My Ciao Bella interview with JJ Martin, founder of La Double J
Buongiorno a tutti!
Erica Firpo's Ciao Bella has published my interview with JJ Martin. Yes, it's true I rave about her and her brand often but I know first hand how difficult it is to be an entrepreneur in Italy. What JJ has created is incredible.
It was truly a pleasure to sit down with this very talented and dynamic woman to discuss interior design, creativity, and living in Italy.
To The Max: Designing Milan’s La Double J Store
Brick and mortar maximalism
When I read LaDoubleJ (those fabulous maximalist dresses from JJ Martin, Patron Saint of Patterns) was going to open its first retail shop, I couldn’t wait to see its interiors, not just because I’m a decorator but also as a fan of JJ Martin’s colorful brand. As luck and business would have it, I had to travel to Milan to meet with a new client. And Erica, knowing that visiting the new La Double J store was a “must” on my list, asked me if I could write about the store. JJ was gracious to carve out some time in her busy schedule to sit down with Ciao Bella to discuss the design of her new store and her brand.
Arlene Gibbs: First question. What inspired you to open an actual store, brick and mortar, at this moment when all we hear is that retail is dead. It’s all about e-commerce. No one goes to stores anymore.
JJ Martin: Well, we started as a direct to consumer business and an online business so I totally agree with that. I don’t think it makes sense at all, these brands that were built on brick and mortar with three hundred shops around the world. It doesn’t feel relevant anymore, especially these cookie cutter shops that all look the same. When you scan these streets, you can’t even tell the difference. They all have white walls, really bright light, chrome or gold finishes.
AG: You could be on Rodeo Drive.
JJ: You could be anywhere. So, a huge network of stores was never my vision nor will it be. However, we stared in this little showroom in Milan that was our showroom, our atelier, our office, our workroom, everything, and we were also selling clothes at the very beginning from there. It literally did like five things. What we kept hearing from people all the time was, “don’t you have a place we could try on more clothes?”
To read the rest of the interview, click HERE.
Photos courtesy of La Double J.
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
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]
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?
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 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.
Weekend Inspiration - Frame Denim - NYFW f/w 2015
I was feeling the '70s vibe during New York Fashion Week. I'm curious to what London, Paris, and Milan will bring to the runway.While there were some truly horrific get-ups in the '70s, it's one of my favorite fashion decades. Some of the silhouettes were so chic, sexy, and timeless.A few years ago I went to the Helmut Newton exhibit. One thing that stood out at me was how the dated the clothes from the '80s were but the clothes from the '70s could be worn today.I'm too short for some of these pieces but this collection from newish label Frame Demin is fantastic.
Suddenly, I must listen to THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO soundtrack. Buon weekend!
Life in Rome - The Flaminio Flea Market
Borghetto Flaminio is not as well known as the famous Porto Portese market. The latter has more furniture but Flaminio is the market to check out for authentic vintage/used designer clothes and interesting tableware.As with any flea market there could be some fakes, but this market has a good reputation. Many of the vendors are regulars. If they were selling fake Prada, Gucci, Hermès, etc. the word would get out pretty quickly.Borghetto Flaminio is tiny. I suggest getting there early. It's packed with fantastic finds. I hadn't been there in years so when my friend, artist and florist Marta, suggested we check it out, I was ready.A cool tea set from the 40s.
Lovely monogrammed vintage linen.
A taste of Hermès. This was the most popular vendor in the market. They also had some drop dead gorgeous vintage Gucci, Valentino, Prada, and Fendi bags.
Love this Murano glass set from the 60s.
Marta was VERY excited about this patent leather Prada bag.
