Villa Necchi, A Must See/Do in Milan

Ciao from a rainy morning in Rome.

I know I said I was going to write on this here blog more often but work this year has been very hectic. Perhaps things will slow down during Spring '22! I'm not complaining as these are good problems to have, especially during these strange pandemic times.

I went to Milan last week, just overnight, for the Salone. The energy in Milan was incredible. I felt safe going to showrooms and events as there were Covid protocols in place. Milan and the surrounding area were hit hard last year and no one wants to return to a lockdown.

I'm writing this while still on a Design Week high. I went to Milan in July for work and I was finally able to visit this palazzo. It has been on my list for ages and seeing the movie IO SONO AMORE/I AM LOVE only added fuel to my desire. The full name is Villa Necchi Campiglio but most know it as Villa Necchi.

Villa Necchi was designed and built by architect Piero Portaluppi from 1932 -1935 for the owner of the Necchi company, Angelo Campiglio, his wife Gigina and his sister-in-law, Nedda. There were some modifications and additions added by Architect Tomaso Buzzi after WWII. His style was a bit more traditional and you can see the difference as you walk through the villa. The villa was occupied by the fascists during the war and the family called Architect Buzzi once they were able to finally return to their home.

It took my breath away and pictures do not do it justice. It's amazing to see how modern these rooms from the early 20th century look and feel! It takes serious talent to design spaces that are classic yet contemporary. Portaluppi and his clients were truly ahead of their time. The Necchis entertained often and the house's public areas layout reflect this. This house was THE place to be back in the day.

The family had no children and instead donated their home to the non-profit FAI, the Italian National Trust.

The home has a large private garden with a swimming pool and tennis courts. Remember this is in the center of a large city! The villa is also filled with art, mostly 18th century, including artists Canaletto, Marieschi, and Tiepolo.

Look at the ceiling in the library! That design is a Portaluppi signature and you see it employed discreetly through out the villa.

I won't say anything to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it yet but one of the most important scenes in the movie takes place in this location.

The bathrooms were to die for. Again, I couldn't believe there were built in the 1930s. The veranda was another favorite room. The furniture was original and I could see those pieces being sold today. Even the utility rooms were design heaven. The Necchi family had custom Richard Ginori dinner service. I love the design of the "C" logo.

Style/fashion lovers will get a kick out of the sisters' built-in closets. The custom pieces from Gucci, Ferragamo, and Hermès are gorgeous. Quality and design like that never goes out of style.

The guides were very helpful, bilingual and there were two or three on each floor. I cannot recommend visiting this gem enough. My pictures and videos from this fantastic tour are in my Instagram highlights.

Buon weekend!

All villa photos: Giorgio Majno, © FAI — Fondo Ambiente Italiano

Marcello Mastroianni Exhibit at the Museo dell'Ara Pacis

Happy New(ish) Year!

I’ve read it’s okay to say this until the end of the month.  I made it just under the wire.  I cannot believe February 1st is next week.

I’ve been meaning to check out the new exhibit at the Ara Pacis since the day it opened.  It closes February 17th.  If you live in Rome or are planning to visit, I recommend seeing it.

I loved learning more about Mastroianni’s childhood and family.  I knew he was a stage actor for years before becoming a film star but had not seen many photos from that era.   I didn’t know producer Dino de Laurentiis (grandfather of Giada) wanted Paul Newman for the lead in “La Dolce Vita”.  Fellini said no.  I’m trying to picture how different the film would’ve been.

Mastroianni was very handsome and had charisma for days but didn’t want to be seen as the cliché “Latin Lover”.  In many films he upended the stereotype, playing anti-heroes who didn’t know how to deal with shifting gender roles, political/economic instability, and changing social mores.

Along with set photographs, one sheets, and short clips from several films, there were also a few costumes from his movies, including an iconic dress worn by Sophia Loren.

The exhibit is well organized, translated (English), and curated.  If you love movies, the arts, Italian history, it’s a must.

