The scent of luxury in the Sixties

                    
                                Donna Allegra Caracciolo di Castagneto

The latest issue of Elle Decor (November 2012) is titled “The Luxury Issue” and tries to define the term luxury and its relevance today. As Robert Couturier says in the article,  luxury can be expensive but being expensive does not make something luxurious and I can add that luxury sometimes has nothing to do with money and affluence.


                  
                          Donna Selvaggia Barbara Borromeo d’Adda

One of the luxuries of life is perfume, being the fragrance of a rose in a garden or the scent in a bottle. In parallel to the hippy movement of the 60’s with its message of freedom,  High fashion in the same years created the luxe prêt-à-porter and a new trend in perfumes ...   Eau Sauvage from Dior was born,  at the same time discreet but persistent and it started a trend of masculine perfumes used by women and a new series of “eaux frâiches” used by both sexes, Paco Rabanne, Cacharel, Courrèges, Emilio Pucci, Capucci and many others will follow.

In the Sixties pants in Italy were  not used much but they became suddenly fashionable and evenings one were launched  in Rome by fashion designer Princess Irene Galitzine and called Pigiama Palazzo …a pijama certainly not to sleep in but to wear to the best parties.

                    
                      Beautiful Irene Galitzine wearing one of her creations.


                     
                                   Baronessa Fiona Thyssen Bornemisza 


                     
                                             Ira von Furstenberg

Aristocrats became fashion models, and at times models married aristocrats, timeless story.
As many other things, material or not, perfume is luxury and I am sure that some of these fragrances were gently put behind the ears or on the wrists (the only allowed places to use a drop of perfume back then) of these iconic beauties.
Perhaps…

                                 

                              
                               Joy, named the most expensive perfume in the world.

                             

                              

                              


Just for fun, how luxury brands advertisement was made fifty years ago, an era without Internet, when television was not owned by millions (billions?).
Back then representation of fashion and luxury belonged only to printed magazines and  it was often a modest fashion, meaning no nudes, no scandals, no models with angry faces, but a simple message of elegance and luxury like the one below. 

                             
Chanel N.5 is the world’s most popular fragrance and here it is presented in a printed ad from the Sixties by a timeless beauty.

A drop of perfume? Affordable luxury! but also an immediate remembrance of the past if you open a bottle that you have not used for long time, my favorite fragrance for  many years was:

                          
and if today I could smell Eau de Rochas I am sure many memories of my youth will become vivid, popping out of the bottle unexpectedly.

Have you ever experienced that Proustian moment with perfumes?

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.

Gio Ponti in Venice

I just received an invitation for the opening of a great exhibition in Venice, which I will most probably attend and I copied part of the Press release included in the invite (below in Italic).
During Venice’s 13th International Architectural Exhibition, from August 27th to September 28th, Molteni&C and Rubelli will be paying homage to Gio Ponti with the “Vivere alla Ponti” exhibition set up in Palazzo Corner Spinelli, the Rubelli company’s historical head offices.

                           Gio Ponti and his wife at their via Dezza apartment in Milan (1950’s)

The exhibition’s main protagonists will be the furniture collection reissued by Molteni&C and the limited edition of an armchair designed by Gio Ponti for his via Dezza home in Milan, upholstered in the Punteggiato and Rattoppato velvets, also designed for Rubelli by Gio Ponti and displayed at the 1934 Biennale.

 
The Punteggiato and Rattoppato fabrics are respectively a chiseled velvet with a geometrical-design on metal background and velvet worked with abstract graphics. Both belong to the Rubelli velvet and damask collection designed for the Venetian company by the great Maestro of 20th century architecture. Presented for the occasion alongside drawings and blueprints
on original paper.
 
The display is completed by the exhibition:
“Vivere alla Ponti. Experiments in domestic life and architecture for living and working”.
Organized by the Milan Order of Architects in collaboration with Molteni&C, the exhibition is a homage to Gio Ponti’s domestic design and his still modern vision of what is modern. An intimate and professional story, accompanied by letters, family photos and video documents showing how alive and vital the great 20th century Maestro was”.
It will be very inspiring to be there and learn more about Gio Ponti (read a previous post: Meet Gio Ponti) in the atmosphere of the magnificent Palazzo Spinelli in Venice (described in a previous post HERE).
©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.

Thank you Style at Home magazine!

 

pinterest boards we love {backyard beauties} by Laura L. Benn

“Sometimes a summer ‘staycation’ is the perfect way to rest, relax and rejuvenate. So what better place to soak up some sizzling sun and glorious fresh air than in your own backyard retreat?
Break out the summer wine and cocktails, your favourite fresh fashions, a few good books and escape to your own personal outdoor oasis.
This week Style at Home wants to embrace the backyard boards — those pins and pretty things that celebrate making your outdoor living space the best it can possibly be. Here’s what we found!”

Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful boards…

{1} Dani Hingst
The great outdoors are meant to be explored — a sentiment that is beautifully and poetically expressed throughout this adventurous board. Inexpensive greenhouse options, glorious paint colours, fantastic decor accessories, stunning patio stones and more can be found on this delightful board that celebrates taking design chances.


{2} Lisa D’Elia
Romantic outdoor showers, creative kids areas, funky floral arrangements and innovative design abound on this simple backyard board. Click through and discover a whole new world of design possibilities for creating an outdoor living space that will perfectly suit your summer entertaining dreams.


{3} Nina van Brakel
This incredible board from the Netherlands immediately captures your imagination and transports you to a place of soothing design wonder. Drawing inspiration from glorious outdoor spaces all over the world, this board beautifully suggests creative ways to make the most of your own backyard. Unexpected splashes of vibrant colour, interesting architectural features, as well as dreamy furniture arrangements will inspire you to transform your own outdoor entertaining space this season.




{4}  Brilliante Interiors
This breathtaking board makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden with large plant features, stunning patio decor and refreshing colour palettes. From large regal houses to more rustic backyard settings, this lovely collection of green-inspired pins showcases a wide spectrum of possibilities for turning your outdoor living space into a tranquil area.

Thank you Style at Home!

Have a great week-end everyone and I hope you enjoy my boards on Pinterest...

 ©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Social Media fatigue



  
Don’t get me wrong…I love social media but lately I feel I am spending too much of my time on it and sometimes lots of what I read need to be ignored, like junk for the mind...so as the lady in the image (at Clignancourt Flea Market) I may walk away even if only temporarily.

Blogging requires hours of research, writing, editing and keeping up with other interesting bloggers.

Facebook with hundreds of “virtual” friends requires to scroll their news daily, stop and comment on some, take note of interesting ones.

Twitter, even if faster, for me requires deciphering obscure messages (when worth it).

Pinterest is always fun, great to find stunning images, useful to have them all in one “folder” for future reference.

LinkedIn is good to make connections but again time consuming.

Tied up and tired!

At the end of the day (when actually I have some time to dedicate to social media) all of the above tasks take my little left energy away.
I may take a break,  it may be just as brief as a week or much longer but I am sure at some point I will return refreshed, renewed and ready to play again.

 

You know how much I value your comments and likes…

Would you wait for me? Have you ever felt the same?

Photography © Albarosa Simonetti

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Diamond Jubilee give-away

The Grand Staircase at Buckingham Palace.

BBC Home Entertainment, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year, the 60^th year of one of the longest reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom has produced a special, three-episode documentary:

“The Queen’s Palaces” DVD, released on May 29, 2012.

The Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle.

The King’s Closet in The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The DVD is sharing an extensive look into the long history, the remarkable interior décor and the architecture that has evolved across the centuries of the Royals homes : Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, which dates back to the 11^th century and has gone from medieval fortress to a romantic fantasy; and the Palace of Holy Roodhouse, formerly a monastery, and now home of objects from the Royal Collection.

Congratulations to:
Comment # 7 - Rosa from the delightful  blog Flutter Flutter
Comment # 4 - Night Owl
Comment # 5 - Alice

Please send me your addresses and I will promptly send you a copy of this wonderful DVD.

Congratulations and enjoy it!

Photography (Top to Bottom) by Derry Moore,  Mark Fiennes, John Freeman.
Source

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Jasmine and Philippe Starck!

Can you guess whose house is this? was the question posed in my previous post, with that beautiful fridge open to reveal a hat and different treats. Let’s enter the Parisian home of multitalented Philippe Starck and wife Jasmine and discover more visual treats.
When he does not redesign the rest of the world he travels…they own 11 homes around the world, including one in Venice. I leave it to you to comment on these beautiful images full of surprises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From an article on The National Post: “People often ask what inspires me. The answer is nothing. Nothing inspires me directly. I live outside of everything. That means I have no direct information. My inspiration comes from the existence of my life. (…) You also need to live outside mainstream thinking. If you go out every night for dinner or to a cocktail party, where you speak with everybody, you cannot create because you end up just repeating what people tell you. You get very comfortable and very unoriginal. The only way to create, the recipe for creativity, is to be alone. In front of a blank sheet of paper or your computer in the middle of nowhere. It’s the best way to find only your ideas, your intuition”.

