The Elder Statesman

The cashmere faithful flock to this 1950s West Hollywood bungalow for casual cool pieces inspired by beach culture

Acashmere jumper may be a tried and tested Christmas gift, but at The Elder Statesman it comes with a cool California twist. The luxury lifestyle label founded in 2007 by laid-back LA designer Greg Chait (first picture) takes its name – and ethos – from 18th-century British parliamentarian William Pitt. “I was inspired by his no-nonsense approach, and everything we make is similarly straightforward,” says the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner.

And his spare and striking shop in a 1950s West Hollywood bungalow is an extension of this design standpoint. The 1,600sq ft space today showcases Chait’s beach-culture-inspired pieces – from striped monochrome Picasso Crewnecks ($1,165) to the woven Cutter T-shirts ($895) in shades of magenta and royal blue – against white stucco walls and clean-lined blond-wood fixtures and furniture.

Image: Steve Schofield

“I wanted a retail space with a sense of discovery,” says Chait, who collaborated with Commune Design, the local architects behind the Ace hotels, on the Zen, copper-roofed structure, complete with enormous pivoting windows and a desert garden. Amid the cacti and olive trees is a cushion-circled fire pit, encouraging visitors to lounge and linger. But despite the design credentials and midcentury-modern feel, the boutique is essentially a blank canvas for Chait to focus on exquisitely fine yarn – made in Italy and Scotland, hand‑spun in Mongolia, and loomed, knitted, linked and embellished at The Elder Statesman’s factory in nearby Culver City. “Ninety-five per cent of our pieces are made in LA; 100 per cent come through our hands for quality control,” he adds.

The Baja Pullover ($2,140) is the brand’s signature sweater, a slightly oversized hoodie ranging from muted beige to vibrant, dip-dyed indigo; the Favorite Tee ($445), with its relaxed silhouette, is another unisex, year-round classic. Bolder seasonal knits include a tie-dyed heavy cardigan in ivory and maroon ($915), and felted sweatshirts ($1,354) and T-shirts ($540) created in collaboration with the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art; inspired by the Granville Redmond painting California Poppy Field, they combine floral patterns and bold text with classic sportswear shapes and raw edges.

And it’s not just tops. Weighty cashmere blankets (from $3,360, second picture) and enormous, cosseting quilts (from $8,895) nestle next to sumptuous socks ($275). Art tomes from nearby Arcana books and buffalo-horn sunglasses ($1,995) from Germany round out the casually cool offerings. “My clients range from 20 to 80 years old, and typically they cross over with brands such as Céline, The Row and Rick Owens. They don’t need labels and are attracted to products with soul,” says Chait of the cashmere faithful who pilgrimage from Paris and Hong Kong as well as nearby Beverly Hills.

“I want my customers to feel that an Elder Statesman sweater is their favourite thing in their closet,” says Chait. “Everything is made in the best possible way – from the cashmere products to the clean-lined space. We didn’t cut any corners here, and I hope people walk away with a good vibe.”

Angela Missoni talks personal taste: Part One

Angela Missoni is creative director of her family’s knitwear brand, loved for its psychedelic zig-zags and vibrant colour

My personal style signifiers are the long gold chains with pendants I collect and have worn every day for the past 15 years. I like to be inventive with my jewellery and often add charms or beads to necklaces and dangly earrings, and I always wear stacks of silver filigree and gold rings on at least six or seven of my fingers.

The last thing I bought and loved was a classic Persian carpet [pictured] with the words “Good ideas come through freedom” burned into the fibres, by Italian artist Loredana Longo. It is beautiful and inspirational. www.loredanalongo.com.

Wicked Game by Chris Isaak

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a tree house for my home in Sumirago, outside Milan. I have always loved the idea of a secret escape and just this morning, walking in my garden, I found the perfect tree for it. My grandson, Otto, will love it too.

A recent “find” is La Baia di Moltrasio, a bar and restaurant at the top of a local rowing club on Lake Como. The terrace is very romantic in the summer months and long tables are set up inside during colder weather too. It is all about the food here and their fresh fish grilled with butter and herbs and the local speciality, riso in cagnone [rice fried with butter and sage], are the best I’ve ever tasted. Via Bellini 4, 22010 Moltrasio (+39031-376 093; www.labaiadimoltrasio.com).

The last items I added to my wardrobe were a pair of lime-green Nike Flyknit trainers [pictured]. I’d been eyeing them for a while and walking all over Milan in high heels during Fashion Week finally clinched the deal. I love the bright colour and knitted design. £130; www.nike.com.

An object I would never part with is a painting that once hung in my grandmother’s house and was given to me by a dear aunt. It is of a young girl from the 1950s and I like that it now hangs next to a colourful contemporary Tracey Emin piece in my house.

Missoni’s Persian carpet by Loredana Longo | Image: Gaia Cambiaggi

An indulgence I would never forgo is time spent at the Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa [pictured] in Brittany. I have been going to this magnetic place for years; it is one of my favourite spots in the world because of the scenery – the rocks and beaches are spectacular – and the thalassotherapy massages, salt scrubs and seaweed wraps. It’s a very healthy, holistic place – not a beauty spa or a place of deprivation – and I always leave feeling refreshed, energised and a bit slimmer. It is one of the only spas I know that also appeals to men, which makes it a wonderful escape for my partner Bruno and I. Boulevard Louison Bobet, 56170 Quiberon (+332-9750 4888; www.thalassa.com).

The last music I downloaded was Wicked Game by Chris Isaak [pictured]. The song is old but I love the tune and the lyrics; it figured prominently in my last fashion show.

Missoni’s Nike Roshe Flyknit iD | Image: Gaia Cambiaggi

The beauty staples I’m never without are traditional hammam gloves and Tunisian black soap, which I use daily to exfoliate, and Louis Widmer’s Remederm Shower Oil, which is good for sensitive skin and leaves me feeling very moisturised. £8 for 150ml; www.louis‑widmer.nl.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the 5Vie art and design district in Milan. I love Wait and See, an eclectic clothes shop in a former 18th-century convent that sells a mix of emerging designers and vintage finds from all over the world. And Rossana Orlandi – a magical design gallery set in a garden courtyard – is a treasure trove of new and classic pieces. Afterwards, a stop at La Latteria nearby is a must; it’s a tiny, authentic place with only about eight tables and they serve delicious traditionally Milanese riso al salto – risotto fritters. La Latteria San Marco, Via S Marco 24 (+3902-659 7653). Rossana Orlandi, Via Matteo Bandello 14/16 (+3902-467 4471; www.rossanaorlandi.com). Wait and See, Via Santa Marta 14 (+3902-7208 0195; www.waitandsee.it).

Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa, Brittany | Image: Eric Culliver

My favourite websites are the Business of Fashion for industry news; Corriere della Sera and The New York Times for current affairs; and Internazionale for the best articles from all over the world. I am also a huge fan of Instagram. www.businessoffashion.com. www.corriere.it. www.internazionale.it. www.instagram.com. www.nytimes.com.

Angela Missoni talks personal taste: Part Two

The fashion designer sews up her list of likes with surrealist art, elaborate saris from Rajasthan and shopping in Saint Germain

My style icon is my mother Rosita, who at 84 years old is still the chicest person I know. She always looks great – even at the market or at home watching television – with her perfect hair, beautiful earrings and casual yet elegant wardrobe. I have always been a bit wilder in my look but wish I could be as naturally stylish as she is. I also admire Joyce Ma – the 1970s fashion icon who had a great eye for avant-garde design – and Carine Roitfeld who has a very distinctive aesthetic.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a series of three simple gold bangles from the 1950s, to my daughter Teresa for her birthday. I found them at a shop in Venice that was going out of business. They have large charms with the Pope’s face on them and are quite quirky and wonderful.

Practical Madness by Piero Fornasetti

And the best ones I’ve received recently are, from my other daughter Margherita, a cheeky embroidered bra she transformed into a lampshade; a special glass box installation piece from Teresa; and my partner Bruno gave me a Brassaï photograph of a woman’s body in a frame engraved with a design by Picasso at the top. I cherish all three.

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Da Pasqualina, a small rustic restaurant in Murta Maria in Sardinia. The way they cook here is magical – everything is very simple yet delicious, with an emphasis on pasta and fresh fish. The best dish is spaghetti with local sea urchin. Via dello Zenzero, Murta Maria, Olbia, Sardinia (+390789-36808).