Sundays (except holidays)Piazza della Marina, 32Sundays, 10AM – 7PM€1.60 entrance feeFrom mid-September to mid-July
Life in Rome - A Tour of Bulgari's Heritage Collection
Recently AWAR (The American Women's Association of Rome) had the privilege of taking a small (only twenty members) private tour of Bulgari's Heritage Collection.I RSVPed the minute I read the invitation.I haven't been inside the store since the Peter Marino renovation. One morning, when I was jogging up Via Condotti on my way to Villa Borghese Park, I'm positive I saw the architect walking out of the store. Who else would be wearing that outfit at 8:30 in the morning, in Rome?Bulgari was founded by Sotirios Bulgaris in Rome one hundred and thirty years ago. The Heritage Collection is a celebration of this history. There are over six hundred unique pieces. The jewelery, watches, accessories, and drawings were curated during years of research and archival work. Bulgari has been buying back importance pieces from auctions and private collections.While Bulgari is part of the French high-end global powerhouse LVMH, the DNA of the company is Roman.DOMUS means home in Latin and that space (located on the second floor) is where you will find pieces from the Heritage Collection.The store is gorgeous. Marino, inspired by the Pantheon and other Roman masterpieces, modernized the flagship store without stripping it of its history and charm.The foyer on the first floor. Nods to the Pantheon in this circular space.
The back stairs that lead to Domus. That pattern.
This floor and that table. No words.
Here's a picture I took of the floor so you can see the intricate tiling. Stunning. I gasped when I saw it.
Caterina Riccardi, Bulgari Brand Heritage Special Projects, explains the connection between the Heritage Collection and the Eternal City. Ms. Riccardi was the Via Condotti store manager for over thirty years. Her tour was excellent, informative and entertaining.
This sapphire necklace was bought from a private collector in the States. Be still, my beating heart.
Richard Burton once said, "The only Italian word Elizabeth knows is Bulgari." Burton gave Taylor this sapphire and diamond necklace and ring for her fortieth birthday. Actress Jessica Chastin wore the iconic necklace at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. She was the first person to wear it since Taylor.
From 1960, a gold watch bracelet with diamonds and rubies. I do not like snakes but I'd make an exception for this one.
This is just a little taste of the incredible pieces in this collection. I was inspired by the colors, the designs, and the craftsmanship.By appointment only. To reserve a visit, contact: DOMVScondotti.visits@bulgari.com or +39 06 688101 First three photos: Bulgari.Other photos: Me and my iPhone.
Pantone's Color For 2015 - Marsala
Design blogs blew up this week when the news hit that Patone's color for 2015 was Marsala.I enjoy cooking with Marsala wine. I really do but I must agree with majority and say, "what is this madness?!"This color reminds me of Dusty Rose from the '80s. Not a good look.
Could someone please explain to me what is going on in the picture below. What is Pantone trying to say?
The gentleman in the apron looks salty. Why? Perhaps he's not feeling the color either.I'm very curious to see how this color choice plays out in fashion and home décor trends next year. I don't think it's an easy color to wear. For the home, I love the color of Marsala wine which is a deeper burgundy than this color. That rich color would be fantastic.
Stylish Simplicity - The Tiffany T Bracelet
There has been great deal of press about the new Design Director of Tiffany & Co., Francesca Amfitheatrof. She is the first woman to have this position at the storied American jewelry company. The job had been vacant for five years. Ms. Amfitheatrof had some big shoes to fill.Ms. Amfitheatrof, who trained with a master silversmith in Padua after college, has created pieces for Chanel, Alessi, and Fendi. She was born in Japan to an Italian mother and a Russian-American father, who was a TIME bureau chief, and grew up in New York, Rome, London, and Moscow.I love her new collection for Tiffany. This bracelet is so simple and so chic.
18 karat rose gold bracelet
Narrow Wire 18 karat white gold bracelet
18 Karat gold braclet
I have read some comments claiming that this collection is not all that. It's TOO simple, "Hello it's just a T. My kid could do that." I cringe when I hear people make those kind of statements about any kind of creative endeavor.The simpler something is, the easier it is to mess it up. Look at Cacio e Pepe, not many ingredients but a difficult dish to execute well. There are no bells and whistles to hide imperfections. Every single ingredient has to be of excellent quality.It's is the same thing with these bracelets (yes, I just compared high-end jewelry to a simple Roman pasta dish).You can wear these bracelet with many different styles of clothing. I think they are destined to become classics like some of Elsa Peretti's pieces. The Tiffany T bracelet is the very definition of Stylish Simplicity.Photos: Tiffany
Oscar de la Renta - RIP
I woke up today to the news that one of the most important fashion designers of our time had passed away.Despite his five decades in the industry, de la Renta was not one to live in the past. He made classic, yet contemporary clothes. It is rare to see a designer dress society ladies, Fortune 500 ladies, movie stars of all ages, and women who are not famous nor rich but love beautiful things.Born in the Dominican Republic, he apprenticed at Balenciaga, under Cristóbal himself (unreal), and at Lanvin under Antonio Castillo. I know a lot of people dismiss fashion as silly. Perhaps some people in fashion are over the top but to me fashion is very interesting because it's a combination of art, craft, and commerce.There are so many celebrities out here on these streets calling themselves designers. Please.De la Renta was truly a designer. He made clothes. Beautifully.
