DOORS OF THE WORLD

A little inspiration to get you through the rest of the week.

My favorite words are possibilities, opportunities and curiosity.  I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities. - Mario Testino

Faro, Portugal

Castle door in Prague, Czech Republic

Hindu temple in India

Fez, Morocco

Morocco

Munich, Germany

Prague, Czech Republic

Ganesh in City Palace, Jaipur, India

India

Paris, France

Zanzibar, Africa

Hammamet, Tunisia

BUSTED

Bust sculptures have been around for centuries, often placed in traditional and classic settings.  The idea of a bust as decor is reminiscent of references to historical nobility.  Historically, the bust was the customary form of portraiture in many civilizations.  Throughout the centuries, sculptural busts have been molded from many substances including bronze, limestone, alabaster, wood, stone, precious metals and glazed earthenware.    

I purchased my first bust years ago, placed it on my dining room sideboard and haven't moved it since.  The bust certainly commands attention, adding volume and giving the surface a focal point. 

The sculptural bust provides old world charm and adds an intriguing element when included in a space.  Most people associate the bust with "stuffy and formal", however pairing this classical element with modern pieces makes a perfect marriage.  Bust sculptures add character and a sense of immortality.  The ageless appeal of the sculptural bust will always live on. 

David's bust on my dining room sideboard

                     

OMBRE CHIC

The word Ombre is derived from the French word ombrer which means to shade. Ombrer, translated from the Italian ombrare and umbra, literally means "to shade or shadow." Its current definition, "having colors that shade into each other – used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark." Merriam Webster Dictionary.  Ombre’s popularity has once again surged in recent years appearing in hairstyles, on the runway and in home decor.

The beauty and flexibility of this artform is both in the application as well as in the final outcome, in such that it is a perfectly imperfect artform. There is no right or wrong way to ombre as long as the final result is that of gradual shading.

Often seen as a variation of tie-dye, ombre is so much more. It brings an effortless, casual and bohemian chic feel to home decor, all the while it can be dressed up to take on a more sophisticated and elegant appearance.  This ancient artform is seeing a new, modern, fresh revival that started as a trend but seems to have staying power.

PEACE

FRANCO MOSCHINO - FASHION DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Franco Moschino's death.

Franco Moschino was an Italian fashion designer remembered for his witty, colorful, lively and provocative designs.  He put humor into fashion, but at a high-quality level.  A native Italian, he was born in a small town near Milan.  Franco developed a keen interest in art and drawing as a young child.  In his later years, in order to finance his education he began to sketch fashion designs and illustrations for fashion magazines and houses.  Eventually, his clever designs caught the eye of fashion designer Gianni Versace.  He later began his career with Versace as a sketcher which led to another position as a designer with another Italian fashion house. 

In 1983, Franco left Versace and opened his own company under his own label, Moschino.  His first showing was wildly successful.  The Moschino style was established in a few short years and was easily recognized the world over. Elegant design, perfect mastery of the classic techniques of "cutting and stitching" inherited from the Italian tailoring tradition together with a sharp, mocking humor were Moschino's hallmarks.

The popularity of the Italian brand grew so much that Moschino ended up becoming one of the internationally famous fashion designers he so famously mocked in his work.

Since Moschino's death, Rosella Jardini has served as the label's creative director, turning out playful, wearable collections.

Franco Moschino has left an indelible mark on fashion history and although no longer with us, his sense of irony, his playfulness, individuality and genius still live on through the work being created by the Moschino Group.

MOSCHINO FALL/WINTER 2014-2015 COLLECTION

MOSCHINO FALL/WINTER 2014-2015 COLLECTION

MOSCHINO FALL/WINTER 2014-2015 COLLECTION

THE SLIPPER CHAIR - VERSATILE AND ENTERTAINING

The slipper chair was invented in the Victorian Era to accommodate the needs of women who required small perches to “slip” on their shoes.  Modern women broadened the use of these versatile little chairs to serve many purposes; an extra chair by the fireside, by the cocktail table, or boudoirs.  They adapt to their space and are always ready to be “slipped” into position. 

They have since then adopted a new purpose as an entertaining essential.  Its compact size and open sides allow a guest to swivel from one conversation to another with ease.  A slipper chair is unobtrusive and it can slip into any corner without cluttering up the space. These versatile little chairs have come a long way since its Victorian days and have become a handy accent for any room.

Billy Baldwin Slipper Chairs

Billy Baldwin Slipper Chairs

NEPAL CHAIR BY PAOLA NAVONE FOR BAXTER

Accent pillows can be added to the slipper chair for an extra touch and comfort.

JONATHAN ADLER MORROW SLIPPER CHAIR

VIA SAN VITO V LOGO FRETWORK LUMBAR PILLOW IN SMOKE

JONATHAN ADLER MORROW SLIPPER CHAIR

VIA SAN VITO RIBBONS LUMBAR PILLOW IN TANGERINE