the longtime go-to for San Francisco’s decorating elite. With a huge collection of Astier de Vilatte china, table linens from Liberty of London, and an endlessly accommodating staff, it’s easy to see why Grant cites Sue Fisher King as his “hands down favorite store in town.”
Wynne Alex 3085 SACRAMENTO STREET The impeccably edited selection at Wynne Alex sets Grant’s heart to racing. Pop in for statement-making accent pieces like slender floor lamps, mirrored end tables, and “feminine but fierce” occasional chairs. Admire oil paintings from local artists, and chat with the proprietors for info on under-the-radar happenings in San Francisco design.
Past Perfect 2230 UNION STREET If you’re not in the mood for the flea market, Past Perfect is the next best thing. Actually a cooperative of multiple antiques dealers, its shelves offer up the one-of-a-kind vintage items that give Grant’s projects a finished look. Mid-century Danish dinettes mingle with gilt Venetian mirrors and rustic Americana; it’s “a treasure hunt” in the heart of the concrete jungle.
Krimsa 2190 UNION STREET Grant takes floor coverings very seriously; they can make or break a space. So he appreciates not only Krimsa’s vast selection of carpets from all over the world, but also their above-and-beyond commitment to customer service. “There’s no hard sell. They’ll deliver and install as many rugs as it takes to find the right one.” Bonus? “They’ve got the best pillows in San Francisco.”
INSIDE SCOOP Ruby Living 1919 FILLMORE STREET Grant heads to Ruby Living at the start of every new project, and he often brings clients with him. The broad range of foundational pieces – comfy couches, perfectly proportioned chairs, sleek and simple casegoods – allows them to experience first hand how large elements will look in their home. Plus the relaxed proprietors will let you lounge test drive for as long as you like.
“ You don’t always have to buy something. Get inspiration and ideas from how the store arranges their product.”
Blogger
side-by-side
Ronda Carman of All the Best Blog sends her love from Glasgow, where she works as a social media consultant and avoids the haggis.
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Vivre Flowering Quince by Clarence House Autumn: Nature pa ints the landscape with a spectacular show of color. Omelettes
Swedish Fish
Butter London L ‘ a Moss’” I love a mixture of periods, but have a fascination with mid-century modern. Eero Saarinen’s Tulip table An y thing Bobbi Brown
Spain – especially Barcelona
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INSIDE SCOOP THEY’RE BOTH EX-PAT AMERICAN BLOGGERS LIVING IN EUROPE. BUT WHAT ELSE DO RONDA CARMEN AND HOLLY BECKER HAVE IN COMMON?
Get to know these two worldly gals!
v
Holly Becker is the creator of the blog Decor8. She writes, crafts, and explores local culture in her home city of Hannover.
PERFUME ONLINE STORE WALLPAPER SEASON BREAKFAST FOOD
Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb Etsy Fa iry Flower by Ferm Living Autumn: It’s cozy, invigorating, and crisp. Blueberry Pancakes
PRODUCT YOU WISH YOU COULD SHIP FROM THE STATES
Southern Food
NAIL POLISH COLOR
Greige, like OPI’s “You Don’t Know Jaques”
PERIOD IN DESIGN HISTORY ICONIC PIECE OF FURNITURE LIPGLOSS TRAVEL DESTINATION
1890 – 1905 during the whole decora tive arts period in Europe. Some day I want to own a Finn Juhl Poeten sofa. It’s my dream purchase. Raspberry Sorbet by Philosophy
I connect most with Copenhagen because the people are so friendly and stylish, and the restaurants are great.
INSIDE SCOOP
THE MAN IN THE
BLUE BLAZER Rue's Resident Brit bids farewell to summer with a case of the blues. PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT CANT TEXT AND STYLING: WILL TAYLOR ILLUSTRATION: DALLAS SHAW
S
ummer. My dear friend. You’ve been wonderful, and I look forward to hanging out again next year. Your ice cold lemonades and blazing hot rays have energized me from top to toe. And though your big brother Autumn approaches, I won’t throw a tantrum just yet. I’ll just translate my crisp nautical blues into the perfect palette for fall.
For starters, I won’t banish the vibrant blues in which I’ve so shamelessly indulged. I’ll simply add in shades like navy and midnight—deeper colors to augment the azures and aquas that have hogged the limelight throughout the sunny months. The result? A layered effect that calms the eye while adding depth of tone. But too much blue makes me, well, blue. And while a summertime blue scheme might involve a crisp flash of white, my fall blues beg for some glimmer and glow. So I'll ornament my teals and my sapphires with metallic sheen. A wink of brass here, a flare of gold there. Come holiday season the flickering candlelight of festive
nights will bounce off these polished accents and add yet another new dimension to the blue hues in my space. Because frankly Summer, the shift from your long lazy days into the mindset of fall isn't an overhaul; it’s an opportunity to find clever tweaks and updates to what I’ve already got. Come the chilly days of Grandpa Winter, I'll be glad I didn’t banish that brilliant blue vase to the attic. I avoid the treacherous trek up the stairs and instead get to kick back, relax and flick through the latest shelter magazines—all while appreciating the mood-boosting benefits that a jolt of cobalt brings to a gray afternoon. Win-win.
SHOP The Fall Blues Look
HEALS £80
HEALS £40
ANTHROPOLOGIE $48
CRATE&BARREL $139
There really is a Man in the Blue Blazer! Get the full story on our Facebook page!
INSIDE SCOOP
“ ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE PIECES CREATE A HOME THAT LOOKS COLLECTED RATHER THAN DECORATED.”
Meet the Designer:
HEATHER CLAWSON HABITUALLY CHIC’S INTERIORS MAVEN SHARES HER LATEST CLIENT PROJECT, ALONG WITH THE SECRETS TO HER ‘CLASSIC WITH A TWIST’ STYLE. You’re an icon amongst interior design bloggers and you have your own thriving interiors practice. Not many people can say that!
PHOTOGRAPHY: LARA ROBBY INTERIOR DESIGN: HEATHER CLAWSON
I think my insider perspective is one of the reasons my blog has been so well received. I started it in 2007 when I was working for a high-end interior designer. At the time, there weren’t many bloggers who were actually employed in the industry. The community needed someone who could write about design from behind the scenes – someone who had access to all the exciting events and happenings going on in New York.
As Habitually Chic became more widely read, I started taking on my own side projects, and when I was laid off from the high-end firm, I decided it was the perfect time to go out on my own. It’s amazing how many doors open through blogging, isn’t it? I know! Take this bachelorette flat for instance. My client had been reading my blog for a while before she decided to contact me. She works in finance and owns a 700 square foot Central Park West apartment. In one of her first emails she wrote, “I have some pieces that I love, some that just need new fabric, and some that need to see Goodwill. I turned thirty a couple years ago and my apartment needs to grow up!” I think a lot of us can probably relate to that state of affairs. What did you discover when you saw the home in person for the first time? She did have great pieces but they were in the wrong places. One of the first things I did was rearrange her living room. There was a gorgeous desk shoved into a corner, so I moved it to its own wall where it had room to breathe. Next up was the nicely shaped chair that was upholstered in a horrid plaid. We had it recovered in a pretty blue fabric from Romo and had a new pillow made for it. Essentially, the client’s mother had helped decorate the apartment after she bought it – so in spite of some terrific elements, the space didn’t feel like her. We made it younger and fresher but still reflective of her refined style.
“ M Y FAVORITE THING ABOUT BLOGGING HAS BEEN ALL THE WONDERFUL FRIENDS I’VE MET OVER THE YEARS.”
I’m so happy when I can use what clients already own simply by moving things around; it’s a surefire way to incorporate pieces you know they love, and it’s important to me that all of my projects reflect the client first and foremost. So I also take lifestyle into consideration when starting a project. For example, I ask clients if they entertain often so I know how much seating the living room will need. I next measure all their existing furniture and the dimensions of the space so I can create a floor plan. Then and only then will I work on purchasing new items to fill in the gaps. Of course sometimes there’s a difference between what they want to keep and what you think they should keep. Most clients have a sense for what they like but have a hard time articulating it, so it’s important to take the time to explore their ideas with them. We review tons of inspirational concept photos so we can get on the same page. With this collaborative approach, each project becomes unique to the client and to the space. But at the end of the day, it’s my job to tell them what will work and what won’t, and then bring the vision to life for them. Which you clearly did to perfection on your latest project! Now that this bachelorette pad is complete, what else is on your agenda? I’m finishing up two other homes right now.
One is an Upper East Side three bedroom apartment that I describe as young traditional, the other a more modern space in Chelsea. The owner has a huge art collection and likes color so it was fun to get out of my comfort zone. Beyond client work, I’m also refining a book proposal and presenting it to one of my favorite publishers, and I’d love to develop products and furniture down the line. And since I also write about fashion, I’ve been asked to attend the New York runway shows which is a dream come true! I’m in awe of all the opportunities that have come my way through blogging.
Is this ‘start with what you have’ approach pretty typical of how you work with clients?