Mr. de la Renta will be missed.
Weekend Inspiration - Spain via Sicily by Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana have been knocking it out of the park.I did read one review from a UK fashion critic who complained that D&G were tapping the Sicilian well too often. She was RELIEVED to see that their S/S 2015 was influenced by Spain.Hello, Spain ruled Sicily from 1516-1713. This is still a Sicilian inspired collection.There were a lot of bold red dresses and fitted black ones, but this black and white dress is one of my favorites. Of course, I could never wear it as I'm too short and my breasts are too big. But I love it.The trim is beautiful. I could see using something like it in home décor as well.
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana
Buon weekend a tutti!
Weekend Inspiration - Mosaics - Carolina Herrera
As always, one of my favorite shows from this week's NYFW Spring 2015 was Carolina Herrera's.She somehow makes classic clothes that are fresh, not dated or matronly.To see photos from her collection, check out Tom and Lorenzo.I've been looking at mosaics tiles for a client's potential bathroom renovation.I'm curious to know the influence for this dress. How is it constructed? Where would one wear a dress like this? On the red carpet? Or perhaps it would be prefect for a fashion-forward bride at her high-end outdoor wedding in a French or Italian villa.
Buon weekend a tutti!
Stylish Simplicity - Eres Bikini (and a short rant)
Today's edition of Stylish Simplicity highlights the ERES bikini.
Work it J.Lo
Photo. Vogue June 2012
This French brand has some of the most beautiful bathing suits on the planet... classic and well made.
I never wore a bikini until I moved to Italy. NEVER. I grew up seeing magazine covers constantly saying, "Get A Beach Ready Body!" or tabloid headlines that screamed, "Worst Beach Bodies!" In Los Angeles many of my colleagues gleefully ripped celebrities to shreds, calling them fat and what not. Celebrities who were no larger than a size 4.
What's the point of starving oneself for the season? What happens once the summer is over, back to bad eating habits? I blame the Puritans for this madness.
The first time I went to the beach here I was stunned by the variety of shapes, sizes, and ages wearing bikinis and Speedos. Italians were chilling, just doing their thing. I stood out with my very sensible one-piece for a woman of a "certain age."
How do my friends in Italy get ready for beach season? They put on a bathing suit and go to the beach.
I'm not sure what made me decide to take the plunge and finally buy my first bikini. In the fitting room, I told the saleslady there wasn't enough coverage on top. She looked at me like I had two heads. She said that's the way a bikini was supposed to fit. I was skeptical.
The day came when my Eres bikini and I went out in public. The world didn't stop spinning. The Italians couldn't care less. The only reason I stood out is because I was one of the few people of color on the beach not selling a trinket.
Now my sensible one-pieces (which actually made me look heavier) are sitting at the back of my closet. To me function is just as important as style. A two-piece is more practical than a one-piece.
I wish I could go back and talk to my critical younger self. I'd tell her to get a grip, just go to the darn beach, and enjoy herself.
Stylish Simplicity - White Jeans
Today is Festa della Repubblica in Italy. It's similar to July 14th in France or the 4th of July in the United States of America. It's a three day weekend. While most of my friends went out of town, I stayed behind in the city.I've just returned from checking in on my Anguilla project. Before I left, the weather in Rome was awful... constant rain and chilly.Now, summer is here. The days are getting longer and folks have busted out their white jeans.I used to avoid white jeans because I thought my thighs were too "thick" for them. I now know it's all about the cut and what I'm wearing as a top.I love this summer look. It's so stylish and simple. Below are five favorites:The one, the only, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
The lovely Garance Doré photographed by her man, Scott Schuman (aka The Satorialist).