Photos:Museo dell'Ara Pacis

Museo dell'Ara Pacis

Lungotevere in Augusta - 00186 Roma

Opening hours

Open daily, from 9.30 to 19.30

Last admission 1 hour before closing time

The Design Files - Royal Wedding Dresses

You may have heard that there's a royal wedding this weekend in the U.K.I'm very curious about Meghan's wedding dress.  Her style is classic.  She wears the clothes, not the other way around.  Meghan's not jumping on every random trend and clearly knows what works for her figure.  The only look I didn't love was her dress for her official engagement photos.  The dress was stunning but I wasn't sure why she was wearing it during a day shoot and Prince Harry's suit was too casual for the dress.Below are three royal wedding dresses that I adore.  They all have beautiful silhouettes, the brides look comfortable, and the styles are not dated.  I watched Princess Diana's wedding and remember even as a kid thinking her dress was (to reference one of my favorite movies of all time) too meringue.  Perhaps it because she was younger than the bridges below,  had a very sheltered life, and it was the early 80s.   Princess Diana was drowning in her dress.Princess Grace was married in 1956 and this dress is still influencing wedding and formal dress designers.  It was designed by Helen Rose who was a costume designer for MGM Studios.  She designed two dresses, which were gifts from the studio to their star.  Helen was the CD on four of Princess Grace's MGM movies.Gorgeous and timeless. Princess Catherine 2011.  Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Sarah took over as Creative Director of the house in 2010 after McQueen's death.  I don't know if it's rule that shoulders must covered for church wedding in the UK but this dress definitely helped bring back sleeves for wedding dresses.The sleeveless wedding dress had dominated for years.  It didn't matter that the style was hard to pull off and not universally flattering.  Bridal dress manufactures are happy to make this style because it's cheaper to make.  Many American brides complained about the difficulty of finding wedding dresses with any kind of sleeve that wasn't dowdy and/or dated.  That changed after 2011.This dress is modern and fresh. Princess Mabel 2004.  The Princess married the late Dutch Prince Johan Frisco in a custom Viktor & Rolf dress.  Instead of buttons, the fashion forward Dutch designers used bows.  The cut on this dress is beyond.   The bows add a bit of whimsy.The bride turned down their more conventional designs and asked for something memorable.   It's unique without being a costume.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VQMP8LYEV4&w=560&h=315]

The Design Files - Something's Gotta Give, Fifteen Years Later

I follow writer/director Nancy Meyers on Instagram.  She recently published a post regarding the upcoming fifteenth anniversary of her film.  I cannot believe it's been that long since the release of one of the best interior design films ever produced.  Yes, I know the movie isn't about interior design but the production design was so exquisite that years later the interiors, by Production Designer, Jon Hutman and Set Decorator, Beth Rubino, look as lovely as ever.I was speaking with a Kitchen & Bath interior designer and she said that her clients are still referencing the kitchen.  Creating interiors that are timeless, yet fresh, isn't easy.The interiors help us get a sense of who Erica Barry is.  She's a very successful woman of a certain age (56), who has completely shut down in the romance department.  This was one of Diane Keaton's best roles.  Jack Nicholson was fantastic as well.  These type of sharp comedic roles are not easy and Jack's Harry Sanborn character, in particular, was complicated.  We were rooting for Erica from the get go. Harry, if played by a lesser actor, may have come across as a complete cad, a boring cliché of a man in his mid 60s chasing after women more than half his age. Jack and Diane had great chemistry. You can't manufacture magic.This movie had it all.  I wish Hollywood would make more romantic comedies about and for adults.  I keep hearing and reading this genre is dead, at least for feature films.  This is unfortunate.  The world needs more romance!For now, let us enjoy this beautiful home. The exterior was from a real home in Southhampton.  The interiors were built on a sound stage.For  more information regarding sourcing and how the interiors were created, check out Interior Designer Linda Merrill's post.Photos:  Modern Country Style except where noted.  