’s NYC FLAIR HOME COLLECTION: My all-time favorite store in New York, with a spot-on mix of vintage and new pieces. I also adore the owners and pop in even if I’m not shopping for a client. NEW YORK ANTIQUES GARAGE FLEA MARKET: You never know what you will find at this incredible flea market. I’ve come home with a full set of china, a mink coat, and quite a few paintings. BERGDORF GOODMAN: Holly Golightly has Tiffany’s and I have Bergdorf’s! I check out the homewares on the 7th floor and work my way down to shoes. I’m always inspired after a visit. AERO THOMAS O’BRIEN’S SOHO: shop is filled with new and antique furniture and accessories that are perfect for any style of project. MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES: The colors in the Picasso exhibit at the Gagosian Gallery recently sparked new color combinations for me, and I’m excited for the Abstract Expressionism exhibit at MoMA this October.
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Guest curator Erin Loechner—she of Design for Mankind fame—loves the smell of freshly-shaved pencils and the heft of thick notebooks waiting to be scrawled upon. From teepees to toy horses, your inner kindergartener will squeal with delight at her top picks for arty childhood inspiration. Happy recess! 1: ashleyg $20; 2: Hazel Nicholls £22; 3: misterrob $36; 4: Fine Little Shop $31; 5: Mareike Auer $20; 6: Lulu Wolf $65; 7: Christine Kesler $35; 8: Alyson Fox £18; 9: LizzyStewart $15; 10: GollyBard $58; 11: Justin Nelson $25; 12. Mareike Auer € 20; 13. Elina Minn $35
GRAHAM & BROWN FRAMES WALLPAPER $40 per roll
photo: amber blatt
GALLERY WALL
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Not comfortable being naked in front of others? Think of how your walls feel.
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HANDS ON
DECADENT DIY WITH THESE FASHION-INSPIRED PROJECTS, LAVISH LIVING IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
L
onging to add sparkle to a space?
fecting the drape of his necklace chains, but curtains
Look no further than your wardrobe
are much more forgiving than a night of dancing so
for inspiration! Consider the little
don’t be afraid to give this project a try! Keep your
black dress: its simplicity adds in-
eyes out for vintage brooches and chains at flea mar-
stant sophistication and class. And
kets or estate sales. Once you’re satisfied with your
what better way to up the drama than with touch-
collection of gems, grab a wire cutter and a pair of
es of metallic flash? Just like a multi-chain necklace
pliers, and experiment with layering. Room Divider:
over a classic ebony shift, layered elements of black
To create the screen, wallpaper pre-cut plywood. We
and gold add instant glamour to a room. With these
cut our boards to measure 60” x 30”, and we used
two inexpensive DIY projects, a more lavish interior
Ferm Living’s black lacquered ‘Wilderness’ pattern.
is only an afternoon away! Curtain Tie: The beauti-
Screw in hinges to hold the panels together. Trace
fully wrought work of jewelry artisan Roberto Costa
over selected existing repeats in the pattern with gold
inspired this curtain tie. Roberto has spent years per-
enamel paint to create metallic branches and leaves.
ROBERTO COSTA crafts his bijoux jewelry in NOTTING HILL, LONDON. If you can’t make it across the pond, his one-of-a-kind pieces are also available at EDEN & EDEN IN SAN FRANCISCO.
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CHRISTIANA COOP is an interior designer and stylist and the co-owner of HYGGE & WEST. She is also a representative of FERM LIVING in the US and a design blogger at CLEVER SPACES.
HANDS ON
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MAEMAE PAPERIE When is paper more than just paper? WHEN IT'S IN THE HANDS OF MEGAN GONZALEZ.
r sunny studio one hour north of Los Angeles, stationery de-
er Megan Gonzalez is a busy girl. She's taking Skype meetings
the clients. She's pulling font and image inspiration from maga-
, books and websites. She's phoning the printer to check the
s of her latest batch of wedding invitations. Megan is a busy singlehandedly evolved the tiny company she launched during
an internationally renowned custom design studio.
any's name? MaeMae Paperie--and if you've been anywhere
ding blog in the last two years you've heard of it. If you read you've heard of it. And if you are amongst the growing number
ative types who love a good snail mail letter, you've definitely
n fact Megan's custom designs have gained such cult status
ationery junkies, she's now completing the first of her collec-
old in stores.
egan attributes the growth of MaeMae Paperie to a confluence
nts, the truth is that her determination and her imaginative en-
real factors behind her success. Of course a healthy obsession
nes doesn't hurt--the studio currently subscribes to over twen-
Megan's positively poetic creative approach that sets MaeMae class of its own.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURE JOLIET STYLING: SUMMER WATKINS
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“I the
THRIVE
STILLNESS
in
of
NIGHT
& design EVERYONE
BEST
is
when
SLEEPING.”
M A EM A E ST Y L E : People always tell me they know my wo
my name beneath it, but it's so hard as a designer to put yo box. I'm still developing. Though if pressed, I would describe
with great attention to typeface and a modern color sensibili
M A EM A E MET HOD : I approach my work with a full tool
a blank canvas and brush scenario. I come in with a billio
ork without seeing
sketches, swatches, and meld them all together. It's more like solving a riddle
our creations in a
than creating a melody from scratch.
my style as bold,
ity.
M A EM A E PH I L OS OPH Y: My work feels like a symphony. All the parts work in harmony together. Then, when you concentrate on the individual
kit. It's not really
on different fonts,
elements, they're so compelling that you could be happy with one alone. But you're lucky to have them all.
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MAEMAE STUDIO
M U S T- H A V E S
Rue Readers als
the MaeMae sho
Enter "RU
so will receive a 2 0 % DI S C OUN T at
oppe the entire month of September.
UE " at checkout. Enjoy! xx, Mae
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HANDS ON
DICK BLICK $34
STEAL THIS LOOK The Mayfield Bakery and Cafe in Palo Alto serves up rugged bistro style--and a
RESTORATION HARDWARE
darn good slice of pie.
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HOME STYLES $234
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CHICAGO COMMERCIAL $230
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HANDS ON
HOW DO YOU LIKE F
THEM F
APPLES? PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID MALOSH FOOD STYLING: MICHELLE WONG RECIPES: MARISSA LIPPERT
T
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here’s something special about fall. A crisp vitality fills the air as the seasons shift. It’s a time of back-to-school, leaves that change to goldenrod hues, a freshly spiced-up wardrobe, and a wondrous sense of possibility and purpose. In a word, fall is glorious. The energy of the season extends beyond a new round of fashion and football and nestles deep in our food as well. The comfort and wholesome warmth of autumn staples like butternut squash, leafy greens, pears, pumpkins and potatoes embody the revival and sustenance of fall. Let fall feed your soul. Take some time to slow down a little. Harvest your thoughts. Appreciate the food that’s on your plate and where it comes from. Is there a story behind it, a farmer who farmed it, friends and family to sit down and share it with? Whet your appetite for autumn with the season’s lovely, blushing queen: the apple. It’s a juicy mix of sweet and tart; of humble appearance and exuberant good health; of a little regality and a lot of taste. From Crispin or Gala to Pink Lady or Northern Spy--whatever your favorite variety, take your pick and stock up. To make the most of your bounty, spend an afternoon in the kitchen and make this Autumn Apple Tart with Spiced Caramel Sauce, with healthful indulgence and quiet appeal baked right in. Or in a pinch, whip up an Apple Compote and serve over buckwheat pancakes or vanilla ice cream. The bourbon is optional but encouraged! So pick up a fork. Here’s to the rise of a new season and to savoring every last bite.
Let fall feed your soul
F
click
HERE to download the recipes! 63
HANDS ON
PIERRE DEUX $12
MICHAEL DEVIN $30
CRATE&BARREL $54.95
WYSTERIA $79
SKS BOTTLE contact for price
SUR LA TABLE $20
HEY Goo
Co
BEST AMERICAN ARTS $89
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PHOTO: DAVID MALOSH
NE
Y od
CRATE&BARREL $19.95
ookin’! Set the mood for fall with rustic kitchen tools inspired by this issue’s seasonal recipe. There’s not one bad apple in the bunch!
SKS BOTTLE contact for price
WISTERIA $20
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010
SILVER
SCREEN REVIVAL
WOODSON + RUMMERFIELD HOUSE OF DESIGN IS BRINGING THE GOLDEN ERA BACK TO DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, ONE SHINING SURFACE AT A TIME. PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURE JOLIET INTERIORS AND STYLING: WOODSON + RUMMERFIELD HOUSE OF DESIGN TEXT: ASHLINA KAPOSTA
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imeless elegance.
Unrestrained luxury. Exuberant opulence. All phrases used at one time or another to denote the glamour and the legacy of Hollywood. In a city that emphasizes aesthetics above all else, interior design provides the backdrop--and Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield rule the stage. A go-to design house for the ‘who’s who’ set, Woodson + Rummerfield has created hideaways for a bevy of the entertainment industry’s most high profile figures, including Christina Aguilera, Tori Spelling and Courtney Love. Their love of sumptuous velvet, polished mirrors, and glowing lacquer makes Ron and Jaime’s work the epitome of high style. Yet beyond the VIP clientele, behind the glittering curtains of interior design in the City of Angels, there exists a mysterious and magical wonderland. Yes, it’s rife with dinner parties, cocktails by the pool and celebrity photo shoots, but it also entails so much more.
