Tag Archives: Hermès

Gifts interior designers love

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Reindeer delivering precious gifts (Photo: courtesy of Hermès)

The holiday gift season is in full swing, and of course it makes me think about both giving and receiving. Generally interior designers are known for giving beautiful presents.  But in return it may be a bit intimidating for some to find the right thing for this creative bunch known for exquisite taste and access to the most beautiful objects in the world.  But I also know that anyone appreciates a present that is personal and has thought put into it, which has more value than the most expensive treasure!

View from a country estate in Healdsburg, CA

We are really not that hard to please!  Personally I love the gift certificates for spa treatments if have received on a regular basis from one of my clients.  She knows that I don’t treat myself to R & R often enough, so I appreciate the thoughtfulness more than anything.  Also, I am certainly not the only designer who loves books on design and architecture.  So I often hunt for hard-to-find out-of-print books at flea markets and estate sales.  A dear friend of mine once tracked down a copy of the 1974 edition “Billy Baldwin Remembers” in immaculate condition, which meant a lot to me, especially considering the effort.  Additionally two of my clients let me use their weekend houses when available, one in Carmel and one in the Wine Country.  I am not only grateful for their generosity and trust, but also for a gift that keeps on giving.  I am a very lucky girl!

I was wondering about my colleagues and what some of their favorite presents may be, and I checked with interior designers from all over.  As expected books are popular, but so are jewelry and watches, more unique objects and charitable donations.  And Hermès rules as the top luxury brand it seems.  Did I mention that I am a fan too?

Our installation for Poggenpohl at one of my favorite charity events: DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN in 2010
(Photo: Crystal Shafer-Waye)

DAVID EASTON
I was once given the most beautiful Equinoctial standing ring dial, and it sits proudly on the mantel in my living room.  Another great gift was a few years ago, when a client gave me the use of a summer house in Provence, in a little town called Joucas, near Gordes.  I invited friends to stay, and people were coming and going all the time.  Also, a great book is always much appreciated.

Equinoctial standing ring dial, circa 1730 given to David Easton (Photo: courtesy of David Easton)

Library designed by David Easton for the Albemarle estate in Virginia (Photo: courtesy of Symm)

JAN SHOWERS
 I absolutely love estate jewelry and pieces from my daughter Elizabeth Showers’ jewelry collection.  Another of my favorite gifts from Jim was a pair of her “Marilyn” earrings in turquoise, gold and diamonds.

My husband Jim came home one evening — it was not my birthday or any holiday, which made it even more special — and said he had a new wine he wanted us to try.  He poured a glass and then handed me my glass.  When I looked at it more closely, there was a beautiful watch in the glass. That watch will always be particularly important to me because of the great memory of that moment.

“Cintrée Curvex” diamond watches by Franck Muller (Photo: courtesy of Tourneau)


“Marilyn” earrings in turquoise, gold and diamonds by Elizabeth Showers (Photo: courtesy of Elizabeth Showers)

JEAN-LOUIS DENIOT
The best gifts I receive are normally the ones I give myself!  I love to receive gifts that have been given a lot of thought and that come from the heart.  I am pretty hard to buy for as I am very specific about what I like, and my close friends and family know me well enough to figure out what I would appreciate. I am always happy to receive a great book on art, a gift certificate for a good massage or a pair of large vintage cufflinks as I collect them. Otherwise, for an extravagant gift, you can always surprise me with a fabulous Anish Kapoor wall dish, a yellow gold Cartier Santos Dumont watch or a black Range Rover complete with driver!

Wall dish by Anish Kapoor

“Massierende Hände”

CANDACE BARNES
My favorite gifts are books, either a great novel or a gorgeous coffee table book dealing with the arts.  In addition to books, I love candles that are not too scented.  Vanilla is my favorite.  I also love to receive orchids.  They last so long and always make me think of the person who gave them to me.

