fashion

Wrought iron furniture for new Versailles and Anvil collections

Jonathan Charles to present new collections at Spring High Point 2012
US-based Jonathan Charles is set to present its new Versailles and Anvil collections at Spring High Point 2012 that will be held from 21-26 April

The Versailles Collection includes the Louis XV Bed, Louis XV Sofa, and Small Sunburst Mirror.

Louis XV French style bed features a high headboard with projecting curved wings. Its footboard is characterised by undulating rails, all bearing an entirely olive velvet upholstery. Its frame dons a gilt finish and is set on cabriole legs with shallowly carved classical leaf motifs.

Louis XV Sofa is draped in maroon velvet. It consists of intricate leg carvings and a classic French Rococo silhouette.

The design of Small Sunburst Mirror is reminiscent of the original 17th century Louis XIV-style mirror. The mirror dons a brushed gilded iron finish which is similar to sun’s shining rays.

The Anvil collection includes Hammered Iron Console, and Hammered Iron Writing Desk. Hammered Iron Console is a laurel burr veneered console table sporting a rectangular shape. It has inset brass beading and single drawer and is made of hammered wrought iron. The piece is supported by an X-shaped frame.

Hammered Iron Writing Desk dons a laurel burr veneer finish and features a rectangular shape. It consists of inset brass beading and black leather surface. The piece is made of hammered wrought iron and features an X-shaped frame. The desk contains three shallow drawers.

from home.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com

Milan Fashion Week : wrought iron staircase for Alberta Ferretti

Gucci: From Sexy to Sensual

What! No more sex in the saddle or rocking through the night? Just love in the afternoon, hair flowing loose, a cuddling velvet cape, a moss green dress, wispy black chiffon shaded with embroidery and the blue green of peacock feathers?

Frida Giannini did a volte face at Gucci on Wednesday, from sexy to sensual, making a bold and beautiful start to the Milan winter 2012 season.

Reaching back to the Art Nouveau period, with its “greenery yallery” colors, its wild orchid patterns and its wistful decadence — but bouncing that against a previous Art Nouveau revival in the 1970s — this Gucci show had as much depth and variety in the decorative clothes as in the music, which ranged from light romance to grand opera.

“Romantic — the 19th century, looking at tapestries, playing with transparency — and a lot of the 1970s,” said an emotional Ms. Giannini backstage.

She might also have added to her definition of an androgynous Bohemia — “clothes not handbags” — for the show was as light on its fetish accessory as it was rich in jewelry. It dangled in twinkling drops from ears or sat on the crown of the head, buried like a treasure in a bale of straw.

Last season Ms. Giannini riffed on Art Deco, but that stiff rendition of an earlier era did not seem to have much relevance to the Gucci aesthetic.

The idea of bringing the lush romance of the fin de siècle worked so much better. The artistic research and its elegant application went back to the original idea of a male-female crossover in an era when it suggested daring perversity.

Velvet suits with low-crotch pants never looked like costume party clothes. Nor did long dresses — half-flower child, half-Edwardian maiden — presented in off-shades of green or mingled with blue, and with orchid prints or made from peacock feathers.

Black was the shadow cast over flesh, as the designer revived the 1970s peasant look with the laced-up blouse of the Yves Saint Laurent period. But as windows on the body are now so familiar, there was no sense of daring or sauciness. Instead all was sweet and soft, as though Ms. Giannini had let loose her womanly side.

Alberta Ferretti , another woman designer, went the opposite route. She toughened up from her signature delicate prettiness. The backdrop of a wrought iron staircase and a palazzo window looking out from beyond the mosaic catwalk summed up the story: delicacy with strength.

The fashion conversion was to turn those iron curlicues from another era into lacy dresses for modern times.

Add an ankle-length pinstriped mannish coat and inserts of supple leather and the hard/soft, feminine/masculine message came through beautifully.

“I wanted a very poetic woman — but it is important that she has a strong personality,” said Ms. Ferretti.

She used monochrome colors, a lot of black, occasionally with a dab of scarlet and a few fuchsia dresses with the delicate decoration that is a feature of the house.

Significantly, the designer, known for airy red carpet dresses, also focused on tailoring — but however strict the lines they were cut on a curve.

This man/woman thing is not exactly new to fashion. But there was something convincing and compelling about the Ferretti iron lady: Her dresses so delicately wrought, but her attitude steely.

from nytimes.com

Design for 2012

Time for some design therapy
If you are looking for inspiration to bring change to your living space, there’s no other time like the beginning of a new year. We bring you 12 decor ideas for 2012.

