Monday, April 28, 2014

iceblock chandelier

When you are looking for that special chandelier for your chalet up in the mountains, you may want to consider Lianne Gold's Grande Ciclo (Big Sky) chandelier.  I think the look goes perfectly within a wooden lodge; reminds me a lot of ice blocks in the winter.  Find it at Ralph Pucci International.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Hockney water into a lamp


Remember that masterfully painted David Hockney Los Angeles pool paintings?  Well, Poetic Lab came up with Ripple lamp to give you that ripple effect on your wall.  I guess a much cheaper way to obtain that ripple effect than buying a Hockney painting!  LOL.  How the ripple is created is by having one stationary dome projecting light through a larger slowly rotating dome.  Naturally the domes are all handblown crystal.  Get yours at Stillfried

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Fire screen extraordinaire!


This Pietra Santa Fire Screen reminds me a lot of paintings by Gustav Klimt.  Perhaps it is inspired by his paintings?  Either way, the screen is perfect for a midcentury modern home or a futuristic ultra sleek interior.  Either way it will bring lots of color and chicness to any interior.  Find more info on Philip Nimmo's website.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Tire of your normal doorlock?


Recently heard the founder of the company talking about this innovative lock set. I've seen few of these before but this is the first one that actually looks highend and clean cut.  Definitely on my to get list!  This Goji lock is available in June!

Monday, April 14, 2014

dots dots everywhere!


If there is one artist who is known for dots, it has to be Yayoi Kusama.  She obsessively puts dots everywhere.  And I mean EVERYWHERE!!!  She was originally born in Japan but moved to the States in 1958 to NYC.  In the 60s, she regularly exhibit along with Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg and her art was associated with Pop Art movement.  In 1973, she moved back to Japan and continue with her art as well as published several books.  In 1993, she represented Japan at the Venice Biennale.  She has been exhibited at MOMA, Tate Modern, Walker Art Center, LACMA, Centre Pompidou, and Whiteney Museum of American Art among others.   One of her artwork was sold for $5.1M recently which made her the highest auction record holder for a living female artist.  Luckily for us mere mortals, we can purchase her soft sculpture at Whitney for $350.  Pretty good deal if you ask me.


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Hiroshi Sugimoto + Hermes = sublime


Hiroshi Sugimoto needs no introduction to anyone who have taken art history 101 in college.  But for those of you whom are not familiar with him, he was born in Japan and moved to US to study at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles in 1970.  He is mostly known for his photographic series that captures abstract qualities such as movement, spirit, light, space, and time.  He had exhibited at Hirshhorn Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC, The Met, MOCA in Los Angeles.  Basically who's who museums in US and around the world.

True to his photographs, these scarves that he collaborated with Hermes have sublime quality to them.  Somehow they just look ethereal.  Personally I would just frame any of these scarves and hang them on walls instead of wearing them.  Scarves can be purchased here.    

Monday, April 7, 2014

Valentino table made by Valentino?


Who knew Valentino makes marble tables....Well, not exactly.  This table, although called Valentino table, is actually designed by Emanuele Zenere for Cattelan Italia.  Table may look slightly unstable, but cylinder in white Carrara marble ensures that this table ain't going anywhere.  I think it's perfect as a conference table and definitely elegant enough to sit in any Valentino boutique.  Don't you think?

Friday, April 4, 2014

Pietra dura, the modern way


For those of you unfamiliar with what pietra dura means, it basically is using cut stones to compose an image and inlaid it into a piece of furniture.  The technique has been around since Ancient Rome but was most popular during 17th to 19th century.  Many highly prized 18th century French furniture are embedded with pietra dura. 

Patrick Naggar of Ralph Pucci took the concept and ran with it.  The result is something reminiscent of the past but yet distinctly present.  This gem cabinet is truly unique and will fit into your modern interior seamlessly. 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The new Le Corbu


When I first started studying architecture, I fell in love with works from SANAA.  This Japanese firm is headed by two architects: Sejima and Nishizawa.  I find their work elegant and beautiful.  They are not the type to design something with crazy shapes or color.  Their work is more subtle and minimalist.  I think they are the modern day Corbusier.  I believe good architecture doesn't need to be flashy but it needs to have a good proportion with great detail.  SANAA achieved that and then some.  That's why they were awarded with Pritzker Prize in 2010, the highest honor any architect would dream to receive.  In 2009, they designed the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London.  This is what they said about their project: "The Pavilion is floating aluminum, drifting freely between the trees like smoke.  Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings.  It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing uninterrupted view across the park and encouraging access from all sides."  The pavilion is no exist but Serpentine Gallery sells SANAA prints of the pavilion on their online shop