Rare ghost orchid (dendrophylax lindenii) in Pompano Beach, FL (Photo: Mick Fournier)


Study designed by Candace Barnes (Photo: Patrick Argast)

DOUGLAS DURKIN
Gifts are funny for me; typically I like receiving experiences, such as a dinner out, rather than material things.  I am at the age where I want less things, and if I do want something I usually get it for myself.  Flowers always do the trick, and probably best of all are donations to favorite charities.  But with that said, I never say no to the Orange Box!!!

Floral arrangements by Dominiqe Pfahl of Floréal L’Atelier in San Francisco (Photo: courtesy of By Hand and Heart)

Hermès boxes (Photo: courtesy of  Fashion Baggage by Gregg Asher)

GARY HUTTON
Large, grand presents make me uncomfortable; so I particularly like something useful, a couple of beautiful wooden spoons, some Fleur de Sel, or an exquisite hand soap.  I love gifts that are small, but extravagant in their own small way, something one would never justify buying for one’s self.

My favorite gifts have been the ones where the giver was paying attention.  It could be something small like a beautifully designed cork screw, or in my case as I love design history, a book on someone rather obscure to the world at large, but important to the development of Design.

Agraria soap collection (Photo: courtesy of Agraria)

Corkscrews by Danish artist Just Andersen (Photo: courtesy of British Blades)

BARBARA ASHFIELD
I appreciate something creative, but in way of a creative idea.  I would much rather have some memento that had a lot of thought put onto it rather than something costly — of course a Bentley could have a lot of thought put into it, no?


Vintage gilt-rim demitasse with sterling cup holders by Coalport from Shreve & Co. in San Francisco (Photo: courtesy of Devonia Antiques)


2012 Bentley Continental GTC (Photo: courtesy of Bentley)

GEOFFREY DE SOUSA
 Picking a gift for someone who is constantly surrounded by beautiful things in the design industry can be tough. One year I received an engraved leather photo album documenting a renovation project I did. It looked gorgeous (inside and out) and showed my client cared enough to go above and beyond a store bought good and create a personal item they knew I would enjoy.

Bas relief Italian leather photo album by Epica (Photo: courtesy of Epica)

MATTHEW McCAUL TURNER
An old classmate from Architecture school has continued to give me antique drafting & construction tools. One of them is a beautiful antique level of wood, brass & glass.  It fits in my pocket for when I visit the project site, and want keep the workers on their toes!

I also collect unique globes.  They are even better when they have an unrelated function.  I have globe cigarette holders, ashtrays, lighters, ice buckets, glass mugs, salt & pepper shakers.  One silver & brass globe splits open, revealing a travel clock and a place for a photo of your sweetie – the ultimate for the world traveler that misses someone at home.  And of course I love anything Hermès; I wear their scent “Voyage” every day.

Part of Matthew MacCaul Turner’s globe collection (Photo: Matthew MacCaul Turner)

“Méridienne” chaise longue designed by Antonio Cittero for Hermès (Photo: courtesy of Hermès)

JAY JEFFERS
I think honestly my favorite are charitable donations.  I am blessed with what I have and also a control freak, so a donation to help others is always good.

Every year a certain architect in San Francisco gives a new book on art or architecture.  I always look forward to receiving it.  Years ago I received a beautiful letter opener.  It still sits on my desk, and I use it almost daily.  Hotel Costes in Paris has my favorite scented candle.  The aroma is so sexy and wonderful and instantly makes me feel chic.  It is hard to find in the US, so when I received such a candle as a gift recently, I knew it was thoughtful.  I was also recently given a beautiful box that was gift enough, but when I opened the box it was full of vintage cufflinks.