1. A dash of green indoors: How about introducing pots and planters to your interiors? Junk yards can offer a wealth of interesting containers. Old chimney pots are frequently seen trailing with beautiful flowers in the corners of gardens; Dublin sinks look lovely with bedding plants in them and even old bath tubs can find a new lease of life in the garden. Buckets, which can no longer carry water due to holes in their base, are perfectly designed as planters.

Use yoghurt pots, mugs with handles broken off, plastic and metal containers; you can always paint and decorate them. Make use of the balcony area by hanging some light-weight pots or placing a step-style planter that can accommodate several pots. Bedroom side tables can be used for holding a single-colour flower stalk or a colourful bunch in a vase. A stem or two can also be placed in bathrooms. Window edges or countertops can be used to hold plants and vases of choice.

2. Potted themes: Imagine bringing in a bit of a Hawaiian island to your home… Or how about that picture perfect picket fence scene with a little boy mowing the lawn? Or a little girl on a bench, against the back drop of huge tree? Miniature gardens are all about creating a small scenario with your plants and some innovative accessories. Try it out at home

3. Light some candles: Candles can create the mood and set the ambience of any space. Available in a variety of fragrances, they can dramatically alter a space. Home decor candles are widely in demand and people prefer to decorate the house with candles as it is an inexpensive way of making the house look elegant.

4. Points of light: Chandeliers with fake candles topped with bulbs, those with little lampshades and ones made of white, icicle-like glass tubes are a nice idea to add light and colour to your space. Medium-sized chandeliers can light up particular spots in kitchens or dining rooms. Mini-chandeliers can hang over kitchen islands, in bathrooms, bedrooms or dressing rooms. Little chandeliers hung low next to the bed can act as bedside lamps even. Outdoor chandeliers brighten up porches and patios! Try them out.

5. Creativity and ceilings: When it comes to the ceiling, the sky is the limit, really! The latest trend used in ceiling options is glass combined with wood, patterned ceilings either in pop or moulds that are set in exposed concrete surfaces. Drop ceiling, cove ceiling, grid ceiling and wave ceilings are other types of ceilings gaining popularity. Try them to give your home a new look.

6. Your own reading nook: Hunt for that unused corner that can accommodate a swivel book shelf or a corner book stand. Now place a small seating arrangement next to it and your personal reading nook is ready. The seating needn’t be a huge set-up; just a small comfortable chair, cases or boxes covered with sheets and cushions too will do.

You may like to make a little provision for pencils, erasers, markers and post-its too. It is a good idea to include a small table by your chair in your reading nook. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of room, just as long as it can support a mug of hot tea, your reading glasses and, maybe, a candle. Under the stairs, there is always the wasted triangular space that can be utilised by fitting small custom-made cupboards or a little table and chair with a set of drawers attached for that secluded cosy room to read.

7. Light up your floors: With so many choices available in the market, a simple home space can be transformed into a cosy, comfortable and chic space with the right floor lamp. If you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your living area, you can have a crystal chandelier floor lamp, creating a dramatic effect.

You can also have flirty, playful floor lamps with lights in a bunch creating just the right play of light and shadow. Moroccan glass lights or stained glass floor lamps bring in grace and style to your interiors. A simple and cost-effective investment in a tiffany lamp adds a whole new dimension to your home while providing the light you need at dawn and dusk.

8. Time to turn traditional: How about some traditional decor? Huge brass urlis with rose petals and little brass artifacts near the entrance add elegance and charm. You can even play with the texture of the walls to make it look more Indian. One of the walls of the living room can have laterite or kota stone for that traditional look. A carved wooden chair, a low dewan seating, a traditional phulkari or silk cover can all look spectacular. A jhoola (swing) is not a bad idea either. You could convert an old brass thaali into a wall clock. This can provide a sleek counterpoint to the white bare wall in the background. Procure an old telephone to add vintage charm.

9. Sheer variety: Skillful window treatments can easily bring magic to a room. Blinds are best suited for smaller windows whereas curtains are best for tall French windows. Roman shades made of rattan, bamboo or other pure fibres are much in demand now. Bamboo, reed textures and exposed wood grain in blinds and shades are also in vogue. Fabrics like silk, velvet, suede, and wool are trendy options for blinds. Trims, beads, and shiny hardware add to the appeal of these materials and can be adjusted for every style, choice and room.