The sight that inspires me is the view of the mountains from my home in Sumirago, outside Milan. I always position myself in places with a view, and the Alps as seen from my bedroom are completely reinvigorating. Monte Rosa – or Pink Mountain – is especially beautiful at dawn when the reflection of the sun casts a dusky rose over the Lombard Alps.

In my fridge you’ll always find a selection of cheeses and salami, and a bottle of Vermentino, a white wine from Sardinia. Everything else I like to buy fresh on the day.

The artists whose work I would collect if I could are pioneers of surrealism Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, whose work I find fascinating. They are far too expensive now, but I’d like the contrast these works would provide with the pieces by Jenny Holzer, Francesco Vezzoli and Tracey Emin that hang in my home.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is India, and specifically Rajasthan. Everything about this country is magical: the ambience, the vivid colours, the geography, the deep traditions, the delicious food and the artisans and craftspeople who really know the true meaning of luxury. I was fascinated by the different textiles and embroideries, especially the beautiful white cotton dhotis and elaborate saris. The jewellery is magnificent too and at a behind-the-scenes peek at the Gem Palace in Jaipur – an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful things – I saw special marriage jewels and private collections of stunning emeralds and diamonds. Jaipur was a complete sensorial experience, and our stay at the Raj Palace – with its beautiful grounds and impeccable service – was a real highlight. Gem Palace, Shop 348, MI Road, Jaipur (+91141-237 4175; www.gempalacejaipur.com). Raj Palace, Near Jorawer Singh Gate, Amer Road, Jaipur (+91141-263 4077; www.rajpalace.com).

And the best souvenir I’ve brought home is a crystal-encrusted turtle shell from Jamaica. A local artisan transformed this beautiful shell into a charm and I wear it on my favourite summer necklace. It reminds me of a very special time on this island.

My favourite room in my house is my bedroom. I feel as though I’m outside because there’s so much glass and natural light. In the middle of the room there is a huge sliding door that separates my sleeping area from the sitting area and I use it as a kind of rotating photo gallery – it is covered with pictures of my children and grandchildren and gives me great joy.

The people I rely on for personal grooming are the therapists at Violette nail salon in Milan, which my daughters introduced me to. They do a great manicure. Via Panfilo Castaldi 14, 20124 Milan (+3902-2951 9283; www.violettemilano.com).

The books on my bedside table include my father Ottavio Missoni’s autobiography, Una vita sul filo di lana, which I have never read in its entirety and I’ve decided it’s time I did, and Piero Fornasetti’s Practical Madness – a book that was published to coincide with the last exhibition of this inventive designer’s work. I also have stacks of travel magazines – National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveller – because I love to see the world.  

If I didn’t live in Sumirago, the city I would live in is Paris, probably in or around Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I love the light and the wonderful food – L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a favourite for small plates of gyoza, grilled langoustines and crabe royal. I like exploring the streets along the Seine and ending up at the Gae Aulenti-designed Musée d’Orsay, and my favourite flea markets in the world are here, including the Marché aux Puces and Porte de Vanves; I could spend days there. But truthfully, I wouldn’t live anywhere but Sumirago because I love the country, and as it is I am 15 minutes from an international airport, 45 minutes from Milan, an hour by plane from Sardinia and a two-hour flight from London. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, 5 Rue Montalembert (+331-4222 5656; www.atelier-robuchon-saint-germain.com). Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt (www.marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com). Musée d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur (+331-4049 4814; www.musee-orsay.fr). Porte de Vanves, Avenue Georges Lafenestre (+336-8689 9996; www.pucesdevanves.fr).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be an interior designer because I like to create comfortable environments where things are in harmony. The details of this type of work appeal to me and I love to be surrounded by colour, texture and good design.

L/Uniform's First Store Is a Sleek and Elegant Minimalist Space

The aesthetic of a popular online retailer’s first brick-and-mortar post takes cues from its fashionable totes.

“I wanted to build a store in a special, authentically Parisian place,” explains Jeanne Signoles, co-founder of the elegant, utilitarian handbag line L/Uniform. Her choice of the Quai Malaquai, a tree-lined street fronting the Seine in stylish Saint-Germain-des-Prés, was a natural one that mirrors her classic but contemporary collections. “There are no big brands here, and locals really do come to shop,” she says of the area that has long been home to artists, architects, and the fashion-forward.

Signoles, along with her husband, Alex, are not new to accessory design—his family owns Goyard—and they worked in the business before launching L/Uniform. Inspired by simple worker, messenger, and tool bags, their versions are handcrafted by artisans in the fortified French town Carcassonne using treated cotton or linen canvas, Spanish calfskin edging, and sculptural gold hardware. And while the business has been largely focused on the web, Signoles wanted this Paris retail environment to be a “cabinet of curiosities,” she says. “Not a museum or precious boutique, but a practical place with a great energy.”

Masamichi Katayama of Japan’s Wonderwall was enlisted to create a sleek, neutral white space that highlights the vibrant colors and forms of the bags to dazzling effect. The architect, whose harmonic and clean-lined style can be found in outlets such as Colette and Uniqlo, “brought a clear vision to the project,” says Signoles. “He looks at everything—space, light, layout—from the consumer’s point of view.”

The result is a 300-square foot jewel box-like setting full of natural finishes and brilliantly lit cubbies that line the walls from floor to ceiling. In keeping with the minimalist vibe, each bag is numbered, not named, and is showcased in backlit cubes that are further highlighted by the designer’s LED glass pendants. “Design is a form of communication. L/Uniform’s products should be the material of this place,” Katayama says. “The flooring is derived from their graphic pattern; the brand’s attention to detail is expressed in here.”

Large school bags—a take on the traditional messenger carryall—backpacks, petite pochettes, not to mention simple computer sleeves and phone charger cases, are all crafted from lightweight, stain-proof fabrics available in-store. They can be further customized by special order in any combination of canvas hues, leathers and cloth edgings. A parquet-lined workshop in the back of the space showcases color-blocked designs as well as silkscreened samples that further personalize the L/Uniform range, one that is already developing a cult-like following on both sides of the Atlantic. “I wanted this space to be full of inspirations, in order to create personalized bags,” Katyama says. “The bags have different stories, and I wish customers to enjoy the journey of the process. I wanted it to be a place where you can imagine your life with a new bag.”

Much like the bags, the shop “has the spirit of Saint Germain, but made modern,” says Signoles. “My favorite waiter at Le Voltaire down the street worries about what he calls the ‘massification’ of the area. He loves the store and when he gave us the nod of approval, I knew we had created something wonderful.”

Luxury quilts with minimalist flair: Louise Gray

Future heirlooms with art-world panache

Louise Gray is a Minneapolis-based textile firm whose artisanal cotton quilts exude the potential to become future heirlooms – and now they can be found online.

The brainchild of Alexandra Gray Bennett and Jocelin Johnson, the company produces a line of six colour-block batting-filled quilts (137cm x 183cm), with new editions being introduced as inspiration strikes. The pair channel their backgrounds in art and creative direction – as well as a strong family heritage of quilt-making – to come up with the covers, each of which has a name as straightforward as its muted Josef Albers-inspired design. Quilt No 1 ($425) is a study in black and white contrasts, with a pop of tan. Quilt No 2 ($395, second picture) features strong geometric patterns in shades of seafoam and pale blue, with a hint of black embroidery, while the navy, peach and taupe Quilt No 3 ($410) is perhaps the most striking bedspread in the launch collection. My favourite, however, is the Scandinavian aesthetic of quilt No 5 ($410, first picture), where juxtapositions of sand, blush pink and tangerine create a piece that’s a work of art in itself.

The common thread – so to speak – throughout the minimalist, Minnesota-made range is a commitment to quality materials, clean lines that work well with today’s interiors, and the preservation of a dying storytelling craft. Consider this investment bedding…

www.louisegray.com

The New Spa at Sonoma's Farmhouse Inn is a Rustic-Chic Retreat

Set in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the Farmhouse Inn has been a favorite of oenophiles, gourmands and sybarites alike since its acquisition by siblings Joe and Catherine Bartolomei in 2001. Set amidst Sonoma’s wineries, and with a Michelin-starred restaurant on the picturesque premises, the property’s recent $8 million renovation includes a brand new spa that is making Forestville worth a restorative detour. Led by noted Healdsburg designer Myra Hoefer, the renovation was one of the iconic decorator’s final projects before her passing earlier this year. Hoefer brought her signature easy elegance to the inn and spa, giving it a grace that echoes sweeping valley vistas. 

At the entry to the spa, a stacked Napa fieldstone hearth and water features transition guests into a more tranquil state of mind. “This is the spot where people are drawn to sit and relax,” explains the inn’s marketing director Meghan Smith. “There is no rush here.” While beginning their repose, guests can peruse the personal apothecary cart, which holds organic and wild-harvested essential oils like bergamot, birch and cedar, all waiting to be hand-mixed to their specifications.

Drawing on farmhouse vernacular, San Francisco's SB Architects designed a modern stable to house the new spa. The firm designed a dramatic 16-foot peaked roof, a sliding barn door at the entry to the treatment area and a charming Dutch door to front the reception room. A slatted wall along the main passage also creates a breezeway that keeps the spa divinely connected to the outdoors. Hoefer’s selection of clean white beadboard for the walls and cabinetry completes its rustic-chic look.

Along the main hall, a succession of four "stalls" serve as treatment rooms, complete with hand-drawn equine murals by local artist Tina Wainwright. Continuing the play on equestrian life, each room also features a body pillow filled with fragrant herbs and alfalfa used in the spa’s Roll in the Hay treatment. And when the massage or facial is complete, guests can retire to their individual, private outdoor space with chaise longue and shower, perfect for reclining and relaxing under the wine-country sun. Adds Smith, “The rooms face out to the western hillside, which adds to the bucolic atmosphere.”

The spa’s products and treatments have been thoughtfully curated by Francis & Alexander—the firm behind the Spa at Auberge du Soleil—and include ginger-honey scrubs derived from owner Catherine Bartolomei’s nearby farm, as well as cucumber-scented sunscreens and lotions courtesy of San Diego suncare company Coola. The spa menu focuses on organic ingredients, many sourced from the inn’s own gardens.

Since unveiling its redesign, the Farmhouse Inn has earned accolades, but ultimately, its atmosphere is testament to Myra Hoefer’s legacy of quiet, timeless style. “We are lucky to live here,” notes Smith, “and Myra’s subtly chic design has capitalized on the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

A version of this article appeared in the November/December 2015 issue of San Francisco Cottages & Gardens with the headline: Stable Treatment.

John Derian talks personal taste: Part One

His découpage glassware and curatorial eye for antique ephemera have established John Derian as the go-to designer for gifts and interiors

My personal style signifiers are dark denim jeans and a T-shirt or casual button-down shirt – all from Double RL, Ralph Lauren’s vintage Americana line – and a gold wedding band that belonged to my grandmother. My father gave it to me 20 years ago, and as I can no longer get it off, I wear it every day. I also wear a vintage Heuer watch on a worn leather strap. Double RL, 16 Mount St, London W1 (020-7953 4120; www.ralphlauren.com). www.heuerworld.com.

Derian’s early-19th-century lichen prints | Image: Dorothy Hong

The last things I bought and loved were an antique net I found at Les Puces in Paris and a cache of rare lichen prints from the early 1800s. The net is a piece of macramé-like woven cotton that was traditionally used as decoration on a leather fisherman’s bag; the stack of prints I found through a dealer and their period and quality, as well as subtle colour, are exceptional. www.marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com. www.printscharmingsoho.com.

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a set of vibrant colour pencils from CW Pencil Enterprise in New York. A friend showed me her collection and I have been wanting my own ever since. I’m drawn to stores like this that specialise in one niche thing. 100B Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002 (+1917-734 8117; www.cwpencils.com).

A set of colour pencils from CW Pencil Enterprise

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Il Buco in New York; the scallop crudo and roasted branzino with anchovies and breadcrumbs were outstanding. I also loved the atmosphere and how tactile and authentic everything felt – the antique Italian furniture is covered in natural fabrics, there are Tuscan ceramics everywhere and the wabi-sabi walls have been left intact. 47 Bond St, New York, NY 10012 (+1212-533 1932; www.ilbuco.com).

Derian’s African necklace from Marrakech | Image: Dorothy Hong

The best gift I’ve given recently was a moss‑coloured silk-velvet throw by Anke Drechsel, to a friend for her birthday. It was made in India and features exquisite embroidery. www.ankedrechsel.com.

Il Buco restaurant, New York | Image: Michael Grimm

And the best one I’ve received recently was a powdery-blue ultra-fine cashmere scarf by designer Michèle Baconnier; it’s brilliant for travelling. Michèle and I met at a trade show in Paris many years ago and we’ve been good friends since, so this gift means a great deal. 12 Rue du Vieux Marrakchi, Gueliz, 40000 Marrakech (+212-524 449 178; www.michele-baconnier.net).

The last music I downloaded was the film soundtrack Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol 1. It includes upbeat 1970s tunes like Come and Get Your Love by Redbone, Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede and David Bowie’s Moonage Dream that remind me of my youth. It’s a charming film and the music gave it a whole other dimension so I wanted to add it to my library.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the East Village in Manhattan. Paula Rubenstein is incredible for beautifully curated antiques, while Filson is great for travel bags and other accessories. I like New York Central Art Supply for its wide array of papers and pens, and if shopping leaves me hungry I’ll head to Gabrielle Hamilton’s Prune. She cooks simple, delicious food, such as fried sweetbreads with capers and brown butter, and the atmosphere is warm and authentic. Filson, 40 Great Jones St (+1212-457 3121; www.filson.com). New York Central Art Supply, 62 Third Ave (+1212-473 7705; www.nycentralart.com). Paula Rubenstein, 21 Bond St (+1212-966 8954; www.paularubenstein.com). Prune, 54 E First St (+1212- 677 6221; www.prunerestaurant.com).

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is a string of pale white antique African seashells that I bartered for in the souk in Marrakech. I spend a fair bit of time in Marrakech and have had my eye on this necklace for a while; after several years I finally negotiated a good price and it now sits on a pale wooden table in my living room.

My favourite websites are Astier de Villatte for beautiful furnishings, ceramics and candles; The New York Times for news; and Massis Bakery for fresh Armenian food I get shipped to my door. Its lahmejune, kofta and stuffed vine leaves are amazing. I’m also a huge Instagram fan. www.astierdevillatte.com. www.instagram.com. www.massisbakery.com. www.nytimes.com.

Arethusa al tavolo

Farm-to-table dining from two fashion insiders in rural Connecticut

It was the owners of Arethusa al tavolo, a dairy farm-to-table restaurant in northwest Connecticut, who first intrigued me. George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis are the president and vice-president respectively of Manolo Blahnik in the US. But after being tempted to try out this rural trattoria in the bucolic town of Bantam by its somewhat unusual management team, it is for chef Dan Magill’s creative, seasonally driven dishes that I will return.

Arethusa al tavolo (third picture) is a warm, cosy space in muted, earthy tones, accented with enormous Majolica plates. Our late lunch, accompanied by a bright and bustling atmosphere, began with a quartet of devilled eggs ($13, second picture) – a new take on the classic recipe, filled with pickled onion, potato, bacon and crab meat. The perfectly paced plates of shrimp and avocado salad ($18, first picture) – embellished with ruby grapefruit, micro-greens and a scrumptious miso and ginger dressing – and yellowtail tuna tartare with tobiko wasabi ($19) that followed were both equally tasty.

The dairy products at Arethusa al tavolo are all sourced from the duo’s 325-acre cattle farm down the road and are a real highlight. (Arethusa is the name of the farm, and “al tavolo” means “to the table” in Italian.) The cheese and charcuterie plates ($17 each) we shared featuredthe farm’s signature Bella Bantam cheese, a slightly sweet Camembert and a slab of tangy Rotondo, alongside creamy duck, pork belly and foie gras pâté and soppressata. And dessert? Of course, the honey-roasted peaches with blackberry compote and luscious ice cream was the perfect sweet ending.

