Spotlight On: Alfredo Paredes

Alfredo Paredes is living the Ralph Lauren dream; Hell, he helped create the RL dream!  As the executive VP and chief creative officer, Alfredo is responsible for guiding the company's vision of curating the evocative environments that we all want to step into.

He and his partner writer Brad Goldfarb moved into and renovated an East Village loft that was recently featured in Architectural Digest

This magnificent space was a former hospital, and then a music school.  Alfredo saw beyond the flaws and challenges, as a creative mind does, and reimagined the 2,500 sq. foot penthouse.  The 80's aesthetic was replaced - and with an air of history and a modern quality, an artist garret was born.

I love how you would naturally feel enveloped in warmth, and it has oooh la la, so much style

The couple's last apartment below was featured in Elle Decor some time ago.   Have style, will travel.  From store design to consistent product presentation, the vision is pure Ralph Lauren.  From Madison Avenue to the Mountain Modern collection, I'll dip my toes into this lifestyle anytime. 

AD ph: Miguel Flores-Vianna, Elle Decor ph: Pieter Estershon

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Sophisticated Nurseries

Because, if you have a baby you know they grow fast.  So you know that the pleasure of them being a baby is pretty much about "enjoy it while it lasts."  And with all that said, a nursery is not about the grownups, as is for the little ones to come home to a place where they'll develop their senses, feel cozy, and be happily welcomed. Remember they come from a dark and tight space.  Here is to the sophisticated parents who choose to think about their child’s happiness without sacrificing style.  Enjoy!... While it lasts.

Love, love this nursery.  The carpet reminds me of this. 

Love the retro vibe in this nursery.  I love it that the wood wall is very modern and not so dark.

This nursery is over the top with a Murano chandelier and fancy curtains.  I think the crib has too much wood but the wallpaper is beautiful.

Catherine Martin circus wallpaper is lovely for a nursery room.

Oval cribs take less space than regular rectangle ones but they don't transition into toddler beds and they may turn a little bit smaller than usual once the baby grows but they are pretty though.

And finally the very innovative nursery of Jenna Lyons's baby boy.  This is the room responsible for setting off a rage for striped nursery ceilings. 

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Study furniture designs.

Study furniture designs.

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Kitchen of the week: A French Kitchen

This French kitchen is tangible proof that a space with eye-sore obstacles do not scare the French away, not even slightly.  Instead, the challenge encourages them to make the best of it in a “when life throws you a lemon”... way.  This kitchen, with its stone hexagon floor, is not only small, but it has a very challenging, exposed steal load bearing column, right in front of the contrasting modern cabinets that would make anyone's head go wacky at the thought of working around it.  Even then, this kitchen looks awesome!  It's full of independent, interesting details such as the rustic beam ceiling, the crystal chandelier, the Luis XVI chairs and that very expensive glossy black  fridge. All pieces, even while foreigners, are mingling together as an adopted family which only grows stronger in love.  Enjoy!

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Meet Costanza Pascolato

I got back from Sao Paulo over the weekend and guess who I met at the plane, coincidentally, none other than Sig Bergamin.  Remember I posted about him a few weeks ago.  We chatted while picking up our bags.  Amazing coincidence!

We had a great time while in Brazil and looked at as many houses and flats as you can imagine.  I have photos to share with you in a few days.  At the end of our hunt we were debating between two great contenders, one on a 28th floor -I'm afraid of heights- and another on a 14th floor.  No need to say which one we picked.  I could never sleep knowing I'm so high from the ground.

 Costanza Pascolato

 Please God make me look like Costanza when I'm in my 70's!  Amen!

On another note, while reading and trying to know more about Brazil I came across Costanza Pascolato.  The incredibly stylish Vogue Brazil contributor who is 73 years-old and looks incredible!  Italian-born, she is still photographed on the streets and very much admired by fashion bloggers.  I found some images of her home which is as stylish as she and wanted to share with you.

“My home is where I focus a lot of my energy now."  Costanza Pascolato
 

I want to thank all of those who have sent good wishes to my upcoming move to Sao Paulo and also to the Paulistanians who have emailed me with recommendations and insights.  I truly appreciate it.

Photos by Luis Gomes for de vida estilo

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Dining By Design 2012 ~ Part Deux

HBA

Minimalist zen space by architect  David Ling.  A clever use of corrugated light boxes and niches.  All you have to do is pull up a railroad tie and have a seat

Fine rooftop dining replete with a pigeon or two by another architect, Arpad Baksa.  The attention to detail did not go unnoticed.

Libby Langdon for Liebherr combined two of my favorite things ~ great lighting by the way of a wine bottle installation by By Gordon Living and Ikat for a rustic elegant effect.  Note to self:  find a client who can use this fixture!

And speaking of elegant, Maya Romanoff  does what they do best ~ Simply elegant, sophisticated, fashion forward wall coverings rooted in nature, inspiring my favorite table.  Their bedazzled paper was the perfect compliment to the melange of elements.

Mark Cunningham's table honoring the Ralph Lauren EVP and chief creative officer Alfredo Paredes.
DIFFA's  Dining by Design 2012  was honoring Mr. Paredes for his many years of service as a trustee.

And... the Ralph Lauren room, not just a tablescape, never disappoints.  That's what I love about RL, they (he) always want to set the stage for an experience.  No matter that is was an unseasonably warm March day.  The icicles, frost, and fire made me long for winter to last a little longer.

Let's talk more about Alfredo Paredes next time, shall we?

ph:CLI

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