The Design Files - The Authentics

The Authentics: A Lush Dive into the Substance of Style by Melanie Acevedo & Dara Caponigro, is gorgeous book that takes us into the beautiful homes of dynamic people who work in a variety of creative fields.Ms. Acevedo is a well known photographer. Ms. Caponigro was one of the founders of DOMINO magazine and is currently the Creative Director of F. Schumacher & Co., the legendary fabric, wallpaper, and rug company.This is a book I will reference time and time again.  Some of the names are famous in the design world, like Kelly Wearstler, Miles Redd, and Nicky Haslam, or celebrities such as actress Peggy Lipton and hair stylist Sally Hershberger. There are landscape architects, jewelry designers, chefs, etc.  All have an unique point of view.Some of the rooms or gardens might be a bit "much" but I love that in a homogenized world there are people who surround themselves with things that they enjoy regardless of popularity.Visually, this coffee table book is a knockout.  It has thick quality paper and is beautifully photographed.The interviews with these talented creative people were very inspiring.  It's easy, thanks to social media, to see the same images again and again.  At first everyone is excited and then the same people start to complain that the image is played or trite. The Authentics create their spaces in a way that speaks to their interests, loves, and passions. That approach will never go out of style.   

My Tamu's Cafe Interview

Last summer I was interviewed by the lovely Tamu McPherson owner/creator of All The Pretty Birds.Those who follow fashion know what a big deal Ms. McPherson is in the industry.  She's a smart, dynamic, woman with a strong style POV.  Tamu is also kind, down to earth, and hilarious.When she said she wanted to interview me, I'll be honest, I had a minor panic attack.  I DO NOT like being in front of the camera.  I had to do an interview for the behind the scenes extras for our film JUMPING THE BROOM's DVD.  I believe I watched it once after the studio sent me a copy of the film.Also, it was an extremely hot day in Milan and my monthly friend had arrived. Grrrrrr.  I felt like a Weeble.  I thought we were tapping at her house which had AC.  Nope, we were also going to walk around Milan.Despite the Caribbean blood that courses through my veins, I'm not a fan of hot weather.  I'd say mid/high 70's (F) is my jam. It's in the mid 90s in Rome now and the sun here is on another level. Seriously.My dress had long sleeves but thanks to Tamu's expert sleeve rolling, I was cool as a cucumber.  I bought the La Double J dress to celebrate a new project.  Little did I know that my biggest client would be leaving Rome (thanks Trump...literally).  No regrets though.  Last Thursday evening I wore to the dress to events at Chez Dede and the reopening at Le Méridien.  People kept asking me where I got it.  It's the perfect dress for a dinner date too.  Wait, I don't have any of those coming up.  Never mind. Back to the subject at hand, the interview.Tamu broke it up into two parts.   In Part I, it seems like I did ALL the talking.  Tamu, for time, edited out her questions.  In Part II we hear more from Tamu.   There are Italian subtitles.  We talked about working in Italy and what it's like to be a WOC living here, among other things.I move my hands around a lot.  I take after my father's side of the family.  They're very expressive.PART IPART III have to thank our glam squad.  Just kidding.  We didn't have one.  Tamu and I did our own makeup.Grazie mille, Tamu! How pretty are these arrangements from Frida's Flowers? 