Candle in signature scent by the Hotel Costes in Paris (Photo: courtesy of Hotel Costes)


Library in the Jeffers Design Group Studio (Photo: Drew Altizer)

MELANIE CODDINGTON
I will never (ever!) complain about a bottle of champagne, but it is really nice to receive something more personal.  Last Christmas, my partner picked out this gold cuff for me.  In addition to looking great with everything  it makes me smile when I think of the sentiment and thought that went into it.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2002, Rosé Vintage 2000 and OEnothèque 1996 (Photo: courtesy of Dom Pérignon)

“Ainsley” cuff bracelet by Kendra Scott (Photo: courtesy of Kendra Scott)

MICHAEL FRIEDES
Like everyone, I love receiving a present.  For me, it starts with the wrapping.  I love opening a gift that is beautifully or uniquely wrapped.  It makes the experience of opening it that much more exciting and special. Some special presents are the ones where I feel as though the giver really understands me and my taste.  Recently a dear friend of mine surprised me with these cool silver vintage cuff links.   Once my aunt and uncle surprised me with a purple striped dress shirt (how did they even know that I had recently embraced wearing purple?).  I also think a beautiful pen is always a great gift to give or get, and something that everyone could use.

Paris fashion inspired gift-wrapping by Sande Chase of a gift wrapped life (Photo: Sande Chase)

Andy Gilchrest’s collection of cufflinks by Wedgwood (Photo: courtesy of Ask About Clothes)

DAVID HANSEN
I think the best gift for a designer is an iPad.  We have found numerous ways to utilize it when working with clients.  Plus I don’t know any designer who doesn’t like design books.  If someone is not intimate with the designer’s specific collection that might be translated into an Amazon gift card or the like.  Since designers are always seeking inspiration, a membership to a museum is always welcome as well.

iPad with deluxe alligator cover by MJ Art-Studio 777 (Photo: courtesy of MJ Art-Studio 777)

Collection of interior design books by Rebecca of Acanthus & Acorn (Photo: courtesy of Acanthus & Acorn)

Enjoy your own holiday shopping!  I would love to learn from you about some of your favorite presents and what they meant to you.  Please drop me a line.

Cheers,

Scot Meacham Wood is designing for the holidays

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Scot Meacham Wood is answering questions from the audience at Kravet 

Home owners start thinking about sprucing up their homes in the months before the holidays, and often whole design projects get started this time of the year.  However, Fall at the San Francisco Design Center has generally been business as usual.  But this year has been different.  Back in early September the city’s trade center for fine furnishings held a new series of events as called “Fall Into Fabrics”, which included an afternoon with Barbara Barry, a presentation by Laurel Sprigg about the ins and outs of window treatments, and the introduction of leather master artisan Beatrice Amblard’s collaboration with the Queen of Alpaca Sandra Jordan, combining leather and fabrics in handbags and home accessories. 

Carolers in front of the Kravet showroom

Most recently, in perfect time for holiday preparations, Kravet hosted an event sponsored by the San Francisco Design Center and California Home + Design magazine.  Fellow interior designer  Scot Meacham Wood, also known for his splendid blog “The Adventures of Tartan Scot”, took the audience through the entire process of preparing for a holiday party.  From the moment you commit to a date to the minute you close the door on your last guest leaving, Scot did not miss a beat.  In his typical humorous fashion and accented with his charming Southern drawl, he covered everything from selecting guests and invitations to decor, music, cocktails, table settings and food, all with the same agility with which he entertains.

Floral arrangement by Scot Wood on a table with tabletop by Ralph Lauren

The event got off to a great start with Scot greeting guests at the door, carolers from the San Francisco Concert Chorale singing behind him, and a ginger-infused glass of Champagne beyond the threshold, served by none other than Rhonda Hirata, the Design Center’s Marketing Director. Now that is service! If you talk about entertaining you better make it a party, and a party it was with various cocktails flowing.  After ample time to enjoy delicious bites and generous libations the presentation began.

