20 Iconic Designers In 20 Days

One of my many design addictions is furniture.  So we're going on a journey: 20 Iconic Designers (in my opinion) in 20 Days.

Starting with Cini Boeri.

So pack your virtual bags and I'll see you tomorrow..........

The Getty Museum

My sweet little sister at 1:00pm - 91 degrees in the shade!

Amy McDonald - "Mr Rock And Rock"

A Man's (and Woman's) House is Their Castle........

"My house to me is like a castle" ~ Sir William Stanford, Les Ples del Coron (1567)

"Our law calleth a man's house, his castle, meaning that he may defend himself therein" ~ William Lanbarde, Eirenarcha (1588)

"Now one of the most essential branches of English liberty, is the freedom of one's house.  A man's house is his castle: and while he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle".  ~ James Otis, U.S. Patriot (1725-1783), Argument against the writs of assistance, Boston, MA 1761

"The house of every man is to him his Castle and Fortresse, as well for his defense against injury and violence, as for his repose". ~ Sir Edward Coke, Seymayne's Case (1605).

Agreed - it is their castle, but to what extent? 

Early morning vices

Haven't written in a couple of days.  No sleep, dries up the creative juices in a way.  I am at the mercy of my neighbors, whose time schedule I am on.  I fall asleep in the spaces of time, when they allow me to.  I thought, perhaps this would be a good time to plow through my reading pile, to lull myself back into sleep mode.  My collection right now is finishing "A Town Like Paris" written by Bryce Corbett.  Its a funny book, so not the most suitable for early morning (1:00am) reading.  Its about an Australian guy who moves to Paris, writes about his observations.

Others are: Three Cups Of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, An Autobiography by Vanessa Redgrave, The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain and The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan.

Thats quite a smattering across the literary board.  But then there's also flicking through the latest Gourmet magazine which is dedicated entirely to Paris.  Where you can eat for under $50! Best flea markets. Or the new Elle Decor.

Hoping we can get the continual noise situation worked out - don't understand why one household can wreck havoc with so many lives.  Maybe they will allow me to sneak in a nap!

Going to write on my sister's blog now...that will bring everything back into perspective............

Chris Burden sculpture

A collection of 200 restored streetlights at LACMA.

Re-Thinking The Whole Blogging Thing - Are You "Cyber-Cool" Enough........

It sounded like such a fun thing to be a part of, and research - 

"The Blogging World".

But I've realized very quickly there are barriers installed, at every turn.  Having read copious blogs over the last few years, I've realized, I am not the only one that feels like this.  This IS a popularity contest.  Its a popularity contest, where you have to prove you have something to offer, before being included.  There is a clique - its sort of weird really.  A cyber-clique.

How can it be a popularity contest when people are sharing their lives and thoughts.  Its almost vulgar really.  People's lives are being  judged.  Are you cool enough! How about a new, fresh perspective!

Hoping the experience gets better.  Thought the entertainment and fashion industries were intense, but "they're" a walk in the park, compared to this!

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am standing on a soap box, as I write this.  But I've got to be honest, and expose all this, for what I think it is. 

Cartoon courtesy of The New Yorker.

A Musical Interlude with Empire Of The Sun

Holly from Decor8 had the greatest idea - what are we all listening to right now....

Well I'm listening to Empire Of The Sun.  Sadly there's only one song right now - "Walking On A Dream".  This is their first single.  The album will be released in October.  A flash back to the '80's, with the Adam Ant make-up.  Can't wait for the entire album.

They are an Australian duo made up of the Sleepy Jackson's Luke Steele and PNAU's Nick Littlemore.  There's also a great video - if you're interested shot in Shanghai.

Long Beach Lobster Festival

Had never heard of the Long Beach Lobster Festival before.  My lovely friend Eddie, wanted to go and investigate.  

Its situated down by the Convention Centre in Long Beach, and by the time we got there, there weren't throngs of people.

I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan - I know many people who "ooh and arhhh" at the thought of lobster, dipped in butter (or butter substitute - which is even worst)

There was carnage everywhere and I can't even imagine, exactly how many lobster were shipped in and boiled, for the crowds.

I went for an Italian sausage hot dog with sauerkraut and grilled onions on a French roll.  Yes, very fitting for the "Lobster Festival".  I have an addiction to condiments so added ketchup, pickles and mustard.

Tried Funnel Cake for the first time served the old-fashioned way, just powdered sugar.  My friend P, once said to me "I would eat a chair, if it was deep-fried" and honestly, I agree.  The Funnel Cake was crunchy and fantastic.  Even got a little sugar high! 

It was all so delicious but knew as I was eating it that I was going to paying later - and I did.  My system must just be "too pure" as I woke up on Sunday morning with puffy eyes and the "dry horrors" (dehydrated).

All in all not the healthiest day, in the way of eating, but it was all so good!

