Summer’s officially here! As things heat up, here are the best ways to get out, get inspired and explore the best design offerings of the season.
Films to See…
ALWAYS AT THE CARLYLE
Whether you consider yourself a design enthusiast or just guilty of loving a little tabloid fodder, Always at The Carlyle is sure to give you your fix. Among the world’s most hush-hush celebrity hideouts, The Carlyle hotel in New York City has welcomed everyone from Princess Diana to Bowie. This behind-the-velvet-rope look at the famed hotel relies on anecdotes of hotel staff as well as in-person interviews from stars like Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson.
MCQUEEN
Get your haute couture fix with McQueen, an unflinching documentary devoted to the late Alexander McQueen. Never-before-revealed audio and film footage paired with friend and family interviews, and of course, that inimitable runway footage builds a portrait of the extraordinary couturier.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDRE
If you follow fashion then you know André Leon Talley as the larger-than-life Vogue editor with a meticulous eye, wicked sense of humor, and penchant for fabulous capes. In this immersive film directed by Kate Novak, Talley self-narrates his road to becoming one of the fashion industry’s most iconic figures, beginning with his childhood in the deep South and running through his stints at Interview, W, and more.
Art on Exhibit…
LOS ANGELES: DAVID HOCKNEY: 82 PORTRAITS AND 1 STILL-LIFE
The name of this one says it all: The California light-obsessed Brit is showcasing 82 portraits at the LACMA, most of which were painted in 20-hour marathons over the past 50 years. April – July 29.
LOS ANGELES: IN FOCUS: EXPRESSIONS
The Getty pays homage to the one accessory you should never be without in L.A.: the headshot. Most impressively, every portrait in this collection is pulled directly from the museum’s archives. May-October 22.
LONDON: FRIDA KAHLO: MAKING HERSELF UP
We’ll use virtually any excuse to hop The Pond and wile few days away in London, but the V & A Museum’s newest exhibit, Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up makes for an extra enticing one. The intimate exhibition features a collection of the artist’s stellar frocks and other personal items. June 16-November 4th.
LONDON: ROYAL ACADEMY SUMMER EXHIBITION
To ring in their 250th year, the Royal Academy in London’s Burlington Gardens is serving up some delicious eye-candy in the form of a new David Hockney collection, a courtyard takeover by Anish Kapoor, and a citywide artist-made flag installation. June-August 19.
MONTAUK: KEITH SONNIER: UNTIL TODAY
Montauk’s Parrish Art Museum is putting a well-deserved spotlight on light artist Keith Sonnier, who was among the first artists to experiment with illuminated sculpture in the 1960s. July-January 27.
NEW YORK: GIACOMETTI
The Guggenheim Museum in New York will have HEAPS of pieces by the Swiss artist Giacometti located in their rotunda this summer, including sculpture, paintings, and drawings. Known for his distinctive figurative sculptures, Giacometti designed at the apex of surrealism and modernism. June 8-September 12.
NEW YORK: HEAVENLY BODIES: FASHION AND THE CATHOLIC IMAGINATION
Are the fashion world and Catholicism star-crossed lovers? It might sound far-fetched, but The Costume Institute’s Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination makes a compelling case. Featuring designs by Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and more, The Met exhibit highlights 150 haute couture and ready to wear designs that pay homage to Catholicism’s heavenly-inspired iconography. May-October 8th.
NEW YORK: LIKE LIFE: SCULPTURE, COLOR, AND THE BODY
The evolution of the human form through sculpture is the compelling subject of this thought-provoking Met Breuer exhibition. April-July 22.
SAN FRANCISCO: RENE MAGRITTE: THE FIFTH SEASON
Let surrealist René Magritte school you in the art of when a pipe is not really a pipe in this reality-shifting SFMOMA show that features over 70 of his works. May-October 28.:
WINTERTHUR: FOLLIES: ARCHITECTURAL WHIMSY IN THE GARDEN
Get a crash course on the art known as “follies” (i.e. decorative structures that suggest a much grander building) with Wintethur Gardens’ “Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden.” Winterthur, which is the former estate of Henry Francis du Pont and located in Delaware, features 13 follies in all, spread out over over 50 acres. April-January 2020.
Take a Tour…
THE HAMPTON DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
Ready your summer whites! The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse will open July 22 and run through labor day. This year’s house is sponsored by Traditional Home and chaired by designers Mario Buatta, Jamie Drake, and Alexa Hampton. With talent like that, this year’s showhouse is primed to be a booming affair, so don’t hesitate to purchase those tix now!