Rhonda Hirata serving Champagne cocktail to arriving guests

Large magnolia and pine wreath by Scot Meacham Wood and a generous serving of liquor by
Anchor Distillers

I have known Scot for quite a while since we worked together at Ralph Lauren way back when.  He was part of the visual team, dressing mannequins, creating window displays, setting up the Home Collection vignettes, and decorating the huge Christmas tree.  But back then I had no idea the time it took for him to do the latter and how tedious it must have been.  Since Scot’s explanation the other night I now know that  to get that perfect glow each branch of the tree had to be wrapped back and forth with lights repeatedly, which would take hours and hours.  But I was not surprised knowing Mr. Lauren’s attention for detail.  That hard work has paid off well for Scot who can whip up a gorgeous wreath in minutes, as he showed firsthand.  He can also set a beautiful table with the same ease.  Around  the showroom were tablescapes by Ralph Lauren, Hermès (courtesy of Gump’s) and Williams Sonoma, each with a different version of a holiday table.

Scot putting the finishing touches on a wreath


Holiday breakfast tablescape by Williams Sonoma


Placesetting by Hermès with custom menu by Lulalina

But decorating was not the only thing Scot shared with everyone.  Pat McIntosh, who is not only the showroom mananger of Walker Zanger and writes a blog called “You Are Invited To…”, but also has her own line of custom invitations called Lulalina, joined him to talk about the pleasure we get out of receiving elegant invitations and reading beautiful menus.  My favorite tip of hers was to put photos of the guests from the event on the back of the gorgeous menus and send them to them afterwards including a thank you note on them.  Tres charmant!

Pat McIntosh sharing her secrets for designing invitations

Custom menu by Lulalina on a place setting by Ralph Lauren

And now for the all important cocktail: bartender Chase from Tonic Beverage Catering showed the audience how to make three quick and simple holiday cocktails.  He stretched the importance of straining when using thicker and textured ingredients like cranberry sauce, an element in one of his delicious concoctions.

Chase making a cocktail

When it came to the food Scot’s favorite hors d’oeuvres for a cocktail party are bite-size multi-component comfort meals like miniature pot pies and such.  Yum!  From savories to desserts he likes the food to be soothing to the soul.  I could not agree more.

Tips for entertaining by Scot 

  • Choose your guests wisely.  Have a good mixture of introverts and extroverts, as well as people who know each other and people who should one another.
  • Send beautiful invitations rather than evites.
  • Decorate the house to make everyone feel welcome.  Prepare the table the day before so that the flowers had a chance to open and you have time to make adjustments if needed.
  • Lots of votives can fix a million problems.
  • Greet guests with a delicious custom cocktail and also offer interesting non-alcoholic options.
  • Off-set your menu with Vegetarian selections.
  • Have a main location for food, but also spread some around the entertaining space.
  • Get buffet hoggers away by introducing them to other guests.
  • Play instrumental music not to interfere with conversation.
  • Finish the evening with miniature desserts to allow guests to recognize that the celebration is coming to an end.

Audience enjoying Scot’s presentation

For more ideas on holiday entertaining check out Scot’s blog in the weeks to come.  I would also love to hear your favorite holiday entertaining ideas.

Photography by Kirsten Clarke

Cheers,

Unique Talent: Beatrice Amblard

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Beatrice Amblard in her workshop

I read about April in Paris a few years ago, was immediately intrigued and excited that such a high end and unique store could be found on Clement Street right here in San Francisco.  The idea of owning a bag that would be made just for me was utterly intriguing.  Since I have been lucky to get to know the boutique’s wonderful owner and to learn more about her and her work.  Born in the East of France Beatrice Amblard moved to Paris when she was 13 and started working for Hermès as a leather artisan when she was only 18.  Speaking from my own experience, in Europe apprenticeships are the way to study a craft and trade firsthand, and it takes a while to learn the fine skills required by a luxury design house like Hermès.  After 14 years with the iconic brand, both in Paris an San Francisco, Beatrice launched her own own line April in Paris, a collection of fine custom leather handbags and accessories.