The Movie Colony Hotel

Can't say enough great things about this hotel in Palm Springs.  And I haven't been pay to, either.  Originally designed by Albert Frey in the 1930's and 1940's, this boutique hotel has been completely revamped.  Its appeared in countless design magazines.

Everything has been taken care of, down to the tiniest detail.  Amazing linens on the beds, plush towels, free bikes (with wicker baskets) to ride into town, floaties in the pool.  Eames rockers and Nelson Marshmallow sofas to relax on.

Happy Hour starts at 4:00ish and ends whenever.  A choice of wine, and also a delicious fruity martini concoction, as well.  We were the only ones staying there, at one stage, and the owners served us our Happy Hour, as we lounged by the pool.  One tray, two glasses, a bottle of red, bottle of wine and peanuts.

Its said that Jim Morrison stayed here and jumped off the 2nd story townhouse balcony, into the pool.  (I can believe that).

Its situated about 5 minutes by bike, from the centre of Palm Springs.  So convenience.  If you're traveling there, anytime soon, stay here.  You won't be sorry.

The conscious Ebay

World of Good is Ebay's latest answer to showing the positive impact your purchases have on people and the planet.

My sister lives and works in Darfur.  She gave this basket to me when I saw her in March.  Its made by the Displaced Women living in the Sudan.  The workmanship is so beautiful and they have such pride in what they make.  

Take a look:  here

Re-Launch of Interview magazine

Have you seen it yet ?  The new "redesigned" Interview, actually has Kate Moss, on the cover.  The makeover debuted August 26. Its slightly larger, in size, to the old one - an inch to be exact.

Originally started by Andy Warhol and John Wilcock in 1969.  It swayed more to the cult of celebrity which was a favorite subject for Warhol.

Towards the end of his life, Warhol wasn't as hands on with the day-to-day at Interview - its now under the direction of Fabien Baron.  Baron is best known for his work with Madonna and her infamous "Sex" book.

Its a hefty one to lug around - more of a coffee table magazine but I loved it! 

 There's a great interview with Woody Allen.  

20 Days And Counting

I have exactly 20 days to revert the "all the things I haven't got to yet" room back into my guest room.  My lovely little sister and her boyfriend will be here on the September 19th to stay.  Can't wait! 

I've already made lists of all things fun to do.  The last time my sister, who is a magazine editor, was here was almost 17 years ago.

I had just moved here and didn't have a penny to my name.  We rented a car from Rent-A-Wreck in Santa Monica.  The car was a Citation and must have been about 50 years old - but it got us to San Diego and it was very cheap.  We did the touristy bits, San Diego Zoo and Sea World.  I was advised not to go over the border, as I didn't have my green card yet.  

This time she's here, things will be a little more stylish!

The lovely David Hicks

"Good design is in no way dependent upon money.  I like to spend the minimum of money and yet gain the maximum effect.  Style is not what you do but how you do it"

David Hicks - Living With Design - 1979

Rosenthal Netter - Fugly Or Not......

Raymor along with Rosenthal Netter were primary importers of Bitossi pottery, into the US in the 1950's and 1960's.  A original Rosenthal Netter will have their label on the bottom, with an embossed Italy mark.

Bitossi is having a resurgence, and some items can still be found relatively inexpensively, on Ebay.   The Bitossi animal figurines are becoming more of a collectors item.

These candlesticks were found at a garage sale in the Spring.  They are in perfect condition and fit in beautifully, with my mid-century theme.

For The Very First Time....

I have lived in the US for almost 18 years and this is the first time I have been so interested and involved in who will be the next President.  I come from a country that has a transgender mayor and a female Prime Minister.  So really, all this is about time.

I am filled with such apprehension and excitement.  "The first time in history"....that's what I have heard all afternoon.  Privileged, is a word I would use right now.  Privileged to be living here at such a monumental time.  Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister when I returned to England. Sadly she is battling dementia now.  I was too young to be involved in the nomination process then but I do remember my father being a huge supporter.  He used to refer to her, as Maggie!

The DNC will be spectacular tomorrow night - remember to watch the short film at the end.  I'm just saying......

A lil' slice of Heaven

The morning of my birthday - 5:00am on Pauanui beach in New Zealand.  Completely empty awaiting the smell of Coppertone and Bain de Soleil to permeate the air.

Morning Greetings

I don't know who signed me up for a mass email I receive every day - but I have come to look forward to starting my morning with these upbeat sentiments......today's was

Life is like a sea voyage.  We each need to open up our own course in life with the strength of our convictions, unperturbed by the crashing breakers of life's stormy seas.  The fiercer the tempest rages, the more we need to rouse our own fighting spirit and man the tiller with all our strength and skill crying, "Bring it on!"  Through this type of arduous struggle we can forge the practical wisdom to triumph consistently and, as victorious champions, to create history.

 
Wisdom for Modern Life - Daisaku Ikeda