'Channeling Chanel'

Amidst the release of films chronicling the illustrious Coco Chanel’s life, steamy love affairs and beginnings of her fashion house, another house of ‘Coco’ finds itself back in the spotlight.

At the Cannes Film Festival this past weekend, film critics debated Chanel’s rumored love affair with composer Igor Stravinsky – the subject of the film “Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky" (bottom right). But few people know that not so far away in Scotland, the mansion where Chanel retreated to with another former lover is set to undergo a facelift.

The second Duke of Westminster, named Hugh ‘ Bendor’ Grosvenor, bought the dilapidated Rosehall mansion (below center) in 1924. The French designer (shown left) decorated the 20-room mansion, which hosted the likes of Winston Churchill and other friends of the duke.

Inspired by the same French designer who still garners attention 30 years after her death, businessman Muhammed Sayeed Cohwdry purchased the property in hopes of restoring Rosehall to its former grandeur.

The plan is to transform Rosehall House into a luxurious country club, catering to the elite in search of holiday accommodation or a new home. Cohwdry plans to divide the mansion into seven apartments and to add an additional 12 houses onto the estate.

Despite the renovations, Cohwdry, 53, promises to save what remains of Chanel and decorate anew according to her aesthetic.

“I want her touch to remain in the house,” the businessman told Herald reporter David Ross.

And there is a bit of the Chanel touch that still lingers within Rosehall’s crumbling walls.

According to the Herald and building reports, Chanel’s signature beige (a radical decor choice at the time) and browns are consistent throughout most of the rooms. There is a splash of green for the downstairs cloakrooms, chimneys made of painted timber and the floral wallpaper adorning one bedroom was reportedly hand-painted in France.

But what of the new decorating to come at a place once visited by fashion’s most prized and sought after couturier?

Would Rosehall channel the spirit of Chanel who created the infamous little black dress and the two-piece tweed suit? Would there be a wallpaper painted with interlocking C’s – as found today on quilted Chanel bags?

Can you imagine walking through the drawing room of Rosehall House where a fire cart, which dates to Chanel’s time, stays there still? Rising above the smell of timber is the scent of Chanel no. 5 perfume.

The designer once said: “There have been several Duchesses of Westminster, but there is only one Chanel.”

Chanel always leaves her mark.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of jenniebinsc.wordpress.com,8333696@fotopic.net and fashioncopius.typepad.com

'Safari, So Good'

Drawn to its wild side, fashion’s leading designers have gone off on safari with the use of African and colonial Indian-inspired styling. The mood is relaxed and comfortable, yet luxurious and sexy – far from the look of the treasure-seeking, whip-snapping Indiana Jones.

Then again, a whip could be useful.

In the early 20th century, adventurers, travelers, mercenaries and soldiers needed clothing that provide relief from the scorching heat and the sun’s punishing rays. Contrasting earth tones like browns, olive greens and khaki in light fabrics accommodated best. Back then, safari jackets crowded with pockets were ideal for carrying and keeping accessible a number of maps, compasses and other equipment.

Its survival now rests on the classic trend’s ease, versatility and simplicity. Most of us already use these natural hues to set the foundation in our wardrobes. Here’s the test: Do you own a white blouse/shirt? Or a khaki short?

I bet you own at least one.

This season, designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Ralph Lauren varied in their interpretations of safari survival wear, selecting loose trousers, airy skirts or linen blouses with tribal embellishments and animal prints. Venturing to the lush Indian continent, they found an ample selection of paisley prints and silk embroidered scarves.

For the look: Take intricately beaded or chunky wooden jewelry and animal block prints to bring your safari look to life. Incorporate snakeskin gladiator sandals, a leopard Rebecca Taylor top, or a gold Fiona Paxton to show off your knowledge of current fashion news makers.

When I have a bit of jungle fever, I never stop with my wardrobe. African art and wild fur rugs eventually turn up in my décor.

Zebra, giraffe (right) and leopard prints are a guilty pleasure. As pillows, the print adds just a touch of animal instinct. But as a bedspread or grizzly floor rug, the room becomes a wild wonderland. Would you like to make a bold fashion statement? There is nothing more perfect than a cheetah duvet cover for the bed.

A lacquered serving tray with gold foil monkeys fares well with guests who appreciate playful, yet glamorous décor.

Then there’s the African lapa skirt from my West African dancing days – which on off-days alternates as a lovely slipcover for the office chair.

But perhaps my favorite accessory is an elephant set of salt and pepper shakers in gold and silver. Made of pewter, the figurines are ornate and without season. The set is a pleasant surprise for any dinner guest.

