Let Your Imagination Set You Free

While I was at the movies to see The Darjeeling Limited recently, I saw the most intriguing movie preview. It was for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, the English title of the French movie Le Scaphandre et le Papillon. The visuals were stunning and the story seemed so interesting. Even more interesting was the director, artist Julian Schnabel. I had to learn more and what I found out is nothing short of amazing.

First, I was shocked to learn that the movie is based on the memoir, Le Scaphandre et le Papillon, by Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor-in-chief of French Elle who suffered a rare stroke to the brain stem. Only his brain and his left eye were left undamaged. Yet Bauby didn’t let a small thing like paralysis stop him from blinking his memoir into existence. His memories included a combination of how he remembered life and how he imagined life would have been had he not been paralyzed at the age of 43. His extravagant and larger than life interpretation of a world he never knew is inspirational and heartwarming. You can read chapter one here.

"My diving bell becomes less oppressive, and my mind takes flight like a butterfly. There is so much to do. You can wander off in space or in time, set out for Tierra del Fuego or for King Midas's court.

You can visit the woman you love, slide down beside her and stroke her still-sleeping face. You can build castles in Spain, steal the Golden Fleece, discover Atlantis, realize your childhood dreams and adult ambitions.

Enough rambling. My main task now is to compose the first of these bedridden travel notes so that I shall be ready when my publisher's emissary arrives to take my dictation, letter by letter. In my head I churn over every sentence ten times, delete a word, add an adjective, and learn my text by heart, paragraph by paragraph. "

Sadly, Bauby died two days after the book was published in France but now his story continues to live on in the movie version that opens in select theaters on November 30th. I know a lot of people are put off by reading subtitles but I hope that doesn't prevent most from seeing this beautiful film. Julian Schnabel won the prize for Best Director at the Festival de Cannes in 2007 and resisted pressure by the production company to make it in English, believing that the rich language of the book wouldn't work as well in English, going so far as to learn French to do the film. There is an interesting interview with him on Parisvoice that is also worth checking out.

I tend to stay away from depressing books and films since I am a sucker for a happy ending but I've heard from many people that this movie actually has a sense of humor, in addition to being very moving and inspiring. It makes you remember that life is short and that each day should be lived to the fullest. If nothing else, I hope The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, puts things in perspective for those of us who worry too much sometimes about how many pairs of shoes we own or that our house isn't perfect.

Habitually Chic Winter Dress

It's finally turned cold in New York so yesterday I broke out the boot and tights which I paired with my new Catherine Malandrino Rib Knit Dress. This dress garnered much attention and praise from the girls in the office so I thought why not share it with everyone. It really is the most perfect dress for winter to throw on and run out the door. I added my faux Van Cleef and Arpels necklace that I bought on the street and had the perfect day to evening outfit. I already warned my friends that I would probably be wearing this dress once a week from now until February so they should get used to seeing it!

Habitually Un-Chic Magazine: Architectural Digest

I have made it a point to try to always be positive on my blog but this week I'm having a hard time, especially after the news about House and Garden. While I would never negatively critique someone else's decorating style, I feel that in light of this week's discussion about shelter magazines in the comments section of my Say It Isn't So post, I am finally going to address my hatred of Architectural Digest.

Let me clarify that I only hate the American version. My firm has been featured in the German, French, and Spanish versions and they are all fantastic. So full of life and interesting interiors while the American version remains soulless and limpid. And what better place to illustrate this point than with the apartment of jeweler Nicholas Varney, Carleton Varney's son, that was featured in the December 2006 issue.

I've actually been inside this apartment for a party given by Nicholas' girlfriend at the time, who worked for gallery owner Larry Gagosian. My friend and I remember being very impressed with the color scheme and of course the art. It looks like it has changed a little since that night but what struck me about the Architectural Digest feature was how boring and flat they managed to make the place look. What's really weird is that I remember the main wall color in the photo below being bright green like the pole and not beige. They could have repainted it but I also wonder if they toned it down for the magazine.