Life in Rome - A Day Trip to Ischia

Ciao Bloggisti,How was the rest of your summer?The rientro was/is intense but I'm loving this back-to-school vibe.  Folks are rested and ready.My summer was pretty uneventful, except for a visit from my younger sister.  Daniella was speaking at conference in Hamburg, Germany and decided to return to the States from Rome.It was her first trip to Italy and she loved it.  She rented a fabulous place in Monti.  Daniella happened to be in town during my birthday and we decided to take a day trip to the island of Ischia.Ischia is somewhat of a schlep for one day but it had been on my "must visit" list for ages.  We took the fast train to Naples.  It was worth the extra money to save time.  We also paid a little more to book our ferry tickets in advance online.A friend who used to live in Ischia and other another friend who holds yoga retreats there, recommended Il Giardino Eden  as a great place for lunch.  All I wanted was a view of the water and decent food.  Our lunch was delicious and the views were ridiculous.To get the restaurant you can walk up a short steep hill or, for ten euros or so round trip, have a little boat take you to the restaurant.  We went with the boat.I'm big fan of the film The Talented Mr. Ripley (the set and costume designs were incredible). It was a treat to see several of the locations, like Castello Aragonese, in person.I  would love to return during the off season and stay for awhile.  It's a beautiful island.        Save

Io Adoro - E' Stile Bookstore

I'm still getting to know my neighborhood.  One Sunday morning, I jogged past an interesting store window and made a mental note to check it out.Oh man, this place is going to be an issue.  E' Stile is a concept bookstore focusing on art, fashion, and interior design/architecture.They have a GREAT book selection.  I do order from Amazon sometimes, especially English language books but nothing beats going to an actual bookstore.  Yes, it's more expensive.  However, I believe it's important to support small shop owners.  I like to browse and speak with the salespeople about the books. You can't duplicate that experience with online shopping.E' Stile also carries Chez Dede bags, products from brands like Kartell and Alessi, and there's a gallery space downstairs.      Photos:  Me and my iPhoneE' Stile BookstoreVia Chiana, 15+ 39 06 8555337     

Self-Promotion - How do it Without Alienating Everyone?

Yes, the title is a question not a statement.  This is a road my entrepreneur/freelancing friends and I are trying to navigate.I was thinking about this while walking home after meeting up with some girlfriends.They are a dynamic group of women.However, one thing I have noticed time and time again (especially when I worked in Hollywood) is that so many of my female friends tend to downplay their success.  They say they're lucky or get embarrassed when talking about their accomplishments.  Meanwhile, my male friends and colleagues would proudly discuss their success and many would take credit for things they didn't even do.Perhaps there is a fine line between bragging and just stating the facts.  What is it?Is being too humble holding us back?  I'm not saying we need to go to a Trumpian level of bloviating but the constant self-deprecating, aww shucks thing needs to stop.Even my friends who were born with a sliver platter, hustle.  True, their family's influence helped them get in the door but they stay in the room because they're great at what they do.  Luck is only a small part of their success.Recently, the very talented Felicia Sullivan asked me to be part of a series she's writing on successful female entrepreneurs.  At first, I wondered why would she want to interview me.  My friend Erica knocked some sense into me and I did the interview.  Then she told me I had to Tweet about it a few times over the next few months. I haven't. Why not?The fact that there's a popular hastag called #humblebrag speaks volumes.  Why be passive aggressive?  A agent friend in Hollywood told me that there's nothing wrong with with tooting your own horn as long as you also toot the horn of others.  Nobody wants to see or read a feed that is me, me, me, 24/7.When I think about the self-promotion that turns me off, it's because the person only talks about themselves. Always.So I say go ahead and tell the world about the great things you're doing. How will people know unless you have a publicist? Maybe some people won't think these things are that great, special, or interesting. That's okay.  It's something you're proud of.I'm going to work on my own self-deprecating responses.  I now know I won't succeed if I only dwell on negative things or what I haven't accomplished yet in my career.  As 2015 draws to a close, I am thinking long and hard regarding how speak about my work and my business.And yes, I'm going to retweet this interview:When I first visited Rome in 2008, Arlene took me to the most incredible Italian restaurant–one I would never have found on a map. We were introduced by a woman who was interested in adapting my memoir for film. Although the project fell through, I’m thankful for having met Arlene and for our long-distance friendship since, punctuated by my occasional visits to Italy.I admire Arlene deeply, embarrassingly so. She left a job, country, and life in pursuit of something other. She wasn’t tethered to age as a means of trapping one in one’s vocation, rather she set out to find her place in the world. Up until a few months ago she was a successful writer/producer and now tell stories in another form: interiors. I love women with verve, women who take risks, break ranks, and live without apology. Arlene is all of these things, but in the end she’s a truth-teller. I only hope to be as successful as I move through my acts. Let her story inspire you. –FSWhen I first met you, you’d recently emigrated to Rome from the U.S. Truth be told, I admired you, how brave you were to leave a successful career behind for something other. This was a time before we’d read articles about expats and second acts. Your career has spanned politics, film and entertainment—but tell us how you returned to your first love: decorating. Why did you leave producing behind?Arlene Gibbs: What timing. Until two months ago, I had two careers going on, screenwriter/producer, and decorator.When we first met, I was writing full-time and developing a few projects as a producer. Everyone told me it would be impossible to be a screenwriter/producer based in Rome (especially without a trust fund). Even after our movie Jumping The Broom was released, and importantly was a hit, I heard the same thing. Nothing changed. Nobody cared. It was a “niche” film. When I pointed out to a producer friend that there were plenty of successful British screenwriters who worked in Hollywood but lived in London, I was told, “Yes, but they are British, white, and male.”To your last question, it took me forever to see the light. Earlier this summer, one of my dear friends, who lives in Rome, said that the universe was screaming at me and I was ignoring the signs. This friend is usually not that crunchy. I needed to heed her advice.Then I read this quote from JJ Martin, an American fashion and design journalist who lives in Milan, and everything clicked.