Zoe Saldana. Really like the color of her blazer.
Photo: trendmill.com
Geraldine Saglio from FRENCH VOGUE. Those shoes!
Photo: gastrochic.com
Molto chic.
Photo: thebestfashionblog.com
Io Adoro - The Face
When certain people get on their high horse and say they never watch reality TV because everything sucks, in my head, I'm rolling my eyes. That's similar to saying they don't read novels because FIFTY SHADES OF GREY was terrible.As with any form of entertainment, there are great reality shows and then the ones that are pure garbage. Regarding the latter I'm not talking about the ones that are so bad they're good, but are truly awful. They're either boring or showcase the worst stereotypes of the protagonists.I tend to watch shows where people are making something or doing something, like TOP CHEF, PROJECT RUNWAY, CAKE BOSS, MASTERCHEF ITALIA, ONE BRYK AT A TIME, CERCO CASA DISPERATAMENTE, (hmm lots of cooking and decorating shows), etc.Since SKY Cable dropped the E! channel, my reality show intake has dropped. That channel used to air most of the Bravo shows. Tears.THE FACE, the USA version, started airing in Italy a few months ago on Sky Uno. I missed the first few episodes. During one rainy (basta!) Sunday afternoon I happened to catch two episodes and I was hooked.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ_NQ2rXuF4&w=560&h=315]The format of this show is brilliant. The wanna-be models are broken up into three teams with one of the supermodels coaching them.Of course, nobody would watch a show that was all about rainbows and unicorns, so yes there is drama. Naomi played to win and Coco and Karolina sometimes seemed like they didn't know what hit them.The UK version, which is currently on the air, is a little different. Erin and Caroline give Naomi a run for her money.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksj21gNypzs&w=560&h=315]I don't understand why Tyra fired noted photographer™ Nigel Barker and Miss J. I was so glad to see Nigel on the USA version of THE FACE.Could someone please hook up Miss J. with a show?
Io Adoro - Portrait Firenze - A New Hotel in Florence, Italy
Before my first trip to Italy, nine years ago, I had to cut my vacation short. The production company I worked for decided to shut down, permanently, two weeks before Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone!I was going to scrap the entire trip but my family was very worried about my mental state and insisted I go.I decided to travel to only one city for just one week. I narrowed down my choices to Rome or Florence. One of my good friends in L.A. is a hardcore Italophile. She proclaimed that I was a Rome person and should save Florence for another trip.I've been to Florence twice. The art is stupendous and the city is beautiful. Yet each time I felt anxious and couldn't wait to return to Rome. It's not as if Rome is a laid back place. However, Florence is a much smaller city and cannot handle the hordes of tourists and study aboard students.Well, I need to get over it because I must see the new Portrait Firenze. The architect/interior designer is Michele Bonan. I've written about how much I LOVE his work, especially, the newish J.K. Place in Rome.The hotel is owned by the Ferragamo family (the Lungarno Collection) and is located in the heart of the Historic Center. It has only thirty-six rooms and killer views of the Ponte Vecchio. It's scheduled to open this spring.Look at that view. Love the soft relaxing colors. Those green lamps? Must track down.
Sigh. No words.
I need to be here with my man, enjoying the Franciacorta.
Pocket doors. Dark wood. Look at that ceiling.
Photos: Lungarno Collection
Porter Magazine - Let's Rejoice
Everyone (who is everyone, really?) says print magazines are so over. Dead. Morte. It's all about the online space.Sorry, but I still adore magazines. I prefer to hold a magazine in my hands rather than read the same content on the computer/iPhone.I'm very curious about the new magazine, PORTER, from the online powerhouse, Net-A-Porter. They didn't have to create a print version of the magazine. I'm glad they decided to.
It's interesting that PORTER will shoot clothes by designers that are not available on Net-A-Porter, such as Chanel. To me this (along with feature articles about traveling, design, the arts, tech, etc.), sends a clear signal that PORTER is going to be a proper magazine, not just another venue for online shopping.It will be sold in sixty countries. While the company is based in London, the magazine is written in American English.Given the consistently awful news about the state of print media, I'm excited to see Net-A- Porter take this risk.I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
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.