GATSBY STYLE

I know there are hundreds of blogs and articles and reviews about Luhrmann's Great Gatsby, but I just cannot stand by and not contribute to the dialog.  First, my disclaimer, I am a HUGE Luhrmann fan, and have been since way back when he Strictly Ballroom (the movie that should have been titled 'Australia' as it so perfectly captures the Australian spirit, much more so in my opinion than the movie he made actually about Australia, which I find his least satisfying movie by far). 

That being said, I think he did an outstanding job capturing the novel and the essence of its two main characters, and in fact I think he might have even added to the story and its clarity (just as he did with Romeo + Juliet when he altered the great Shakespeare and awakened Juliet prior to Romeo's death). 

As for the style and sets of the movie, it would have been so easy to wash the entire movie in deco fabulousness, but Mr Luhrmann, you are too smart for that.  He does infuse plenty of deco excess through the parties and some sets such as Gatsby's bedroom-

However, the genius Luhrmann takes a much more realistic view of the period and perfectly shows how most lived, with historic revival styles.  And what is more impressive, is that he subtly shows the great divide between Gatsby and his flashy new money and the Buchanan's old money. 

The wonderfully stately Federal style mansion of the Buchanan estate-

The interior with the Regency Revival furniture-

And Gatsby's over-the-top showy and just a bit gaudy mansion-

and interior-

I have to say this manifestation of a key theme in the novel in the sets shows such amazing direction and overall vision of the movie.  Baz my friend, in my opinion, you have done it again. 

COLLECTIVE .1 DESIGN FAIR

There are lots of times I miss NYC just for NYC, but then there are times that I miss being in a city with so many design events.  This week I am missing the first Collective .1 Design Fair.  The new fair's mission seems excellent, with a great mix of contemporary and historic pieces as they state on the website-

 

"Collective is a new design fair in New York City that will present a cohesive, curated selection of contemporary design and historical pieces from galleries around the world."

 

It seems to be a relatively small, select group of exhibitors, but that is not a bad thing, seeing as many of these fairs are completely overwhelming.  A few of the interesting exhibitors that caught my eye were Lost City Arts , Jousse Enterprise, and 21ST twenty first .  Here is the full list of exhibitors.

 

The other thing I love is the cross-promotion with 1st dibs, so I can actually view some of the pieces on offer... a few of my favorites-

 

From Sebastian + Barquet-

 

A Sofa by Folke Jansson (even though it is Swedish and I don't like the fabric)

 

 

And this crazy chair, Half Dollar by Jonny Swing-

 

And this amazing Wendell Castle desk and chair from Lost City Arts-

 

Sigh... will have to plan a trip next May!

BRASS IS BACK!

Brass is absolutely the latest rage in architectural metals, it is coming back full force, but not in the gross, shiny, early 90s version everyone is trying to get out of their houses.  Instead it is manifesting in a warm vintage antiqued finish which gives it a wonderfully retro feel a la Mad Men.  It has made appearances in kitchens,

In bathrooms,

 

And even bedrooms.

 

 

And brass accessories work in any room, bringing that great dark nostalgia look.  I have come across a few gems recently, and have just posted a few on etsy for anyone looking to add some brass to their interiors mix.  Visit my etsy shop if you have a minute!