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THIS ROOM PRACTICALLY WHISPERS, “I’M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP.”
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A morning at Woodson + Rummerfield’s House of Design begins as the sun climbs above the Los Angeles horizon and peeks through the grand windows of the firm’s posh downtown studio. Scented candles release the heady perfume of musk and gardenia into the air, and Frank Sinatra croons through an unseen sound system. Plush seating and colourful storyboards punctuate a space that feels more like an exclusive boutique than an office. Ron and Jaime arrive for the day’s meetings, floating up the Spanish style staircase and passing by a gallery wall devoted to Woodson + Rummerfield’s numerous press mentions. Impeccably dressed and coiffed, Jaime has an abiding lust for jewelry and never a hair out of place.
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JAIME & RON’S
GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR
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v
Break out your best china for even the simplest occasions and gatherings.
v
Overdress for everything. Be fierce!
v
Gorgeous glassware is an essential! Vintage tumblers should always be on hand.
v
Light your home like you’re in a film; for evening, dimmers work wonders.
v
Use all five senses all the time: surround yourself with rich fabrics, scented soaps, glowing candlelight, delectable food. Plus the right mood music is a must!
“IT’S A PASSION PROJECT, A LABOR OF LOVE.”
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Equally well attired, Ron accents his slim suits with dark rimmed glasses, dapper cufflinks and an ostrich leather bag. The sophistication of old Hollywood not only influences the interiors they create, it stands at the core of who they are, and it defines everything they do. The native Angelinos were raised on stories of old Hollywood. On their parents’ knees they heard tell of a glory age past, one populated by starlets in silk peignoirs and leading men in top hats and tails. Today, the pair is determined to restore that legendary lifestyle to the city’s increasingly vibrant downtown core, and with their latest project at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, they achieve that very goal. Appropriately, the towering Ritz-Carlton building affords views of the Hollywood sign
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“WE WANTED TO USE THE SAME STYLIZED APPROACH THAT YOU WOULD FOR MAKEUP AND WARDROBE ON SET.”
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shimmering in the distant hills. With the implications of that iconic vista always in mind, Ron and Jaime have created an homage to decadent drama. They compose a moody color script with saturated tones of aubergine, lilac and violet. Deep steel grays and metallics round out the cast. The effect is positively vampy, like a Film Noir classic come to life. “We wanted to use the same stylized approach that you would for makeup and wardrobe on set,” explains Ron. ther subtle film references play supporting roles throughout. A gold dragon on a lush rug gives nod to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. A rope-footed Chanel-inspired chair recalls the sultry spectacle of red carpet fashion. Wet bars stocked with vintage crystal decanters echo the clink of ice, the pour of whiskey--the soundtrack to countless black and white scenes of seduction. The show stopper? A chandelier crafted from over forty plates of Murano glass. This room
O
practically whispers, ‘I’m ready for my close-up.’ Arresting pieces from Ron and Jaime’s own furniture line have also found a home here. The collection is their latest endeavor and one that they are in the process of expanding. Using their vintage finds as a jumping off point, they refine and refresh until they have a product that combines the allure of the past with an accessibility that everyone can enjoy. “We juxtapose old and new to create character that stands above anything else,” Jaime explains. They seamlessly marry the romance of a bygone era with the modern energy of the 21st century. With this bold approach to the Ritz-Carlton residence, Ron and Jaime have indeed set a high bar for the revitalization of downtown LA. As Jaime says, “It’s a passion project, a labor of love.” And in keeping with the promise and appeal of old Hollywood, they’re building a city in which dreams of passion and love can come true.
v
BRIGHT LIGHT ON THE LEFT COAST IN HER NEW SAN FRANCISCO BUNGALOW, BLOGGER &
STYLIST
VICTORIA SMITH
ELEVATES MODERN BOHEMIAN STYLE TO AN ART FORM. PHOTOGRAPHY: TINY WATER PHOTOGRAPHY INTERIOR DESIGN: VICTORIA SMITH HAIR AND MAKE-UP: IMAGE PROVACATEUR FLORALS: TESS WILSON TEXT: ANNE SAGE
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tart at the bottom of the hill. Brace yourself and begin to climb. Pass the custom bike shop, the abandoned blue Volvo, the lemon yellow house. Stop to catch your breath at the organic market on the corner. Steady now, you’re almost there. Now mount the steps, fourteen in all, and find yourself in a welcoming world of white. No, you’ve not become lost in San Francisco’s notorious fog. You’ve arrived at the new home of Victoria Smith. This might be your first visit to Victoria’s abode, but if you’ve been anywhere near a computer in the last four years you’ll instantly recognize her style. The founder and writer of the immensely celebrated blog sfgirlbybay, Victoria and her musings on art and design have earned a cadre of loyal and loving readers. Her voice is witty and warm, her approach to life generous and upbeat, and her distinctive aesthetic is the definition of modern individualism for a new generation of interiors enthusiasts.
Like many great phenomena, sfgirlbybay began inauspiciously enough. Victoria was deep in her career as an art buyer, producing shoots for advertising and publications such as Domino and Architectural Digest, when a friend suggested she have her home featured on Apartment Therapy. She set up her own blog simply as a platform to submit images of her space. “This was 2006,” explains Victoria. “I had no idea what a blog was. I found quite by accident that I loved sharing design ideas online.” Not only did Apartment Therapy select and feature her home, but she continued to post photos and inspiration on her own blog. Four years later, her site receives more than 12,000 visitors per day.
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“
I HAD NO IDEA WHAT A BLOG WAS. I FOUND QUITE BY ACCIDENT THAT I LOVED SHARING DESIGN IDEAS ONLINE.”
“I’M PRETTY MUCH A HOMEBODY WITH A SOCIAL SIDE.”
The popularity of sfgirlbybay stems in part from the refined yet relatable nature of its content. Victoria strikes a balance between showcasing a thoughtfully curated selection of art, photography and lifestyle goods, and sharing her own home and personal life. Her previous flat--with its ever-changing furniture arrangements and rotating cast of flea market finds--played a noteworthy supporting role on the blog. So when Victoria moved in April of this year, her readers waited with baited breath for their chance to decorate vicariously through her. And they’ve not been disappointed.
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he new house lends itself perfectly to Victoria’s eclectic, highly personalized approach to decorating. Situated in San Francisco’s family-friendly Noe Valley neighborhood, the rooms flow one into the other through a series of arched doorways, and precious Bay Area sunlight streams through large picture windows. Original crown mouldings hug the ceilings and hidden nooks give Victoria endless opportunities to rearrange her collections. The place feels practically built with her in mind.
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SHOP like Victoria CRAIGSLIST, EBAY & ETSY
Very few things in my home that are brand new.
ROOM & BOARD Adore their casegoods. High quality at a fair price, plus excellent customer service.
OCHRE Beautiful sofas that I would die for!
LOTUS BLEU Recently found this awesome little shop in San Francisco. Great fabrics and accessories.
VELOCITY ART & DESIGN Love it for mid-century modern.
LISA STICKLEY Whimsical tablewares and kitchen linens in vintage-inspired prints.
The peaceful tone of the space belies the effort Victoria has expended to create order in only three months. To cultivate the style she describes as ‘mid-century meets bohemian modern’, Victoria first made a blank slate. Gone are the brown striped walls she inherited, and in their place are surfaces painted either white or chalkboard black. Tone-on-tone furnishings--almost all secondhand finds-form a neutral canvas for hand-printed textiles, whimsical knickknacks, and shelf after shelf of beloved books. Every detail has been considered, and the turn of every corner reveals another quiet surprise.
“MID-CENTURY MEETS BOHEMIAN MODERN’
Fans of Victoria’s last apartment will spot a few old friends, albeit under new guises. The glass and wrought iron cart that was a coffee table now lives beside the bed. The Knoll dining room chairs received new vintage slipcovers, the sofa a fresh palette of pillows. This flexibility of purpose reveals a key aspect of Victoria’s nature: “I don’t take myself too seriously, and I like to find irony in things,” she says of the whimsy and spontaneity inherent to her surroundings. But while an oddball grouping of portraits still lords over the parlor, Victoria has also injected more sophisticated touches--the black breakfast nook walls, for example.
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“I LIKE THE ROOMS TO HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR TO THEM, TO BE COMFORTABLE AND COZY, BUT I WANTED A MORE MATURE LOOK.”
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“I THINK I MISSED MY ERA, SO I LIKE SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH BITS OF THE PAST”
“EVERYTHING IN MY HOME IS EVOLVING, A CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRESS.”
Of course putting her own stamp on the space means more than finding the perfect spot for her Eames rocker. Not long after getting settled, Victoria resumed her time-honored practice of hosting Sunday Suppers. She invited twenty-five good friends and discovered over dinner
and drinks that ‘it’s a blast to entertain in in this house.’She recently welcomed Lucy, a rescued Tibetan Terrier, and morning games of catch have supplanted earlybird flea market trips. Of course the lure of the flea market has decreased now that Victoria’s interior design is complete.
