NEW YORK FASHION WEEK BEGINS: TOME Fall/Winter 2013 Presentation...

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." -- Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe 

The Tome Fall/Winter Presentation was my kickoff for New York Fashion Week, an event held twice a year in February and September where fashion designers present their collection for the upcoming season. 

As a lover of art history, I appreciate Tome's reference to O'Keeffe's art as an influence for this season's line.  Tome writes, "This season we are inspired by the life and art of this American legend. Her flowers, bones and sky come to life in shapes that sit free from the body, whilst others cocoon.  We are influenced by O'Keeffe's uncompromising vision and her obsession with light and shade.  It is the purity and humility of her output and her existence that resonates with us."

I was expecting a fashion show like you'd see on TV where A-list celebrities are craning their necks for a last glance at something they are sure to be photographed in the coming months. This, however, was much different.  The models stood motionless in an artful yet militaristic arrangement in a  beautifully lit and simple background - much like an O'Keeffe still life - so as not to distract from the feature object, the ensemble.

The fresh yet sleek contemporary designs were linear in their construction but the layering of fabrics and textures added to its depth, again much like O'Keeffe's work.  The fluidity of several pieces are well suited for the curvy girl who is looking for a modern silhouette. But you can't be too curvaceous - this is still a NY designer (did I say that).

Overall, I enjoyed the minimalism coupled with the muted tones that look easy to wear. I'm glad I discovered this designer and am looking forward to what next season's collection has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

RED ROOM: VALENTINE DAY'S INSPIRED DECOR...

Most people know that the holiday we recognized on February 14th is named after St. Valentine but don't know why. According to legend, St. Valentine was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. Before he was captured, having fallen in love with his jailer's daughter and later executed, he wrote a note to her stating "from your Valentine."  And the rest is romantic history. 

But that doesn't explain why we use Cupid to recognize Valentine's day.  

Anyway, what do you have in store to profess your undying devotion to the love of your life or maybe just Mr. or Miss Right-Now??? (I'm so dramatic...)

You can add a little spice by adding the color of the holiday - RED.  You can add an accent in one room and go all out in another like Will and Jada did in their home featured in Architectural Digest a few years ago... 

What about a full on red powder room?

Maybe try a whimsical wallpaper...

or would a kitchen with red cabinets be too much?

Do stripes give you vertigo?

Why not just go for it on all the walls?

If that's too much of a good thing, then try a red light fixture, banquette or buffet to stimulate the appetite...

or use red lamps, pillows or artwork...

or a mirror and chairs...

or simply paint your front door.

However you choose, just salute St. Valentine's commitment to love with the color of passion. 

Here's hoping you get lucky...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Some photos courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com, ElleDecor.com and ArchitecturalDigest.com.

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: HONORING THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: PAUL R. WILLIAMS

In honor of Black History Month, I present to some and introduce to others Mr. Paul R. Williams, the first African-American Architect/Designer. 

Paul R. Williams
(1894 - 1980)

Paul Revere Williams was born in Los Angeles in 1894. When Paul was 2 years old, his father died and 2 years later his mother died. He and his brother were placed in separate foster homes. Paul was fortunate to grow up in the home of a foster mother who devoted herself to his education and to the development of his artistic talent.

Williams studied at the Los Angeles School of Art and Design and at the LA branch of the New York Beaux-Arts Institute of Design Atelier. He went on to attend the University of Southern California School of Engineering, designing several residential buildings while still a student there.  Williams became the first African American certified architect in 1921.

Young Williams c. 1920s

During the 20s and 30s, his great success was in designing homes for wealthy clients in the elite hillside subdivisions like Bel Air, Brentwood and Beverly Hills.  Sought by entertainment industry leaders, Williams became known as "Architect to the Hollywood Stars."

Williams' Residence in Los Angeles 

Interior of Williams' Residence

Interior Architecture

Although residential design remained an important aspect of his practice, commercial and institutional commissions became increasingly significant. Over the course of his five decade career, Williams designed approximately 3,000 buildings including the Hollywood YMCA, The Golden State Mutual Insurance Building and the Theme Building at the LA Airport.

Hollywood YMCA built in 1928

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building built in 1949

Theme Building at LA International Airport built in 1961

In 1957, he was the first African American elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.  He ran his practice until he retired in 1973. He died in 1980 leaving a rich history of amazing architecture as his legacy.

Great work, Mr. Williams...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, GUN CONTROL AND OUR CHILDREN...

I can thank School House Rock, the Saturday morning cartoon of the 70s, for helping me learn the Preamble to the Constitution. Now as an adult, I think about the meaning of the lyrics behind that catchy tune...

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Do these words include Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago, the twenty 5 and 6 year old children of Newtown, CT or the little boy named Ethan in Midland City, AL? 

Please Mr. NRA, I know its difficult to consider rights other than your own but what about the right to grow old? Please do not forget about the rights taken from those who will never grow to experience the words professed in the Preamble...

THE LATE HADIYA PENDLETON

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

NYIGF - JANUARY 2013...

The New York International Gift Fair is a twice a year trade show featuring 2,800 exhibitors and thousands of lines carefully screened and categorized in 10 targeted divisions. The show has an extraordinary depth and breadth of the very best lines across the home, lifestyle and gift spectrum from jewelry to housewares to furniture.

Although I enjoy trend spotting at this show, it is dangerous for me because I always leave with an unintentional purchase (aka my gorgeous new tote bag by Dareen Hakim). I enjoy trend spotting at this show for jewelry and accessories as well. Here are a few home decor pieces that caught my eye...

RP Designs

Camilla House

RP Designs

Luna Bella

Design Legacy

Made Goods

Lazy Susan

Jonathan Adler

Artechnia

Barreveld

Natural Curiosities

Until August...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy