Daily Front Row

2011 April 15

Amy Smilovic: Interiors as Fashion Accessories

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What are Amy's picks this week?
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Tibi's Amy Smilovic believes that ready-to-wear can, and should, inspire decor. This week, she turns her eye to her own collection.

"My Spring 2011 Tibi Collection was the inspiration for an interior in black and whites with bold shots of saturated colors.  Clean linear lines throughout the room are set off by the curves and turns of this brass sculpture, a personal favorite from Irwin Feld, a fabulous purveyor of mid-century modern antiques in Stamford, Connectecut.  And I go crazy for any of Timorous Beasties wallhangings, especially this strong red damask. Irina, wearing my lace cutout shorts and top with a tiered suede coat, would look especially chic lounging on a vintage Henredon sofa by Frank Lloyd Wright."

Check them out:

The 20th Century Art Book

The Tommi Parzinger Cabinet

Lynn Hershman Art

Dan Murphy Ribbon Sculpture

Heritage Henredon Sofa by Frank Lloyd Wright 

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2011 April 15

Rebecca's London Discoveries

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Where can you find coffee in the land of tea? Find out!
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Spoiler alert: If you don't feel like really, really missing London, do not read on. This week, Rebecca Minkoff takes us back...again. 

"Historically, there are certain things that just work better in twos. I immediately think of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Ben & Jerry, Bubble & Squeek and, naturally, a recap of my trip to the fabulous London-town! This week: the absolute must-dos of art, architecture and design, topped off with a light sampling in how to pamper yourself like a Londoner. You know you want it!

Allegedly, breakfast is the most important meal of the day (though in my opinion, why place such importance on only one?). So, with this keenly in mind, I hop on the Tube and head to the London Bridge area to fuel up some of the best coffee and pastries I’ve ever had. Ever. They're at Monmouth Coffee on Stone Street. This little gem is tucked away from the hustle and tourist bustle, and it's the place to go for gorgeous coffee in the land of tea.

This particular Monmouth Coffee (there are a few in London) happens to be perfectly located as a starting point for full day of cultural fulfillment. It sits right near some of the best art and cultural hotspots within London proper—the Design Museum, the stunning architecture along the Thames and, of course, the Tate Modern. 

I can’t come to London and not take a tranquil stroll along the Thames to soak up the dazzling mélange of old /modern architecture. I gotta say it, Parliament and the London Eye are both gorgeous, but I love what’s in between. As a designer, the stunning creativity of the buildings that decorate the banks of the river provides me with endless inspiration.

So you’ve got your coffee on, you’ve gotten your stroll on, now it’s time to soak up the deliciousness that is The Design Museum. You can completely lose yourself in this relatively small, not-overwhelming space. The exhibits are continuously changing and every now and then, if you catch it at the just the right moment, there may be a fashion-centric exhibit of the highest caliber. Think Manolo Blahnik sketches and original prototypes-.What more could a girl (or footwear-appreciative, design-inspired boy) possibly ask for?  

While you’re there, grab a stunning (the views of the aforementioned Thames architecture and the Tower Bridge are RIDIC!) and scrumptious lunch at chef Jeremy Lee’s Blue Print Café house within The Design Museum. Then hoof it west along the south bank of the Thames to the grand daddy of famous London art museums, The Tate Modern. This place should speak for itself.

After a full day of getting down with my high-brow and incredibly cultured self, my internal dialogue is something along the lines of, “Ya know what, Rebecca? A little R&R sounds like the perfect cherry on top of your Londoner sundae right now. You deserve it.” This is where the magical hands of Reflexions on King’s Road come into play. While they work their magic, I like to imagine the champagne from Paris and the jet lag from the flight dripping slowly out of my pores. Feeling light as a feather and fullly enriched, I continue this blissful and flawless day to WAH NAILS, my go-to spot for the trendiest digits in London. 

To hear more about my adventures and get up-to-the-minute updates on what I’m up to, follow me on facebook, twitter  and on my blog."

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2011 April 15

Look of The Daily: Zelda Kaplan

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Gorgeous!
Photo Via Billy Farrell Agency View Gallery

Vanity Fair and Bumble and bumble celebrated the release of the StyleLikeU book last night at the salon's MePa building, and legendary NYC party girl Zelda Kaplan looked ravishing in red. “My whole outfit is made from a dancer's skirt, which I bought years ago just south of Calcutta," Kaplan shared with Chic. So, why is the fabulous Zelda always spotted in coordinating haberdashery? “Because I want to be taller, of course! I wear high heels and then I design tall hats, to give me height in both directions.” Let's hope we all look as fab as her when we're 90+ years old. What's her secret? She rarely wakes up before 2 p.m..

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2011 April 15

Shot of The Daily: Debbie Harry

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Can't Touch This
Photo Via Billy Farrell Agency View Gallery

We have no idea why the iconic Debbie Harry decided to pose like this, but we'd never question music royalty. 

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2011 April 15

Donatella's Gentle Celeb Jab

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Donatella Versace
Photo Via Patrick McMullan View Gallery

Oh, snap! Donatella Versace went there! In an interview with Reuters, the designer reveals that she's hardly afraid of the labels led by celebrities like Madonna, Beyonce and Victoria Beckham. "I think it is more a question of marketing," she said. "Some of these collections are for cheaper, mass market fashion. I don't think that creativity is there." As for whether she feels any genuine competition from celebrities, "Music stars wear Versace." In other words: Donatella is getting her 8 hours of sleep every night. 

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2011 April 15

What's Chic-ing in London?

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Lara Stone in CK
Photo Credit: Dave Benett View Gallery

Chic-ville is all about London today. Last night, Lara Stone, the current face of Calvin Klein, hosted a party at Shoreditch's uber-hot Village Underground for ck one and MTV PUSH. The event brought out Brit celebs Clara Paget, Laura Whitmore, and Pixie Geldof, with performances by Happiness singer Alexis Jordan (Chic looooves her!), Katy B and the notorious MC Wretch 32. MTV and CK's events partnership soldiers on, with upcoming bashes in Berlin, Beijing and Mexico City. Count us in! 

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