STELLA'S ROAR: January 2009

My Homage to Duquette: Tablescapes 2008

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Tablescapes, a popular fundraiser for my local Pro-Musica, generated enthusiastic crowds in 2008. Local designers, florists and shop owners decorate tables with themes of their choosing. I decided to do an Homage to Tony Duquette. The Main Man and I glued a zillion abalone shells onto an iron chandelier as abalone is a recurring design element ala Duquette. Between the two of us, it took 2 glue guns, 4 hours and several cocktails. During the event, scorecards are given out, a contest ensued...I did not win!

The abalone chandelier now resides outside over my patio table.

Labels:: Abalone,; chandelier,; Mi Casa,; Pro-Musica,; Tablescapes,; The Main Man,; Tony Duquette

Shoe of the Day

Gucci Roma Mary Jane Peep Toe with Swarovski Crystal Heel...$640.00

Labels:: Gucci,; shoe of the day

Broccoli Loving - America Can't Handle the Truth

Friday, January 30, 2009

Labels:

Headlines: Duquette vs. Kors

Tony Duquette Files Infringement Suit Against Michael Kors

Tony Duquette Sues Michael Kors for Copyright Infringement

Inspiration or Theft? Michael Kors vs. Tony Duquette

NEW YORK, June 3, 2008 - (quoted from style.com regarding Kors Resort 2009 Collection) By Laird Borrelli-Persson:

"It's Babe [Paley] and Tony [Duquette]," Michael Kors announced at his Resort presentation today. The former was represented by the soigné, fitted dresses—some beaded, others in washed moiré—that are a Kors signature. The latter was evident as much in the prints, which referenced malachite, turquoise, and marble, as in the outsize, ethnic-inspired jewelry. Adding to the classic resort feel of the collection were flowing caftans, shirred maillots, and tie-dye pieces. You don't need a crystal ball to know that they'll all be hits at the designer's Palm Beach store, scheduled to open later this year.

What's sad to me about this debacle is that Tony Duquette was a design GENIUS!! He would be seriously ill after seeing Kors 2009 Resort Collection. This collection can't possibly be inspired by Duquette??!! Babe Paley would never deign to wear these unfortunate and dowdy looks.

Babe Paley - House Beautiful

In my fashion dreams...Naeem Khan, Ralph Rucci or Andrew Gn would pair up with the Duquette estate and design a truly beautiful collection that would make Tony Duquette proud.

Jim Thompson fabrics has gone thru the proper, legal chanels. In the March 2009 issue, Elle Decor has highlighted some of the new patterns in the Jim Thompson/Duquette Collection. They are lovely and are a fitting tribute to a true design original.

Labels:: Andrew Gn,; Baker Furniture,; fabric,; furniture,; jim thompson,; michael kors,; Naeem Khan,; ralph rucci,; Tony Duquette

Past Life Favorite...

Carl Moore Antiques was one of my favorite haunts when I lived in Houston. Now, I just lurk on their fabulous website. Don't be swayed by this selection. I tend to favor more Ethnic and Asian pieces. They actually specialize in French and English pieces as well as fabulous reproduction dining tables and chairs. The patina is incredible. They also have a fabulous selection of Louis Philippe style mirrors as well as some amazing painted items.

I almost bought this sewing box for a client's bedroom to go between two upholstered armchairs. It's so pretty in real life. It has a grayish blue cast and a fabulous patina. It used to be a sewing box.

Need to change the lamp shade, but I love all things antique dolphin...

Very cool roof tile...

Perfect for your own Garden of Eden...

This feels young and fresh...

Cheers!

Labels:: antiques,; Carl Moore Antiques,; covet,; Louis Phillipe,; snake

Coveting...

Bertolucci...Stria

Bertolucci... Ouni

Bertolucci...Stella

Labels:: bertolucci,; covet

Shoe of the Day

Catwalk Sandals...$137.50

Labels:: Sandals,; shoe of the day,; Tracy Porter

Puritanical Americans

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Photo by Steven Meisel

Apparently we won't be allowed to see this version of the new Calvin Klein Ad...shades of the Eva Mendes commercial.

Labels:: Calvin Klein,; censorship,; Eva Mendes,; gratuitous nudity

Shoe of the Day

Giuseppe Zanotti Peep Toe Patent Leather Pump with Raffia covered Platform...$750.00

Labels:: giuseppe zanotti,; shoe of the day

New Chapeau from Borneo

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

This just arrived...Bosshard from Santa Fe. We bought it for $525. I've found some similar on Ebay for $1200 and $1800!!

For The Main Man...me not looking sexy, and I'm wearing the turquoise necklace that you bought me out in the desert...I'm off to run errands Mi Hombre...

Labels:: Borneo,; Bosshard,; Me,; Mi Casa,; Santa Fe,; The Main Man

Good Morning!

The Angel of the City by Marino Marini

Labels:: peggy guggenheim,; venice

Toothy and Unruly

The September Issue...Frankenstein Edition

Labels:: Anna Wintour,; photoshop,; Sienna Miller,; The Huffington Post,; Vogue

Shoe of the Day

More Giuseppe Zanotti...

Giuseppe Zanotti Design Strappy Sandal with Gold Chain
£400 – Browns Fashion

More Giuseppe Zanotti...

Giuseppe Zanotti Woven leather sandals
$650 – Net-A-Porter

When I was a freshman in high school I took Latin...my parents were hoping that I would be going to Medical School. I'm chuckling deep inside at this ludicrous idea. Being a good daughter, not only was I struggling thru the language, I was also in the Latin Club. We had a fabulous school activity in which the freshman were sold at a Slave Auction. I'm hoping this "memory" wasn't a twisted dream. A Junior bought me. Not the Junior I wanted to buy me, but a Junior nonetheless. I ended up going to Prom with him, and I must say it was the best time I had at any of them. I wish I had told him that. These shoes reminded me of my Latin Club experience...bondage, manacles, humiliation...that sort of thing.