It’s Friday. You know what that means. It’s time for your friend and mine, Jim Williamson, to give us the scoop.
Well the last of the golden rays that shone upon us from Goopy’s perfectly styled mane are finally beginning to fade. Was it really only two weeks ago that I posted my most-liked image ever? Time goes by so quickly—much like my youth and my patience.
This morning when I got up I was thinking, which hat am I going to have to wear today? Will I be a meditator, psychologist, salesperson, mystic, decorator, or problem solver? I will probably be all of the above. One thing is for certain, come 5 p.m., I will be wearing my mixology cap. But enough about that. I will have plenty of time to explore all the behind-the-scenes drama involved in the high-end world of interior design when I finish my first novel based on my many years in the business. I have a few working titles in mind including Beyond the Bunting or A Tear in the Taffeta. There’s also always Heavily Distressed.
But we should be talking about 2015. As many of you know, Pantone announced their color of the year for 2015: Marsala. I’m not sure what your feelings are about the color, but it reminds me of the color left at the bottom of the stemware the morning after one of Max’s famous dinner parties. I totally see it in fashion; I even own a shirt in the shade. But I don’t think the world of interior decoration is going to go as gaga over Marsala as they did Radiant Orchid.
What else do we have to look forward to in 2015? Lots and lots of new products. My tickets have already been booked for PARIS DECO OFF. It’s a huge event that takes place during several days in January where all the new collections of furniture and textiles are unveiled in Europe. I will give you all the inside scoop for sure. Sadly, I am certain I will have no time for sightseeing, as this is a working trip with events each night. But I am super excited to see all the new things and to meet lots of new design folks and hopefully see a friend or three.
It’s also a milestone year as far as birthdays go. Max has a big one, but we won’t mention the specific year because I would like to have pleasant weekend. I will also be celebrating a milestone birthday and guess what? I’m also not saying. But it is just down the road from 30. It’s down the road, take a left, another left, then a right, and then go down that road for a bit. Should you need suggestions for gifts (for me, not Max) I would probably go with, “What would Wallis Simpson want? “ Hint: It starts with a C and ends with “artier.”
Here is some design inspiration from Paris, but I think it also takes us to Miami and South Beach where much of the art world has gathered for Art Basel. This is from the Les Cles de L’archipel Colletion of printed velvets, textured silks, natural cottons, and linens from Misia-Paris for Casamance. I love that blue texture silk, and the color is stunning. I wonder if it would look good with some Marsala?
With that, I am off to don my mixology hat because I hear that whistle blowing somewhere. Today’s cocktail is appropriately called “The Rich and Famous.” I tried it at Thanksgiving and served it in amber champagne saucers from the 1920s. Presentation is half the battle. Here is the recipe:
Combine one ounce of gin (two if you are my old acting coach), two ounces of Prosecco, about a ¼ ounce of Dram Allspice liquor, one sugar cube, and a dash or two of bitters. It is Mr. Jim, so you know you have to have some bitter with the sweet. Garnish with a twisted lemon peel and enjoy. Even if you aren’t rich and famous, you will feel like you are after a few of these.
You’re welcome. Happy Friday!
