All posts by romicortier@yahoo.com

Hotel Monaco in Venice Italy

Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Monaco Hotel & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
 Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Monaco Hotel & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Monaco Hotel & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco  & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier

I recently spent Christmas at the Hotel Monaco in Venice Italy. If you’re a regular follower of my design diary, then you’re going to be reading a lot more about my travels to Europe over the holidays, as well as my plans to return this fall.

I’ve been engaged for two years, and the plan has always been to have our marriage celebration in Italy. That said, I wasn’t convinced that Venice was going to be the ultimate destination, even though it has always been my fiancé’s first choice.

In September I began researching locations, making phone calls, sending emails, and using google images to look at endless possibilities up and down the Italian coast. And then, I found the Hotel Monaco, which sits at the mouth of the Grand Canal. Their grand ballroom is out of this world, and I knew if my pocketbook could make it work, then it would be our wedding venue.

We tailored our holiday vacation  in a way  that would allow for several days in Venice to tour the Hotel, and its surrounding area. We also scheduled a meeting with Simona Miranda, the hotels event manager, on the morning of December 24th. She was kind and generous  with her time and spent a full two hours with us, giving us a tour of the three buildings that make up the hotel.  I was concerned that our inability to speak  Italian would make our meeting difficult. On the contrary, her English was great and she was so much fun to talk with.

Recio Young, Simona Miranda, Romi Cortier, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Recio Young, Simona Miranda, Romi Cortier, Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

As for the hotel itself, its origins date back to 1638 when it was a public Ridotto, a place where the Venetians “retreated” for  gambling parties and other pastimes that personified the spirit of Venice’s merchant mentality. In 1768 the Ridotto was restored by Bernardino Maccaruzzi who also modified the internal structure, making it more functional. A later restoration took place in 1936, and again in 1947 before it ultimately became the Hotel Monaco.

Hotel Moncao & Grand Canal, Venice Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Venice Italy, Photo Romi Cortier

The hotel is  literally a 5 minute walk from St. Marks Square, which is quite a treat late at night when no one’s around. It also helps that it was about 40 degrees this particular night, and no one in their right mind was out walking around.

St. Marks Square, Venice Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
St. Marks Square, Venice Italy, Photo Romi Cortier

Another wonderful feature about the hotels location, is the water taxi dock that’s located in front of the hotel. For less than $20 you can buy a 24 hour ticket that will let you hop on and off  Water Taxi #1, which will take you to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, under the Rialto Bridge, and all the way down the Grand Canal to the Train Station. There’s also a gondola station on this same dock, which we’ll talk about more on my next post. Ciao!

Water Taxi Station, San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier
Water Taxi Station, San Marco, Venice, Italy, Photo Romi Cortier

HOTEL MONACO

The Art of Go Woon Choi

Romi Cortier, Go Woon Choi, The Art of Go Wood Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018
Romi Cortier, Go Woon Choi, The Art of Go Wood Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018
Art of Go Woon Choi, Oil on Canvas, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Art of Go Woon Choi, Oil on Canvas, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier
The Art of Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
The Art of Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled 02, Acrylic on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled 02, Acrylic on Canvas, 30 x 40, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 16 x 20, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Untitled, Oil on Canvas, 16 x 20, Go Woon Choi, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Go Woon Choi, Opening Night, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Go Woon Choi, Opening Night, TAG Art Gallery, November 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

I first discovered the Art of Korean born artist Go Woon Choi, at the LA Art Show in January of 2018. I loved her work so much, that I snapped a few photos of it and  sort of tucked it away in the back of my mind. Then, this fall I got an email from Visual Art Source and low and behold, there was one of her paintings front and center. I made sure to go to her opening night at TAG Gallery in LA’s miracle mile, so that I could see more of her work in person, which is where I had the pleasure of meeting her.