10. Try terracotta: How about terracotta tiles for your floors? Available in many patterns, textures and colours, they can be easily adapted to modern-day architecture. Ceiling and wall cladding are other options you can have with terracotta. Patterned tiles can make for an artistic wall or ceiling. Terracotta can help in controlling the indoor temperature thereby making it a weather-friendly tiling option and is definitely an aesthetic relief from the usual.

11. This is really simple! A simple but effective idea is to bring minor changes in your home to make a difference. Spruce up your laundry space, for instance. Built-in cabinets and shelves are smart, but there are plenty of inexpensive free-standing or between-the-washer-dryer caddies, cabinets and bins too that you can use in the laundry area. Also, brighten up the walls in the area to bring a dash of colour.

12. Look outdoors: Then, there’s outdoor furniture that you can use in your patio, verandah or balcony. To make for a comfortable one-seater, go for a swing type rattan chair or individual cane chairs available in local markets. You can even buy good quality lounge chairs from garage sales.

Cabanas too make for trendy seating spaces, especially for lazing around. Wrought iron has always been a good old option for dining arrangements for outdoor areas.

You can also get bar-and-grill units installed in gardens or terraces for a ready-to-party unit available all time.

from deccanherald.com

Wrought iron furniture for garden party

Hosting a garden party? Here are some tips

By Nandini Santhanam

Hosting a get-together in your garden? Here are a few tips that can make your little soirée fun and festive

First things first : Before throwing a garden party, one essential thing that needs to be looked into is whether your garden is in good shape. “The conditions of the plants and grass make a big difference to the atmosphere of the party,” says Aslam Gafoor, COO at India Grillco-Weber. “The host should ensure there are a lot of green, leafy plants and even bamboo, which adds to the whole outdoorsy feel,” he says. So before having a party, make sure the lawn is mowed, the bushes are trimmed and the flower beds are well-maintained.

Furniture : The first key element to your garden party is the furniture used. This is important not just for the overall look and feel, but also for the comfort of the guests. “Cane furniture or wrought-iron furniture are great choices as far as outdoor furniture is concerned,” says Shreen Malani of Renaissance Gallerie. “Using plastic can give a bit of a tacky look. Also, small, round tables give a nice and cosy feel and don’t take up much space. But the main idea is to keep furniture as inconspicuous as possible and do your best with what you have.” For those who don’t have too many cane or wrought-iron furniture pieces, Aslam suggests weatherproof sofas and chairs. “You get a whole variety of garden furniture today that is both comfortable and practical. You don’t have to worry about anything getting spoilt if left outside,” he states.

Lights : “The lighting should be subdued. A good option for this is mashal lights, a few of which can be left around the lawn. They create a very ethereal atmosphere,” says Aslam If you’re looking to keep it simple, there are plenty of options to choose from as far as lighting up the party is concerned. Shreen gives us some handy tips when it comes to lighting. “I think candles and fairy lights are great. They provide good light and look pretty. Candles can be placed strategically or on every table in glass containers so that they do not get blown out.”

Food : The food of course, is the other main focus of any party. While hosting garden parties, it’s best to keep the food simple and easy to serve. This saves you a whole lot of running around. “A mobile bar is essential for a garden party. It makes the whole process more convenient. Also, as far as food is concerned, I think something like a barbecue is the best option. A barbecue is also an ideal cooking device for both meats and veggies, and makes sense for outdoors,” says Aslam. Shreen agrees and says, “The food should be laid out so that people can help themselves. So a barbecue works well to maintain the whole casual atmosphere. Throw in a lot of garlic bread and salads and you’re set.” In order to minimise the mess, the food can be served in disposable areca plates, which are eco-friendly and look earthy. This also makes cleaning up post-party a lot easier.

Adding that extra touch : An easy way to add to the look of your party is to use floating candles and flowers in glass bowls. There are plenty of other interesting things you can do to add a bit of your own personal flair to the event. “For a garden party, a guitarist playing soft music would create the ideal atmosphere,” says Shreen. “As far as the visual imagery goes, table cloths in red and white, or other bright colours give a very festive look. Also, flower arrangements and bud vases look great too. The key to an enjoyable garden party is to keep it casual and informal,” she signs off.

from dnaindia.com

Collections belonging to the late Mildred Yates Farrior will be sold at auction

The estate of Mildred Farrior will be sold in Chipley, Fla., Dec. 3
The many and varied collections belonging to the late Mildred Yates Farrior will be sold at auction on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Farriors’ former residence in Chipley, Fla., starting at 9 a.m.

