Here is another story about taking "the bus" to "design." The timing of these two events on this blog is pure coincidence.




The Domino: The Book of Decorating Release Party at the J.Crew Collection Boutique for me began auspiciously last night. After a revitalizing after-work swim, the M101 bus and I were perfectly in sync at 3rd Avenue and 47th Street, where it whisked me uptown to one of the more fashionable parties I have attended in a long while.

If I may focus on the fashions of the evening for a moment, one key trend I noticed was wool tights and patent leather shoes, often combined with wool skirts with a luxe sheen and cashmere sweaters. This alternating effect of shiny-rich-shiny-rich from toe to head was quite attractive. I have to say, after last night's event, I am a fan of J.Crew's new aesthetic. An aesthetic that is thanks to Jenna Lyons Mazeau, Creative Director of J.Crew who worked her way up from assistant designer (I like this sort of success story), and who is now featured in a ten-page spread in the November issue of Domino (pp. 102-111) and on page 165 of the new Domino book.

I personally would suggest a shopping trip to the J.Crew Collection Boutique on Madison and 79th, if not only to further investigate the clothing, shoes and one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, but also to check out the original artwork and light fixtures from Jenna's own home. You will, course want to buy the Domino book too. For the full effect.

I will let my photos and captions tell the rest of the story.

Each guest was given a copy of the new Domino: The Book of Decorating.
I am savoring each page.


I was offered a vodka shot and caviar as soon as I walked in.
Very nice.


At 7:15pm, the party was in full swing.


Dainty hors d'oeuvres.


The well-heeled crowd.


I must get some wool tights and patent leather shoes.


More wool tights and patent leather shoes.
You want some now too, don't you.


One-of-a-kind jewelry under glass.


A color story that caught my eye. Follow the links.
Bootcut cords in "Faded Cement" with skinny silver belt.
Navy/white striped Victoria Ruffle Shirt
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Citron
Jacket, check this piece out in-store.


Shoe display at J.Crew Collection Boutique.
I love that sculpture.


Check out the grey walls in the shoe area of the Collection Boutique,
and read the November issue of Domino to find out more.

Display table at J.Crew Collection Boutique. The "roses" they created with the
pant hems are so clever.

Cursive at ABC Carpet & Home is a must-shop for stationary enthusiasts, and a must-see for those who love color, harmonious retail displays, and unique objects. In addition to beautifully bound leather books and elegant writing supplies, Cursive also carries jewelry and "curiosities" including decoupage trays by John Derian. Located on the first floor of the ABC flagship store, to the right of the main entrance.


Cursive at ABC
888 Broadway, 1st Floor
646.602.3806

John Derian's decoupage plates

Inside John Derian Company Inc in the East Village,
there are curious objects everywhere you look.

I love how Bergdorf Goodman recreated John Derian's signature aesthetic on the 7th floor last Tuesday to showcase the decoupage designer's debut furniture collection. So much so that I wanted to pay a visit to Derian's East Village shops, and study his smaller design objects more closely. He has two shops right next store to each other on 2nd Street, between Bowery and 2nd Avenue.

If you are shopping for one of Derian's decoupage designs, there is certainly no shortage of selection at his store. Wow! The density of the objects displayed is heady. The mix of objects is pleasing too: Astier de Villatte terracotta slip-glazed pottery (modern yet with a 19th century quality) are displayed alongside "finger sponges" and other natural objects that look more like scientific curiosities than things you can purchase. But purchase them, you can. I especially love the wall of "mushroom consoles" made by Mark St. Clair near the back of the store on the left.

John Derian's retail design and unique aesthetic seems to borrow from Charles Wilson Peale's ideas about museum displays (he was a naturalist and a painter; see this painting). When I browse through Derian's store, I feel like I am in a museum of ethnography from the late 19th century. There is a curious mix of curious objects excavated from times past, displayed in wood-frame glass vitrines where the glass has melted a bit. There is an overwhelming amount of objects to explore and the room can start to close in on you, but it is worth the time spent discovering.

A room on the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman is devoted entirely to
John Derian's new furniture collection and his signature aesthetic.
To the left of the table: the "Field" tufted bench, $6160.
Against the wall: the "Dromedary" love seat, $4860.


The "Fritillaria" chair, against the wall at near the table.
Upholstered: $3410. Slipcovered: $3740.

The designer of the hour, John Derian, third from left.

Please turn to page 44 of your June/July 2008 issue of Domino Magazine. You will see a full-page spread of John Derian's new five-piece furniture collection which debuted last night at Bergdorf Goodman. The cocktail party, sponsored by Domino, was an extremely enjoyable event to attend. Beautiful spacious surroundings, great people-watching and delicious hors d'oeuvres, which included seared tuna on toasted black sesame rice crackers, vegetable spring rolls, fava bean hummus on baguette, duck in blinis, and miniature crab cakes topped with guacamole. The specialty cocktail of the evening was a vodka lemonade garnished with mint and sliced lemon. Very refreshing.

But let's get back to the furniture at hand. John Derian's new collection of classic antique-inspired couches and arm chairs were displayed in a room with a similar aesthetic found in Derian's East Village shop. The five shapes (four couches and one chair) are offered in muslin and two shades of linen, neutral tones which will please many a Hamptons summer home owner and interior designer. The collection will be offered exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, on the seventh floor.

A Derian-style vignette.


Domino staffers peruse page 44.

The signature cocktail for the evening:
vodka lemonade garnished with mint and sliced lemon.

It was a cold and wet evening, but

the rain did not dampen the celebration.

Anything that comes in a Bergdorf Goodman envelope has got to be good! I will tell you about John Derian's new furniture collection (available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman) and the party presented by Domino Magazine and Bergdorfs tomorrow. It is nice to be a blogger. I like perks!