If I needed another reason to head to this beautiful part of New England, other than the scenery and antiques shops, this is it. Next time I’ll go for dinner and the decadent deluxe burger ($18), garnished with speck, blue cheese and locally foraged mushrooms, washed down with a Birch Old Fashioned ($14) – a signature cocktail comprising Litchfield Distilleries bourbon, birch cordial and orange bitters.

Arne Sorenson’s dining boltholes

The president and CEO of Marriott International oversees a portfolio that includes The Ritz-Carlton, Edition and Bulgari hotels and last year reported revenues of nearly $14bn

“I try to avoid fancy restaurants when entertaining clients. I prefer places with authentic food and a casual atmosphere. That’s either Mon Ami Gabi near our HQ in Bethesda, Maryland, or Le Diplomate in Washington DC – two classic French bistros with excellent steak-frites and big sharing plateaux de fruits de mer.

I grew up in Japan so sushi and sashimi are comfort food for me. Makoto in Washington DC’s attractive Palisades neighbourhood is a 20-seat hidden gem with a traditional yet sleek feel and an outstanding omakase menu. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace in the 14th Street corridor is less formal. I actually like a bit of noise during a work meal – not a pounding soundtrack, but the energy of the people in the room – as it intensifies our discussions. This vibrant area is important historically too: it was burned down in 1968 after the assassination of Martin Luther King and has been revitalised with new restaurants and brew pubs that bring real colour to the capital.

I find partners and investors visiting from outside the US want meals to be just so – Michelin stars and impressive settings. For these occasions I’ll travel an hour outside the capital to The Inn at Little Washington, where chef Patrick O’Connell prepares delicious multicourse meals that might include soft-shell crab tempura or Peking duck with sour cherries. I shared one particularly memorable evening here with Tom Hutchison, then CEO of CNL, the real-estate investment trust that was acquiring some of our property.  

Much of the negotiating with Ian Schrager regarding the formation of our Edition hotels took place at the Four Seasons in New York. Something about the place just says “let’s resolve this”. We had many intense one-to-ones over lunch – often in 45-60 minutes.

I do a lot of business over breakfast and one of our most important deals – with South Africa’s Protea Hospitality Holdings – was established over strong cappuccinos at New York’s Essex House. CEO Arthur Gillis and I sat at a corner table and really got to know one another. We just hit it off. This was the first step in a long collaboration that ultimately led to term sheets and acquisitions.

In London I like the buzz at The Wolseley. If I’m seeking to make a more personal connection I’ll head to The River Café for its unmatched Italian food and light-filled space. As we are a big operator in sub-Saharan Africa I also spend a lot of time in Cape Town, where the avant-garde Test Kitchen is excellent for fun group dinners. We might start with oysters then follow the chef’s experimental tasting menu, which always sparks lively conversation. I love the mix of high-end cuisine and casual warehouse setting.

In Asia there is a ritual to business dinners and the best deal-making restaurants tend to be in hotels. I have shared countless meals with prospective investors and partners in the private rooms at Tin Lung Heen in The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. My guests always respond well to the traditional Cantonese cuisine and incredible harbour views. In Japan, however, my host will often take care of the evening’s arrangements – right down to the karaoke. Inagaki in Tokyo is a tiny, convivial spot favoured for bowls of oden, while Tofuya-Ukai serves wonderfully authentic tofu in a lovely garden.

Meals aren’t a soft excuse for splurging and they can be everything from intense to celebratory, but they are a huge part of the way I do business.”

John Derian talks personal taste: Part Two

The découpage glassware designer rounds up his list of likes with Cary Grant, Niman Ranch bacon and the Greek island of Patmos

My style icons include American artist and photographer Jack Pierson – whether he’s in jeans and a T-shirt or a blazer, he wears everything with confidence. And Cary Grant, who was always debonair and wore his beautifully cut suits, jackets and hats with incredible flair. He was comfortable in his own skin and it showed.  

The last item of clothing I added to my wardrobe was a lightweight navy raincoat from Double RL. Travis Harrison, who works at the West Broadway branch, knows my style and points me in the right direction when pieces I might like come in. 381 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (+1212-625 3480; www.ralphlauren.com).

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

A recent “find” is El Rey Coffee Bar & Luncheonette on New York’s Lower East Side. The super-fresh food is California-Mexico influenced and the chef offers new takes on classic dishes. I’ll have the excellent lost bread egg frittata with shaved-fennel salad and crushed avocado for breakfast and the marinated chorizo with orange zest and assorted salads for lunch. The place is tiny and there isn’t a huge amount of choice but it serves exactly the kind of delicious food I love. 100 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002 (+1212-260-3950; www.elreynyc.com).

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing are Jeff Chastain for regular haircuts because I have been going to him for so long and he knows exactly what to do, and my osteopath Monique Bureau. Her super-light touch – cranial manipulation, slight adjustments – just makes me feel better, healthier. Monique Bureau, +1212-860 6613. Parlor by Jeff Chastain, 29 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011 (+1347-204 7100; www.parlorbyjeffchastain.com).

The site that inspires me is the Beech Forest in Provincetown, Massachusetts. It’s a magical reserve full of sand dunes, ferns, beech and pine trees and wild wintergreen. There are also ponds that are full of lily pads in summer, and I watch the geese – often with their goslings – come and go throughout the seasons; in winter the ponds freeze over, making them perfect for skating.

Indulgences I would never forgo are excellent Niman Ranch uncured bacon, which is less an indulgence and more a necessity for a happy life that I associate with weekends at my home on Cape Cod, and having a good gommage at the hammam at the Beldi Country Club in Marrakech. Its version is very rigorous and I always leave feeling completely relaxed and restored. Beldi Country Club, KM6 Route du Barrage, BP 210, Marrakech 40000 (+2125-2438 3950; www.beldicountryclub.com). www.nimanranch.com.

Merci boutique, Paris

If I didn’t live in New York, the city I would live in is Paris, in the fifth arrondissement because it feels like a real neighbourhood, complete with vegetable markets. I’d explore the Luxembourg Garden and Jardin des Plantes; while I am not typically a fan of zoos, the one here is very special. I like Merci for its mix of vintage furniture and fashion from new and emerging talents, and the fact that it channels its profits into a fund providing education in Madagascar. And I love the communal feel and all kinds of weird meats at old-school bistro Chez Denise near Les Halles. Chez Denise, 5 Rue des Prouvaires (+331-4236 2182). Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier (+331-4079 5601; www.jardindesplantes.net). Luxembourg Garden,+331-4234 2362; www.senat.fr. Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais (+331-4277 0033; www.merci-merci.com).

The artists whose work I would collect if I could include Henri Matisse, for his use of colour and form; Gerhard Richter’s sculptural work; and Belgian artist Michel Frère’s impasto, abstract paintings. I own a few of his drawings and a sculpture but I would love to add to my collection.

Derian’s 19th-century ironstone fluted bowl | Image: Dorothy Hong

In my fridge you’ll always find flat-leaf parsley for making pasta dishes; olives; various cheeses, including sheep’s-milk feta and Parmesan, from Eataly or Il Buco Alimentari; and Scu Dò Prosecco and some sort of rosé in case I find myself entertaining. I don’t eat at home much. Eataly, 200 Fifth Avenue (+1212-229 2560; www.eataly.com). Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, 53 Great Jones Street (+1212-837 2622; www.ilbucovineria.com).

An object I would never part with is a 19th-century ironstone wide-mouth fluted bowl from a tiny antiques shop in Cambridge that has long since closed. It isn’t the most precious or rare piece I own, but it speaks to me. It’s decorative, but I use it as much for serving pastas and salads as a sculptural centrepiece.

Cary Grant in Paris in 1956 | Image: Getty Images

The grooming staples I’m never without are my Kiehl’s moisturiser with SPF30 and its leave-in hair conditioner. Both are basic everyday products but I like that they’re lightweight and odourless. Kiehl’s Damage Repairing Leave-In Treatment, £19 for 75ml, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF30, £17 for 75ml; www.kiehls.co.uk.  

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is the Greek island of Patmos. It still feels very wild and I loved the rugged topography and slower pace of life. I also adored the Monastery of St John, which sits at the top of a hill and has a museum housing exquisite treasures like woodcarvings, relics and icons. And I’ll never forget the seventysomething-year-old women standing up to their necks in the ocean and just chatting there for hours at a time. The colour of the water is so beautiful in this part of the world.

