888 Madison

I was excited to read an article in this month's issue of Architectural Digest about Ralph Lauren's newly constructed Women's Flagship store in New York.  Having the opportunity to intern in Polo's Creative Department this past summer and working tirelessly with floor plans and blueprints for this store, it's exiting to finally see the finished product in print.  Mr. Lauren explains his decision for a Beaux Arts style of architecture, "That's always been my philosophy: timelessness, not trends."

True to Polo's dedication to classic style, this new/old Beaux Arts building heralds back to the heyday of UES extravagance.  If you're ever in the area, it's definitely worth stopping by; while you're there, cross the street to the Rhinelander Mansion Men's Flagship, which also underwent an extensive renovation.  Even if you're not in the mood to shop, you can still enjoy the attention to detail and vintage design elements of the buildings.  Here are some of my favorite interior shots:

Above images via AD

Above images via Polo.com

Art Project

This is pretty amazing! I just learned about this awesome project powered by Google that lets anyone, anywhere in the world tour some of the world's most famous museums and art collections.  It uses a format similar to Google Maps to navigate through the museums and allows the viewer to see close-up images of the paintings in startling detail.  Obviously nothing can replace the physical experience of walking through a museum and interacting with the artwork, but I'm more than happy to take a virtual stroll through Versailles from my bedroom on a snowy Maine afternoon.





Check out the Art Project website to learn more!

A Love Story by Gant

This was featured by F.E. Castleberry on Unabashedly Prep a few weeks ago, but after weeks of watching and re-watching I needed to post it.  It is the sneak peak for the Gant by Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.  Talk about vintage inspired style - wow! I'm digging his glasses - they look really similar to a vintage pair I bought recently c. 1965.  Pure, classic beauty. 

Advice from an Advertising Mogul

Royall Lyme

Fifty years ago the Bermuda yachtsman Anthony Gaade founded the Royall Frangrances Company and developed Royall Lyme, a refreshing blend of lime and other rare essences inspired by the isle of Bermuda.  It was such a success that the British Royal Family brought it home from their visit to the island.  Brooks Brothers began selling the fragrance starting in 1960 and the store has carried the line ever since.

Over winter break I happened to be perusing around Brooks Brothers and came across the display of Royall Fragrances.  The unique packaging was intriguing, so I tried the original Royall Lyme.  It left behind a very limey and fresh aroma, reminiscent of tropical summer afternoon.  With the sub-zero temperatures looming outside, I was sold.

I went to the Royall website and found out that the company has been packaging its product the same way since its founding - in fine parchment with the English crown wax seal on top.  Everything from the wrapping to the bottle itself exudes classic, refined style.  Royall Lyme is the classic, but last November the Royall Company announced its collaboration with the Dartmouth Men's Rugby Team to develop a new fragrance - Royall Rugby.

Live like a Royall Man:

"A Royall Man is a gentleman who, above all, seeks quality and excellence in every facet of his life. His personal style reflects a discriminating taste, and appreciation of luxury."

Breakbot

Meet Thibaut Berland, aka Breakbot.  This DJ/producer from France knows how to make a catchy beat.  The song is great and the video even better - it was made using over 2000 watercolor paintings shown one after another. Cool! Happy Saturday!

Oliver Peoples

The words of a Leonardo DaVinci, "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" duly sums up what Oliver Peoples eyewear has stood for over the past 25 years.  It makes frames and sunglasses inspired by the preppy "Ivy League" look mixed with old Hollywood style.


Their recent advertising campaigns are short films featuring stylish actors and musicians ranging from Zooey Deschanel to Devendra Banhart -each one is a stand-alone work of art.  I really love the clip from last year starring Elijah Wood and Shirley Mason (from Garbage), directed by music photographer Autumn de Wilde.  Called "Les Enfants S'ennuient le Dimanche" (The Children Are Bored on Sundays), the two play Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and the video evokes the mood of a bygone era.  The red dining room is rad!

Catch a Tuesday 2009

Les Enfants S'ennuient les Dimanches 2010

Rainbow House 2011