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.
A Few Dinner Plates For A Thanksgiving Table
Many people back in the States have asked me what I'm doing on Thursday.I'm working. Thanksgiving is an American holiday.If I had an oven/kitchen/apartment bigger than a shoebox, I would host a Thanksgiving dinner but on Saturday (which is what the majority of expats do here).My future apartment will have more space and I will entertain more.In the meantime, I can admire these lovely plates that would be perfect for my Thanksgiving dinners.For an informal table:The Marbury Dinnerware Collection from Crate and Barrel. You can put a charger underneath with more color or a pattern.
The Charlotte Street Collection from Kate Spade. I had to have at least one white plate with blue trim.
The Eclectique Dinner plate from Williams-Sonoma. It's a pretty dish made in France.
For a more formal table:The Renaissance Collection by Wedgewood. A classic.
Anmut Platinum by Villeroy & Boch. One word... elegant.
The American Dinner plate by Hermès. The blues are gorgeous.
Hmmm, not seeing a lot of variety here.I do appreciate china with flowers but for my table I tend to keep it simple because my floral arrangements are colorful. Also, I like to mix and match my dinnerware. Having plates in a similar color palette makes the table more cohesive.For those who are celebrating, I hope you have a fantastic and Happy Thanksgiving.
Design vs. Function - American Dream Builders
Perhaps I'm naive but I believe good design incorporates a space that functions well.This is why I completely disagree with the finale (SPOILERS ahead) of the NBC show "American Dream Builders". Looking at their Facebook page, I'm not the only one.Earlier, I wrote about why I enjoyed the show.They should change the name of the show because there was nothing about Lukas's beach house that worked for the clients.The job of a decorator/interior designer is to address the needs of the client. He did not do that. All Lukas talked about was his vision. He is talented but Jay should have won.On what planet is it a good idea to paint a beach house in SOUTHERN California black? It's not edgy. A black shingled house in Maine, or Martha's Vineyard, that could be cool. Does Lukas know that that the light is different in New England compared to the Southern Californian Coast? One of the judges said the house looked like it had been in a fire.Also, Lukas did not deal with any of the design flaws of his house. That kitchen was awkward.This a beach house for a multigenerational family. Their reaction at the reveal was priceless. I adore mid-century design and would use it in a beach house but would mix it up.Nate kept saying Lukas was forward-thinking. Has Nate ever been to IKEA? I know he has traveled to Europe. This beach house would work for a single person with no kids who never entertains.Nate raved about Lukas's $30 chandelier. Again, this is in a beach house. I go to a beach house to relax. Who's going to clean it and replace the light bulbs? It's not functional.This room. Where are the young children going to hang out?
Nice to look at. Wouldn't want to sit there for a long meal. What is that statue about in the corner?
Not relaxing. These chairs would be fab in a loft apartment, not at the beach.
if the Neighborhood Council voted for the finale winner, Jay would've won hands down. Elaine was eliminated for her red family room because it didn't fit the décor of the rest of the house, but Lukas can win the whole competition for this house? Please.If they didn't want a home builder to win, don't put them in the competition.I don't know if the series has been renewed for a second season. It's a shame that the finale was such a disappointment but I enjoyed the earlier episodes.
