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!

 

Cygal Art Deco

Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal, Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal  Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal, Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal  Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal, Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal  Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal, Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal, Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Ca., Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Photo Romi Cortier
Cygal Art Deco, PDC, West Hollywood, Photo Romi Cortier

When I walked into the Cygal Art Deco showroom at the PDC, it quite literally took my breath away. This showroom is the epitome of what Artful Living is about, because it takes something from our past,  and makes it relevant to the world today in a very grand way.

Art Deco began in 1925 at the Paris International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, with the words Art Deco being derived from Arts Decoratifs. The stunning furniture above  is handmade in Germany, and follows the same principals that guided the original movement from nearly 100 years ago.  Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress. Cygal’s materials continue the tradition with  exotic wood veneers like European Walnut, American Black Walnut, Ziricote, African Mahogany Crotch, Santos Rosewood, Burl Walnut, and Macassar Ebony to name a few. Their upholstery materials include velvets, mohair, shagreen and even crocodile leather. Top it off with  exquisite high gloss finishes and traditional deco shapes, and you end up with furniture that is worthy of a gold metal. Yes, you pay a high price for pieces like this, but if you take the long view and purchase one really good piece every year or two, you’ll build a collection over time that will last a lifetime.

I spent nearly an hour in their showroom, and couldn’t get enough. Every time I turned around, looked closer, and snapped a few more photos, I saw another rich detail I’d missed earlier. To be honest, I really didn’t want to leave. I look forward to the day when we’ve sold our tv pilot Artful Living, and can return to Cygal Art Deco with a full on camera crew for an in depth conversation with Catrine Alexandra. She was so gracious with her time and helped me reaffirm my obsession with beautiful objects.

Cygal Art Deco

Favorite Faces at the 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show

Flower Queen, Oil onLinen, Alla Tsank, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Flower Queen, Oil on Linen, Alla Tsank,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show,  Photo Romi Cortier
Chuck Close, Lego Art, Andy Bauch, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Chuck Close, Lego Art, Andy Bauch,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Butterfly #2, Oil, Textile, Mixed Media on Panel, Minas Hilaj, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Butterfly #2, Oil, Textile, Mixed Media on Panel, Minas Halaj,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show,  Photo Romi Cortier
Clifford Wilton, Oil on Panel, Gabriel Mark Lipper, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Clifford Wilton, Oil on Panel, Gabriel Mark Lipper,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show,  Photo Romi Cortier
Bloom, Drawing,Anna Michele, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Bloom, Drawing, Anna Michele,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Mixed Media, Ernie Steiner, Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Mixed Media, Ernie Steiner,  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show,  Photo Romi Cortier
Swarosky Crystal Sculpture, Richard Lee (Blink Group), Beverly Hills Art Show, Photo Romi Cortier
Swarovski  Crystal Sculpture, Richard Lee (Blink Group),  2018 Beverly Hills Art Show,  Photo Romi Cortier

Faces were the theme for the 2018 Beverly Hills Art Show which took place on the weekend of October 20th. I love attending this twice yearly event, usually in the spring and fall of each year. The weather is fantastic, and Angelenos come out in full force to support this chic art exhibition in the heart of Beverly Hills. Personally I’ve been attending this event off and on for nearly 20 years, snapping up works for my personal art collection.

This show is a juried show, which means that applicants need to apply to be accepted. Each season a theme is chosen, and this year the theme was Faces. Overall I find the quality of the work presented to be pretty amazing. The snapshots above are a few of my favorite finds from the exhibition.  I love seeing the variations on the figurative works, such as the image created with Lego’s or the skull  made from Swarovski Crystals. And of course you can never go wrong with traditional techniques like oil or acrylic paintings on canvas.

If you’d like to sign up for future events, click here: BeverlyHills.org 

I’m also listing links to the artist web sites in their respective order, in case you’d like to learn more about their work or make inquiries.

