Window Display

GRAFF Jewelry on Madison Avenue, New York

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Rudy and Diamond Necklace at Graff, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Rudy and Diamond Necklace at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Yellow Diamond Necklace and Bracelet at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Yellow Diamond Necklace and Bracelet at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Emerald and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet and GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Emerald and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet and GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Diamond Necklace and Watch at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Diamond Necklace and Watch at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Saphire & Diamond Necklace and Bracelet at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Saphire & Diamond Necklace and Bracelet at GRAFF, New York, Photo Romi Cortier

It’s that time of year,  and GRAFF Jewelry on Madison Avenue in New York has everything you could possibly want… and more! These spectacular pieces of Jewelry stopped me in my tracks, so much so, that I had to go by the store several times for another look. Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Yellow Diamonds, White Diamonds, and those glorious shapes like Pear, Emerald, Cushion,  Marquise, Radiant, Oval,  Princess, Baguette, … and of course Round.

It seems our obsession with these brilliant stones dates back about 3,000 years ago to India, and quite possibly 6,000 years. Used as religious icons in ancient India, their popularity grew due to increased supply and improved cutting and polishing techniques. Add a growing world economy and innovative advertising campaigns and Voila! A love affair is born.

Founded in 1960 by Laurence Graff, Graff Diamonds adheres to the Kimberly process, never knowingly buying or trading diamonds from areas where it would encourage conflict or human suffering. The majority of their diamonds are laser engraved with unique tracking numbers invisible to the naked eye, allowing for their origins to be traced. Therefore, you can abolish all thoughts of guilt while wearing your fabulous Yellow and White Diamond Tiara out to dinner, or simply lounging around the house in your bathrobe and slippers… because you know you want to.

Yellow and White Diamond Tiara, Image courtesy Graff Diamonds
Yellow and White Diamond Tiara, Image courtesy Graff Diamonds

 

Art, Decorative Arts, Interior Design

Curated Vintage at m[E]

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m[E] Neon Art at material environment, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
m[E] Neon Art at material environment, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Photography by Gregory Romeo at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Photography by Gregory Romeo at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Gold Plated Film Reels at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Gold Plated Film Reels at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Vintage Chairs at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Vintage Chairs at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art  (center) and Plastic god (far right) at m[E]Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
 The curated vintage furniture, art and lighting at m[E] is nothing short of amazing.  It’s no surprise that this little store on Beverly Boulevard and Gardner boasts 5 stars on yelp… how could it not. Store owner Ramon Delgado-Maynes is the renaissance man that creates the magic within it’s walls. With a background in architecture, art and interior design this gem of a space is clearly his passion. Nothing is mundane in this store. Pick up any item and Ramon can give you a complete rundown on it’s history.  He’s a virtual encyclopedia  of knowledge  and is more than happy to share it with you.

I’ve visited this store countless times since it opened in 2009. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t bought anything substantial as of yet, but there’s plenty that I would love to have. And that’s what keeps me coming back… the possibilities. Besides the great conversation, it’s always exciting to see what new theme Ramon has put together. He rotates merchandise in and out of the store, brings in the work of new artists, as well as older artists,  changes his color scheme on the walls, has art openings and social gatherings, as well as collections of furniture by the likes of Gio Ponti and Charles Hollis-Jones. 

Currently on display is the photography of artist and former model Gregory Romeo, the Plexiglass and mirror works of Jimmy Achenbach featuring hand painted paper with minute and highly detailed  cut-outs, and the petite works of artist Plastic God.

Visit m[E] here to learn more about upcoming shows and design services.

Decorative Arts, Interior Design

Shabby Chic Holiday Decor at Rolling Greens Nursery

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Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Green Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Green Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Rolling Greens Nursery, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Rolling Greens Nursery has some of the finest Shabby Chic Holiday Decor in Los Angeles. I absolutely love their stunning displays and the presentation of their merchandise. I’m not a guy who’s really into Shabby Chic, but as an artist and designer I greatly appreciate the effort they put into creating their environment. I wish I knew who the talented person was behind all of this creativity,  because they’re so good at what they do they tempt me to convert from my modernist ideals.

I first wandered into this location a few years and ended up buying an exquisite 4 foot tall artificial topiary tree for my salon. It’s been a big hit with my clients over the years and has kept me coming back for other goodies like high end soaps and yummy jams. Other faves over the years were their assortment of affordable puppy dog ornaments during the holidays. I love to buy gifts in themes, so for two years running, everyone in my circle of friends and family received adorable little dogs in skirts or kilts. I didn’t see those items this year, but I found plenty of other things to enjoy. I know my late mother would have also loved their assortment of bird baths and stone statuary.