The books on my bedside table are Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ, which offers a fascinating, often funny look at the digestive system and has definitely changed the way I eat, and psychological thriller The Girl on the Train by British author Paula Hawkins; my friend is currently working on the production design for the movie so I decided it was time to read it.

My favourite room in my house is the yellow living room in my home in Provincetown. I bought this 18th-century house with yellow walls and purple-painted wood floors and left them as they were. This room is particularly comfortable – with two sofas and a coffee table that’s great for playing cards, which I do to unwind at weekends – plus it has a lot of natural light and views out to the bay.

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a scientist, because I’m curious about the human body, animals and nature. I’m also very interested in the past, so archaeology appeals. Or I’d be a film producer – I have something of a movie obsession and enjoy watching French noir and blockbusters.

Deborah Berke's Clean and Simple Spaces

The New York-based architect and soon-to-be Yale University School of Architecture dean discusses Japanese aesthetics, good books, and her interior designs for the new 432 Park Avenue.

You championed “the architecture of the everyday.” What does this mean to you?
I championed this 20 years ago when I was commuting regularly up 1-95 to teach at Yale. This philosophy celebrated the beauty and inspiration in everyday life: from the diners we’d pass on the road, to new materials being used for construction. I still believe in unselfconscious design that we can all learn from, but I’m now most interested in designing buildings that are linked to where they are. So much of what gets built today could be anywhere. I’m arguing for architecture that’s specific to place.

You studied at London’s Architectural Association with Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, and Elia Zenghelis. What impact did this have on your work?
They are all completely fascinating people, but I would have to say that I was the AA that impacted my practice and opened my eyes to a different kind of architecture. There isn’t the same studio culture in the U.K. as in the U.S.—it’s much more about meeting with your critic over there.

How does living in New York inform your preferences for spare spaces and natural materials?
I love New York but because it’s frenetic, dirty, and busy, people want simplicity, clarity, and serenity in their environments. They seek an antidote to the city. In addition to designing minimalist spaces, I tend to gravitate toward natural, clean materials in neutral hues that have integrity to them.

You have said that you have a longitude interest in cities as places where things get made. What cities are particularly interesting and productive today?
Right now we are seeing an explosion in cities where things have traditionally been made or exchanged, and Detroit and Nashville are two prime examples of this. Boutique industries are thriving again—for the creation of musical instruments in Nashville, to the production of everything from belts to chairs to custom bicycles in secondary or tertiary cities. Small-scale production is really thriving again.

Has being a woman in a field dominated by men felt like an impediment? Is the playing field being leveled with time?
For all women architects I know, there is a glass ceiling of a kind. One example: I was recently sitting in business class on an airplane and was asked what I do by the man seated next to me. When I said I was an architect, he immediately asked, “Do you do interiors?” There are lesser expectations for women. In general, there is a lack of diversity in architecture, and women are certainly better represented than many other groups. Architecture is hideously underrepresented of society as a whole.

Your love of boutique hotels has led to an ongoing collaboration with 21c Hotels, a small chain of properties housed in restored historic buildings, in smaller cities. What’s important about these properties?
I came to 21c through an interesting set of circumstances: I had pitched for a project in Louisville that we didn’t get, but one of the principals liked what he heard and asked us to help revitalize that downtown That has led to work on a series of important buildings, from a conversion project in Buffalo that involves an H.H. Richardson building, to an addition to I.M. Pei’s Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia, to a hotel project in a Shreve Lambs & Harmon building in Durham, and an Albert Kahn building in Oklahoma City that were transforming from a Ford plant into a hotel. These are all great buildings that are of a place. We hope to transform them, yet keep them deeply grounded in their sites.

How did being a model influence your design aesthetic? Do you have an appreciation for fashion?
My mother was a lingerie designer and I’ve always had a love of fashion. She was a professor at FIT. Her creative life was an inspiration to me, as was her passion for teaching.

Are you still tied to that world? Narciso Rodriquez is a friend.
Narciso and I had drinks last night, and he gave me a beautiful book on Brazilian modernist architect Lina Bo Bardi. He loves architecture, so we always have that to discuss, as well as art exhibits at the MoMA, Supreme Court decisions, government policies, and politics in general.

Your firm hosts a rotating art program at the studio that showcases work by up-and-coming artists. How is this series curated?
A three-person curatorial committee selects work by older artists, young people, and artwork that runs the gamut from prints for paintings to sculpture and group shows. The common thread is that the art just has to interest us in some way. These exhibitions are good for office morale—very fun for parties, as they add to the studio environment. And they’re a great forum for emerging artists who don’t always have gallery representation.

New York’s Marianna Boesky Gallery, which you designed, is a combination of corrugated metal and concrete, juxtaposed against the High Line. How did the location influence your choice of materials?
The 6,000-square-foot building refers to the industrial, garage like composition of the West Chelsea neighborhood. It is composed of custom concrete blocks and also incorporates glazed white brick and corrugated metal. It was the first building built under the new High Line zoning, and it’s contextual to the surroundings. The interiors of the gallery are austere and muted, all to highlight the art within.

If you were to invite the greats of architecture and design to dinner, whom might you include?
By definition they’d all have to be dead—otherwise I’d just have a dinner party! I’d much rather invite poets, composers, and dancers, as I love talking to people who do things other than what I do. Gertrude Stein and Maria Tallchief would be right at the top of my guest list…

How has your design process evolved from early loft conversions in the 1980s to the collaboration with Rafael Viñoly on 431 Park, currently the tallest building in the western hemisphere?
We are living in cities in very different ways now and the definition of luxury has changed dramatically. Luxury is omnipresent. Much of the work that I do is “whole vision.” We design the building to the furnishings. This project was very different in that way.

Can you elaborate on the exquisite finishes, fabrics, lighting solutions and custom hardware at 432 Park?
Harry Macklowe, the developer, is an old-school modernist and came up to us because he wanted an elegant, understate, spare aesthetic that capitalized on the stunning views in all directions. We took inspiration from the classic apartments of Park Avenue for floor plans and layouts. We looked at the way spaces were traditionally used in terms of general lifestyle and the flow for entertaining in particular. Everything form the herringbone floors, to the baseboards, to the bathrooms with windows that can be seen throughout the half-floor model apartment references the work of historic Park Avenue buildings by the likes of Rosario Candela.

Which artists—and what kind of artwork—would you like to see in these spaces at 432 Park?
The walls here are vast and are designed to take art. In the model apartment there are “Seascape” photographs by Hiroshi Sugimoto, prints by Ellsworth Kelly and Donald Sultan, and the table by Yves Klein. Old Master paintings would work just as well as the light and spaces are so beautiful.

Which building or buildings do you think are the greatest of all time?
It’s hard to narrow it down, but I’m a huge fan of both Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and the First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana, is among my favorites. The space, light, and materiality all make this sacred building feel not too precious. Louis Kahn’s library at the Phillips Exeter Academy is another great one. The materiality of it has influenced me forever.

What is one place that you’ve traveled to in the past year that really impressed you from a design perspective?
The attention to detail in Japan is incredible. It seems that everything is highly considered, from both a visual and functional perspective. This is true to the architecture, yes, but of every other craft, too. Fabric design, cooking, urban design—they all have a connection to quality and tradition, which is felt even if the idea or expression is new. Naoshima, an art-filled island, is a great example of this.

You famously eschew clutter. What’s an area of your life where you make an exception?
Books. I can’t get rid of them and they line the shelves in both my New York City apartment and at my home in Long Island. From art and architecture tomes, to fiction, to biographies to books about philosophy, I’m an avid collector.

What are the books on your bedside table?
Many at any given time. I’m currently reading the Alexander Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow; Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by New Yorker proofreader Mary Norris; and James Salter’s A Sport and a Pastime. Next up will be 1939, a book about the failure of diplomacy to stop World War II. I always have a stack of magazines, too—everything from Vogue and Allure to The Economist and The Nation.

Connor NYC

Superlative hand-engraved stationery

I recently stumbled upon a sleek, elegant stationery brand whose classic yet contemporary designs I have completely fallen for. All Connor NYC’s offerings – including its correspondence paper, cards, place cards and even drinks coasters – are produced at its atelier in France, using custom dies, intricate hand-engraved designs and the world’s finest paper, and then hand-stamped in the US. The results take note writing to a whole other, very opulent level.

