Bob Collins at Todd Romano

It's funny when an answer to one of your questions falls in your lap. I've been trying to find out who represents Bob Collins & Sons in New York and just I found out that Todd Romano has recently started carrying the line of fabulous fabrics and wallpapers. You might not know the name Bob Collins but I can bet you've seen the wallpapers used in rooms by the some of the top interior designers as seen below. It was so much fun to be able to check out all the patterns in person and even though none of them seem right for any of my current projects I will definitely be filing them away for a future project! They are really fabulous and you should check them out too!

Bamboo Birds as used by Albert Hadley

Bamboo Birds as used by Kelly Wearstler

Chinese Lattice as used by Kelly Wearstler

Chinese Lattice as used by Meg Braff

Chinese Lattice as used by Kelly Wearstler

More Pillows - Chinoiserie Chic

What do ya think??

Antony Todd on Sale

Antony Todd has exquisite taste and now that eponymous shop is having a sale, you may actually be able to afford a few of his impeccable choices. Items that are 25-40% off are marked with a tag. Everything else is regular price. Don't forget to peek downstairs. You won't see Antony since he's in Europe but you will find more of his treasures. Bonne Chance!

Antony Todd

44 East 11th Street

New York, NY 10013

212-529-3252

www.antonytodd.com

Photos by Heather Clawson

At Home in Argentina

I received a lot of responses to the post on Etiqueta Negra store post. Seems many of you have been to the store in Buenos Aires and really loved it. You may also enjoy a peek inside the Buenos Aires country home of the owners Paula Cahen D'Anvers and Federico Alvarez Castillo that was published in the January 2005 issue of World of Interiors. What I love is the down to earth realness of the interiors. It's not over done or fancy. It looks like a truly relaxing weekend country home full of treasures found at "flea markets, antique shops and junk shops." The article mentions that the family has a saying, "a happy man's home is never finished." I think that all of us collectors can relate to. Enjoy!

Photos by Ricardo Labougle

Habitually Chic Boutique: Etiqueta Negra

I'm in love....with a boutique...and you will be too when you see it! The popular Argentinian brand Etiqueta Negra quietly opened on Lafayette Street this winter without the fanfare that it clearly deserves. The clothing that can be described as classic is made from the finest fabrics and is of the highest quality which makes me think of it as the South American version Brooks Brothers but with definitely more sex appeal! The dark and moody decor may make it appear at first glance to be just for the boys but they also sell beautiful women's clothing and accessories for day and night at a pretty reasonable price point.

Founder Federico Alvarez Castillo and his wife, Paula Cahen D'Anvers, who designs the women's line, are an even more interesting aspect to the story. The polo playing and team owning, classic car driving and collecting creator reminds me a lot of Ralph Lauren as does the lifestyle brand he has created. Federico's love of design also extends beyond fashion to architecture and interior design. He has designed a loft project and polo and country club in Uruguay. Check back later for a look at just one of their personal homes as well!

I'm hoping the Soho store is just the first of many planned for the US. The men here could some sartorial advice from South America!

Photos by Heather Clawson and from Etiqueta Negra

Are You Passionate about Peacocks?

I'm working on a series of illustrations for decorative throw pillows that will be offered with my fabric line. I've always been fond of peacocks so I decided to explore how they would look on a pillow front. Are you a fan of peacocks or do you think they've been overdone?




I think I'm still loving them. Picture these two colorful beauties on natural linen ground cloth covers overstuffed with feather down inserts. Hummmm...............

Have a great weekend.

Castle Crush

After seeing photos of Wijlre Castle in the Netherlands, I'm going to have to add a castle to my dream list of homes. The grounds are breathtakingly beautiful and very inspiring! The owners are avid art collectors and I'm sure it's no coincidence that they made their home 12 miles outside of Maastricht, the site of the leading art and antiques fair TEFAF. The gardens incorporate many modern and contemporary sculptures and the couple have also built a gallery on the property where they hold exhibitions. Sounds like a dream life to go with a dream home!

Photos by Herman Wouters for The New York Times and Conari Album on Webshots