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Or is it? Any house is a continual work in progress, and Victoria’s is no exception. The pink and blue tile in the bathroom must go (”It’s hideous!”) and even the general layout may not last long, for Victoria is a consummate putterer. “I look at things in new ways after living here a few months, and already I want to make changes. I wish I could paint my wood floors white!”
“I LOVE SHARING IDEAS ONLINE AND FEEDING OFF EACH OTHER FOR INSPIRATION.”
W
hich means that the next time you climb the hill, past the blue Volvo and the lemon yellow house, you might discover yourself at a completely different destination. But rest assured that the you’ll still find the gracious calm of a carefully considered home, that there will always be surprises around every corner, and that Victoria will always greet you with a smile.
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MAKE IT YOUR OWN Cozy up at home with chic items that are both practical & comfortable.
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win this west elm pouf!
win this wall decal!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chair: Modernica $355; Table: Home Decorator’s Collection $199; Pouf: West Elm $299; Pendant lamp: YLighting $269; Hand towels: DwellStudio for Target (part of a 7 piece set) $19.99; Chalkboard decal: Shanna Murray (prices vary)
VICTORIA’S DECORATING TIPS: v
I use a lot of white furnishings as a base and change things up by adding new accessories and artwork to my white ‘canvas’. It’s not for everyone but it works for me!
v
I make compromises on price. Sometimes, i just can’t have that one amazing thing that’s caught my eye. So i ‘fake it ‘til i make it’--i do my best to create a similar look until i can save up and have the piece that i really, really want!
v
When faced with indecision, i jump in and try things. Then i sit back and wonder if i made the right choice. I might change my mind later, but at least i’ve got something to work from.
THE PRIVATE LIFE OF A LEGEND: TO SPEND A DAY WITH VICENTE WOLF IS TO WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A DESIGN GOD. PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE BECK | TEXT: JULIE HOLLOWAY
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MORNING PAPER ON THE PATIO
FLOWER MARKET
CLIENTS HOME
SHOWROOM
OFFICE
BACK HOME
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FLOWER MARKET
Vicente Wolf is a man of contradictions. He comes from humble beginnings in Cuba, yet he describes his work as couture. He cites his insecurity as the personality trait that would most surprise his fans, yet he credits his astronomical success to instincts that have never failed him. He is equally at ease getting his hands muddy in his Montauk garden or discussing velvet and damask with Baccarat and Pucci. The eminence of this celebrated designer--and the longevity of his thirty-year career--is rooted in his great dexterity and his quiet good nature. You observe a feeling of profound calm upon arriving at his home, and the same holds true when you are in his presence. You may even become a little star-struck by his shy grin and soulful eyes. The crinkles in Wolf’s tanned skin only increase his masculine beauty, for they speak of a passion for travel and the outdoors. And his rooms mirror his 7
p.m.
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a.m.
CLIENTS HOME
“ WHEN DESIGNING, I FOLLOW MY GUT. I GO WITH MY FIRST THOUGHT AND DON’T SECOND GUESS THINGS.” VICENTE WOLF
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“ I’M MOST CREATIVE WHEN I’M REACHING BEYOND MY COMFORT LEVEL.” VICENTE WOLF
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“ WHEN I FEEL THAT I’VE COME UP WITH THE RIGHT SOLUTION, I MOVE ONTO THE NEXT THING. ” VICENTE WOLF
face; dark floors and weighty sectionals anchor his work just as a chiseled jaw line projects a sense of groundedness. Wolf’s loft in New York’s Garment District exudes strength and security without being void of texture or playfulness. If, as Shakespeare writes, “all the world’s a stage”, then the players in Wolf’s world are an eclectic yet harmonious mix of chairs and materials, and unexpected variations of heights and angles. The furniture’s placement in the room is just as important as its hue, its upholstery, and its history. Much consideration goes into the placement of one object next to another, be it a Russian antique or a Panton chair. There is intent here. There is thought in everything. Wolf’s interests reach far
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“ LOOKING THROUGH THE LENS HAS MADE MY INTERIORS MORE POWERFUL.” VICENTE WOLF
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“ YOU CAN COLLECT ANYTHING – FROM BOTTLE CAPS TO IMPRESSIONIST PAINTINGS. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG. JUST HAVE FUN WITH IT.” VICENTE WOLF
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beyond interiors; he is passionate about art and film, cooking and politics. He is a student of life. His interests have taken him all over the globe, and his home, office and showroom feature artifacts from as far away as Namibia and Borneo. Once a year Wolf locks up his Manhattan studio and spends an extended period of time immersing himself in a foreign country. “I’m most creative when I’m reaching beyond my comfort level and traveling to exotic, out-ofthe-way places,” he says. This enthusiasm for exploring other cultures dovetails neatly with Wolf’s greatest love of all: photography. An ardent photographer himself, he will purchase a new print on a journey through Ecuador, bring it home and place it beside originals by Richard Avedon, Harry Callahan, and Man Ray, then turn around and sell one of his own shots to a client who has been begging for a Wolf original. But photography is not simply a hobby. It makes Wolf a better designer: ‘Looking through the lens has made my interiors more powerful. I view elevations in a different way, and I’m forced to focus on vignettes that could be.’ Perhaps, then, the prominence of grayscale in Wolf’s interiors stems from his near obsession with the black and white portrait. Though color makes cameos in his spaces, neutrals are the real stars. Yet the graphic shades are not clinical. Accented by textural woven baskets and groupings of museum-quality antiques, they offer a sense of homecoming to all who enter. This warmth and approachability stems in part from Wolf’s sincere gratitude for all
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“ WHEN YOU COME FROM A SIMPLE BACKGROUND, YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT LIFE IS LUCK AND UP TO A HIGHER POWER.” VICENTE WOLF
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that he has achieved and experienced. He reveals that he can in fact be “very insecure about many things.” Continuing, he explains, “When you come from a simple background, you have to believe that life is luck and up to a higher power.” As with other aspects of his personality, Wolf’s humility finds its way into his designs. It’s in the tall windows, left bare to greet the rising sun; the concrete floors, polished to a high sheen so they will feel cool and smooth on unshod feet; the lampshades, color coordinated so they blend into walls that seem to stretch as far as the deserts of Namibia. n
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PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID TSAY
It'sMy Party EMILY HENDERSON, HGTV’S NEWEST DESIGN STAR, KNOWS EXACTLY HOW TO THROW A SWINGING SHINDIG. SHE SIMPLY CALLS IN A FEW (DOZEN) FRIENDS.
TEXT AND PROP STYLING: EMILY HENDERSON FOOD STYLING: MARISSA LIPPERT WARDROBE STYLING: THE LIFE STYLED HAIR AND MAKEUP: FIORE BEAUTY PAPER GOODS: HELLO TENFOLD
“ I N E V E R FA N TA S I Z E D A B O U T M Y Wedding .”
click here to
download the
paper goods in this story!
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I wanted only four things: music, dancing, drinking and laughing. I gave myself five prep days--like a photo shoot--and didn’t stress for one second. When it comes to things that I need to plan, I just don’t. Because I have to plan so much for work that if I also had to plan the perfect party, I would stress about making sure I bought the right stinky cheese and whether the ‘97 Barolo was a good year or not. So for my parties, I text people a few days in advance, I make a huge pan of lasagna, I pick up a ton of booze, and I put the iPod on my ‘Let’s Get This Party Started’ playlist. Boom. Done. Party. It’s not that I don’t want to be that person. It would be rad to be the girl who hunts down the newest pigeon goulash recipe to make for friends, or who slips off to her sustainable garden to pluck organic arugula for the homemade almond milk ice cream she’s about to whip up. But my vintage Dansk pots and pans are for display purposes only. And my wooden spoons are aged to perfection
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THE and should never touch actual liquids. Seriously. Don’t even think about it. Then I got a phone call from Magazine Land. And with the help of some editorial magic, I threw my fantasy party. For one night I was the girl who does all those things. And by ‘I’, I mean me plus a chef, a hair and makeup crew, a fashion stylist, a graphic designer, a custom wallpaper designer, eight beautiful friends, and a famous interiors photographer with his three assistants. What’s the saying? ‘It takes a village to produce an effortless looking entertaining story for a magazine?’ No, that doesn’t sound right… Here’s how it went down. RUE: Hey Emily, we want to feature you in the premiere issue of our new magazine. EMILY: Um. Yes please. RUE: How about an entertaining story? EMILY: If that’s ‘magazine speak’ for a party, then YES PLEASE. RUE: We’ll take care of the food, the liquor, the hair, the makeup, and the fashion. EMILY: Ooh! Let’s do sixties throwback, yet modern. With lots of saturated colors? RUE: Um. It’s kinda our job to art direct. EMILY: Shhh. I’m thinking about the story I’m going to write for this. And so it went. I suggested the amazing David Tsay to shoot the party, and Rue called in their experts for hair, makeup, food and fashion. I informed them that my apartment is approximately fifty-six square feet. The Rue team remained unfazed. So with thirty people on board, we crammed into my one bedroom apartment to create an absolutely effortlesslooking fantasy party. The fantasy party begins like this: I finish the preparation of the food with an hour to spare. Perfect. I can relax, curl my luscious locks, and throw on my red chiffon cocktail dress and nude fishnet hosiery. Because real women wear pantyhose. I stain my lips red and then, ‘Ding dong!’ The guests! After a few
M enu
CHICKEN LIVER PATE ON CROSTINI TOASTS WITH PICKLED ONIONS CRAB SALAD WITH CUMIN-ORANGE SCENTED AIOLI ON PLANTAIN CHIPS BACON WRAPPED DATES WITH MANCHEGO PISTACHIO-MINT CRUSTED LAMB LOLLIPOPS CRUDITE & BUTTERMILK HERB DIP THE RUE MANHATTAN APEROL SPRITZ
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THE
P laylist
Throw your own swingin’ shindig with these hot tunes for cool cats.
