Pink Swan Project

Some of my favorite designers, including Missoni and Victoria Hagan, are seeing pink for a good cause.  The 2nd annual Pink Swan Project has again been launched by SUITE New York-- the focus of design is Arnie Jacobsen's iconic Swan chair.  Nineteen of the world's most fabulous designers will outfit their own unique rendition of the Swan, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  D.B. Kim of PYR for Swarovski has one of the most elegant designs.  He explains, "My design inspirations are from the patterns of healing power: radiating lines and beautiful rays from the Swarovski crystals. The sensual and organic form of the Swan chair transforms as a perfect canvas for the pattern and crystals."

For further information on the Pink Swan Project: http://suiteny.com/designers/featured.php

An Ode to Oia

From my first step onto the warn tiled floor I felt as if I had stepped back into Fez-- maybe that's why I was drawn into the kasbah-esque café in Oia.  Tiny, yet bustling with personality from floor to barrel-vaulted ceiling, it was alive with style.  Always drawn to design that unites the old with the new, I was taken aback by the cobwebbed silver candle stick holder, as it felt almost a cliché-- too good to be true. And yet the freshness of the walls, again the Grecian blue, created a justness, while the accents of the sun, or rather sunset, were mimicked in warm yellows/ oranges, framing the portals.  Irregular shaped hand blown glass orbs hung about the space, while the low-backed banquette maintained a welcoming feel as did the white marble café tables hosting the most perfect cold cappuccino.  

 

 

 

Feeling Blue Bleu

It's been less than a week since I left the romantic island of Santorini, yet my thoughts linger.  From the Aegean Sea to the mosaic tiled pools to the hundredth church cupola, the Grecian blue dominates the land.  The juxtaposition of blue against the famous white architecture is striking, yet fitting.  The family run hotel that I called home for the week was the Imerovigli Palace.  The design was very simple, both inside and out; various shades of the blue were used like artwork on the doors, windows and frames against a white backdrop of pressed linens or freshly painted walls.  

As I sit here, the view from my Rome balcony quite differs-- looking towards the horizon there is no trace of the Aegean-- feeling a bit blue... But inspired!