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
Progetti da Sogno (aka, American Dream Builders)
The American series AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS started airing this week in Italy on the channel LEI.Hosted by Nate Berkus, it's a mash up between EXTREME MAKEOVERS and TOP DESIGN. I have always wondered about the reality of the former. They do a lot of structural changes. How well was the construction, plumbing, and electrical work executed when they have only a week to demolish and rebuild? Could the owners afford the increase in property taxes? So many questions.One thing I really like about this show is that two teams work on two houses from a similar era and/or style. It's compelling to see how the teams agree (or not) on an overall aesthetic for their house and then how the individual designers design their rooms.There is a mix of designers, contractors, and landscape architects. Of course, there are some strong personalities. Reality TV would be boring without them.We are three episodes in and so far it's fantastic. The show is entertaining and educational. Décor is very subjective but it's interesting to hear the judges explain why they believe a room doesn't work. Sometimes it's a design issue. For example, the team did not address the layout issues. Other times, it's about the décor. Those debates get heated.I cannot wait to see who wins. There are some very talented designers on this show.https://dailymotion.com/video/x1htfrm
Weekend Inspiration - Halloween
Halloween is a big deal in the States. Here in Italy, we are starting to see more and more decorations but it's a three day holiday weekend, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.I have carved my share of pumpkins and ate my share of Halloween candy. I don't care what anyone says, candy corn should not be classified as a candy!Perhaps I could ask one my friends who works at the American Embassy if the commissary sells Charleston Chews. All of a sudden I have a craving for one today. In the meantime, I will buy a few mini-pumpkins to decorate my table.Leave it to Ms. Martha Stewart to take it to the next level with her squash version.
Photo: Martha Stewart
Buon weekend a tutti!
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.
Io Adoro - Anguilla, British West Indies
Anguilla is quite the A-list celebrity/VIP destination these days. However, the small island has managed to retain it's relaxed, quiet charm.My most recent piece for FATHOM Magazine went live today. ANGUILLA – I wish I could say I have always appreciated this beautiful island. That would be untrue.When my family moved from New York City to the leafy suburbs of Verona, New Jersey, I knew I had to become a true American teenager. I was hampered by my parents' insistence on raising their children as if we were a family living in the Caribbean.My parents are from St. Martin (totally different from the Dutch side, St. Maarten) and both my grandmothers were Anguillian. Whenever we went to St. Martin to stay with my paternal grandparents, we ferried over to Anguilla to visit family and friends. When I was a child it, was fun to hang out with my cousins, go the beaches, and stuff ourselves on Johnnycakes, rice and peas, and salt fish cakes. But as for the stunning white beaches of the island, they were lost on me when I was older. I mean, I was a teenager. Visiting relative after relative while sitting on their verandas for hours drinking Ting was boring.The final anti-island straw happened one night when I was walking back to my aunt's house and a mongoose ran across my foot. I was done. I thought, "I could be chilling at the Short Hills Mall with my friends instead of being stuck on this tiny island."It wasn't until my parents moved to back to St. Martin after retirement and I moved to Rome that I began to understand why those trips back home were so important.To read the rest and see more pictures, click HERE.
The beach at Cap Juluca with the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten in the background.
Photo: Me and my iPHone
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!
Seven Days of Sicily - Day 7 - Art + Design
Why do I miss Sicily? There are Sicilian restaurants in Rome.Perhaps this is only an infatuation. My first trip to Sicily was just last year, which I wrote about in FATHOM. Maybe the island will lose its hold on me after a few more trips, or years. We'll see.Like the cuisine, the art and architecture of Sicily has been influenced by the diverse cultures of its various rulers.Every day I stopped by to see the Burial of Santa Lucia, painted by Caravaggio in 1608, located in the Santa Lucia alla Badia church. There is something very special about seeing art in the context that it was created for.In the early 2000's many architects and interior designers started to buy and renovate houses in the area. I kept getting lost in little courtyards and side streets. There was inspiration all around me and design elements that gave me some ideas for my Caribbean beach house project.Below are a few of my favorite things:How pretty is this packaging? I received a gift from this store on my birthday. Erica's daughter picked it out. That five year-old has excellent taste.
Photo: ortigiasicily.com
As someone who was raised Methodist, I'm still thrown by some of the more intense art in Catholic churches. My childhood church had stained glass with images of things like Jesus chilling with some shepherds.
Here is the patron saint of Siracusa, Santa Lucia.
Clever use of a satellite dish.
Spiderman on the side of the Municipal Building representing the heroic spirit of the people. I'm trying to find out who the artist is and when the work was installed.
Cool planter outside a house that faces the sea.