I was immediately struck by the exquisitely simple Jupiter cards ($85 for a set of 12) – uniquely oversized in creamy paper and hand-stamped with a raised, tactile copper planet motif. The Celestial cards ($95 for 12) were equally arresting, decorated with a bold gold and green sun/moon icon (which also features on a calendar, $135, complete with a tiny brass easel). Both sets of cards come with tissue-lined envelopes – the former in bright orange, the latter in a delicate nude – and are packaged in Connor’s signature dove-grey boxes and tied with understated grosgrain ribbons. I quickly settled on a box of each; they would make perfect Christmas presents as well as festive missives.

Other lust-worthy designs include Medallion ($85 for 12, pictured) – pearl-coloured cards with copper embellishment, and either contrasting turquoise or complementary green and gold tissue-lined envelopes – and the limited-edition Hand of Fatima cards ($125 for 12). This collaboration with textile designer Madeline Weinrib features a gold icon and hand edging, juxtaposed with a cerise envelope lining. And if you don’t see a design to your liking, Connor also creates bespoke orders.

A 19th-Century Carriage House is Transformed into an Artful Setting for Two Young Collectors

We didn’t want a pristine, untouched space,” says Anamarie “Pink” Pasdar of the 2,800-square-foot carriage house in the Mission that she and her husband, former Apple executive Iain Newton, spent more than a year renovating. “The fact that we didn’t need a car to be in the center of the action was another plus. After years spent living in New York and London, this particular house—with its funky ’70s bohemian vibe and great flow—just felt like home.”

Pasdar and Newton are art collectors, avid travelers, busy parents, cooks and hosts. His family from the U.K. visits frequently, as do the couple’s friends from around the world. So a house with communal spaces for entertaining and a guest room were requisites. After just one meeting, architect Patrick Flynn of Envelope Architecture + Design was selected to realize the duo’s vision for a home that would patina over time. “We wanted materials and finishes that would wear well as they aged—floors that would be enhanced by scuff marks, not flawed,” says Pasdar.

Following LEED guidelines and sourcing locally wherever possible, the couple also worked closely with interior designer Ilaria Ventriglia Burke to create a series of clean, bright spaces that employ natural colors and materials, as well as stark white walls that show off their collection of works by contemporary artists Banksy, Jeremy Evans and Andre Razo to brilliant effect.

In these communal areas, Ventriglia Burke (“an incredibly definitive, Neapolitan decision-maker,” says Pasdar) was able to help the couple incorporate the furnishings, art and mementos gathered from their far-flung adventures. The dining room is a perfect case in point: Floors made of reclaimed wood from an Oregon hops factory coexist with a Milo Baughman table and an eclectic conglomeration of cocoon-like Hannes Wettstein leather chairs by Cassina, as well as with Shaker-esque wooden versions by Britain’s Ercol. Playful 1920s-era crystal chandeliers cast a gentle glow throughout the space where, as Ventriglia Burke points out, “every piece tells a story, and the room is a total mirror of who they are.”

In the lofty master bedroom, it’s all about the high-low mix: A pair of locally made chairs comfortably coexists with Paul Evans side tables of inlaid wood and mirror. An old Sherwin-Williams paint sample board-cum-installation makes for an unexpected centerpiece, while the original fireplace—complete with a disco ball rumored to be from Studio 54 and given as a birthday gift by Newton to Pasdar—adorns the hearth. Artworks include prints from San Francisco gallery Ratio 3 and a series of small, abstract works by Andre Razo that hang next to the minimalist, Matthew Hilton-designed leather bed frame. A ladder serves as functional objet d’art leading to a loft-like storage area above.

A respect for the original structure and its materials carried over to the kitchen where warm bay-laurel floors and gray soapstone and granite countertops set a practical-yet-sleek culinary stage. Even the stairs have stories to tell, and each serves as a gallery for photographs, drawings and prints. “One staircase was stripped down to its original, acid-green paint,” says Ventriglia Burke. “We initially tried to find a runner to cover it, nothing was as beautiful as the original, worn wood.”

Galerie Patrick Seguin opens in London

An exhibition of Jean Prouvé’s prefabs kicks things off with a bang

Paris’ Galerie Patrick Seguin is something of a mecca for those who love 20th-century French design, and on Sunday October 11 it opens its doors in London’s Mayfair, an area rapidly becoming something of a design district.

Much like the Paris gallery, this 65sq m space on Brook Street, next to Claridge’s, will feature an alternating programme of art, architecture and design highlighting the work of French modernists, including Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Royère and Seguin’s speciality Jean Prouvé, an exhibition of whose works opens the space.

This inaugural show (running until Saturday December 19) is dedicated to two of Prouvé’s most important demountable houses – the prefabricated, portable structures he designed in the aftermath of the second world war, when affordable buildings were in short supply. Collectors include Miuccia Prada, Azzedine Alaïa, Maja Hoffmann and Richard Prince, and Seguin is regarded as the foremost dealer – even owning 20 himself. Displaying the built structures in a gallery setting presents a serious challenge, so it’s an ambitious show to open with.

The first house, seen at Design Miami/Basel in June, is an adaptation of Prouvé’s 6x6 Demountable House (1944, €1.25m) by award-winning architecture practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. It combines Prouvé’s original metal and wood structure with added modern conveniences, including a satellite bathroom and kitchen, and solar power. Originally designed to house displaced victims of war in Lorraine, France, the 6x6 will be represented in the gallery by its frame (along with other 6x6 related items) and furnished with midcentury pieces that complement the original aesthetic.

The second ambitious work, Temporary School at Villejuif (1956, €3.5m, pictured), is an asymmetrical structure made of sheet-steel props that support a wooden cantilevered roof. Exhibited earlier this year at Gagosian in New York, this building was the architect’s response to the need for versatile rooms and is considered a milestone of 20th-century architecture and engineering.

“Prouvé was a visionary and his historic and inspiring structures were so ahead of their time,” says Seguin. “The inherent beauty of many of his creations is obvious, but he never claimed his work was intended to be aesthetically pleasing. It is rather the perfect match of form and function. He is, and will remain, a modern icon.”

Bespoke books from Twigg’s Bindery

Commission beautiful tomes with smart spines

“The thing I love about books is that they are a vehicle for self-expression, learning and reflection,” explains Jonna Twigg, founder of Twigg’s Bindery, a Brooklyn-based studiothatproduces leather and fabric journals, hand-stitched with thread and wax-embroidery floss (third picture).

For nearly a decade, Twigg’s Bindery has served the niche binding needs of discerning private clients, as well as museums, including the Smithsonian. Her custom creations (all featuring signature long-stitch, flat binding that makes each one a unique work of art) range from simple diaries to wedding albums using sumptuous silk, suede or rare decorative paper, and books for children – 100 of which were recently created for a family playroom (costing $20,000). “Those children will be expressing themselves through those books for years to come,” says Twigg. “How nice to have the evolution of thought and ability all together in a set of beautiful books that will be a treasure for the children and parents alike.”

From the outset, Twigg has been committed to premium American-made cover materials – vegetable-tanned leather, raw silk, linen or satin – and colourful binding patterns. Commissions (about $200-$3,000) begin with a discussion about size, paper, typeface and palette, and while it’s possible to commission from afar, a visit to the vibrant Fort Greene studio offers the chance to see Twigg’s artisans in action, as well as her stunning swatch board and range of ribbons.

Among the most popular requests are leather journals ($120-$250) featuring 80lb Mohawk Superfine paper (first picture), chosen for its opacity, with binding in hues of cyan, fuchsia or ivory – to name just a few. Each cover can be personalised with embossed messages or initials, and volumes come wrapped in fine-wool/cashmere protective bags. Tone-on-tone fabric-and-thread hardbacks ($120-$180) are a particular speciality; spines in shades of saffron, red or cornflower (second picture) add a pop of colour to a bookshelf.

Modern General store

A Santa Fe emporium of the sensible yet chic

Contemporary takes on the old-school general store are something of a growing trend. One such is Modern General in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which sells assorted tools, kitchen gadgets and other practical odds and ends, all with a sleek farmhouse aesthetic, and also serves the most delicious breakfast in town.

