brilliant monogram

decoupage paperweight, $65

superdeluxe nyc 

superdeluxe nyc

What is my obsession with cool office supplies? I don't even HAVE an office... and I might be the least "organized" person on the planet... crazy, I know. 

I discovered Superdeluxe NYC several years ago and FELL in LOVE with their nifty decoupage creations... like these fabulous desk accessories. My obsession is not my need for office supplies, but the founders' artistic background. Superdeluxe NYC is the creation of two printmakers (yay!) -- Adrienne Wong, who has a background in letterpress and graphic design, and Karen Spraggs, known for her silkscreen works. Together they are ridding the world or boring and bland paperweights, note cards, and pillows.

The designs are simple and fresh... peacock feathers, golden zebra stripes, and greco-roman goddesses... a surprising twist for decoupage, which is too often associated with images of rosy cherubs on gaudy gold-leafed plates. The monogram collection (above) is brilliant, and perfect for people who love themselves. I am quite fond of the "M" pattern because it resembles a star and is my favorite color, fushia... too bad it's not my initial.

Apparently I am just one of many who loves these girls... their creations were just picked up by Barneys New York!

peacock glass pen cup, $125

see jane work

horst p. horst, a mainbocher corset, and a material girl

Horst Torso, George Hoyningen-Huene, Paris, 1931

artnet.com

 horst p. horst (1906-1999)

Horst Paul Albert Bohrmann is probably the most famous Vogue photographer of all time. Born in Germany, Horst had an early eye for avante-garde art which blossomed further when he met Baltic nobleman, established Vogue photographer, and future lover George Hoyningen-Heune (credited with the gorgeous portrait above). Horst partnered with Vogue in 1931 and became an instant success, photographing portraits of celebrities and winning the favor of famed French designer Coco Chanel. His legal name was changed to Horst P. Horst when he was granted American citizenship in 1943. He continued to contribute to Vogue and House & Garden until his death. His iconic photographs continue to inspire artists and designers alike.

madonna & the mainbocher corset

One of Horst's most famous images is The Mainbocher Corset photographed in the Paris Vogue studio in 1939. The photograph features the intricate work of American couture designer Mainbocher (1891-1976) whose haute couture gowns were favored by Wallis Simpson, Dutchess of Windsor and Gloria Vanderbilt. The photographer's fame and prestige reached its pinnacle when pop-diva Madonna recreated the enchanting and erotic image in her video homage to fashion, "Vogue" (1990). When you're loved by Madge, you're loved by all...

The Mainbocher Corset, Paris, 1939

horst p. horst

still shot from madonna's famous "vogue" music video (4:25/4:52)

link to music video

selected inspirations...

Fur, pearls and diamonds, 1940

horst p. horst

Jean Patchett in long fur cape

horst p. horst

Gene Tierney, 1940

horst p. horst

Ginger Rogers, 1936

horst p. horst

bali ha'i: andrianna shamaris

a peak at the beautful textiles and accessories

adrianna shamaris

Every time I visit my sister in New York I bring a mapped list of all the fabulous stores and outposts I want to check out. On my last excursion I had the opportunity to visit the newest outpost of designer Andrianna Shamaris in fashionable Soho. It's a wonderland and luxurious imported goods, many of which are hand-crafted from exotic woods, with a modern twist.

A native of London, Shamaris is a self-taught designer who gained her first retail experience working at the fashionable Ralph Lauren store on Bond Street as a teenager. She first began designing after living in Bali and falling in love with the culture and lifestyle of South Asia. In 1999 she was discovered by Fred Segal and began selling her furniture through his retail store in California. Her portfolio includes an entire line of casegoods as well as accessories (like picture frames and butler's trays with mother-of-pearl inlay), textiles, and resort wear. 

Personally, I was most intrigued by a pair of end tables made from wormy tree trunks filled with bold resin. It is definitely worth stopping by... if not to shop, to momentarily be transported to the exotic serenity of the Bali shores...

Andrianna Shamaris New York

121 Greene Street

New York, NY 10012

Andrianna Shamaris Malibu

3825 Cross Creek Road #9

Malibu, California 90265

a contemporary l-shaped sofa, part of the developing furniture line

a detail of wooden trays

adrianna shamaris

special mentions to my mother and her mother alyce, two perpetual hummers, who used to sing the south pacific soundtrack like they were juanita hall herself (hence, the title of this post...)