Rome-based artist UNO and his latest installation.
Also from Rome, Alice Pasquini. Erica and I went to see her and UNO work on their murals. This is a school in Siracusa.
The new and the old.
I saw these fishing baskets all over my neighborhood.
Love the door.
And this gate.
This alley showing a sliver of the sea was up the street.
I'm thinking about my next trip. Maybe I should go to Palermo or Cefalù, or both.
Photos, unless noted otherwise, are by me and my iPhone.
Seven Day of Sicily - Day 5 - Ceramics
Sicily is known for its hand painted pottery.Like the cuisine, each region has it's own style. I have to ask Erica where she bought her octopus plate. I think it was somewhere near Cefalù.As I have stated before, I have no more room in my apartment, so I was only able to buy a few small bowls.I used one of the them in the photos that Gina took of the terrace project I worked on.
The larger blue and white bowl and the little eggshell one (for salt or jam) were bought at a small workshop located right on my street. Ceramiche Artiginali DoLù, Via Larga, 7 Ortigia +39 0931 449451
The other bowls were bought at a tiny store on the island of Salina. It was located on the main street in Malfa. The owners told me Dolce & Gabbana bought quite a few pieces from them. You can see the influence in their S/S 2013 collection.
Speaking of that collection, please note my fellow Americans that the black versions of these kings and queens are not the same thing as Mammy imagery from America. Context is important when looking through our very specific American lens of a different culture, history, and country. I was annoyed that their runaway (like most) had no diversity.I say this as someone who gave Gladys Knight the side-eye when she became a spokeswoman for Aunt Jemina back in the day. I didn't care that AJ's handkerchief was replaced with a relaxer. I knew that context of that brand.
Taken from the terrace of the Metropole Hotel, Taormina, Sicily.
Photos Dolce and Gabbana: Fashionista Other photos. Me and my iPhone
Seven Days of Sicily - Day 3 - Noto
I took a little day trip to Noto on my birthday. After a quick thirty minute ride on the shortest train I've even seen, I arrived in a small town considered to be the height of Baroque urban planning.The Duomo is a show stopper. The old town was completely destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. The way it's laid out is very organized thanks to Giovanni Battista Landolina. Working with three architects, Rosario Gagliardi, Vincenzo Sinatra, and Paolo Labisi, Landolina designed three main streets, running parallel. At the top were the aristocracy (with the best views), the clergy in the middle, and everyone else at the bottom.I had a great time in gorgeous Noto. Caffe Sicilia on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 125, is fantastic. I had one of the best lemon granitas of my LIFE there.My return to Ortigia had a classic Italian moment. I bought a round-trip ticket. After a long walk, downhill, to the train station I noticed everything was closed. Ten minutes later, an announcement is made over the loud speaker in rapid-fire Italian saying my train had been canceled. Thank God I understand Italian because at a pocket-sized station why would there have been an explanation also in English? I went to a gym across the street to ask where the heck the bus stop was as there were no signs with that information.There were four men at the front desk chatting and they looked like Dolce & Gabbana models but with athletic builds. The men were very dark and handsome with those striking green/grey eyes you see all over Sicily. My brain froze. I literally could not speak Italian (or English really). One dude said, "are you okay?" I blamed the heat and they were kind enough to give me specific directions.The street was silent, expect for my cursing, as I climbed back up the ridiculously long and steep hill, in the blazing hot Sicilian sun (there were NO cabs around). At the bus stop I was told that the bus service between these small towns is a lot more reliable than the train. Thanks Trenitalia!The Duomo.
A view of the Duomo from one of the terraces of the Santa Chiara church.
Love the detailing above the chandelier.
I ate a delicious Pasta alla Norma and the service was great. The reviews of this restaurant are all over the map. Two foodie friends thought the food was overrated and others go to Noto just to eat here.
While am I more of a Biggie person, I can appreciate this graffiti.
Interior of the Montevergine church.
