We have not heard from my husband, ID Collection’s Jim Williamson in some time. That is my fault. Never fear—we are not getting a divorce. I’ve simply been out and about this summer. But without further ado, let’s find out what’s going on with our friend. So here we are with yet another Friday upon us. That sound you hear is my feet tapping a happy tune that is in no way related to or a parody of “Call Me Maybe”.
Lately I’ve been fascinated by all things related to Paris the Luminous Years: Towards the Making of the Modern. One, because we literally stumbled upon the Gertrude Stein exhibit at the MET. (We had gone to see the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit. Is that a collective “duh” that I hear?) Two, I recently flipped to PBS and the Luminous Years program was airing. It occurred to me how much I had forgotten and how much I still don’t know about that time and those people. From composers to artists and writers, one thread led to another, which led to endless hours of reading. I went from Stein to Hemingway, Gelhorn, Picasso, and Le Corbusier, and beyond. Before I knew it, it was way past my bedtime when I finally closed the cover on the iPad.
This led to some lovely dreams, one of which included a Le Corbusier meets Calatrava by way of Renzo Piano-inspired shopping/ design center that surrounded a beautiful courtyard. It had everything you ever want or need. From showrooms carrying beautiful gorgeous things, to galleries, shops, bars (Yes we need bars!), a bookstore, and even a chic boutique hotel with a pool that you could enter walking down a graded slope. No steps and no defined side—it just faded into the walkway and blended in perfectly with the surroundings. (Notice my lack of architectural terms and knowledge). The shops all had retractable glass doors that could be opened during nice weather. (Obviously, this thing might not have been located in Texas.) Two stories above the walkways were adjustable louvers that could direct light, wind, and rain as needed. It was a beautiful, happy oasis. Now I’ve been to many a design center—some days, I think one too many. Trust me, most are daunting mazes with dark inconsistent light and little to no architectural interest. Not this one. It was one happy place full of shiny, happy people.
Then I woke up to the cat licking my chin and pawing my head. It was fun while it lasted.
What else is fun? These great new tables from William Yeoward. Yes, I know. All these years later, you still think of William as that guy who makes the crystal. He does have a sparkling wit, but he also makes some awesome furniture and textiles. These tables are made in Turkey by an adorable man I met while in NYC and whose name I just completely forgot. This is the Orta console, and I love it.And it kind of relates back to my architectural dream. The Ortas are finished with a bronze patina and go with everything everywhere. I’m thinking this is something you absolutely need and must have. And I think Gertrude, Picasso, and Hemingway would approve.
Okay, Hemingway probably wouldn’t give a damn.
Happy Friday!