MAS QUE NADA - BLACK EYED PEAS FEATURING SERGIO MENDES | MONDO STREET - ORANGE LOUNGE |THE BEST IS YET TO COME - MICHAEL BUBLE | THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG - BILLY VAN SINGERS | TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - ANITA O’DAY | MACK | THE KNIFE - BOBBY DARIN | DANSEZ-VOUS - PINK MARTINI | GROOVE ME - KING FLOYD | AS TIME GOES BY - LOUIS PRIMA
T H E PA R T Y G U E S T S INCLUDE A S M AT T E R I N G O F “ Hollywooders ” AND “NORMALS” pleasantries, we relax in the living room while I mix Manhattans and Aperol Spritzes. We nibble on Marcona almonds and olives while discussing whether or not the newest Bachelorette and her beau are really going to make it. We decide they are, by the way. The party guests include a smattering of ‘Hollywooders’ and ‘normals’. Parked on the blue velvet sofa we have Leigh Whanell-creator of the Saw franchise--and his lovely actress and blogger wife Corbett Tuck. Tossing back highballs are Glee co-creator Ian Brennan, actor Enver Gjokaj, and his lovely video game designer and model girlfriend Christine. Hovering around the liquor cart is a perfect pair of outta-towners from Texas, Anne and Andre. Of course at the center of it all you’ll find me with my actor and cuddlemonster husband, Brian. The compliments pour in as I take complete credit for the food: Oh, it really was nothing! My friends suspect foul when they spy a busy brunette running about in an apron. Fine, I concede, Marissa is the mastermind behind the food. She developed the recipes, then prepped, cooked and served the incredible food. And that amazing wallpaper she’s leaning against? It’s a pattern by Kreme. Happy to customize colors, the company made a navyon-white version just for this party. I love it. The men sport slim suits, sweater vests and
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“ E V E R Y PA R T Y NEEDS A T heme. ”
PLUS!
BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO
MAKE IT YOUR x OWN THE NEXT TIME YOU ENTERTAIN GUESTS, CHANNEL THE DRAPERS WITH MOD DECOR AND BURSTS OF SATURATED COLOR.
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bow-ties. They gnaw on rack of lamb and play backgammon. We women wear new dresses by Lauren Moffatt and perfectly preserved gowns from Shareen Vintage. Our wrists and ears drip with the jewels that our husbands bought for us in apology for ‘late nights at the office’. We leave the gents and retire to the salon where we discuss charter schools and the pros and cons of Botox. Unfortunately for the crew, when I invite my friends to a party (real or not) there’s going be a party. We stop taking photos around 9pm. The food has been devoured and the words are starting to slur. The fashion stylist collects our wardrobe--but don’t worry ‘cause the party keeps going.’ I’d love to say the house looks as clean as if we were never there, but frankly it looks like two hundred people converged on our living room. Not wanting the mess to kill our buzz, we opt to relocate to a bar down the street. We drunkenly say goodbye to the Rue team, and while exiting Magazine Land we sadly say goodbye to the fantasy. But I like you, fantasy. I do. And I’m pretty sure I’ll see you again.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Emile Henry ruffled Auberge Rectangular Baker ($72) williamssonoma.com; Red All About It Dress ($62.99-89.99) modcloth.com; The Vintage Wren Mid-century Floral Glasses ($20) thevintagewren.etsy.com; Night and Day Convertible Sofa ($588) urbanoutfitters.com; Flower Red Rice Bowl ($5.95) crateandbarrel.com; Coast to Coasters set ($15.99) modcloth.com; Kreme Wallpaper Chains in Navy ($195/roll) kremelife.com
BROOKLYN
AERIE In a spacious loft overlooking the east river, Hayden-Harnett’s Toni Hacker & Ben Harnett are quietly building an empire. PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM KRAUSE STYLING: JEN JAFARZADEH L’ITALIEN HAIR AND MAKE-UP: JENNI SHAW TEXT: ANNE SAGE
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ook out the windows of Toni Hacker and Ben Harnett’s top-floor loft and you’ll find a typical Brooklyn setting. A landscape comprised of of apartment buildings, water towers and glimpses of Manhattan skyline orients the home squarely in the mixeduse neighborhood of Green Point. But viewed through the high arched windows of this sweeping and light-filled space, the scene is positively cinematic. The epic effect arises in no small part to the warm welcome you’ll receive from Toni and Ben, who will greet you with an exuberance reminiscent of a reunion between long-lost friends. To cross
their threshold is to be drawn into their world, immersed in their love of music and movies, storytelling and art, pop culture and historic myth. The sense of wonder and imagination with which they approach the world is palpable the moment you walk in the door. It’s a mindset that Toni and Ben bring to their work as well. The duo launched their accessories and apparel label HaydenHarnett in 2005, and they’ve since become celebrated not only for standout product but for the creativity and eclecticism of their brand presence. Toni describes the
Hayden-Harnett as a recurring art project. “It starts with a story that we write for each season. We then create the pieces to satisfy the main character’s needs. What does she want for work? For play?” Every item in the collection must be not only beautiful, but imbued with a strong narrative that fits within the daily lives of the customers. At Hayden-Harnett, fashion is an intimate art form, a true reflection of personality and self. Appropriate, then, that their current home has been a part of Toni and Ben’s shared consciousness since even before they moved in. Years ago, the two often walked past the landmark building and wondered, ‘Who lives in that magnificent space?’ They were at a shoot for their Target collaboration when photographer Daniel Jackson mentioned he was moving out of his loft, and that it he’d give them first dibs if they liked it. As Toni describes, “I asked where it was and he had only to say, ‘That big brick building with the huge arched windows...you know the one?’ I started jumping around and shouting ‘We’ll take it! We want it!’ Funny how things can come to you sometimes.” In the years since that serendipitous beginning, Toni and Ben have carved a home for themselves in
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the expansive loft. Rumor has it that a cooperative of comic book artists lived here there in the 80’s; and whether true or not, the tale lends a graphic, dramatic sensibility to the space. A mix of furnishings populates the 3000 square foot floor plan; Toni tends towards modern with a dash of Hollywood regency for sass, while Ben is more classic in his tastes. His books spread throughout each room—Toni says they provide ‘the backbone of the apartment’—and every surface displays ‘bits and bobs’ collected on the couple’s travels. As in their work, Toni and Ben gravitate towards objects that have a story.
Mr. Jackson, our brindle Boston Terrier, is nothing but a big beating heart of love.
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A given moment finds the house abuzz with activity. A veritable menagerie cohabits with Toni and Ben. Cats Daisy Lola, Figgy, and Py have held down the fort for years, and a pup named Mr. Jackson recently made the family complete--though Toni notes they’re ‘open to a cute lemur moving in’. As well, the two often host game nights, movie marathons and home cooked dinners for their many friends. The annual Kentucky Fried Party has become legendary, with its gallons of bourbon, pans of fried chicken, tubs of beer, bounteous spoonbread, live music, and ‘massive hangovers that don’t dissipate for weeks’. As Toni suggests, ‘Maybe that one’s too much fun, actually.’ With these treasured moments and memories, and with the growing collections of cherished objects, Toni’s goal has been to create a house that feels like a museum--but not in a stuffy or unapproachable one. “I like the idea of a home being deeply personal and being able to tell the history of the inhabitants in little layers,” she explains. “If we were to vanish one day, I’d want to hear the conversations being batted around while people pack up our stuff.” Given the energy and passion with which Toni and Ben fill their lives, those conversations would be riveting indeed.
‘THIS RUBBER HORSESHOE IS SUPER LUCKY. I’VE HAD IT SINCE HIGH SCHOOL, FOUND IT IN A BARN IN KENTUCKY.’
MAKE IT YOUR OWN FAVE PICKS FROM HAYDEN-HARNETT’S FALL 2010 COLLECTION!
