Point of View
In continuing with the new addition to Voyages, Point of View, here’s a list of what’s been on my radar the past month:
Ferian Wedgwood Rings: I tend to wear the same jewelry every day, with some big statement pieces thrown in here and there. I wear two rings on my left hand, one being my antique Edwardian wedding ring and the other a turquoise and seed pearl ring set in gold that sits on my pinky. Those are my constants, and then I switch things up a bit depending on my mood when it comes to choosing a ring for my right hand. Right now, I’m really loving Ferian Wedgwood rings made by designer Leonie Branston in London. They’re like wearing a piece of classic, historical china but in a modern, cool way. Leonie takes intaglios that were some of the last to be used by Wedgwood’s Stoke-on-Trent factory before it moved overseas. Each cameo is limited edition, as they were some of the last produced. Being a Leo, I’m coveting the Heraldic Lion Ring in gold.
Marni S/S 2020: It’s not always pretty when a new designer takes over a storied brand, but in the case of Marni the transition from founder Consuelo Castiglioni to the current Creative Director, Francesco Risso, has been a brilliant continuation in joyful dressing. For Spring 2020, the Marni collection was full of optimism and color shown in abstract shapes and painterly explosions. Some of the silhouettes were demure, save for the midriff baring tops (tasteful, though). I absolutely loved the pareo skirts, which were seen everywhere on the runways, but these in particular had volume and a buoyancy that was modern yet glamorous. And the best part of the collection was the focus on sustainability – from the seating to the upcycled textiles and organic fabric. Ten years ago, the term ‘upcycled’ wasn’t even remotely in fashion. Now, it’s part of a brand ethos, as it should be.
The Collection of Lee Bouvier Radziwill: The late Lee Radziwill has always sat the top of my list of elegant, compelling women. As the sister to Jackie Kennedy, she was often overshadowed by the fame of JFK’s wife – but nonetheless she pursued her interests in the form of different professions, always looking impeccably chic and handling herself with grace. Her brief stint as an interior decorator didn’t last long, but her taste is something I have long admired. One of my most favorite rooms that I like to reference is her dining room in her New York apartment, covered in pink Milanese silk. This past October, Christie’s held an auction of Lee’s belongings that surpassed expectations. Up for sale was a spectacular set of Indian reverse-painted glass pictures, her vintage Gucci sunglasses, 19th c. furniture, and a set of Spanish colonial polychrome-painted metal retablos from the late 19th/early 20th century.
Voutsa and The Gilded Owl: Los Angeles has always been a destination for specialty shops, and with the city becoming more and more populated by east coast transplants, it’s rapidly blossoming as a brick-and-mortar haven. A recent new shop/showroom/gallery was just opened in West Hollywood by interiors brand Voutsa and furniture dealer and interior designer The Gilded Owl. Both are from New York, and both have modern maximalism down pat. Voutsa’s fabrics and wallpapers are all decorated in original artwork by founder George Venson, and they can be ordered along with Italian furniture and lighting provided by The Gilded Owl.
Taking a Thread for a Walk: The MOMA in New York has just reopened with an impressive list of programming that includes Taking a Thread for a Walk, an exhibition highlighting the work of female weavers such as Anni Albers, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bettina Koch-Otte, and more. I’m really looking forward to seeing this on my next trip in December, as it explores ancient textile traditions, 20th century design movements, and the materials and process of weaving.
