All posts by romicortier@yahoo.com

Designing my Venetian Wedding

 

Designing a Venetian Wedding is no small task, especially when you’re doing it from half way around the world. Since there’s no room for error, everything must be thought through as completely  as possible. 

Begin with a solid floor plan. You’ll  need to be clear on how you want to  move through the space. Where will you sit? How do you want your guests to see you? What will be behind you? A mirror, a draped window, a baroque water fountain?  Think about what will happen when the camera’s flash.  Will your photo white out because of the glass window or mirror behind you reflecting the flash?   You’ve only got one chance to get it right, so it’s important to minimize the possibility of  mistakes. These drawings were my springboard for the event. They helped me decide on things like lighting, fabrics, candelabras and even camera angles.

Wedding Drawings
Design drawings and floor plans

Our wedding took place in a renowned historic space in Venice, Italy, the Ridotto Ballroom. Located in the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, it sits on the edge of the famed lagoon and faces the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Built in 1638 by the Dandolo family, the  public gaming room was Europes first casino and was frequented by  famed ladies man Casanova. We love this space, and what makes it special to us is the authentic Baroque ceiling fresco. It’s very similar to one that hangs over the shampoo bowl of my hair salon in the Hancock Park neighborhood of LA.

Ceiling Mural
Ridotto Ballroom, 1638, Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

The wedding decor was guided by the two color palettes in the room: The warm tones of  the terrazzo floors, peach walls and gold trim, and the cool tones of the ceiling fresco. The ceiling fresco is the focal point of the room,  and I wanted to bring that color down to eye level  by covering  the table tops in an iridescent ice blue fabric.  After weeks and weeks of clipping fabric samples from nearly every fabric store in Los Angeles, I created these sample boards of colors.

Blue Color Palette
Venetian Wedding Fabric Samples in Blue
Gold Table Swag
Gold Table swag prototype, designed by Romi Cortier, for his Venetian Wedding
Warm Toned Fabrics
Host table fabrics for Romi’s Venetian Wedding

I wanted a little something ‘extra’ for the guest tables.  So I chose one of my original floral paintings and had it printed onto fabric. After finding the right fabric that wouldn’t  wrinkle or curl up, it was cut it  into a circle  and  trimmed with gold fringe. I chose tall candelabras for the tables  because of the ceiling height. I had the flowers arranged not at the base, but up towards the top by the candles. This allowed the guests to be able to see across the table and again helped add volume higher up in the room.

Centerpiece
Table Centerpiece, Designed by Romi Cortier for his Venetian Wedding

I also created accent pillows from my original bird paintings, trimmed them in fringe, and then tossed them around the room for added color.  I wanted to capture the feeling of an imaginary Venetian garden with birds, butterflies, and flowers.

Blue Jay Pillow
Blue Jay pillow for Romi Cortier’s Venetian Wedding

Construction of all of these items took far longer to complete than I expected. My seamstress was working at her own pace… perfection takes time.  I’m so glad that I gave myself extra time for these bespoke items.  Ultimately it was worth the wait.

Tablecloths with Tassels
Bespoke tablecloths designed by Romi Cortier, for his Venetian Wedding

I chose Venetian masks and Chinese fans as party favors. I knew the room might be hot… and it was.  The fans were a life saver for this elegant soiree.

Venetian Masks
Masks make the perfect party favor for a Venetian wedding.

The final factor for the wedding was the lighting. As you can see  above, the marble columns and inset panels are very grey during the day. Because our event was going to be 8 hours long, we needed to create a continuous mood throughout the event. I wanted it to glow with warm pink tones late into the evening. Thanks to digital lighting effects,  we had exceptional mood lighting for the entire evening.

Ridotto Ballroom, Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal
Romi and Recio’s Venetian Wedding, Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Ridotto Ballroom, Venice, Italy
Romi and Recio’s Venetian Wedding, Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

 

A Silver Shadow… when a car is more than just a car

 

Silver Shadow in front of Gucci on Rodeo Drive
Gucci Osteria da Massimo, Beverly Hills, Ca., Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, aka Rutherford Rolls
Coco aka Malibupom in front of Silver Shadow
Coco, aka Malibupom, posing with the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow on a palm tree lined street in Beverly Hills.
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow on palm tree lined street in Beverly Hills
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Beverly Hills, Ca.
interior of 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow
Interior, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Beverly Hills, Ca,
Screen shot of Host Romi Cortier inside Rolls Royce Silver Shadow
Binge Network TV, Host Romi Cortier, When a car’s more than just a car.

This beautifully restored 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow  is a rare bird. For starters, the color palette makes the car hard to miss when rolling down the road. While the color scheme isn’t new for Rolls Royce, it is striking and dramatic  with the  highly contrasting color selection. I’ve seen this color scheme used on Rolls Royces over several decades, and it always makes a statement. 

The car has belonged to the same family for over 40 years, having passed from one generation to another. There’s something very special about handing a prized possession from one generation to the next.  Having them value it so much that they’re willing to restore it, is a whole new level of respect… because when you’re talking about a vintage Rolls, it won’t be cheap. And you’ll also need to find someone who specializes in that. Fortunately here in Los Angeles, that isn’t a problem. 

This car has been featured in two episodes of Artful Living. The first episode, the original 28 minute pilot,  is about the mid-century movement, which does include this luxury car from the mid 1970’s.  The second episode is a stand alone segment telling the very personal story of this car. You can watch the segment below,  or click on this link for BINGE NETWORK TV, to see this and other videos with host Romi Cortier.  