LA GARCONNE SATCHEL $396
MYSTERY SCARF $160
VESUVIUS TIE CUFF $110
MYSTERY SCARF $160
PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY ANDERSON TEXT: ALAINA KACZMARSKI STYLING: CRYSTAL GENTILELLO
founding femme
WITH A LITTLE PATIENCE AND A LOT OF STYLE, RUE’S CO-FOUNDER AND EDITOR IN CHIEF
Crystal Gentilello CREATES A BUDGET BACHELORETTE ABODE.
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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT REALLY CAN EXIST OUTSIDE YOUR FAVORITE NORA EPHRON FILM. JUST ASK CRYSTAL GENTILELLO. Whether it was the bold iron windows, the romantic arched doorways, or the terra cotta tile in the courtyard that first caught her eye, she can’t say for sure. But moments after Crystal set foot in the one-bedroom apartment on Chicago’s North Side, she knew it was meant to be. Word of the lengthy waitlist for a spot in the coveted building meant nil. After a lifetime of globetrotting capped by two years working in Rome, she was finally home. It was only a matter of time before she got to move in. “The first time I saw the building I was captivated by its European feel and old-world charm,” Crystal admits. “I simply knew I had to live here.”
“ I A B S O L U T E LY L O V E T H E H U N T. I T ’ S S U C H A T H R I L L T O F I N D T H AT DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. I LOOK FOR P I E C E S T H AT H AV E B E A U T I F U L L I N E S B U T T H AT N E E D A L I T T L E L O V E A N D AT T E N T I O N . ” C RY S TA L G E N T I L E L L O
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With persistent weekly calls to the building management, Crystal befriended the manager in charge of renting. Two months later, a lease fell through at the last minute, and Crystal was the first person her new pal called. The waiting game was over, and the fun part began. When it came to decorating, Crystal started from scratch--unhindered by preexisting pieces. In fact, she moved from the Eternal City to the Windy City towing nothing but a few suitcases of clothes and a fresh outlook on style and design. “I hold the time I spent in Rome very close to my heart,” she says. “Simplicity and authenticity are values that touch all aspects of Italian culture, and they left an indelible mark on me. I gravitate towards the classic over the
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“ T H E F I R S T T I M E I S AW T H E B U I L D I N G I WA S C A P T I VAT E D BY ITS EUROPEAN FEEL AND O L D - W O R L D C H A R M . I S I M P LY KNEW I HAD TO LIVE HERE.” C RY S TA L G E N T I L E L L O
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“ I G R AV I TAT E T O WA R D S T H E C L A S S I C O V E R T H E T R E N D Y, Q U A L I T Y O V E R Q U A N T I T Y, A N D R E S T R A I N T O V E R I N D U L G E N C E . ” C RY S TA L G E N T I L E L L O
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trendy, quality over quantity, and restraint over indulgence.” Crystal judiciously sought furnishings with defined silhouettes and neutral colors, and she collected items with a sense of worldliness – true reflections of her own style and sensibility. At that time, she also started her design blog Plush Palate, and found herself scouring the extensive resources available online for inspiration in accessible design. In evidence that the affordable can still be desirable, most of her basic furniture – sofa, chairs, and bedside tables – are from that international authority on budget décor, Ikea. Mixed in are more unique and surprising finds; the striking oversized coffee table and the white and gold end table were steals at her local Salvation Army. “I absolutely love the hunt. It’s such a thrill to find that
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“ I A D O R E M Y C O Z Y, L I T T L E B A C H E L O R E T T E PA D . I T R E P R E S E N T S S O M A N Y T H I N G S T O M E : I T ’ S M Y P R I VA C Y, M Y S O L A C E , M Y S I L E N C E , A N D M Y S A N C T U A R Y. ” C RY S TA L G E N T I L E L L O
diamond in the rough. I look for pieces that have beautiful lines but that need a little love and attention,” Crystal explains. “For instance, the gray sofa in my living room was $100. It was originally covered in an awful, bright orange plaid, but I was attracted to its simple, contemporary shape. I had it reupholstered in a warm gray, and now it’s one of my favorite pieces in my home.” Crystal accents her all-white surroundings with soft hues of brown and pink. The small rooms are warmed by an abundance of natural light that streams through the oversized windows. It’s as though this single apartment hoards the daylight most urban residences lack. The unfussy décor allows the unique architectural details of the building – like the stone fireplace and hardwood floors – to stand proud. Not surprisingly, Crystal names Darryl Carter and Vicente Wolf as her design icons; the two legends are renowned for perfecting crisp white interiors while incorporating eclectic finds from their journeys around the world. “I’m drawn to Darryl’s neutral palettes. They put the focus on an object’s beauty by minimizing visual distractions.” she says. “With Vicente’s work, I’m intrigued by the way his travels and his photography inform his eye. His spaces are always so rich with culture, history, and soul.”
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Make it your own Soft neutrals, whispers
of pink, and gilded accents combine to create a feminine retreat.
In her bedroom, Crystal continues with the same soft color palette that reigns supreme in the living room. It is against her nailhead-trim headboard that this editor sips coffee and responds to the hundreds of emails she receives each day. It is on her cloud-fluffy pillows that she rests head and plans lengthy to-do lists for the coming tomorrow. It is tucked under her embroidered coverlet where she dreams of future adventures, destined to be bigger and better than the last. I adore my cozy, little bachelorette pad,” Crystal says. “It represents so many things to me. It’s my privacy, my solace, my silence, and my sanctuary.” Spoken like a woman in love.
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win this print! FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Hammocks & High Tea Anchal Pillow $160; The Dancing Cat Chanel 09 Print $120; Anthropologie, Venus Mirror $2,898; The Loaded Trunk Turkish Hamam Bowl $95; Layla Grayce Aidan Gray Chair $1,063; Thomasville Stiletto Cocktail Table price available on request
Queen OF HER
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Castle
BUCKINGHAM INTERIORS’
Julia
Edelmann COMBINES MODERN AND FOUND ART WITH OLD-WORLD CHICAGO CHARM.
PHOTOGRAPHY: WERNER STRAUBE INTERIORS AND STYLING: JULIA EDELMANN TEXT: ADRIENNE MURRILL
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At interior designer Julia Edelmann’s home, there are not one but two men of the house. First and foremost of course is her husband John. But always keeping vigil over the front door stands the gentle giant Washington. Julia acquired Washington from an architectural salvage shop in Los Angeles while she was visiting her daughter at college. “I saw him on the wall and fell in love.” Named after the street in New York where he was rescued from an old building, Washington is a quadruplet. Julia has photos of his removal and two of his brothers who ended up at a Sonoma winery.
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hen we found him, we had just purchased our home in Wilmette, and I thought, ‘What a huge entry piece.’ We decorate him for all the holidays and have a lot of fun with him,” she adds. Washington is an example of the essential dollop of fun with which Julia accents all her interiors, including in her own home. An 1870’s Victorian, it is one of the oldest houses in the area. “I grew up three blocks away from our house,” she said. “It had always been a dream of mine to live there. There’s something so happy about it, so magical.” It could be the light pouring in from every angle, a light that is present on even the dreariest of days. It could be the steel foundation, “which doesn’t have a crack,” or the craftsmanship and old-world detail.
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“THERE’S SOMETHING SO HAPPY ABOUT IT, SO MAGICAL.”
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THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR HER WAS TO SHOWCASE MODERN ELEMENTS WHILE BEING RESPECTFUL OF THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THIS ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT HOME.
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“LIGHTING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN EVERY SPACE,”
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y first instinct was to paint all the woodwork, but this house said, ‘You can’t paint me,’ Julia says. The real challenge for her was to showcase modern elements while being respectful of the historical importance of this architecturally significant home. “My proudest moment was bringing in modern art and a combination of modern embellishments with aged objects, and pulling it all together.” For example, Julia paired a painting by a MidCentury artist--found at a local North Shore antique haunt--with a Gustavian cabinet from friends in Sweden. A settee, inherited from Julia’s in-laws, is parked in front of the cabinet; it was reupholstered and reconfigured to make it more modern.
Besides Washington (and her family), Julia’s favorite pieces in her home are a chain table, made by local craftsmen from a found anchor, and a chain-and-carved-wood light fixture. “Lighting takes center stage in every space,” she said. “It makes your home feel like your own, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. People identify unique lighting with a little bit of daring.” Just in case a giant carved head named Washington isn’t daring enough. v
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MAKE IT YOUR OWN Pay homage to your worldwide travels by decorating with oneof-a-kind flea market finds, luxe leather furniture, and small tokens from your favorite destinations.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Knot Doorstop: Haus Interior $50; Lantern: Kathryn Ireland Store $350; Coffee Table: Restoration Hardware $895; Poster: Bernard Villemot at AllPosters.com $179.99; Wingchair: Jayson Home and Garden $2695; Crown: Ballard $89
AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A
PHOTOGRAPHY: MAX WANGER TEXT: ANNE SAGE PROP STYLING: JEN GOTCH WARDROBE STYLING: THE LIFE STYLED HAIR AND MAKE-UP: FIORE BEAUTY PAPER GOODS: TWO BRUNETTES
pop the champagne and scoop some spumoni as fashion’s cheekiest accessories label turns two.