“Anne Millenium” hand bag in denim blue alligator

Although Beatrice has great reverence for the iconic brand that shaped her, she also has a strong style of her own.  Her creations are exquisitely hand-crafted like those by Hermès, but stand alone in design.  Her custom clients can certainly afford a Birkin, but with Beatrice they know that they are getting something entirely bespoke and unique to them right here in San Francisco.  And they certainly will never run into another woman with the same bag on her arm.  If you have not heard about Beatrice it may be because her clients are generally very private global jetsetters from around the country, as well as from England, Singapore, the Middle East, Austrialia, Japan and South America.  But if you look closer at some ladies of style you may find her signature “Bea” logo  in 18 karat yellow, rose or white gold on a gorgeous bag here and there.

“Bea” shoulder bag with red alligator and chocolate grain calf

Beatrice only works with four French tanneries who produce the finest skins, including French calf, ostrich, stingray and alligator in one-of-a-kind colors only available to April in Paris.  All bags are hand-stitched with hand-finished edges and come with a lifetime guarantee and complimentary annual refurbishing.  Given the detail and quality of the work a custom bag takes about three months to create.  But Beatrice’s sophisticated clients understand what it takes to create perfection, and they are willing to wait.  But for those who want to get their hands on something immediately April in Paris also stocks a selection of purses and accessories in the Clement Street boutique.

“Colette” tote clutch in chartreuse alligator


“Bea” buckle belts in alligator and grain calf

Recently Beatrice launched a new collection in collaboration with Sandra Jordan, mixing luxurious leathers with Sandra’s luscious Prima Alpaca fabrics.  The result is stunning!  It is a marriage made in heaven judging from the response at the launch party at Shears & Window, attended by fashionistas, socialites and prominent designers.  Even “Million Dollar Decorators” Jeffrey Alan Marks and Ross Cassidy flew in from Los Angeles.  Together we watched Beatrice’s apprentice hand-stitch a piece of leather to flawless perfection.

“Leo” dog bed with grain calf and Prima Alpaca 

Ross Cassidy, Sandra Jordan and Jeffrey Alan Marks with iPad covers in Prima Alpaca and grain calf
(Photo: Lily Smith for Adeeni Design Group)

iPad covers in different color combinations of Prima Alpaca and grain calf


“Maxine” dog bed with grain calf exterior and Prima Alpaca interior

“Audrey” shoulder bag (named after Beatrice’s daughter) in grain calf and Prima Alpaca

Apprentice showing hand-stitching to the audience at Shears & Window (Photo: Lily Smith for Adeeni Design Group)

Eyeglass cases with various color combinations of grain calf and Prima Alpaca

What are your inspirations and what influences your style?
I take my influences from things I see around me.  I also work with my clients on designs according to who they are and what they are looking for.  My business is atypical because each piece is influenced by the clients themselves. They may be sporty and need something for daytime that works with their lifestyle, or they need something for the Opera.  I want each client to feel like they are getting a unique piece that no one else will have.

“Reno” clutch in lizard

What are some of your fondest memories of working at Hermès, and what were the most important lessons you learned there?
My fondest memories at Hermès was when one day, after I had been working for them for about 6 months, the president Jean Louis Dumas Hermès came into the elevator with a bunch of us, shook my hand and said “You are Beatrice Richard (my maiden name), aren’t you?  Happy to have you work for us.”   I will never forget that day!  I was only 18 and I felt very important.  I really wanted to give my best to this man who knew all his employees by name.  There were 250 of us then.  A fond memory since he has since passed away.  What I learned was that no matter who you are each person has the right to be treated with respect.  Coming from France with such a big class system it was a big lesson that I continue to apply everyday.