Three bells. Shot from another terrace of the Santa Chiara church.
Sea view. In the distance.
Weekend Inspiration - Muriel Brandolini's Pool - Hamptons, NY
I wonder if we could re-set this week.Every time I turned on the news in the morning before my workout, there was some horrific, sad, or tragic breaking news.I had to look at something relaxing and beautiful. A picture of interior designer Muriel Brandolini's pool, featured in Architectural Digest was just what I needed.When I read the issue, this page jumped out at me. How stunning is this pool?
I don't swim (long story) but I could see myself enjoying the pool and the views.It's important to be informed about what is happening in the world. We must also remember to appreciate beauty in the world as well.Buon Ferragosto!
A New York City Rooftop Pool With A View
My friends in Rome are probably sick of hearing me go on and on about wanting a terrace.Well, that would be some of my friends who already have terraces. I don't think they appreciate how wonderful having a terrace is. One friend rarely uses his. I cannot understand this! Trust, once I have my terrace I will be out there all the time, even in the snow.Okay, that was an exaggeration as it snows here maybe once every twenty years or so.I don't need a huge space. Nor, a pool. However, if I had a chance to live in Keith Jacobson's home, featured in New York Magazine, I would.
A penthouse with views of the High Line? Yes.An outdoor kitchen? Yes.A full bathroom with an outdoor shower? Yes.Designed by Francis D’Haene, founder of D’Apostrophe Design and his colleague, Patrocinio Binuya, this rooftop was almost too much for me to handle in my terrace-less state.Yet, I still looked at the photos.
The landscape design was done by Miguel Pons.
Photos by David Allee
I'm glad they spared us photos of the cocktail bar.
Weekend Inspiration - Starburst Textile - Peter Dunham
Continuing with the Peter Dunham theme, this weekend's inspiration is his Starburst print. This hand-printed fabric would be perfect in a beach house.
Photo: Peter Dunham Textiles
Speaking of beach houses, I wish I were going to one this weekend!Buon weekend a tutti.
Bigger Is Not Always Better - Peter Dunham's West Hollywood Home
Meeting Peter Dunham was one of the highlights of Kathryn M. Ireland's Design Workshop. I have adored his textiles and design for ages and was excited to see his showroom. He was lovely.I think it's very interesting that he downsized. When I lived in Los Angeles, most of my peers in entertainment were all about getting to the next level. You had to have the right address, the right car, and even if your house was perfect, the minute you could afford to (or not) you would upgrade to a bigger, better, house.In this month's issue of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, there is a great interview (and slideshow) with Peter. He talks about why he moved from a house that was 3,500 square-feet to an apartment that is only 550 square-feet.Living in a tiny space forces you to edit. You cannot surround yourself with just "stuff."There is some fantastic design advice for small spaces in the article. You can read it HERE and check out more photos of his charming home.
Weekend Inspiration - Borromini - Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
I see the top of this church every time I walk across the piazza near my house. Built from 1642-1660, it's a classic work of Baroque architecture. The architect was Francesco Borromini, aka arch enemy of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Photo: me with my iPhone
While I am down for Bernini, it's unfortunate that Borromini is not appreciated more. His contemporaries were perceived as being stronger visual artists. Borromini's strength was more technical but that doesn't mean we should overlook the beauty of his buildings.Borromini was extremely difficult to work with and often depressed. He committed suicide in 1667.This church is just one of his masterpieces and it inspires me.Buon weekend!
Stylish Simplicity - Como Glasses - Paola Navone for Crate & Barrel
I've written before regarding how much I adore the collection Italian architect/furniture and interior designer Paola Navone has created exclusively for the American store Crate & Barrel.Her new collection is out. My siblings were kind enough to give me a gift certificate to Crate & Barrel and I had to get these glasses.
Now they are sitting at my sister's house. One day they'll make it to Rome.I love the color of the rim and the lines of the glass. Very simple and very stylish.