One of the wonderful things about living in New York is the ability to experience art, community and inspiration in one’s daily interactions. A Sunday excursion brought The Retail Sherpa to The Brooklyn Musuem of Art, for some inspiration. Behold, the exhibition of Solid Gold, which is denoted as a “shimmering exhibition dedicated to the element that has inspired countless works of art, fashion, film, music and design.”
The fashion exhibited was clearly the scene stealer, with shimmering looks from Christian Dior, Anna Sui, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin and The Blonds.
Seeing the Jeremy Scott winged shoe on display, I was reminded of my previous Brooklyn living experience, which I fondly call BK 1.0 and how I had nearly acquired those shoes as a part of my extensive sneakerdome. Rare moment of restraint when I opted out of purchasing …but I digress.
On the thought of living experience, my only criticism of the show is while it did showcase great shoes, it deserved a larger footprint. I really missed the copious opportunities to showcase gold, gilding and the patina of glamour in more home decor and furnishings. There were a few framed images and some scant furnishings, but I longed to see some of the functional and phenomenal golden shapes of centuries of design.
As a long time interior designer and stylist, there are a few patterns and elements I believe deserve presence in any home. Here is the short list:
A character piece, whether it be an heirloom or significant piece of art.
The snap of animal print. I tend to favor leopard or zebra for it’s design aesthetic.
Whimsy, which can come in so many forms.
GOLD. From chandeliers to furniture, mirrors and frames, to decor accents and it may just be in juxtaposition with all of the above.
The following selections are some of my designations that are not only Musuem worthy but may also deserve a place in your own home or commercial space.
Worth your Weight in Gold
I remember meeting the team behind the UBarre 4lb Weight at a small makers show in Beverly Hills. Form and function merge, especially for those who choose to live in tiny spaces. This is the perfect fitness implement that doesn’t need hidden under the bed.A Book to Make you Brighter
This sexy little book, Gold & Silver Metallic Graphics, highlights the use of both gold and silver in a myriad of uses from bossy business cards to chocolate packaging and typography.The OG (Old Gold)
Louis XV; authentic or reproduced, ornate furniture carvings elevate any space and can pair with even the most contemporary environments. Better, the marriage of animal print with gold. Two million Versace fans couldn’t be wrong.Golden Globes
Although the Brooklyn show included Gold Records and an Oscar, you need not be famously wealthy to accent with these bookends from Walmart. Both modern and metallic, they get the job done with style and simplicity.
The Juice
This exaggerated juicer by Phillipe Starck for Alessi is money. A solid investment to up your counter game.Gilding the Lily
IMHO, it’s not possible to over embellish. Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors as one example. Dolce and Gabbana’s gold bedroom, another. But if too much is just too much for you, might I suggest a floral fragrance candle from Cire Trudon. Just a hint of gold but ever glowing.A Troy Ounce
A few flecks of gold in the office make everyday correspondence, just a little more elevated but also evoke wealth and abundance. I personally keep a bit of pyrite near my laptop for good fortune manifestation. But you can also present your gram-er infatuation with a gold sharpie, Uni-ball pen or metallic binder clips.
What everyday objects, furnishings and magpie moments populate your space?
And if you need assistance incorporating magnificent metallics into your world, drop me a line.