Hyperrealism is one of my favorite painting techniques, and Miss Choi has it in spades. Take a look at a these  paintings from her web site. They’re beyond extraordinary, in fact, they look like photographs. I’m also fascinated by the fact that a woman is painting tools and toys, a subject traditionally associated with young men or boys.

Yellow Prop Composition, Oil on Canvas, Go Woon Choi
Yellow Prop Composition, Oil on Canvas, Go Woon Choi
Glass Bead Composition, Oil on Canvas,  Go Woon Choi
Glass Bead Composition, Oil on Canvas, Go Woon Choi

She spent over a decade working as a digital artist in the film industry, including Fast & Furious, The Mummy, Aliens vs. Predator, and the video game God of War II.  She also has a background in sculpture and welding. Her interest in common objects is rooted in her idea that “even common objects can appear strong and fantastic under different light conditions and environments”. Whatever it is that motivates and inspires her, I’m just so thrilled that she’s making art. I believe in her work so much that I even purchase a piece from her last show.

If you’d like to see more of her work, check her out at this years LA Art Show January 23 – 27, 2019, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

TICKETS

www.gowoonchoi.com 

 

Christmas in Paris, 2018

Champs - Elysees, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Champs-Élysées Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

I recently spent 10 days in Europe over the holidays, including Christmas in Paris. I’ve been to Paris many times, but never during the holiday season, and I was overwhelmed  at how beautiful and festive the city was.  A simple walk in the evening rain on the Champs-Élysées was beyond breathtaking and magical, especially as the red tree lights reflected on the wet pavement. There was a peaceful stillness in the air, despite the random yellow vest protesters that we saw. People were happy to be out in the streets enjoying the beauty of the city.

Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Marche de Noel, Tuileries Garden, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

The Marche de Noël in the Tuilerie Gardens was a complete and utter surprise. I’d heard about the Christmas markets in Paris, but this far exceeded my expectations. An outdoor carnival… at Christmas? Genius. It was around 8:00 in the evening and completely packed. This event alone would be worth a trip to Paris again next year. It had something for everyone: great food, fun rides, hand painted Christmas ornaments and laughter and smiles by the truckload.

Notre Dame, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Notre Dame, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

Notre-Dame has always been a favorite place no matter what time of year. But the tall purple blue Christmas tree gave it a little something extra. And when the bells began to ring, everyone grabbed for their phones to take a little video and or selfie. I was struck by the kindness of everyone  willing to help each other out, as they offered to take photos of others so that everyone could share in that special holiday photo. It truly embodied the Christmas  spirit.

Prefecture de Police de Paris, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Prefecture de Police de Paris, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

Opposite the courtyard of Notre Dame is the Prefecture de Police, beautifully lit in Frances red white & blue color theme. My partner and I took a great photo in front of the building and posted  to or social media accounts on New Years eve… but you’ll need to go to my Instagram account @romicortier to see that version.

Galeries Lafayette, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Galeries Lafayette, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

The Art nouveau dome at  Galeries Lafayette is stunning in its own right. Add in lights strings hanging from the ceiling  that twinkle  to the music as they  float above a massive Christmas tree, and it’s truly enchanting.  I will admit that I didn’t have the courage to step out on that plexiglass plank for a paid photo, so I opted for one taken by the banister.

Galeries Lafayette, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Romi Cortier, Photo by Recio Young
Galeries Lafayette, Christmas in Paris, 2018, Romi Cortier, Photo by Recio Young

I’ll be rolling out a lot more photos and stories during the coming weeks,  including time spent  in Venice, and Florence.

Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Christmas in Paris, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

I hope 2019 is a banner year for everyone, and I thank you so much  for following my Design Diary. Happy New Year!

