It’s Friday! Time to check in with ID Collection’s Jim Williamson. Another week is almost done. Whoo-Hoo! Goodbye to this week of fabric emergencies (I believe the technical term is textileneurosispsychosis), pattern placement, factory visits, and finish selections. Did you know there is actually a phobia called “textophobia“? It’s the fear of certain fabrics. I think I have it because every time I see a fabric with chickens printed on it, I get nauseous.
I’m pretty sure that no one has a problem with this awesome weather. It has even inspired me to get my fish bellyness on the Katy Trail. When I googled “fish bellyness,” it came up with “fish business,” which could be considered a sexist term. Example: News has it that her fish business, Lindsay Lohan, is going to play Elizabeth Taylor in a Lifetime movie.
Anyway, I recently got my wobbly bits on the trail. (Again with the British thing?! ) My schedule was tight. I knew I only had about 45 minutes max on the trail before I had to shower, change, and make it to my destination by 7. Being late was not an option as food was involved.
I kept to the assigned scheduled and we arrived at the Chesterfield, which I think could be my new favorite place. It was touch and go for a moment, as it was crowded and the mister was antsy about getting food as quickly as possible. My first objective was a cocktail. I ordered one while he kept talking in my right ear: “This evening is about eating not drinking. Did you talk to the waitress? Did you? How long for a table? How long? Did you talk to her?”
Eddie, being the hawk-like master of the bar and sensing a drop in blood sugar levels, quickly served up two mighty fine cocktails. After waiting several minutes for the concoctions to take effect, he graciously wrangled us a table from some suits with giant briefcases. I think he may have a new moniker: marriage counselor. The charming waitress arrived—menus and wine list in hand. As luck—or Eddie—would have it, they just happened to have my mister’s favorite wine. (He was also told he had a great name for porn.) Add some steak frites, and BOOM! You have the makings for a lovely evening.
I have to admit the wine was good. I’m almost certain that while drinking, I was making that same face the cat makes after I serve her tuna. You know the one.
Now it’s on to other good things that originated in the United Kingdom, such as world renowned designer Nina Campbell. Nina is the decorator for rock stars, dukes, duchesses, and queens. (Both kinds I’m sure!) In the design world, she is pretty much considered royalty. Her looks are timeless but timely. I have been fortunate to meet Nina on several occasions in places like Boston, Paris, and London. Would she remember? Not so much. But she is quick-witted and very charming—once describing one of her fabrics as “highly impractical.” That’s our Nina. This image is from her new collection called Talara, named after the port city in Peru and inspired by its ancient civilizations. It does look very civil, most English (you can thank PBS for that phrase), and very Nina. It’s ease with elegance.
So that about wraps up it up. We have covered everything from pleas, pubs, port cities, and paisleys. I hope it pleased you. As always, have a great Friday—one that includes a great meal, a good table, and your favorite—yet unexpected—bottle of wine.