If you’re an Instagramer,  you can follow the Silver Shadow at @RutherfordRolls, Romi at @RomiCortier, and Artful Living with Romi Cortier at @Artful Living with Romi Cortier.

Happy Driving!

 

Opening Night at the Formosa Cafe in Hollywood

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Bar, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Dining Room, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Private Dining Booth, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Private Dining Booth, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Men’s Restroom, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Train Trolley, Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

Formosa Cafe Exterior, Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier

The Formosa  officially reopened on Friday June 28th, 2019 after a $2.4 million  renovation that took the better part of 2 1/2 years. Restored  by Bobby Green and his two partners at  Group 1933, the newly revamped interiors are beyond spectacular.

As an interior designer, I practically lost my mind when I saw the glorious red and gold chinoiserie wall paper, paired with tassel laden Chinese lanterns. The trolley car, dating to 1902, has been meticulously restored. You can now see the backside of the trolley  which had been hidden for decades. I remember dining in it years ago, and it wasn’t nearly as glamorous and special as it is now. And one of the first things I did when I got to the restaurant was to check out the bathroom… I’m obsessed with bathroom details because it tells you just how much they really care about their establishment. It did not disappoint. The chinoiserie wallpaper trimmed in gold had me drooling, I think it might be time to remodel my own home!

Residential trends over the last decade or so have been  about  sleek modernism, primarily  as a way to minimize costs. It’s  beyond thrilling to see a restaurant embrace such luxurious design details. When it’s as well done as this, it makes you want to change how you live. Truly customized interiors like this are life changing because they dazzle your senses. Without a doubt I’ll be returning to the Formosa, not just for the lux trimmings, but because the food is also incredible. I think I had some of the best Spring Rolls and Chinese Chicken Salad I’ve ever had. Thanks chef David Kuo!

Romi Cortier, Formosa Cafe Grand Opening, West Hollywood, Ca. Photo Recio Young
Romi Cortier, Formosa Cafe Grand Opening, West Hollywood, Ca. Photo Recio Young

7156 Santa Monica Boulevard                                                                            West Hollywood, CA                                                                              323.850.9050

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Pride at Chimento Contemporary

Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Romi Cortier, Terry Sweeney and Recio Young celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Romi Cortier, Terry Sweeney and Recio Young celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Recio Young, Romi Cortier and Eva McCoy celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Recio Young, Romi Cortier and Eva McCoy celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary
Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney celebrate PRIDE at Chimento Contemporary

Chimento Contemporary celebrated PRIDE 2019 with a witty show by artists Terry Sweeney and Lanier Laney titled: The Stonewall Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

This show celebrates the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, by honoring the multi-ethnic, gender non conforming heroes, who rioted in the streets of New York in June of ’69. The Stonewall Inn, owned by the mafia, catered to the poorest and most marginalized people in the gay community, namely: drag queens, transgender people, effeminate young men, butch lesbians, male prostitutes, and homeless youth. Police raids on gay bars during the 60’s were routine. During the early morning hours of Saturday June 28th, an unexpected raid took a turn for the worse (previous raids usually included a police tip off, happened early in the evening  allowing for a quick return to business, after cash exchanged hands). The marginalized turned the tables on the police, barricading them in the bar. The crowds grew, momentum gathered, the riots continued into a second night, and a political movement was born.

Lanier Laney & Terry Sweeney are art provocateurs who irreverently satirize accepted societal and political norms. In their new show the art duo utilizes what they refer to as their ‘queer outlier pov’ to question the outdated patriarchal myths, propaganda and manipulative commercialization of the dominant culture. Their work utilizes performance art, sculpture, digitally altered photography, painting, and text.

I for one love the use of ‘rainbow unicorns’ as an alternative interpretation of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Imagine the type of  messages could come from these kinds of Horsemen: love for all, equal rights for all, equal pay for all, equal opportunity for all… the possibilities are endless. We’ve come a long way over the last 50 years, but we have so much more to achieve.

Show closes July 13th, 2019

Learn more at Chimento Contemporary 

The Mirrored Glass of Michael Panetta

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier
Mirror Glass by Michael Panetta, Beverly Hills At Show, 2019, Photo Romi Cortier

I discovered the breathtaking  mirror glass of Michael Panetta at the recent Beverly Hills Arts Show. His work is beyond stunning, and his use of color is absolutely spot on. The subtlety  of his tones, especially when paired with complimentary works, completely resonated with my sensibilities. If I weren’t paying for a wedding in Venice Italy  this fall, I would have bought one of his pieces.

One of the things that I enjoyed most about meeting him at the art show, was his willingness to discuss his mirroring technique. It sounded very complicated, but the end result is smooth and intoxicating like a fine wine. He was also a bit apologetic that he didn’t have more work to show me, because he’d sold so much over the course of the weekend. Nothing could make me happier than to hear that others were appreciating is art, as much as I was.

Michael is based in Laguna Beach, California. His trajectory through the world of blown glass began when he was 6 years old at the Sawdust Festival of Laguna Beach. His interest in glass was further piqued when he visited  the famed glass blowing island of Murano, Italy. After local glass apprenticeships in California, Michael returned to Murano for specialized training under renowned glass blower Pino Signoretto. Now his work can be found in galleries and art shows up and down the west coast.

This youtube video will let you witness firsthand how he creates is mirroring technique.

Ocean Earth Glass