Thanks to Turquoise Chic for posting the photos of Monique Lhuillier's home from the new January/February 2008 issue of Elle Decor. I'm very jealous that her issue arrived today and it just serves to confirm my theory that my mail carrier has been hijacking my favorite magazines. See why I end up buying them on the newsstand! So until he decides to finally deliver it, I shall keep checking out Turquoise Chic's blog.
Word on the street is that the home of fashion designer Monique Lhuillier will grace the cover of the January/February 2008 issue of Elle Decor. Ever the multi-tasker, Ms. Lhuillier was perusing vintage wallpapers and interior design books while planning her new home that would make room for her first baby, all while continuing to create beautiful fashions, a china collection for Royal Doulton and a future home furnishings line. I for one can't wait to see inside the home of the woman behind some of the most beautiful dresses in the world! 
Even though fashion week isn't until February, the designers were presenting their Pre-Fall collections this week in New York. Now, I consider myself to be pretty fashion savvy but even I didn't know about Pre-Fall until recently. These are the clothes that will arrive in the stores at the same time that you are just getting out your summer clothes and starting to sweat. It used to be just a low key affair for buyers and editors but now it's becoming the bellwether for what we will expect to see on the big Fall runways.
One of the best albeit small collections was designed by Peter Som for the house of Bill Blass. I used to think of Bill Blass as "old lady" clothes but not any more. In his inaugural collection, Peter Som continued Mr. Blass' sportswear inspired looks but invigorated them with a more youthful exuberance. Something that had been seriously lacking in recent years.
"My starting point was Mr. Blass' sketchbooks circa 1969-1970. I wanted to update Blass classics with luxury and whimsy," explained Mr. Som. I always loved the simplicity and elegance of some seventies fashions and these are a perfect homage. I wish I could afford to buy the whole collection but I may have to at least save up to buy that plaid coat! It's tres chic!
Photos by Kevin Sturman
The great yellow room at Balderbrae: the symmetry of the room and it's furnishings is apparent despite its cluttered appearance. I love the center table piled high with books - a look I have copied in my own home. The terra cotta pavers, yellow walls, and wood beamed ceilings add a warmth and coziness to the large room that might have seemed cold and overwhelming.
A close up of one side of the living - dining room. Note the tea table in front of the blue french chair - this was a much publicized piece from the auction. Also notice the blue and white pieces hanging on the walls - this is just a very small portion of the blue and white from the auction, which featured over six pages of these pieces in the catalogue.
Another view of the living room - close up of the skirted table. I like this version of the table more than the previous image. I prefer the airy branches over the green plant in the blue and white vase.
The gorgeous master bedroom with the same high ceilings as the living room. Two story french doors bring the outside indoors.
The master bedroom again. This mirror is one of the more well known pieces from the auction.
One of the porches. I love the outdoor fireplace.
Updated view of the same porch or loggia, as it is called.
Artist and home owner James Steinmeyer's painting of the loggia.
View of the interior courtyard looking towards one of the two loggias.
Auction item: $27,000.
Rare Victorian Tilt Top Tables bought from Geoffrey Bennison! These tables were the most talked about items of the auction.
$14,400.
Louis XV commode (this reminds me so much of the Amy Howard chest).
$12,000.
Dutch chandelier from the living - dining room.
$18,000.
Set of 4 Swedish style chairs designed by Easton
$10,200.
Another Louis XV commode.
$10,800.
Italian sunburst mirror. Oh my - Easton, way ahead of the current trend, had quite a few sunburst mirrors. Non antiques, valued in the $1,000 range, these items went for outrageously overpriced sums.
$14,400.
Set of 4 Louis XVI gray painted armchairs.
$12,000.
Italian Mirror from the bedroom. Another well recognized auction piece made familiar from Lee Jofa ads.
$10,200.
Painted sunburst mirror. Ouch.
$20,400.
Set of eight painted armchairs. I love these chairs!
$12,000.
William IV gilt wood mirror.
$18,000.
Unusual Dutch colonial brass and walnut side table.
$12,000.
Italian Sunburst Mirror. Oy! What a crazy price.
$24,000.
Italian chandelier.
$15,600.
Regency style center table designed by Easton.
$10,200.
Carved antlers. Easton was again way ahead of this current trend with his faux stag heads. Estimated to go for $1,000 - the sale price was ridiculously overpriced for a non antique.
The auction was a huge success for Easton and Steinmeyer, but still, I can't imagine selling my possessions like this and completely starting over. Apparently, his new home will be very modern as Easton has said this is the direction design is taking him right now. I'm anxious to see his new summer home, and something tells me there will be lots of press accompanying his new venture.