“Scarlet” hand bag in navy alligator

Who are your design idols?
I really appreciate Nancy Gonzales for what she has accomplished with skins from South America.  Her designs are classic but fun.  She uses very unique colors. Carlos Falchi is my ultimate idol because he works with very unusual skins, and all his bags are made in the US.  I met him when I launched my line at Bergdof Goodman in 2008, and I was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth and nice he was.  I am not a big fashionista, I have to say.  I also work with many interior designers in town, and they all offer something I appreciate. I prefer classic contemporary work.  I like Babey Moulton, Steven Volpe, Sherry Williamson and Isabelle McGee, just to name a few.  Even though Isabelle hasn’t done many projects here I love her sensibility.

Bedside table in lacquer and leather

Make-up table and mirror in red stingray calf created for Fisher Weisman Interior Design

Who do you think are the designers and artisans in your field that will be the future trendsetters?
I feel that my field is one that is disappearing. Very few people are getting into it because everything is now mass-produced.  I have high respect for people who are doing work by hand or create high quality products.  I have not discovered the future trendsetters in luxury handmade leather goods yet.

“Nancy” ring hand bag in lizard

“Neil” messenger bag in black and light brown grain calf

What was your favorite commission and why?
It was a project I did last year.  I had 1,300 square feet of walls to cover in hand-stitched leather, an amazing project.  I had to have been channelling to get it done.  It took 11 months, not full time, and 155 hides of leather to complete.  Every turn was a challenge, the bookshelves and every groove were a challenge.  But I loved every minute of it!  I realized that if I could finish something like that, there was nothing I couldn’t do.

Hatbox in orange grain calf

“Cleo” ladies’ wallet in orange grain calf and alligator

What was your most unusual request for a custom piece?
My most unusual request was making a travel cover for a blow dryer cover in calf skin.  Not your every day purchase I think; but I have had some other pieces that were along those lines, like an eye patch in different colors of leather.

“William” briefcase in natural calf skin


“Reno” clutch in dark green and chartreuse alligator

What are your obsessions?
I am obsessed by quality.  Less is not better for me.  Perfection is my obsession!

“Marguerite” shoulder bag in brown alligator and light brown grain calf

What are you passionate about in addition to your work?
I am passionate about people.  I love people and studying them in any situation.  I love to watch and I love to interact.  I am also passionate about drums and the way it feels when you get the beat; it reaches my heart faster than anything else.  I am passionate about the culture and past of Native Americans, about the way they used to be and how their craftsmanship is so important to them.  It is so much part of their culture.

“Dewey” shoulder bag in black and chartreuse grain calf


“Cannes” briefcase in blue and red grain calf

What are  still your biggest dreams?
I have reached most of my dreams as of now.  But one really close to my heart right now is to teach my craft and to pass it on.  I want to create a school that gives others the opportunity to learn what I learned in a positive and fun environment.  That way people can study the incredible medium of leatherwork and all its possibilities.  I want to make sure the craft does not disappear completely.

“Karen” shoulder bag in black alligator and grain calf

“Michael” men’s wallets in grain calf and alligator

Watching the apprentice stitch a little piece of leather the size of a bookmark taught me that it takes tremendous patience, attention to detail and years of experience to even create a small wallet.  Beatrice’s school sounds like an amazing project that will hopefully be implemented very soon.  As for myself, I may not have the patience, and I look forward to a bespoke bag instead.

To own a one-of-a-kind luxurious leather accessory it is good to know that San Franciscans don’t have to go far.  Set up an appointment at the “April in Paris” boutique on Clement Street, and Beatrice will create something magical for you.  For anyone out of town or out of the country the designer is used to creating almost anything in leather by communicating via phone and email all over the world.  And please don’t keep the secret!  If you own a custom “Bea” bag show it off and shout her name out to the world.  Nobody else will have one like yours any way.

I would love to hear from you whether you own a “Bea” bag or perhaps want one.  Which designs are your favorites?

Cheers,

 

 

 

 

 

All photos are courtesy of “April in Paris” unless otherwise noted.