The best advice I’ve ever received was to look at everything that comes your way as an opportunity. Do not underestimate the power of chance and fate. Do what you love, what opens you up, not what closes you down, and makes you act like an asshole. Be responsible, be loving, be caring. That’s what I advise to anyone starting out. If you truly love fashion, it will come to you.

She’s talking about fashion but it could be applied to any creative endeavor. I wasn’t an asshole when I worked in Hollywood, my former assistants still speak to me, but I was not myself. I became a very bitter person.I was recently hired for a decorating project in Los Angeles. It was my first trip back since making my big decision. It was a great experience. I returned to Rome feeling positive instead of depressed.The rest of the interview is HERE.Thanks again, Felicia!     

Design Inspiration - Bar Luce - Prada Fondazione, Milan

Hold up, how is it October already?  One of my friends in the States was complaining about seeing Thanksgiving decorations already.  I guess we should be grateful they weren't for Valentine's Day 2016.I have started my apartment search.  It's, well, a trip.  I don't know what some of these landlords are thinking. The bathroom situation is not good.I'm having a hard time finding smaller apartments that are unfurnished.  Most of the apartments in the neighborhoods I'm focusing on were built for families.  I don't need a huge apartment and as a small business owner,  it wouldn't be financially smart to take on that kind of monthly expense.I hope to find something this month. We'll see.I took a quick business trip to Milan last month.  I got completely lost searching for a to-the-trade vintage furniture store.  Once i realized I was very close to the new Prada Fondazione, I had to check out Bar Luce.Bar Luce was designed by film director Wes Anderson.  Anderson has directed several short films for the fashion house.It's 1950/1960's Milanese style with a touch of Anderson's quirkiness.  Opened everyday from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Bar Luce is the prefect spot to have coffee or aperitivi.There are so many wonderful design details in this space.  I really need to return and spend a afternoon there, reading and writing.ADORE these lights.  If I find an apartment with an ingresso/foyer that has overhead lighting, I'd love a fixture like this.The dark wood helps anchor all the pastels.  Without it, perhaps the décor would be too twee.  Pink and green are fabulous together. Back in college I used to have a rugby shirt with those colors. One day while walking across the quad, an upperclassman asked me if I were an AKA.  She said, "you do wear a lot of pink and green."I did.  Not because I belonged to that sorority but because I wore a lot of preppy clothes in the 80s.I didn't have a chance to see what tunes were on the jukebox.One of my favorite Wes Anderson films. I must buy the soundtrack.I wonder what flavor the pink cake is.  So pretty.