Alla Tsank

Andy Bauch

Minas Halaj

Gabriel Mark Lipper

Anna Michele

Ernie Steiner

Richard Lee

The America Windows by Marc Chagall

America Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
The America Windows, 1977,  Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail ofAmerica Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail of The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
America Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail ofAmerica Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail of The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
America Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail ofAmerica Windows, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
Detail of The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier

The America Windows by Marc Chagall commemorate the American Bicentennial, and were a gift to The Art Institute of Chicago in 1977. Gifted by the artist in memory of Mayor Richard J. Daley, the three window installation is frequently referred to as the Chagall Windows, and were made forever famous by their appearance in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 

The first panel dives into Chicago’s rich history as a hub for rhythm & blues. People playing instruments as well as floating guitars and fiddles are depicted in the blue glowing panes of the first window. The radiant history of the city warms the heart, reminding Chicagoans of their rich background of soulful melodies in the homeland of the blues.

The second panel illustrates the unity and peace found within the multiple neighborhoods of the city. A giant dove surrounded by olive branches watches over the city day and night. The panel also serves as a prayer for the city. After the passing of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1976, many people in the city were left in a state of mourning. The figure on the left side of the pane lights a candle in remembrance of the late, great Chicago mayor.

Finally, the third panel symbolizes the importance of religious freedom in America. An angel-like figure, menorah and rose window are shown along with immigrants of different backgrounds celebrating as they are literally thrown into “the great American melting pot.” References to Christianity and Judaism are important to note because of Chagall’s Jewish faith and his extensive work in cathedral windows.  (Columbia College Chicago)

The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier
The America Windows, 1977, Marc Chagall, The Art Institute of Chicago, Photo Romi Cortier

Here’s a superb video that delves deeper into the restoration of the windows in 2010.

 

Learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd in Beverly Grove

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove,  Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove,Los Angeles,  Photo Romi Cortier

I love this fresh take on Spanish meeting Modernism at 6667 Maryland Blvd, in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. To be honest, Spanish architecture has never really been my thing, unless it’s elaborate and ornate with a little Churrigueresque (Spanish Baroque) detail. That said, the paired down simplicity of this newly built home with smooth white stucco, black trim details, and matte gold light fixtures, makes a super strong statement. I happened to be walking by while they were wrapping up construction and it stopped me in my tracks. The garden details include  black mulch, a large olive tree, and drought resistant xeriscape, keeping the vibe fresh and clean. I made a note to head back on their first open house, and heres some of what I found…

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

A central staircase with  mod lighting  from Restoration Hardware, connecting all three floors. Yes, this home has a basement, which is highly unusual in the this neighborhood. But, since the building code only allows for the structure to take up about 41 percent of the surface area of the lot, extra square footage can be added via the basement, while keeping the home consistent with the other homes in the neighborhood. This translates to no mansionization. Yay! Scale is everything.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

A beautiful dining room with more smart mod lighting from Restoration Hardware.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

A beautiful sleek high end kitchen with Miele appliances hidden in plain sight behind dark wood veneers.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

That very bright basement with an outdoor patio space and a full on media room.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

Some of the most amazing bathrooms full of texture and warm materials.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

Each bathroom was a little bit different, but still worked as a whole.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

And then there’s the sexiest master bathroom ever, with two separate sides…

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

His and his, hers and hers, his and hers, whatever the case, I’m obsessed and can’t stop thinking about the beautiful simplicity of this room with  rich matte gold details.

Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier
Spanish meets Modern at 6667 Maryland Blvd, Beverly Grove, Photo Romi Cortier

And of course the massive walk in shower in the master…

I know what you’re thinking, how much will all of this beauty cost? A lot, about 4.3 million.  Some of the other features in this home includes: 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a pool, a large walk in closet in the master bedroom, a linear fireplace, Restoration Hardware lighting throughout, 4,473 square feet of living space on a 6,100 square foot lot.

Listing Agent: Adi Livyatan 818 919-4060

Team Contact: Mina Garrett at 818 355-3635

Listing

A Design Diary by Romi Cortier