Rajasthan

India is a country that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. It is impossible to fully describe the intensely rich fabric of sights, sounds and smells that make it unique. Having just returned from my second trip, I have an even greater appreciation for its beauty. Below are three hotels we stayed in around Rajasthan that are worth the trip alone! 

AMANBAGH

 Amanbagh lies within a walled compound once used by the Maharajah of Alwar to site his mobile hunting camps in search of the tigers known to roam the nearby hills. The resort is very much a modern day 'Mughal Palace', conceived in the present, but paying homage to the architecture and design of India's golden age.  This place was a little of the beaten path but definitely one of the highlights of the trip.   

OBEROI VANYAVILAS

The Oberoi Vanyavilas is located on the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The luxury tents with embroidered canopies, and private walled gardens are in perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.  I was lucky enough to see a Bengal tiger up close on two of our safari drives.

RAMBAGH PALACE

Set in forty-seven acres of landscaped gardens in the center of the Rajasthan capital, this is one of the world's most famous palace hotels. After hectic days shopping in Jaipur, nothing beat the luxury of our suite.

House Beautiful March 2014

Thank you so much to all of the staff at House Beautiful for the wonderful story in the March issue. 

Everyone working on the piece was so delightful and such a pleasure to work with. 

I especially want to thank Doretta Sperduto, Paul Raeside, Olga Naiman and Douglas Brenner for all of their hard work.

Malibu living

February is my least favorite month in New England. As I watch another snow storm out my window I can't help but daydream about relocating somewhere warm. Patrick Dempsey's home featured in the March issue of Architectural Digest seems to fit the bill. The house which is located in Malibu was originally designed by Frank Gehry in 1968. However, it was the outdoor spaces that captured my attention. Landscape designer Scott Shrader introduced lush gardens with built-in seating and low walls  made out of recycled concrete to provide structure and intimacy. I would imagine they spend just as much time outdoors as they do in the house. 

Madeline Weinrib + Project Mala

Madeline Weinrib just launched a new design called the Mala Carpet for Project Mala, a nonprofit organization that builds schools in the carpet weaving regions of India with the hopes of eliminating child labor.  They also provide meals, health care, clothes, shoes and school supplies for the children. 100% of the proceeds of the rug will go to the charity. The rug design was inspired by vintage Moroccan carpets with plush textures and graphic patterns. It's a fabulous rug for an even more faboulous cause.

Carl Auboch

I was recently searching for some brass accessories when I was reminded of one of my favorite industrial designers, Carl Auboch. He was the second of five generations of Aubochs associated with the Werkstatte Auboch and one of the leaders of Austrian Modernism. He trained at the Bauhaus School and is best know for his work with brass. The family company is still in operation today producing many of his designs.

Polished brass and coiled cane bookends

  Glass pitcher with cognac leather brace and brass handle

Brass and wicker four piece coffee service, c. 1950

Leather safari chair

Brass key bottle opener

Black leather sling and brass magazine rack, c.1950

Dover Street Market New York + Prada

I'm looking forward to the opening of London's Dover Street Market in New York on December 21st. The retail concept started by Comme des Garcons founder Rei Kawakubo will be located in a 7 story Beaux Arts building in the Kips Bay area on Manhattan. Miuccia Prada has designed a line exclusively for the store called Prada Dover Street Market New York, featuring twists on classics from past collections. The store will also feature collections from Saint Laurent, Nike, Alexander Wang, Casely Hayford and Louis Vuitton. 160 Lexington Avenue, NYC.

Holiday 2013

Some of my favorite gifts this holiday season:

ERCOLONO JEWELRY BOX, Barneys New York

TED MUEHLING CANDLESTICKS, ER Butler

PONDICHERRY CANDLE, Cire Trudon

BROWN MALLEE BURL VESSEL, Gallery NF

MAZE CORRESPONDENCE CARDS, Dempsey and Carroll

SCALI SALVATORE SRLS, Barneys New York

HANDCRAFTED MIXERS, Jack Rudy

PEWTER COCKTAIL SHAKER, Gallery NF

ROSE TEA CART, Blackman Cruz

ASTIER DE VILLATTE NOTEBOOKS,  John Derian

LULU FROST STARDUST PENDANT, Dress Boston

GLOBE TROTTER LUGGAGE,  Globe Trotter