I Went Back to Cali - La Cienega Design Quarter - Legends 2015

Finally, my jet lag is over.  It was much worse in Los Angeles and ended shortly before my return flight to Rome.  How wonderful!The LCDQ Legends interior designer conference is one of the most popular events in the industry. I've heard designers call it the Coachaella or the Oscars of interior design.  There were more than ten thousand RSVPs for the three-day event, with designers from over twenty-four states, and one hundred and fifty designers traveling to Los Angeles from overseas.This was my first year attending. It was fantastic. There were Interesting and informative panel discussions, fun parties, and over sixty-seven inspiring window displays.Not only did I enjoy visiting some of my favorite (and new) showrooms, I appreciated the style of my fellow decorators. Folks were not playing. It does make sense that many interior designers/decorators have a great sense of style.  I forgot how super casual Los Angeles is until I saw someone walk into Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills wearing pajamas bottoms.  I'm talking about the sloppy, comfortable ones you sleep in, not the dressy ones you would wear to a party.I also had Hollywood film/TV meetings but since this is not a screenwriting blog, all I will say is that everyone is talking about EMPIRE.  We'll see how this hit show changes the landscape.There were many highlights and I left feeling very energized (and determined to move to a new neighborhood).Opening night gala.  My friend Corrina (an interior design junkie) came with me.  It was packed.  The food was delicious.  I felt drunk despite not drinking at all.  The jet lag struggle was real that night. The official kick off.  The Bloggers Breakfast.  I met Erinn Valencich from American Dream Builders. So nice. Perhaps my experience is not the norm, but I'm constantly surprised by how friendly and helpful people are in this industry.  At the conference I met some serious A-listers and they couldn't be more down to earth. It's shocking!There were many famous design bloggers attending the breakfast but the room was so crowed it was impossible to move around. I found out who was at the event after seeing their Instagram feeds.Yes, I took a photo of this Italian shower head. I love that other people were also taking photos of faucets and shower heads. I could spend hours discussing such things. I've written about Peter Dunham before. His showroom, Hollywood at Home, has moved to a new location. Beautiful. I ordered some fabric samples for my Anguilla beach house project. You know how I feel about Peonies. Peter's famous Fig Leaf print. How gorgeous is this dark blue club chair at Mecox? This table? Perfect for a bedroom, entryway, or a small office. Everyone was so cheerful.  It really unnerved me. Ha!This photo was taken at the ELLE DECOR Power Luncheon.  Very pretty and again, great food. Lulu Powers making Aperol Spritz before the "Entertaining - The Home As A Social Stage" panel, with Susan McFadden, Kathryn M. Ireland, Russ Diamond, and Lulu.The take away?  Dining rooms are not obsolete, despite what developers of McMansions say. They're being used differently, less formal.  I agree and wish I had one. I read Windsor Smith's new book once I returned to Rome.  I highly recommend adding it to your library.  It was great to meet Windsor and to spend time in the Arteriors' showroom. I love that Arteriors was serving cocktails at 2:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon.  Unfortunately, I was driving non-stop in Los Angeles.  Still, I enjoyed the festive atmosphere. One of the most popular events is the Moore and Giles cocktail party, co-chaired by Harbinger LA and the Hearst shelter magazines (Veranda, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful) in the Harbinger backyard.More Aperol Spritz.  The Italian inspired menu was catered by Lulu Powers and was delicious. My incredible experience ended with an intimate party at Kathryn M. Ireland's beautiful home.  I forgot my phone (the HORROR!).Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita blog wrote a post about it.Ireland has moved her West Hollywood showroom next door to her textile printing shop on Washington street. Outside, it looks like any other nondescript industrial space. Inside, is a completely different story.I cannot believe it's been almost three years since I attended her Interior Design Boot Camp.  It was one of the best investments I've made in my career.  It was also a lot of fun.  Work in progress.  Hand printed textiles.Photos: My and my iPhone.