 

 

 

Christmas DIY 2018

Christmas DIY, Aubergine Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Aubergine Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Hot Pink Arrangement, , Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Hot Pink Arrangement, , Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Navy Blue Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Navy Blue Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Orchid Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Orchid Floral Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Black and White Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Black and White Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Butterfly Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Butterfly Arrangement, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Pink & Black Wreath, Romi Cortier Design, 2018
Christmas DIY, Pink & Black Wreath, Romi Cortier Design, 2018

The secret to good Christmas DIY, is to buy in bulk! That’s right, from ribbons to colored balls, to butterflies and birds. Buy lots of it, and buy early, like in September for a larger selection. My favorite place to shop here in Los Angeles is GM Floral above the LA Flower Mart, and next door at Moskatels. I always shop early so I can beat the crowds and get the best selections of color. Buying in bulk also allows you to get so much more for your money. They charge about $6 for a medium sized spool of ribbon, like the aubergine ribbon seen above, and you’ll get about 25 yards. That goes a long ways. Their larger spools of ribbon cost about $17, and you get upwards of 50 yards. They also sell small boxes of the Christmas balls in matte or shiny colors for about $12. I buy a few boxes in multiple shades of the same color, and then mix and match them.

Another little secret is to buy on sale. The black wreath above was a Halloween ornament that I found on sale for about $10 in November. And since I’m one of those odd ducks that actually loves to use black for Christmas, even though my spouse thinks it’s a little to Morticia Adams, it provides a great contrast to whatever color is my theme color for the season.

Christmas DIY, Romi Cortier, 2018
Christmas DIY, Romi Cortier, 2018

To create a more restful ensemble,  try using tone on tone color palettes  like shades of taupe, white and chrome seen above. The acrylic chairs are miniatures from France and can be used to hold business cards, place cards, or even small cupcakes on a table setting. The Holiday candles are by Aquisse: Vanilla Smoke and Cinnamon Tabac. Once the candles have been burned, set them in the freezer, chill the wax, and then pop the wax out. Clean the containers and then reuse them for cotton balls or Q-Tips on your bathroom vanity. Or, refill them with disposable votives from IKEA.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these fun tips, and I hope your holiday  is everything you’re looking for. We’ll see you in 2019!!

Christmas on Rodeo Drive, 2018

Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo Drive, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tory Burch, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tory Burch, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Hermes, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis Vuitton, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Dior, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Dior, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Versace, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Tiffany, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Gucci, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier
Gucci, Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Photo Romi Cortier

Christmas on Rodeo is one of my favorite times of  year, and November 15th, 2018 was the official kick off of Rodeo Drive’s Holiday Celebration.  A three and one half hour event complete with food trucks, stilt walkers, and of course musical performances, led up to the official lighting ceremony.

Every year the theme is a little bit different, and this years look featured vertical lighting on all of the palm trees. These LED lights change colors, so every photo you take is just a little bit different. The overall glow makes for a magical visit, especially with the piped in holiday music. I love dropping the top on the convertible in the middle of ‘winter’, cranking up the heat, and enjoying the full experience, especially when friends are visiting from out of town.

Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Recio Young
Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Recio Young

Some of my favorite window displays include Tiffany & Co., with their intimate window box insets. Each window is completely different and builds on a theme. Gucci featured a fun party atmosphere with lots of pink sparkles. And another favorite was Louis Vuitton. I was so excited when I saw their Christmas Tree covered in Louis Vuitton branded ornaments, because I knew exactly who I’d be buying them for… but wait, they’re only for display?  Why why why?  I know Coco’s mom would go out of her mind for a few of them, sorry Melanie. Maybe they’ll come to their senses next year.

Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Coco, aka MalibuPom
Christmas on Rodeo, 2018, Romi Cortier & Coco, aka MalibuPom

I also loved the ‘step and repeat’ that was set up for the big opening night celebration, complete with fantastic lighting to make each and every one of us look and feel like a celebrity. Did you know that the brighter the lighting, the more flawless your skin looks? Keep that in mind when you’re taking fun family photos during the holidays. #AlwaysUseYourFlash

If you live in the area, or your’e  visiting from out of town, be sure and check out these fun and free experiences on Rodeo Drive.

Cheers!