Like any good general store, Modern General stocks the basics: fruit and vegetables from proprietress Erin Wade’s farm in nearby Nambé, New Mexico, barrels of organic and heirloom wheat, gluten-free flours and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. But the airy space is also full of treasures – tasteful, locally sourced ones as well as the finest kitchen accessories from France, Italy and Scandinavia. Los Poblanos soap ($12) – artisanal bars from a farm in Albuquerque – and silverware from France by Guy Degrenne ($35 per setting) were among my favourites. A utilitarian paring knife by Nogent ($16), rolls of Nutscene twine ($9) and a leather-handled Sportman’s axe by Estwing ($51) were all new to me. I left with a couple of jars of local honey ($16), a sculptural cutting board hewn from ancient Tuscan olive trees ($70) and a small hand-hammered copper frying pan ($210) that was crafted in Mexico by the Amoretti Brothers. All the items have been chosen to “spark joy in the user”, says Wade.

This is Wade’s second Santa Fe venture; she is also chef/owner of my favourite lunch spot in the city, the vibrant, design-led Vinaigrette, which serves a chopped salad like no other. Happily, she’s brought some of her signature dishes to MG (as locals call it), such as the Czech kolache pastries and nutrient-packed green juices. The avocado on toast is perfectly delivered and the purple barley porridge can be washed down with single-origin coffee, but perhaps best of all is the atmosphere: convivial and bursting with local colour.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Westchester County

The vibe of New York can be draining, so my weekends in Westchester are a restorative necessity. This is where I step away, spend time with family and friends and recharge my batteries. Our home is just an hour outside the city, so weekend escapes are very easy.

Saturday is my day to sleep in – a thing I never do during the week. After starting the day with a matcha green-tea latte and seven-grain toast topped with smoked salmon and avocado, I’ll head to the John Jay Homestead farm market in Katonah to stock up on provisions for the meals I like to cook over the weekend. I am always inspired by what is fresh and I’ll buy whatever vegetables, berries, cheeses and country breads look appealing.  

Our days are centred around being outside, so after a full shop I’ll take my daughter Chloe [15] to Echo Farm, where I’ll ride while she has a lesson. Or we’ll go canoeing on Lake Waccabuc [pictured]; it’s very peaceful and the perfect antidote to the city. Back home, I like to walk in the woods, foraging for wild berries and mushrooms to use in various dishes later.

We’ll have a casual lunch at the house – a roast chicken with simple mixed greens, a tomato salad and sautéed corn. The afternoon is then spent visiting Gossett Brothers Nursery, where I like buying plants and flowers for the house and garden, particularly roses and peonies.

Evenings are our time for trying the great – and varied – cuisine the area has to offer. Blue Hill at Stone Barns is always an incredible experience, with visits to the on-site greenhouse making it even more special. Chef Dan Barber’s signature “vegetables on a fence” features the freshest, simplest ingredients – baby carrots, fennel, tiny radishes – and I know I’m eating food straight from the field. If we feel like seafood, Purdy’s Farmer & the Fish is the place to go, while the relaxed 121 in North Salem serves the best goat’s cheese and caramelised-onion pizza.

For a fun night with friends, we’ll head to Truck for creative New Mexican food and margaritas, or to Campagna at the Bedford Post Inn, where chef Michael White of Marea serves amazing branzino and fusilli with pork ragù. The evening often ends with a nightcap – Hudson Valley whiskey, tequila or a good cold beer – enjoyed next to our outdoor firepit.

I’m always first up on Sunday so I’ll walk the dogs and prepare a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit for my family. I use this quiet time to check emails from my restaurants. Saturday nights are key in my business and I like to know how my chefs are doing. We’ll then visit the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, which has 25 endangered red and grey wolves and all sorts of interesting workshops and guided walks – as well as “evening howls”.

Lunch is always a huge spread, with ribs, fish, chicken and vegetables, all cooked on our custom-made stone grill. My wife Marja might make a Korean dish too. Our friends and family – often 12 or more people – like coming over because they’re sure the food will be good and the atmosphere low-key. After that, we’ll do more hiking or canoeing before heading back to the city for an early dinner.

Sunday nights are spent with the whole family, including my two older children – Cedric, the chef at Perry Street, and Louise, the creative force at Chefs Club – and our two grandchildren. By this point, we’re all ready for great sushi, so we’ll go to the sleek EN Japanese Brasserie in West Village or Nobu in Tribeca. My Sundays typically end early – I’m in bed by 9pm – so that I’m rested for the busy week ahead in my kitchens.

Finally! A Hotel We Can Love in Notting Hill

Fathom contributing editor Christina Ohly has lived in London on and off for years. Now based in NYC, she recently checked in to a Victorian townhouse in London's Notting Hill that's been updated with stylish modern charm, a serious art collection, and a killer chef serving snacks behind the bar.

CHECKING IN

Overview

You may know the areas in and around London's W2, W8, and W11 post codes as Kensington and Notting HIll, but I consider them my second home. I've never been able to find anywhere (at least of a certain standard) to stay when visiting, until the recent opening of The Laslett, a chic boutique hotel spread across five gorgeous, stucco-fronted townhouses in Pembridge Gardens. Design-led touches — modernist furniture and fabrics, a curated ground-floor boutique, Samsung LED TVs, and classic British antiques and objets d'art sourced by Jerome Dodd of Les Couilles du Chien — make this unique hotel feel like a cozy home away from home.

Claims to Fame

The lobby, library, bar, and rooms are filled with art by British favorites like Barbara Hulanicki and Barry Kamen, giving the hotel a gallery feel.The Laslett is home to Henderson Bar, named after Russell Henderson, founder of the famed Notting Hill Carnival and creator of the bar's signature rum-based cocktail. Henderson Bar is also where you'll find the culinary genius of Sally Clarke on full, glorious display in her first food foray outside her eponymous restaurant. The overall design is another claim to fame: The Laslett is a collaboration between luxury specialist Living Rooms and interior design firm Waldo Works, who have peppered the rooms with cool custom finishes and contemporary furniture by UK brands like Race Studio and Pinch.

What's on Site

Henderson Bar, which serves as the breakfast room, café, and cocktail lounge, is a lovely place to savor a cup of Workshop Coffee Company's strong brew or take down an orchard (a fresh-pressed apple, lemon, and ginger concoction) with one of Sally Clarke's perfectly flaky pains au chocolat. The library's literary offerings are another bonus, as is the shop's creative mix of jewelry by Les Glorieuses, art tomes, assorted knickknacks, and Neal's Yard Remedies creams and gels.

The Food

There is no formal restaurant, but guests can order platters piled high with Neal's Yard cheeses and charcuterie and Sally Clarke's delicious baked goods and homemade muesli at breakfast. You know parents are behind this operation, as there is a dedicated children's menu offering pizzettes, toasted sandwiches, and ice cream all day. The Laslett is perfect for craft cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres, but neighboring restaurants like The Ledbury, Wolfe, and Pizza East are the real culinary draw.

Room with a View

The 51 rooms, including eight suites, are set across five townhouses in a soothing Scandinavian palette on the quiet, tree-lined surroundings of Pembridge Gardens. Master bedroom suites are the way to go: Several have separate living room spaces, making them ideal for families. Double bedrooms offer value for money (as the Brits say) with beautiful finishes like bespoke light fixtures by Nocturne Workshop, sumptuous textiles by Eleanor Pritchard, and a full array of Neal's Yard Remedies and plush robes for use in the state-of-the-art bathroom. Ask for a garden-facing room to capitalize on the great natural light (whenever possible) and absorb the West London neighborhood feel.

This Place is Perfect For

Local color. The Laslett is a gem for design junkies and anyone who wants to feel like they are staying at the home of a stylish, slightly boho British friend. It's perfect for lovers of good literature: Each room is outfitted with copies of Penguin classics like Mrs. Dalloway and The Canterbury Tales.

But Not So Perfect For

Anyone looking for that polished Mayfair five-star experience. The Laslett is all about stylish charm, not fine porcelain and starched linens.

Notting Hill has always been cool, but the W2 area has seen a major resurgence in popularity over the past few years due to its incredible restaurants and cafes, proximity to shops on Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road, and beautiful parks like Kensington Gardens.