Philip Seymour Hoffman - RIP

I know this has nothing to do with design, decorating, or Rome/Italy, but Hoffman's death has hit me like a ton of bricks.PSH was truly one of the most talented actors of our generation.  Even in big blockbuster tent pole movies, like MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, he brought something unique to the screen.It's his roles in smaller/indie films that I loved.  I could watch him all day as Freddie Miles in THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY.  Some of the my other favorite roles were in: 25th HOUR, BOOGIE NIGHTS, DOUBT, THE MASTER, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, HAPPINESS, HARD EIGHT, MAGNOLIA, CAPOTE, and ALMOST FAMOUS.I'm pissed.  This guy was like Daniel Day Lewis.  That level of talent is so rare.  Stupid heroin.

Io Adoro - Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o

We are smack in the middle of the Hollywood awards season.  For fans of film, and/or fashion, these are glorious times.Every season, a few people really stand out.  Some, unfortunately, stand out for all the wrong reasons and then there are stars like Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o.These two actresses have been killing it on the red carpet.I wasn't surprised to find out that they share a stylist, Micaela Erlanger.  This has been a break out season for her as well.I love that both woman wear clothes that fit their personalities.  Sometimes on the red carpet it looks like the clothes are wearing the star.While it's true most of the clothes are borrowed, there's still no excuse for ill fitting garments.  One thing I've noticed with both Michelle and Lupita is the fit of their clothes.  Perfection.How beautiful is this Oscar de la Renta dress?  On someone else it could've seemed too old fashioned but Michelle's make-up and accessories keep it fresh.

  Photo: OscarPRGirl

The detailing at the neckline and the color of this Gucci dress is stunning.  It's a great color for Lupita's complexion.

Photo: E! online

I'm very curious to see what they will wear for the Oscars.

Weekend Inspiration - Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine

I recently saw Blue Jasmine.  Cate Blanchett is so outstanding, you forget the plot holes in the movie.I haven't seen all the other Best Actress nominees' performances yet but if Cate wins the Oscar I wouldn't be surprised.The wardrobe was amazing as well.  I read that the costume designer, Suzy Benzinger, had a budget of only $35,000.  Most of the clothes were borrowed and every time Cate dropped the Birkin (which belonged to Benzinger and cost more than the entire budget) on the ground, people on set gasped.Beautiful Chanel jacket.  Poor Jasmine.  She was bananas.

Photo: Collider.com

How stunning is this red Carolina Herrera dress?  Love, love, love, it!

Photo: indiewire.com

Stylish simplicity in a linen dress by Façonnable.

Photo: NY Daily News

I have a completely different build from Ms. Blanchett.  I'm not sure how any of these clothes would look on my short self, but I can dream about the accessories.

Buon weekend!

Life In Rome - Gordon Parks Exhibition

Last week a fantastic Gordon Park's exhibit opened in Rome. Titled, Una Storia Americana (an American History), this is one of the largest retrospectives of his work.Gordon Parks was a true renaissance man.  He was a self-taught photographer, musician, writer, film director, and poet.Parks was also quite popular with the ladies. When he was sixty he met a young aspiring writer named Candace Bushell, who had recently moved to New York City.  She moved in.  She was eighteen.He became the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood movie and was the first African-American photographer hired by LIFE and VOGUE magazines.  His range of subjects, along his talent, made Parks one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century.  Many of his images are iconic and will be for years.