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equins sparkle. Glitter glistens. Streamers and pompoms twirl in the breeze. The stockroom bursts with silk flowers, satin ribbons, and rhinestone crystals. The interns pack and ship orders, field phone calls, reply to emails. The bosses boogie in their Lucite desk chairs while Cyndi Lauper blasts from the stereo. In other words, it’s just a typical day at the ban.do studio. Well, okay. It’s not just another day. Today is the day that the coveted accessories label celebrates two years of ribbons and bows, inspiration and entrepreneurship, boundless energy and sheer hard work. What began as a crafty collaboration between two friends—a pair of playful headbands created on a whim— has grown into a touchstone of style for funloving and fashion-forward females.
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v don’t
apologize for being glamorous.
WAYS TO WAYS TO
BAN.DO -IFY YOUR LIFE
treat sequins like vitamins never, ever match. think blue dresses with pink tights. silver shoes & ruby red lips. celebrate every occasion and accomplishment— whether big or small—with a champagne cocktail. have fun every day. even for just a minute. we find that dancing leads to laughing . . . or at least we find that when we dance, other people laugh. if you’re feeling blue, put on fake eyelashes . . . they work wonders.
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hen ban.do launched in August of 2008, not even founders Jen Gotch and Jamie Coulter could have predicted that their small yet striking collection of hair accessories would become an overnight sensation. The brand’s explosion onto the scene speaks not only to the magnetic charm of the ban. do product, but also to the savvy and imaginative business sense of Jen and Jamie. With backgrounds in prop and fashion styling, the duo understands the power of a single accessory to transform the average into the extraordinary, and they’ve parlayed their seasoned eyes for color, texture and shape into a rapidly expanding presence in the fashion world. The ban.do success story is also a testament to the power of online media to catapult a brand into the stratosphere. The day their sales site went live, Jen and Jamie contacted a few notable blogger friends to spread the news. Within hours the blogosphere was plastered with images of the company’s colorful headbands. By day four, ban.do had received the Daily Candy stamp of approval--an endorsement that Jen describes as one of her many highlights of the past two years. Even today, a new batch of photos on the ban.do website sends ripples of oohs, aahs, and linkbacks through the online community.
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secrets, 208
secrets...
are
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“FIND THE SILVER LINING. RAIN IS
JUST CONFETTI FROM THE SKY.”
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ver since that first fateful collection, ban.do has grown to include three lines. The core offering consists of vintage-inspired headbands whose romantic overtones make them a popular choice for brides eschewing a traditional veil. Black Label embodies modern couture opulence and features headpieces with feathers, flowers, tulle, and names like ‘Let Them Eat Cake’. And most recently, the heart by ban.do line exudes a youthful spirit with vibrant hearts, rainbows and pompoms described as ‘candy for your hair’. The playful effervescence that marks the ban.do product emanates from everything that Jen and Jamie do. From surrounding themselves with outgoing and energetic employees to creating an upbeat and animated work environment--impromptu dance parties are a daily occurrence at ban.do headquarters--the personality of
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want the studio to feel like a sparkly, yummy wonderland.
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the brand and its founders are one in the same. Even their Beverley Hills studio space is a visual smorgasbord; white walls, floors and furniture provide the backdrop to graphic striped rugs, eye-popping inspiration boards, and a gold sequin curtain. After all, it wouldn’t be ban.do without the requisite touch of twinkle. t’s that twinkle and allure that has all but guaranteed the brand’s must-have status amongst insiders and the fashion press. The office phone rings off the hook with sample requests from major print publications and Hollywood stylists. Zooey Deschanel sported a ban.do at the Grammys. Carrie Underwood got married in hers. Even figure skating bad boy Johnny Weir has been known to rock one now and again. And in keeping with their unapologetic commitment to over-thetop glamour, the ban.do girls worship their celebrity fans just as ardently as their celebrity fans worship them. So what do the months ahead hold for ban.do? For starters, this fall will see the launch of two new lines; already live on the website is a collection of custom corsages named after silver screen stars. (The Marlene, a feather and vintage brooch concoction, proclaims, ‘It’s as if we stole the wings of an angel to create this ridiculously fantastic corsage.’) Also on the horizon are partnerships with big name fashion designers and a collaboration with Anthropologie. Perhaps the most exciting development of all? Hold on to your hats folks: there have been whispers of a reality show!
I
it’s never too late or too early to party...
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ut for now, it’s time to celebrate the brand’s birthday in true ban.do style. Only a party will do. A party with candy and confetti, champagne and shimmer. A party that pays homage to the friends and to the fun-loving philosophy that has carried the brand to where it stands today. It’s a party that’s been two years in the making, and it’s one that Jen, Jamie and their troupe of ban.do girls plan to continue well into the shining, sparkling future.
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WAIT...
YOU THOUGHT THE FUN WAS OVER ALREADY? THINK AGAIN.
THE AUTHORIZED
OFF-THE-HOOK FLASHDANCE P L AY L I S T ! 1. 96 TEARS - ? & THE MYSTERIANS 2. WILD WILD LIFE - TALKING HEADS 3. CEMETRY GATES - THE SMITHS 4. HOW LOW - LUDACRIS 5. 1901 - PHOENIX 6. HUSTLIN’ - RICK ROSS 7. LOVE WILL TEAR US APART - JOY DIVISION 8. PON DE FLOOR - MAJOR LAZER 9. THONG SONG - SISQO 10. YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG - AC/DC 11. GET UP OFFA THAT THING - JAMES BROWN 12. DANGER (BEEN SO LONG) - MYSTIKAL 13. LOLLIPOP - LIL WAYNE
watch the behind the scenes
MUSIC: SOLITAIRE BY LIPSTICK HOMICIDE, COURTESY OF PUBLIC SCHOOL RECORDS VIDEOGRAPHY: SHARKPIG | DJ: THE FLASHDANCE
pssst...there’s even more fun! DOWNLOAD THE INVITATIONS & FAVORS YOU SEE IN THIS STORY!
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A CELEBRATION OF
ARTFUL
LIVING MARY DOUGLAS DRYSDALE MARRIES ART WITH ARCHITECTURE TO CREATE A SPACE FOR HER CREATIVE CLIENTS.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW LAUTMAN INTERIOR DESIGN: MARY DOUGLAS DRYSDALE TEXT: ALAINA KACZMARSKI AND JULIE HOLLOWAY
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am Gilliam and Mary Douglas Drysdale are artists. He works on canvas. She works in square footage. When this worldrenowned Color Field Painter’s house was in need of an interior design overhaul, he knew the person to call. The rambling split-level Sam and his wife bought overlooked Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. It offered a great location and an even better price tag, but the house was a jumble of small rooms with unnecessary walls and minimal natural light. It was certainly no home for an artist and an avid art collector. Enter Mary. “Problem solving in a space is what gets my engine going,” says the interior designer. When decorating, she never thinks specifically about incorporating the year’s hottest paint color or the chair of the moment. Mary’s clients keep coming back because she has the gift of envisioning what will make the space whole, regardless of style.
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or example, with the Gilliam’s house, Mary quickly knew to gut the entire space. She managed to add architectural interest, harvest natural light, and finish the project within their budget of $20,000. Her secret lies in a carefully concocted mix of bargain antique finds, buckets of white paint, and brilliant creative vision. Of course, working with fellow visionaries only aided the seemingly complex process of renovating a home. “It’s wonderful to work with clients who are artists,” she says. “They tend to see the spaces in which they live as sculpture. The more trust a client grants me, the more my creative vision flourishes.” Mary believes that many designers tend to fragment landscape, architecture, and décor, whereas she views design – and all its components – along a continuum. “The decorative and architectural elements should be fluid,” she says. In an effort to redefine and open up the flow from one room to another, Mary spent most of the project’s budget demolishing interior walls, creating a loft-like space. “We took out what we no longer wanted, defined the spaces, and unified those spaces with a single color,” she says. “Everything was done in the simplest way possible.”
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“IT’S WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE ARTISTS. THEY TEND TO SEE THE SPACES IN WHICH THEY LIVE AS SCULPTURE.”
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They exposed wood joists overhead and plywood flooring underfoot. A coat of white paint brought cohesion to the different floor treatments and raw wood surfaces, and to keep costs down, Mary worked with what was on hand. A chaise that was discovered in a second-hand shop was recovered, and a wooden door was repurposed as a kitchen table. Similarly, a collection of old chairs received a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. “I love reusing things that don’t necessarily have beauty, taking something commonplace and turning it into art,” Mary says. The white-drenched interior now reads like an art gallery with Sam’s own colorful work taking center stage. Saturated splashes of red and blue enliven the understated architecture, while contemporary paintings by other celebrated artists, including Sol Lewitt and Tom Downing, sit juxtaposed to a collection of antiques, African sculpture, and quilts. “There is not a lot of architectural detail in the space, so essentially, I used their art as architecture,” says Mary. “The art throughout the space is the continuum to make it all whole. It expresses them, it expresses me – it’s art.”