Leave a comment on the image that most attracted you, we are curious to know your reactions…as for me…I love brick walls accompanied by flowing curtains and Venetian mirrors but I also love books, free standing tubs, Baccarat vases, old English roses and L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci reminds me of my youth...
It was not an easy question but Fingers glued together gave the right answer. Congratulations, well done. If you want to see the other comments go to Can you guess whose house is this?

Source

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

The Queen’s Palaces - A giveaway

Liz Windsor aged 3, 1929

From a press release - BBC Worldwide Americas
New York – May 2012 – BBC Home Entertainment is proud to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year, the 60^th year of one of the longest reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom. For the occasion BBC America has produced a special, three-episode documentary:

 The Queen’s Palaces DVD which will be released on May 29, 2012.

Princess Elizabeth aged 7, 1933 Painting by Philip de László.

The DVD will be sharing an extensive look into the long history, the remarkable interior décor and the architecture that has evolved across the centuries of the Royals homes :Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle - which dates back to the 11^th century and has gone from medieval fortress to a romantic fantasy; and the Palace of Holy Roodhouse, formerly a monastery, and now home of objects from the Royal Collection that are bound to Palace’s turbulent history.

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Formal Engagement photograph.

Coronation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II June 1953, Westminster Abbey. “ A six yard train in best quality handmade purple silk velvet, trimmed with best quality Canadian ermine 5" on top and underside and fully lined with pure silk English Satin, complete with ermine cape and all being tailed ermine in the traditional manner, and including embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework.”

Cecil Beaton photograph, 1950’s

As Fiona Bruce walks you through the palaces, objects and art of profound historic importance are showcased including some other quirky pieces of work. Bonus features include an introduction to the series by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, discussing the role these palaces play in the life of the Monarchy and in the history of Britain.

1976 in Finland

May 2012, inspecting the cake for one of the celebrations…

Another- recent image of the Queen and Prince Philip.

Queen Elizabeth II at 86 years of age, beautiful as ever.

The year 2012 will be a Royal Party, since The Commonwealth celebrates 60 years of her reign with events, parades, concerts, even tea with commoners.

“In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.” Elizabeth II, 2012

And now a curiosity:

 

The Royal Canadian Mint, in 2003, unveiled the new portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II created by Susanna Blunt (happy to say she is one of my best friends and I lived with her the whole exciting process) in celebration of the Queen's Jubilee and has been used on all new Canadian coins. Queen Elizabeth expressed the wish to be portrayed without the crown, a sign of her willingness to be represented as a modern monarch.

Long live the Queen, she was for six decades and still is a true example of style and determination in fulfilling her extremely demanding role, managing gracefully to combine the dignity and grandeur of her position with a common touch that allowed the public to warm to her.

Let’s visit her Royal residences…
I can offer three DVDs to my readers as a giveaway, just leave me a comment with some contact information and I will randomly choose and announce the winners on June 2nd, 2012. Unfortunately I can send the giveaway only to Canada and continental USA.
If you don’t win don’t despair, you can buy the DVD  clicking HERE.


Don’t forget to answer my question: “Can you guess whose house is this?” from my previous post HERE.

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Can you guess whose house is this?

Tips: he is a designer constantly reimagining and rethinking the quotidian, very famous, very creative, sometimes he wears a hat…now surprise me with your answers!

Please comment only on this post, not on other social media, otherwise it is difficult to track all comments.  I will not publish your answers until the end of the week, so keep writing. The first person with the right answer will have an "honorable mention" and of course a link to their Web site or blog.

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

I wish I was there

Palm Court at Villa Hassler hotel

The superb garden of Villa Hassler hotel in Rome, just above Spanish Steps, will be open to the general public soon. I always loved a white flowers-garden, especially in the evening the flowers can still be seen and become magic, as the stars and the moon in the sky.

The view from the 5 stars boutique Hotel is one of the best in the world,

with the new terrace being built it will be 360 degrees view.

 

The Penthouse suite has a private large terrace, and is furnished with antique pieces including a 1780 desk,  paintings from the school of Tintoretto, Venetian mirrors, opulent chandeliers and Louis XV chairs. The large outdoor terrace overlooks the city and is ideal for private sunbathing, cocktails with friends or an intimate romantic dinner.

Presidential suite

A room with graphic black and white rug and contemporary patterns on the chairs,

from the windows...glorious sunsets every evening!

Fewer and fewer family-run luxury hotels remain in the world, the Hassler is the only one left in Rome.

Looking forward to go back, even just for an aperitivo!

©2012 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".


Brillante Interiors now offers also online consultations so please send an email and we can start the process. It will be an investment in happiness at home, a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!