This is one of those places that has something for everyone.  So when you’ve had enough of the local mall and the holidays on steroids, take a breather and come to the Rolling Greens Nursery on Beverly Blvd at  Gardner Avenue. The front doors of the store roll right up into the ceiling, as the building was previously the location of Town Tire Co. Built in 1930 as an open air market, it’s so refreshing to see the historic building being used as something comparable. Feel free to roam from room to room as you sample the luxuries of gracious, yet rustic daily living.

Learn more about their two locations here: Rolling Greens Nursery

Art, Automotive

Concept Cars from the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

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Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Vehicle, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Vehicle, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Infinite Q80 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Infinite Q80 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Volkswagen GTI Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Volkswagen GTI Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Lexus LF-C2 Concept Car, a 2+2 Roadster, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Lexus LF-C2 Concept Car, a 2+2 Roadster, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier
MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier
MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Nissan Blade Glider Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Nissan Blade Glider Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Toyota FT-1 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Toyota FT-1 Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
KIA GT4 Stinger Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
KIA GT4 Stinger Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Audi Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier
Audi Concept Car, Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, Photo Romi Cortier

Concept Cars from the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show are on view at the Los Angeles Convention Center until November 30th, 2014. Yes, there’s plenty of other cars to see at the auto show, but these gems are the icing on the cake for me.

I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was 5 years old. Growing up in the era of the muscle car (late 60’s early 70’s) I could rattle off the make and model of nearly every GM product from 1955 onwards, plus a few Fords too.   Give me a ’55 Chevy Nomad Wagon,  a ’57 Bel-Air convertible, or a ’59 Cadillac with those enormous tail-fins, or even a ’65 Bel-Air Sedan (my first car) and I’m in hog heaven. I’ll never forget my dad’s ’69 yellow Chevy Chevelle SS with it’s  black roof that ended up totaled in a ditch just 1 week after he bought it. And then there was my grandmothers friend who had a pale green ’56 Cadillac with massive white walls that I begged and begged to let me wash just once (no luck).  And lets not forget the famous 1949 Ford with its distinctive round nose of a grille and the epic ’56 Ford T-Bird.  It doesn’t matter if these cars were modified with custom rims and sexy paint jobs, or as simple and pure as the day they rolled off the assembly line. They were exciting and fresh because each year the models were slightly modified with an updated grille, a new tail light, or a smaller or larger fin. They became iconic and classic in their own right, making an impression that would last for generations.

So, this begs the question, which of the new Concept Cars from the above line up will actually make it into production? And better yet, will any of these models become design icons and classic cars in the near future? I don’t have a crystal ball, but my vote goes to the exquisitely sleek Infiniti Q-80 with suicide doors. It’s tantalizing on so many levels… but don’t take my word, check out the video below.

 

Decorative Arts

Sevres Porcelain at the Metropolitan Museum

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Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

 

Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sevres Porcelain, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

It’s hard not to love Sevres Porcelain, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a stunning collection.  From the moment you see it, you can sense it’s aristocratic roots. The exquisite shapes and ornate details, the celestial blue color, the gilding, it all screams Royalty.

Extraordinarily costly and fragile, objects produced at Sevres were prized as status symbols and exchanged as diplomatic gifts by their royal and aristocratic owners. While some pieces  possess seemingly functional forms, many were intended solely for display.  Made from soft-paste porcelain that was difficult to manipulate and fire, it renders the manufactory’s  achievements all the more impressive. Bold innovative models, such as the pink elephant vase shown above, were regularly introduced in the realm of decorative objects. Did I mention that we’re talking about porcelain made over 250 years ago? The turquoise blue pieces, know as celestial blue,  date to about 1753 when they made their debut for Louis XV. Nearly five hundred pieces in all, were created for his royal highness in this debut collection.

Sevres was founded in 1738. In 1740, the Vincennes manufactory was created with the support of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour.  In 1756, the factory moved to Sevres, near Madame de Pompadour’s Bellevue Palace, and became the Royal factory in 1759. After the French Revolution the factory was no longer a royal enterprise, and not surprisingly lost much of it’s clientele. In 1800 Alexandre Brongniart, age 30,  was appointed as the administrator of the factory, a position he held until his death in 1847.  The factory is now run by the Ministry of Culture, and continues to be located in Sevres France.

I found this great video with Dame Rosalind Savill at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. Watch as she discusses just how many artisans are required to create this stunning Chinoiserie Sevres Porcelain piece… but I will warn you, the table the vase is sitting on wobbles just a tad more than it should.

A Design Diary by Romi Cortier