What to Do Nearby

Kids will love Diana Memorial Playground at the top of Kensington Gardens. Anglophiles of all ages should flock to Kensington Palace — Will and Kate's former abode — for tea time at Orangery. Saturday mornings are all about Portobello Market, where dedicated scavengers find all kinds of bits and bobs — antique nautical equipment, hotel silver, vintage toys — before heading to Electric Cinema for lunch and screenings of the latest films in comfy leather chairs.

Food is a major focus in this area, and Granger and Farm Girl are two of the best breakfast spots in any London post code. Book a table at Clarke's on picturesque Kensington Church Street, where Sally Clarke serves unbelievably delicious set menus of Devonshire crab, organic lamb, British and Irish cheeses, as well as trifles, tarts, and decadent chocolate tortes. Books For Cooks remains one of the best foodie bookshops on the planet, and E&O next door is still a great spot for people watching and prawn and chive dumplings.

For more shopping, head to Kensington High Street for the world's best, most civilized Whole Foods, or entertain yourself at nearby Print Room, an eclectic theatre company housed in the iconic Coronet Theatre at Notting Hill Gate.

BOOK IT

Rates start at £275. Click here for reservations.

FIND IT

The Laslett
8 Pembridge Gardens
Notting Hill, London W2 4DU
+44-0-20-7792-6688
reservations@thelaslett.co.uk

Dara Rosenfield Designs a Nob Hill Pied-á-Terre for Carpet Couturier Mark Nelson

"I wanted a luxury hotel suite,” says couture carpet designer Mark Nelson of his first Bay Area home, a petite pied-à-terre atop Nob Hill. He achieved the look and feel of a sumptuous little suite with the help of noted Bay Area interior designer Dara Rosenfeld. Together, the duo transformed a 450-square-foot space into a jewel box of urbane textures and hues, finally giving New York–based Nelson—who for years has traveled regularly to San Francisco to provide exquisite bespoke carpets to the A-list of the city’s interior designers—a stylish residence in San Francisco.

Longtime collaborators and friends, Nelson trusted Rosenfeld’s aesthetic so completely that he put in a bid on the light-filled property sight unseen, based solely upon her recommendation. (A devoted foodie, Nelson was also seduced by the building’s proximity to b. patisserie and Bi-Rite.) The result of their six-month collaboration is a sophisticated space that is serene, intimate and, importantly, turnkey, for the bicoastal designer.

“I grew to love this city—the serious design community that share my aesthetic, my group of friends, all of the fantastic restaurants,” says Nelson. “I wanted a place here to call home.”

To maximize usable space, Rosenfeld conceived of a custom series of hidden closets, utilitarian cubbies and a Murphy bed—complete with bedside tables—that seamlessly merges into the wall. Recessed lighting casts a sleek glow, while custom-made, wall-to-wall European carpets (in a weave that, says Nelson, “looks like a sisal, but with more depth”) were chosen to make the room appear larger. And a stylish, art-filled work niche features a cantilevered walnut desk, with all cords and cables neatly tucked out of the way.

Since the home looks out onto city rooftops, “I wanted colors and finishes that mimicked the light of the dusk in San Francisco,” says Nelson. Rosenfeld adds, “The term ‘greige’ is often overused, but the color works beautifully here, especially when paired with hints of plum and lavender.” She began by wrapping the space in a smoky gray Soie wallpaper by Elitis, and then extended the colorway into sumptuous fabrics: drapes in Osborne & Little’s Oscura woven strié fabric in a khaki hue; sofa upholstered in DeLany & Long Neptune Velvet in Driftwood; and a set of dining chairs in a fine mohair—“our ultimate treasure-hunt find,” says Nelson.

An eclectic mix of contemporary pieces and fine antiques gives the apartment its unique flair. A clean-lined Paul Evans coffee table with silver and gold accents serves as a focal point for the room; a 1950s T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings slipper chair provides a swank spot for reading; a classic Paul McCobb dresser adjoins the sofa; and a striking 1960s French amethyst lamp sourced from Lebreton Gallery adds texture and subtle hue.

“I trust Dara implicitly, so this was the easiest transaction ever,” says Nelson of the renovation. “I was looking for an understated, comfortable environment—with nothing flashy—that I could call my home away from home. This apartment is the yin to my New York yang.”

A version of this article appeared in the September 2015 issue of San Francisco Cottages & Gardens with the headline: Little Luxuries.

Tabitha Simmons talks personal taste: Part One

British stylist-turned-shoe designer Tabitha Simmons brings exquisite craftsmanship and a cool eccentricity to her eponymous label. This year she was voted CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year

My personal style signifiers are a Chanel bouclé jacket, skinny Rag & Bone jeans, and either a white or stripy shirt by Equipment. I pair this go-everywhere outfit with my own pointy boots with a buckle. I also keep my hair very dark and, in true British style, wear it slightly unkempt. www.chanel.com. www.equipmentfr.com. www.rag-bone.com.

The last thing I bought and loved was a dragonfly table by Emile Gallé. I absolutely adore this art nouveau piece and it sits in my living room in my New York house. The mahogany legs are carved like dragonflies and I feel unbelievably lucky to have found it at auction.

Simmons’ Dolce & Gabbana basket-weave box bag | Image: Circe Hamilton

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a pair of diamond bird earrings from SJ Phillips in London. I have been coveting these romantic pieces for some time, and I check on them periodically to make sure they are still there. www.sjphillips.com.

A recent “find” is the Big Sur Bakery in California, a special wood-fired bakery and restaurant set in an old ranch house just off scenic Highway 1. It serves the best open avocado sandwiches on sourdough bread I’ve ever tasted. 47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 (+1831-667 0520; www.bigsurbakery.com).

The last music I downloaded was Stay Gold by the Swedish duo First Aid Kit. I love these girls’ folk-pop sound. They have great personal style, too.

The last items I added to my wardrobe were a basket-weave box bag with red leather trim  and a red and cream dress with pale-pink buttons, both by Dolce & Gabbana. The dress has long sleeves, is quite fitted and cut long, perfect for day or an evening out. www.dolcegabbana.com.

Estée Lauder Double Wear concealer, $24 for 25fl oz

The place that inspires me is the rambling English countryside, particularly Dartmoor in Devon. The granite hilltops, rivers and bogs are beautiful, and the way that the mist rolls in is spooky but magical.

The best gift I’ve given recently was a zipped Chanel tweed and wool pouch, to my business partner’s mother as a thank you present. www.chanel.com.

Dustin Yellin glass-encased sculptures | Image: Circe Hamilton

And the best one I’ve received was a poem in a hand-painted, decorated wood frame given to me by my children at a Mother’s Day tea at their school. It has a very special place on my desk and I cherish it.

The beauty staples I’m never without are Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner for my colour-treated hair – it leaves it softer and more manageable; Touche Eclat by YSL, superb for brightening around the eyes; and Estée Lauder’s Double Wear concealer [pictured], a new favourite that gives excellent coverage. Estée Lauder Double Wear concealer, $24 for 25fl oz; www.esteelauder.com. Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner, from $22 for 200ml; www.beauty.com. YSL Touche Eclat, £25; www.yslbeauty.com.

Simmons’ Alexander McQueen hand-painted, pleated silk skirt | Image: Circe Hamilton

The artists whose work I would collect if I could are Damien Hirst – I love his butterfly paintings; Francis Bacon, whose figurative painting I adore; and Brooklyn artist Dustin Yellin. I have a few of his glass-encased sculptures that resemble objects floating in air – his pieces have an eerie life to them.

Objects I would never part with include my collection of Alexander McQueen dresses and one of his hand-painted, pleated silk skirts that is very special to me; a Dolce & Gabbana gold embroidered jacket given to me by the designers many years ago; and the first shoe from my first collection. It is a black and cream wedge with a black bow and symbolises the realisation of my dreams.

My favourite websites are Moda Operandi for fashion; I love its immediacy – you can see the shows and order pieces right away. I also like Net-a-Porter for quick and easy shopping gratification, the BBC for news, Vogue.com for the latest style updates, and AbeBooks for rare or out-of- print titles. www.abebooks.co.uk. www.bbc.co.uk. www.modaoperandi.com. www.net-a-porter.com. www.vogue.com.