MAKE IT YOUR OWN Bold colors and eclectic furnishings stand out against an all-white backdrop.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Bench: Oly Studio (contact for price); Chair: ZGallerie $799; Paint: Benjamin Moore Placid; Vase: Kate Spade $25; Canvas art: Michelle Calkins on Overstock.com $67.99; Accent table: Pottery Barn $399
Industrial Glam IN THE LONE STAR STATE
STORY BY JULIE HOLLOWAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANNY RODRIGUEZ
PORTRAIT BY ELIZABETH LAVIN
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IF YOU ASK JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
to guide you to her favorite piece of art in their Dallas home, she will take you to the kitchen, with its ebonystained cabinets and concrete floors, and point out a sculptural piece hanging above their sink. She and her husband Larry Oliver did not choose a mirror or a priceless oil painting to hang in such a prominent spot. Nope. This work, constructed by a local artist, was made from cardboard. This couple of ten years finds beauty in all of life’s objects, even in materials most of us discard. Jamie and Larry’s love of all things natural and industrial was born from their childhoods in a smalltown-Texas landscape. Iron artifacts, tumbleweeds and wood are more than memories of home; they also act as a medium to transform what was a builder’s-grade home into a canvas for two artists. These
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“IT'S HARD TO EDIT YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED TO SO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS ON A D A I LY B A S I S ” JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
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“SINCE OUR BEDROOM IS THE ENTIRE TOP FLOOR OF OUR HOME WE ARE ABLE TO C R E AT E M U LT I P L E VIGNETTES” JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
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self-proclaimed “servants to creativity” were born with this need to make things more beautiful. Jamie recalls rearranging her mother’s, her grandmother’s and even her teachers’ furniture. Larry remembers a painting course he took as a child. Perhaps their imaginations blossomed out of necessity. After all, Jamie admits there really wasn’t much to do in a town of three-hundred. Both Jamie and Larry found themselves--and one another--at Texas Tech University. After meeting at a party just before winter break, chance threw them together in a shared class that January. Serendipitously, they both switched their majors to design communications, and they continued to share same classes until they graduated together. As Jamie puts it, this “inseparable team” has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. The two have dipped their fingers and toes into seemingly every artistic medium known to man. A peek into their garage yields proof of their passion. A welder and a commercial pottery kiln sit ready and waiting--which “makes the neighbors nervous!” Jamie admits. Currently, Jamie works as an art director for D Weddings and D Home Magazine in Dallas, scouting for
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“ M Y FAV O R I T E A R T W O R K I S P I E C E S O F N AT U R E . ” JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
“SINCE WE ARE DESIGNERS, EVERY ITEM WE BUY HAS TO FIT INTO THE MOODBOARD OF OUR LIVES” JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER
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and producing photo shoots as well as designing the publications. Prior to her magazine work, she was an art director for Neiman Marcus, where the stylists and photographers helped shape her into the creative she is today. Happily, Jamie still has access to her Neiman’s discount through Larry’s position as a designer for The Book, the Neiman Marcus’ fashion catalog. The two also maintain what Jamie calls her “grown-up lemonade stand”: a thriving Etsy shop which they stock by hitting up “every last estate sale in town”. Employment in the creative industry can blur the lines between work and play. “It’s our job to make things look pretty,” Jamie
says. “Creating visual moments that are inviting and inspiring is what we do best. We can’t just clock out.” To officially mark their off hours, Jamie and Larry host family and friends. Fresh flowers, a neatly made bed, low lights and a bottle of pinot noir comprise their toolkit for a good party. Jamie channels Julia Child and hosts lavish Thanksgiving feasts. And what makes the designers’ house truly a home is their fur babies--three dogs named Lola, Turk, and Chaucer. Sir Chaucer Laubhan-Oliver, as the spotted dachshund is so fondly called, is a mix of black, gray and brown, with pops of white. In other words, “he matches the decor.” Indeed, almost a total absence of color
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“ W E H AV E A F R I E N D T H AT L I V E S A M I L E AWAY W H O C O M E S TO VISIT SO SHE C A N S TAY I N T H E GUEST ROOM.” L A R RY O L I V E R
characterizes the home. “It isn’t that I don’t like color,” Jamie declares. “I just don’t like it for me.” Instead, she uses unusual textures and unexpected scale to create an aesthetic best described as urban country--industrial meets glamour. The spotlight falls on unconventional contrasts such as lucite paired with barnwood and raw steel next to lacquer. Jamie is “just about as excited about a tumbleweed as a new Chloe handbag.” This attention to detail extends beyond mere surface treatment. The space pulses with architectural depth from elements like a custom fireplace, which Larry’s father crafted from a single piece of steel. The fireplace, along with the cardboard sculpture, is one of their most prized possessions. Jamie says, “Everything about our home speaks to who we are. We don’t put anything in our home unless we absolutely love it. And nearly everything has a story.” Their most memorable items were either rescued from the trash, scored while on a journey, or battled for at an estate sale. A recent antiquing excursion produced a carbide lantern bought for a song. Larry’s father offered to craft a base for it, but Jamie doesn’t like to wait. With their artistic skills at the ready--and in the spirit of ‘getting ‘er done’-- couple built a wooden form, poured concrete to create the base, and wired it for electrical. “Yet another successful project,” Jamie says. A project that represents the teamwork and the ingenuity inherent to the life that Jamie and Larry have created together. n
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Party FAVORS Did you think we’d let you leave empty-handed?
LAYLA GRAYCE French Traditions Louis XVI Bed Every night you’ll remember how it took more than 200 artisans to craft the bed beneath you, and you’ll smile. Made of hand-carved mahogany, this queen-sized luxury is sure to impress. Look at you now... making Carla Bruni all jealous.
$ 3786
v ELVA FIELDS Deco Earrings
$ 102 256
Your LBD called. Jewelry designer Elva Fields answered. Grey glass beads from a 1920s flapper dress and deco-inspired brass pyramids are packaged into three inches of pure panache. On second thought, you might want to add her number to speed dial.
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Sheepskin Pouf It’s an ottoman, lounger, and extra seating all in one. Made from natural sheepskin, there’s no role this diverse fluff ball can’t take on. You might even be able to convince the kids its name is Buddy. Win, win, win.
$299
$35
SHANNA MURRAY Illustrated Wall & Window Decals Admit it. You tried being adventurous and painted a wall black. Then you saw your best friend, nextdoor neighbor, favorite blogger, and great uncle all did it too. It’s time to reclaim your uniqueness. Add one - or three - of Shanna Murray’s charming wall decals to your dark canvas, and the trend-setting-wannabees in your life won’t know what hit ‘em. Take that, Uncle Fred.
SFERRA Grande Hotel Sheets Behold the luxury linen manufacturer’s crown jewel: sheets made from 100% Italian Egyptian cotton percale. Sleep sets in just a tad easier when you’re tucked into this soft white cloud. Bye, bye Ambien.
$268 257
$ 120
TOM MEYER Chanel 09, 10 x 15 inch Print Artist Tom Meyer brings the glamour of high design to his graphite and gouache drawings. By sketching fashion-forward females, Tom accomplishes his goal of depicting women in modern culture, while simultaneously (albeit perhaps unintentionally) providing viewers cues on how to accessorize. Thanks, Tom!
v POTTERY BARN Silver-Plated Breakfast Tray Whether it’s a morning cappuccino or that sometimes necessary nightcap, there’s no denying that everything looks more regal served on a monogram. So if you’re trying to impress overnight guests or simply drink your coffee in style, this silver-plated tray gets the job done. Cognac, anyone?
$ 79
v SHAMILA JEWELRY Gift Certificate
$ 100 258
Inspired by designer Shamila Jiwa’s exotic travels, this jewelry collection reads like an art exhibit with its bespoke settings and carefully selected gems. So what will it be? Onyx earrings, the blue agate necklace, or a smoky quartz ring? Decisions, decisions...
PARTING SHOT Layered shades of green and aqua--especially the celadon gourd lamp by Visual Comfort--add key depth of color & texture. ❖
The pique coverlet & shams by Matouk make that lovely custom bed feel even more like paradise! ❖
For patterns that soothe rather than stimulate, look for washed-out white prints on a pale background.
sweet dreams...
bi Fairley
signer, To
e Interior D
Award-winning designer Tobi Fairley reflects on the elements that make this cozy nook a sleeper hit.
This serene vignette provides the perfect respite from a busy day. A guest suite that I created for clients, it features Hickory Chair’s Candler bed. I covered the headboard in an aqua solid from Schumacher and detailed it with grosgrain ribbon and nail head trim. Accent fabrics by Nina Campbell coordinate with the wallcovering, giving the space both visual interest and an underlying simplicity. Complete the room with some colorful reading material and a cluster of romantic roses. Soft hues and quiet patterns guarantee that your eye--and your guests--will rest easy. Photographer: Nancy Nolan
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LAYLA GRAYCE FINE LINEN AND BATH NEW YORK DESIGN CENTER KRAVET CLAYTON GRAY HOME MITCHELL GOLD & BOB WILLIAMS THE LOADED TRUNK NESTING PAGODA RED DURALEE
SERENA & LILY
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