R & COMPANY’S NEW YORK GALLERY
We’ll admit, we’re R & Company super-fans. Co-owners Zesty Meyers and Evan Snyderman have a perfectly coiffed aesthetic that hits just the right notes of avant-garde and levity. With their new 8,000-square foot gallery now open in Tribeca, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Summer Friday.
Beautiful New Books…
CHARLOTTE MOSS ENTERTAINS
From gardens to interior design, there isn’t much famed interior designer Charlotte Moss hasn’t tackled over the years. Now, she’s turning her attention to entertaining in this lushly-photographed guide inspired by her favorite hosting muses.
THE CURATED HOME: A FRESH TAKE ON TRADITION
With each chapter dedicated to a different room in the home, Elle Decor A-List designer (and avid traveler) Grant K. Gibson walks you through the art of creating a beautiful and meaningful home. Look for his book out mid-August, 2018.
DOUBLE VISION: THE UNERRING EYE OF ART WORLD AVATARS DOMINIQUE AND JOHN DE MENIL
A sweeping homage to Houstonians Dominique and John de Menil, the husband and wife duo who were among the most storied art collectors of the 20th Century.
FARM FROM HOME: A YEAR OF STORIES, PICTURES, AND RECIPES FROM A CITY GIRL IN THE COUNTRY
Tastemaker and NYC fashion It-girl Amanda Brooks chronicles her year-long sabbatical in the bucolic English countryside.
IT’S BEAUTIFUL HERE: HOMES THAT MAKE YOUR HEART SKIP A BEAT
Aussie stylist Megan Morton is all about interiors that feel both collected and serendipitous, which is to say, Morton helps us build effortlessly beautiful rooms with serious “I woke up this way” vibes.
LOU LOU & YVES: THE UNTOLD STORY OF LOLLOU DE LA FALAISE AND THE HOUSE OF SAINT LAURENT
Meet Yves Saint Laurent’s elusive muse, Loulou de la Falaise. Author Christopher Pentkanas weaves a tapestry of voices including Cecil Beaton and Diana Vreeland to profile one of fashion’s most influential style-makers.
NATHAN TURNER’S I LOVE CALIFORNIA: LIVE, EAT, AND ENTERTAIN THE WEST COAST WAY
Peppered with recipes for Cali-inspired faire like cioppino and chicken with artichokes and lemons, Interior designer Nathan Turner shows us how to entertain the West Coast way. Score a sneak peek at Nathan’s Fiesta-inspired menu from the book here.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH: AND OTHER THINGS YOU COULD NOT DO AT THE MOSS DESIGN STORE THAT CHANGED DESIGN
In the 1990s Soho design gallery MOSS was the place to be. Now, with the signature wit that made MOSS a next-level sensation, owners and real life partners Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell are dishing on how they first introduced design as high art.
TRAVELS THROUGH THE FRENCH RIVIERA: AN ARTIST’S GUIDE TO THE STORIED COASTLINE, FROM MENTON TO SAINT-TROPEZ
Virginia Johnson dishes on the French Riveria in her new book, which is part watercolor sketchbook, part travel guide. Touching on everything from what you’ll want to order at the cafes (citron pressé ) to what souvenirs you’ll want to take home (Bensimon sneakers), this daydream-y pocketbook is the perfect dose of summer wanderlust.
FASHION CLIMBING: A MEMOIR WITH PHOTOGRAPHS
Although it isn’t out until fall, New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham’s memoir is one you’ll want to clear your nightstand for. Follow Cunningham from his traditional New England suburb to the extravagant balls of New York City where he formed his origins as both a photographer and legendary hat designer.
More Summery Ideas From Our Design Community…
“I enjoy going to the flea markets in New York City. Primarily the one on the Upper West Side in the 70s, or the Sunday markets along Columbus Avenue. When I head to Long Island, I love to go to the Bridgehampton and East Hampton fine art and antique shows.” -Susan Serra from Susan Serra Associates
“Binge watch a few Nancy Meyers movies. Not only do the storylines keep us entertained, but the movie sets are some of the best ever designed! Try The Intern for urban brownstone chic. Or Something’s Gotta Give for the ultimate coastal beach house—it’s not the most copied kitchen ever for nothing!” – Christine Conte from Christine Conte Interiors
“Watch The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes on Netflix!” – Yulia Piterkina of 06place
Lead photo courtesy of Gregory Shano Interiors
