Italian Chic - by Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla

I have written about Franco - Italian Chez Dédé before.  I heard about this incredibly talented and creative couple, Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, from the late great Wonderfool.  My friend Courtney and I met the lovely Daria at the store/spa and wanted to buy all their bags.

Daria and Andrea are quite modest.  I didn't learn until this year (!) that they are the ones responsible for the typography of Pasta Garofalo, one of my favorite pasta brands.  Okay, now that I think about it, this isn't a topic that would come up in everyday conversation.

There was some skepticism when they first opened their store.  Why Rome? Why not Florence or Milan?  An atelier/boutique/gallery like Chez Dédé would make more sense in those cities. There has been a great deal of  negative press  (local and international) about the state of Rome these days. Yes, the situation could be better and it's important not to ignore what is happening but walking into their shop is a much needed reminder of the reasons why we fell in love this city and country in the first place.

Their book  ITALIAN CHIC is a must for anyone who loves Italy, photography, illustrations, or/and travel.  It's not a guide book per se but more of a coffee table book filled with beautiful imagery.  It was just published by Assouline and is available at their shops or online.  The Chez Dédé store has a few limited edition copies left with a special cover featuring my beloved Sicily.

 Photographed by Daria and illustrated by Andrea, ITALIAN CHIC is an intimate peek at some of their favorite places in Italy, from top to bottom.  It's a love letter of sorts to a country that has inspired them.  As Daria and Andrea said to Architectural Digest, “If we were not in Italy, then Chez Dédé simply would not exist,” Reina says. “We are both in love with Italy and the Italian lifestyle is certainly an integral part of our entire creative process.” Ferolla adds, “Italy cultivates the excellence of the ‘well done’ and of the simple and sophisticated style. Daria and I are heirs of this culture that reflects in each and every expression of Chez Dédé’s creative thinking.”

Daria and Andrea will be in New York City the week of October 14th for book signings.  There will be an installation of Andrea's illustrations in one of Bergdorf Goodman's famous windows.  Check their Instagram feed for more information (and because it's fantastic).

Photos (except for the cover): Assouline

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.   

The Design Files - Interior Design Master Class

Edited by Carl Dellatore, INTERIOR DESIGN MASTER CLASS: 100 Lessons From America's Finest Designers On The Art of Decoration, is an outstanding book.Although it's geared towards students of design and professionals, this book would appeal to anyone who's curious about interiors.The book is divided into six sections: theory, structure, style, process, elements, and inspiration. Within these sections, A-list interior designers and decorators discuss everything from floor plans, lighting, comfort, color, texture, etc. etc.  This insightful peek into their process, inspiration, and interiors is a real treat. The designers range from well-established legends of the industry to the new guard.MASTER CLASS is packed with useful information and it's also gorgeous.  I loved it.This book will be a classic. 

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     

I Libri - French Accents: At Home With Parisian Objects And Details by Erin Smith

I've written about "the mix" before.   I absolutely adore the European style of mixing traditional and modern design elements.Clearly, I must add the book FRENCH ACCENTS to my interior design library.Can we talk about the moldings in this living room?  Stunning!