I know it's very hard to shoot homes with so many windows due to lighting issues and the apartment does have amazing views of the Hudson River but it's almost like they focused on the view a little too much. There is so many wonderful works of art and interesting pieces in the apartment, it's such a shame that they didn't focus in on any of them or shoot any vignettes. Nicholas Varney is an amazing jewelry designer. Why is there not one shot of his designs anywhere? How about a few beaded necklaces in a pretty bowl? A ring on the nightstand? Anything, that would have added a lovely personal touch to the feature would have been a nice!

I know each shelter magazine has their own look and feel but I don't hear about anyone running out to the newsstand to look for the newest issue of Architectural Digest like they do with Domino, Elle Decor and the late House and Garden. There is nothing exciting about it. It doesn't teach you anything. They shoot homes the second they are finished being decorated and sometimes, right before the "for sale" sign goes up. Any sense of warmth or personality is wiped clean. We get a subscription delivered to the office but I've never seen anyone read it. The magazine goes straight to the bookshelf to die.

There have been rumors for a while that they were going to replace the editor-in-chief, Paige Rense, but so far no luck. Then it occurred to me today that not only does Architectural Digest desperately need a make over but I know exactly who they should hire to do it! Dominique Browning! She's available and if anyone has the ability to turn AD into an interesting and inspiring magazine, she does! Does anyone else second that idea???

And Now For Some Good News

Broadway in Soho is quickly becoming the new shopping destination for home design. CB2 opens today at 451 Broadway and is only the third store in the US for the lesser priced modern design off-shoot of Crate and Barrel.

While on November 16th, Muji finally opens it's first US store at 455 Broadway at exactly 12 noon with over 3,200 square feet of retail space and more than 2,000 products for sale including housewares, fabric, furniture, appliances, apparel and more. I can already envision a line out the door to buy their minimalist designed products.

I don't think it's any coincidence that both of these stores are moving in right down the street from the original reasonably priced design mecca, Pearl River Mart. If you've never been to Pearl River Mart, you don't know what you are missing. I can't go there without buying something fun. It's a fabulous place to buy gifts. They carry a wide array of Asian tableware in a myriad of patterns and styles but also have a great selection of plain white tableware downstairs that are perfect for parties or just those who want simple dishes at a great price. If you are in need of a Buddha, some foo dogs, even chopsticks, this is the place to go.

As excited as I am for CB2 and especially Muji, I really hope they don't force out stores like Pearl River Mart. They are what make New York so unique and exciting!

Say It Isn't So!

So, as if my weekend wasn't bad enough, I just learned today from two different sources that House and Garden magazine is folding! Conde Nast is closing the magazine due to the departure of the editor and chief, Dominique Browning, and poor ad sales . I'm really sad. House and Garden has improved so much recently and is such a wonderful design resource and such a beautiful magazine. They always featured the best interiors and photography. If any magazine should close, it's the boring House Beautiful! House and Garden has closed before and been brought back to life so maybe if we all complain they might change their minds. If not, rest in peace House and Garden. Sniff, sniff.

House Tour: Harriet Maxwell Macdonald

After having what can only be described as the worst weekend of my entire life, for reasons better left unsaid, I'm not exactly in the mood to wax poetic about interior design. But, I didn't want to leave you without a Monday post so I thought I would feature the London apartment of Harriet Maxwell Macdonald. Don't you just love her Collette Dinnigan dress?! I think I might have to go shopping tomorrow.

Harriet is one of the co-owners Ochre, a fabulous little shop in New York that features her own line of furniture and lighting. So it's no surprise then that the apartment she shares with her husband, Andrew Corrie, is just as fabulous and beautiful. When I'm feeling better I will update the post with witty comments and product details. Until then, I'm going to go back to nursing my broken heart.

Photos by Elizabeth Zeschin

Habitually Chic Place to Eat: Freemans

It's finally getting chillly in New York and for me that means it's time to start frequenting my favorite cold weather places. I'm obsessed with decor as much as cuisine when I go out and I love the lodge-like feel and comfort food at Freemans. Tucked away at the end of a little alley, you feel like you've stepped out of the city for a night. The restaurant is a charming delight of warm and cozy little rooms. The taxidermy heads may not sit well with PETA but it reminds me of an old fashioned English pub. Just make sure you get there early since they don't take reservations but this hidden hideaway is worth the wait.