Still got that whip handy? You’re going to need it.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesey of nymag.com, decorinnovation.com and vivre.com

'Dining Alfresco'

Ahhhh. The sound of the words ‘Memorial Day Weekend’ calls to mind mojitos, barbecue and lounging with friends on the deck. Being the unofficial start of summer, it would not be complete without an outdoor celebration. While dining tables and ornate ceramic plates now seem are out of place, festive silverware and canopies are essential. And let’s be honest, no one wants to scramble for the last folding chair or the best spot around the only citronella candle.







We’ve all been there.



For this Memorial Day weekend, I compiled a list of must-have items for the ideal alfresco dining party. Gemstone-colored glassware, decorative serving trays and funky glass stirrers take the blandest of garden parties to the grandest.





Set the Mood



The romantic sweep of light, but bustling mosquito netting has been at the top of my list since I first saw one on my uncle’s newly renovated patio deck a few summers back. His was a more modern concoction – a canopied tent with netting running along the entire perimeter. For mosquito-ridden nights, the tent could be sealed thanks to zippers running along one of the sides.



The canopy might be too big an option for those inner-city dwellers lucky enough to have the outdoor space. No matter. A 40’x 10’cotton mosquito net (available for $165) hangs perfectly from an outpost or tree branch.







Stir-Crazy



Are you a master at making mixed drinks? I know that I’m not. But I do know that my boyfriend loves his gin and tonics. Added to my list is a set of candy-colored glass stirrers. Even the most classic drink could use a playful makeover.



The kids will love the swirling straws in all the blue, pink, yellow, green color options. Hey, whatever keeps them entertained, occupied and less envious of the stir-crazy adults.



You Got Served



Part of the allure of outdoor get-togethers is that hefty dishwashing at the end is over (what I like to call post-partum cleanup). Paper plates and Tupperware are low maintenance and recyclable/reusable. But you can’t serve the best mojitos on paper plates or Tupperware.



A one-of-a-kind serving tray with a splash of color invites guests to drink and be merry. Then set it on the table for the duration of the party, using it at the end to clear trays away.





The List Goes On



The rest of my list includes some finishing touches to not only make my guests feel the most comfortable, but to also set the mood as the party heads into the wee hours:



- Candle holder set on a wooden tray as the centerpiece for $22.99 (above left)

- Bar table with stools for $200

- Comfy pillows for $19.99

- Tiki torches at $14.99



This Memorial Day, I'm kicking off the summer in style. How about you?



-S. Gonzalez



*Photos courtesy of Mosquitocurtains.com, All Products.com and f Decor Innovation.com

'Furniture Flair'

Attracting the world’s leaders in contemporary furniture, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair heads into town less than a month after the Salone Internazionale del Mobile turned up the volume in Milan.

The newswires are already inundated from a stream of press releases from exhibitors all garnering for attention.

The ICFF begins May 16 at the Jacob J. Javitts Center in New York City, showcasing the latest in seating, flooring, lighting and garden furniture designs from 552 vendors on more than 145,000 square feet of floor space.

Not to be missed, the ICFF has added a series of guest speakers to its action-packed weekend that include talks like that of design materials and processes from Materials Matter and a special gallery by Japan by Design.

Expect to see exhibits from Blu Dot, CARVART, Dwell Studio, Samoa and many other design names from more than 30 countries.

For established design firms like From the Source, the ICFF serves as a launching pad to test its newest collections of stools, media stands and desks made from vintage, reclaimed, recycled or plantation-grown hardwoods. Sure to inspire, the Brooklyn-based firm combines steel framing with woods such as teak, mango, or rosewood for a light, minimalist approach to furniture design.

A wood and wrought iron stool appropriately called “The Perch” appears destined for the usual city watering hole or the most modern of brownstone kitchens. The scooped bottom of the seat is made from smooth, carved wood and the sleek iron base has a crossbar positioned low to rest one’s feet.

And for graduating Rhode Island School of Design and Parson’s students, the ICFF is the most attractive venue to not only exhibit their final semester-long work, but to jumpstart a design career. About 38 percent of the ICFF exhibitors this year are first-timers like the RISD students. Exploring the use of non-traditional materials was the theme of the RISD exhibition titled “Immaterialize.” From molten plastic to aluminum wire, the designs are bound to get some recognition.

The most impressive creation is that of student Ruth Fore (left): 3,000 feet of hand-strung aluminum wire to produce a surprisingly comfortable chair. Shaped like a bean bag chair, it looks like a giant-sized Brillo pad come to furniture life.

But the rest of the designs will not be visible until the fair kicks off.

Excited yet? You should be. This is one event that will have you rethink your entire furniture settings.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.fastcompany.com/blog/cliff-kuang/design-innovation/kids-are-alright-risd-exhibition-icff