"An Afternoon at Dawnridge . . . "

Greetings,

It was the Academy Awards weekend in Southern California.  And with the exception of the Vanity Fair Oscar party, it might have been one of the hottest tickets in Los Angeles last weekend.  Even better than an invitation from Elton John, it was an invitation from Ronda Carman.   I was pleased to be included amongst a gathering of designers who had all been invited for a luncheon to celebrate the 120th anniversary of SFERRA.  On a bright, beautiful Sunday afternoon, there was a combination of great friends as well as designers whose work I have always admired - with the spectacular Hutton Wilkinson as our host and guide through his historic home in Beverly Hills - simply known throughout the design world as Tony Duquette's Dawnridge.

(Truth be told, I actually have a few friends that DID get invited to Elton John's party.  And frankly, I'm totally jealous. lol)

Hutton Wilkinson, giving us some history on the grand house.

Stacy Kunstel, Clinton Smith, Ronda Carman, and I gathered in the drawing room.

A little history on SFERRA -

SFERRA began in Italy as a purveyor of fine Italian-made lace in 1891. The company’s industrious founder, Gennaro Sferra left Italy for business travel in the United States at the turn-of-the-century in hopes of attracting a market for his intricate Venetian lace cuffs and collars. He found his clientele in the well-heeled guests who frequented the grand seaside resorts that once dotted the East Coast from Maine to Palm Beach, and traveled regularly up and down the coast to sell his exquisite goods.

SFERRA now serves more than 600 of the finest luxury specialty linen and home accent stores worldwide who carry its premium Italian sheeting and top-of-bed lines. Within North America, SFERRA is proud to count Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Horchow, and Bloomingdale’s among its stable of discerning customers. 

Ronda Carman and Jan Showers.

Stacy Kunstel and Clinton Smith.
(How amazing is Stacy's outfit!  Seriously!)
(and, yes, Clint looks adorable as well!)

The Drawing Room at Dawnridge.

Dawnridge's Sunroom.

Another view of the Sunroom.

The table all set for the outdoor luncheon.

Bright table linens - and custom monogramed cocktail napkins provided by SFERRA for each of the guests.

A delicious luncheon.  And sparkling company. 

There's something somewhat magical about spending an afternoon with such an army of creative people.  Sharing inspirations.  Laughing.  Toasting each other's successes.  Lending advice.  And basking in the glow of our amazing surroundings.

There are few people on this Earth more charming than Hutton Wilkinson.

Clinton Smith, Kyle Knight and I just after our delicious lunch.

Tobi Fairley and Jan Showers.  

Tracy Porter and Ronda Carman.
(Totally loved Tracy's vintage handbag!)

Tracy Porter, Ronda Carman, Hutton Wilkinson, Lori Dennis, and I.

Barclay Butera and Suzanne Rheinstein.

Anne Sage, Paloma Contreras, and Tracy Porter.

Cheers to an amazing afternoon.

Cheers,

Scot

(Photo Credits - "SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick Mcmullan for SFERRA.)

"From the Desk of . . . "

Greetings,

I've always been fascinated by writers - and especially those fine people writing about interior design.  Their jobs just always sound SO exciting - setting new trends, compiling new interiors, really being on 'the inside' of interior design.  Though to be honest, many people that I meet say the same thing ("it sounds SO exciting!") about being an 'interior designer,' so I'm quite sure there's a certain amount of drudgery involved as well.  

One of the aspects of blogging community that I love - is a chance to peek behind that particular curtain - and there are several of my favourite writers and magazine editors that are sharing great information and inspiration on their blogs :

Dominique Browning - "Slow Love Life."  You must remember Dominique's name from her time as editor of the much loved House & Garden magazine.  (God, I STILL miss that magazine!)  I remember her letters from the editors were always gracious, insightful missives - and her blog feels the same way - beautifully written and  incredibly inspiring.

Clinton Smith - "Smith on Style."  Mr. Smith is the editorial director of one of my favourite magazines - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles - and if this magazine isn't a regular part of your design reading, you are missing something amazing.  Clinton has just started blogging - and I'm excited to see the direction his new blog takes.

Margot Austin - "Margot Austin." From our friends up north, Margot is senior design editor at Canada's Style at Home magazine.  Clever.  Witty.  Fresh.  Inspiring.  

Crystal Gentilello - "Plush Palete."  Crystal is the force behind the very popular new e-magazine, Rue.  Even after only three issues, Rue is clearly off and running . . . And I love reading about Crystal's design inspirations that are a regular part of her blog.  Design.  Fashion.  Travel.  It's wonderfully girly - and a breath of fresh air!  

Ronda Carman - "All The Best."  A constant source of inspiration - and a virtual glossary of all 'the people to know' - Ronda brings her great knowledge and clear love of design to her blog.  She just completed a re-design of her blog - which I am loving!  And she's also just started writing as well for the Huffington Post - congrats!

Patricia Shackelford - "Mrs. Blandings."  Many times, I'll save reading "Mrs. Blandings" until the very end.  Almost like one would wait for dessert.  I love her beautiful, honest writing style and her wicked sense of humour.  Though I was sad to hear that she had recently moved - my second thought was, "Oh, the new house will be perfect fodder for the blog!  I can't wait to see what she does!"

Happy reading,
Scot