Weekend Inspiration - J.K. Place Hotel - Rome

This week, LONNY wrote about the new J.K. Place Hotel.   Believe the hype.   It's gorgeous.Months ago, one of my vendors told me I had to see the chartreuse DEDAR fabric architect/interior designer Michele Bonan used in the cafe. I finally had a chance to see it when my friend Erica and I went to meet a colleague of hers and his wife who were staying at the hotel.I told Erica we must add J.K. to our list.  We are very hard on places when it comes to cocktails. It's not enough to have an excellent bartender, the décor must be on point.Erica's colleague showed us their room.  I almost cried when I saw the bathroom.   This one is a little larger.  Look at that shower.  The floors.  The marble.  Sigh.Bonan is one of my favorite designers and what he did with the space is stunning.   The building used to be the architecture school for La Sapienza (the largest university in Rome).Inspired by Tom Ford's film, A SINGLE MAN, the atmosphere is what folks back in the States call "grown and sexy."It's a very unique space in Rome and I think the bar/lobby will appeal to people who are, well, grown and sexy.  I don't see Flip-Flop Girls™ hanging out here.  Grazie dio!I could spend hours in the library.For more pictures of J.K. Place Roma, you can click on their gallery HERE.Photos: J.K. Place Roma

Weekend Inspiration - Bee Gees - "Jive Talkin'"

I was channel surfing the other day and watched a documentary about the Bee Gees on the History (!) Channel.They were closely associated with the disco era because of the huge success of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. However, in reality they were not disco artists.I'm always fascinated by what inspires creative people.  I was floored when I found out the inspiration for the opening bars of "Jive Talkin'" was a car going over a bridge.The Bee Gees were recording in Miami and everyday would cross the Julia Tuttle Causeway.  This proves once again that inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBw25CrUS-o&w=420&h=315]Buon Weekend!

Weekend Inspiration - Kenton Nelson

I first became familiar with Nelson's work when I saw his piece "Swin Party" in the movie "Something's Gotta Give."

Photo: Kenton Nelson

Incredible painting.  The colors are so saturated.  When I look at it, I think Southern California in the late 30's.I know this painting will be on a future mood board.  Look at that red!Buon weekend.

Il Tennis

It's time to hit the courts.There are a lot of things I enjoy about playing tennis.  It's fun, it's outdoors, it's a sport you can play for life, and the clothes.I'm dead serious.  From a very young age, I've LOVED tennis outfits.  I like to keep my clothes simple, no lace or crazy patterns.  I'm there to play a sport not to go clubbing.Below are some of my favorite old school photos.  It's interesting, you could wear any of these clothes now (perhaps not the headbands) and they would look contemporary even though they are from the 70's and the 80's.  Classic. 

    

Photo: Guardian UK

Photo: World In Sport.com

Other photos: Google

THE DOOR by Ava DuVernay - Film, Dècor, and Fashion.

In 2011 the Italian fashion label Miu Miu started Women's Tales, a series of short films about women directed by female directors from all over the world.Their most recent short was directed by Ava DuVernay.  Ava won the best director award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.Here is more information about Ava's short from Miu Miu:The Door, by Ava DuVernay, the fifth Miu Miu Women's Tale, is a celebration of the transformative power of feminine bonds, and a symbolic story of life change. The symbolic centre of The Door is the front entrance of the protagonist's home. As she opens it to greet a friend in the powerfully framed opening scenes, she is shrouded in an oblique sadness. "In the film, characters arrive at the door of a friend in need, bringing something of themselves," explains director DuVernay. "Eventually, we witness our heroine ready to walk through the door on her own. The door in the film represents a pathway to who we are." Clothing is also a symbol of renewal, each change of costume charting our heroine's emergence from a chrysalis of sadness. In the final scenes, she takes off her ring, pulls on long, black leather gloves, and walks, transformed by the emotive power of the clothing, through the door. Not a word was spoken, but Ava told a beautiful story.  For some reason, I didn't recognize Gabrielle Union at first!The Door combines three things I'm passionate about, dècor, film, and fashion. Several of the pieces in the short need to be in my closet and hello, that house!I've seen many films with "a glass house in L.A." set design but this one really captured that L.A. loneliness vibe.  I loved it.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNM0ha87eU0&w=560&h=315]