The many and varied collections belonging to the late Mildred Yates Farrior – a long-time resident of Chipley who, along with her late husband Daniel, amassed a number of collections in a rainbow of categories – will be sold at auction on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Farriors’ former residence, located at 755 4th Street in Chipley beginning at 9 a.m.

The auction will be conducted by The Specialists of the South, Inc., based in Panama City, Fla. Chipley is located about 40 miles north of Panama City, in the Florida panhandle. For the most part, the auction will be absolute (everything sells, regardless of price), with just a few items carrying reserves (minimums). Online bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.

“Mildred Farrior was a beloved member of the community who taught second grade for over forty years,” said Logan Adams of The Specialists of the South, Inc. “Her late husband, Daniel, was the former owner of Dan’s Trading Post in Chipley. Many of their collections sprang from his business, but Mildred was very active in selecting items and knowing their value.”

Mr. Farrior passed away in the 1990s — Mrs. Farrior in August 2010. The couple had no children and would spend their spare time scouring the flea markets and yard sales of Panama City and Washington County, looking for that next big find. In addition to their collections, the couple also accumulated some wonderful furniture items for their home. These will be sold, too.

The furniture will include Heywood Wakefield bedroom chests, 20th century mahogany bedroom pieces, a cedar chest, a sandalwood carved chest, china cabinets, a chaise longue (reclining sofa), an occasional table, side tables, Brentwood side chairs, a mahogany Federal dining room table with 3-turned standards and reproduction Victorian side chairs made by the Liberty Chair Company.

The collections, amounting to between 400-500 lots, are astounding in their variety and depth. They include Carnival Glass, Milk Glass (to include Open Lace), Depression Glass, Haviland China (to include a large service in the mostly Berkeley pattern but with some Oxford as well, white, with gold edge and pen line), Nippon pieces, Fenton Glass, over 30 ladies’ hats, some nice artwork, tons of costume jewelry (some of it to be sold in multiple lots), hand-painted china, ceramic milk bowls, quilts and more.

Individual items of note will feature a gorgeous stoneware pitcher, a wonderful Seth Thomas mantel clock and a steeple mantel clock, a Gone With the Wind-style Milk Glass floor lamp with painted globe plus a variety of other table and vanity Milk Glass lamps, a Weller vase, an Eastlake platform rocker, a wrought-iron bench, a hand-painted Nippon chocolate set, a vintage daguerreotype and more.

Also sold will be a World War II-era parachute and uniform (no insignias), Coca-Cola collectibles (mostly recent), vintage children’s books, over 40 collectible teapots (many of them antique), primitives (to include crocks, Mason jars, about a half-dozen insulators, an egg scale an old washboard and vintage tools, to include hand-saws and planes), Goofus glassware, a huge collection of Rosepoint glassware, Herringbone and Iris glassware (marigold and clear), other glassware in many desirable patterns (Floragold, Cabbage Rose, Cherry Blossom, Mayfair Open Rose, Sandwich, Manhattan), fur coats (including two mink stoles, a full-length mink coat and a cashmere coat), sterling silver (to include a large flatware service, Alvin Chateau Rose), rugs (not Persian antique), beautiful handbags (including evening bags), and vintage camera and movie equipment.

The Carnival Glass will include highly collectible single- and double-handled nappies. Also sold will be wall pockets (Hull Art and Japanese Castle), Goebels (angels and Madonna), sad irons (molded cast-iron triangular irons, about 6 inches on each side), cast-iron skillets and other cast-ironware, punch bowls and cups, and vintage linens.

Returning to furniture, other lots will include a mahogany dumbwaiter and drum table, a diminutive oak entry table with two drawers and backsplash on an overshelf, rocking chairs, a medium-sized mahogany fall-front secretary, a sturdy 20th century Windsor chair, several nice Renaissance Revival chairs, and an upholstered Victorian sofa with coffee table and end tables.

Daniel and Mildred Chipley were both lifelong residents of Chipley, Fla. Mildred was active in organizations such as the Garden Club, the Women’s Club, Friends of the Library and the Daughters of the Confederacy, She was also a staunch, lifelong Democrat. Declining health forced her to spend the years 2005-2010 in a long-term care home, leading up to her passing.

Daniel came from a long line of professionals in the area – doctors, lawyers and judges –and his father was sheriff of Washington County. Daniel broke the mold by becoming a retail store merchant, but the business thrived and without it he and Mildred might not have been the dedicated collectors they became. Mr. Farrior succumbed after a long battle with lung cancer.

from ecommwire.com