Home Style, Modern Tuscan Villa

Not your usual Tuscan villa... Designed by Piero Lissoni, this stunning home is a lesson in modern restraint.   There is an elegance and refinement that goes with the Villa title but with the minimal application and sparse luxe finishes, it belongs decidedly in this century.

No gilt, no adornment, no flourish to be found here - just deliberate placement, clean lines, open spaces and a beautiful serenity.  

Of course, the view is still there, visible from every room through frameless windows and enjoyed under the streamlined pergola where a glass of red is obligatory at the end of the day! 

Shall I bring a glass for you?...

More images via Minimalissmo

A Room With A View... Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

I don't want to go anywhere today - it's been raining all night and the ground is soggy and muddy.  I have an idea... I'll stay indoors and find a spot near some light and a huge window.. with a cup of green tea and magazine of course.

Below, a large glassed wall to keep the weather out and bring that natural bush setting inside.   Serene and spacious but private and remote as well.  I love it!

This home is situated in a beach side town (not that you'd know that from this view), and 5 minutes away there are cafes, restaurants and stylish homewares stores to tempt you away from your quiet.

Ummm, I think I'll stay indoors today...

Image via Dezeen

The Red Carpet

Did you get your fix of red carpet arrivals today at Academy Awards ceremony?  I missed the actual show but managed to see some arrivals online and there were probably only two (perhaps 3), standouts for me.

Amongst all the metallics, white, cream and blush tones I loved Charlize Theron and Naomi Watts this year.

Charlize because she just rocked that simple, elegant gown with her fabulous new cropped hair and Naomi because she shone in her silvery, metallic Armani Prive gown with that asymmetrical bodice.  Both ladies wore gowns that were quite flattering on them - it's that simple.  Also Amy Adams in that pale grey Oscar De La Renta was really cute (I can't seem to download that image!).  Who was your favourite?

Congratulations to all the winners ... and now I'm waiting for the re-run which will be on later this evening!

Have a great night.


PS:  can't wait to see the gowns at the after parties too!

Illustrations by me

In The Schedule

The end of another week brings with it some downtime hopefully and a chance to enjoy a little more summer sun (with sunscreen of course!).

Here's my list of things I found earlier this week on my travels...

+ You know what makes the year go faster? ... It's the endless schedule of fashion weeks!  Usually there are so many photos of shows, gowns, shoes, accessories & makeup that it ends up a blur and by the end of it I can't quite remember what the next season will be about.  But one thing that tends to jump out at me is colour and structure, especially when captured through the lens of Jamie Beck as the Marchesa Fall 2013 collection was above.  Grand entrance making gowns, bold painterly colourways, refined intricate embroidery the collection was inspired by a Goya painting.  And they would fit perfectly on the red carpet during the Oscars next week don't you think?  More images here.

Susan Sarandon wearing Diamond Pave, American Natural Pearl and Monstone Double Pendant

+  Jewellery brand Ten Thousand Things  from NY is celebrating it's 20th year with a collaboration with photographers Inez & Vinoodh to capture one off designs worn by some of famous fans and loyal customers.  Fans include Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore and Kristen Stewart wearing an array of bold and sculptural pieces.   The designs will then be auctioned online and all proceeds going to a charity of the celebrities' choice.   The photography is stunning and designs equally so!   I think that is a fantastic initiative and a great way to give back both by the brand and by the celebrity.  More images here via V Magazine. 

+  In her new placement as Global Director at Harpers Bazaar, Carine Roitfeld styles the March 2013 issue with Spring's newest looks.  Vuitton, Dior, Alaia, Lanvin to name a few, shown in bold, in your face images by photographer Kacper Kasprzyk.   The issue is jammed packed with heaps of new seasons news (so much so, that I haven't even had a chance to turn a page yet!)... check out these few photos via Harpers Bazaar and a video of the shoot here.

+  Karlie Kloss shot for Vogue Espana by Alex Lubomirski via Design Scene.  I just loved the light in this shot above.

+  I love weddings and the journey through dress fittings to the big day don't you.  Well, then you'll love this photo journey of Photographer/Blogger Candice Lake's big day in Sydney and the fittings with Alberta Ferretti (no less!).  Her wedding gown covered in hand notched lace, beads and drapes and another dress for after the ceremony (above) just speak volumes of the delicate craftsmanship and light as air chiffons encrusted with beads and lace that is synonymous with Alberta's style.  Just beautiful!    More images via Vogue here.

Wendy Parkinson in Hardy Amies Suit
1956 Vogue

+ Finally, if you're visiting London from 1 March to 12 May, then head over to National Theatre and view the Norman Parkinson's Century of Style exhibition.  Capturing images from the 40's to 90's of the royal family, actors of stage and screen, music stars and of course fashion, Norman Parkinson left a legacy of images that are instantly recognizable and imbedded in our minds exuding glamour, style and the nonchalance of another era.   More images here via Vogue UK.

Have a splendid weekend...

Home Style, Simply Grand London

So I had something else in mind for this week's Home Style post and then I came across these images this morning - I think they speak of grand places & proportions, restraint & rustic elegance,  and of simple, pared down taste.  Wow!

This super stunning home belongs to british Interior Designer Rose Uniacke where she enjoys "...playing with space".  And what a space it is!  Those floorboards, those ceilings, the moulds and details, the chandeliers and the pendants over the marble benchtop in the kitchen - it's just sumptuous in a very restrained manner.

I'm moving in next week!

Photos by Henry Bourne
More Images via T Magazine

Structural, Elegant, Felted Wool

Bold silhouettes, a minimal graphic palette, and sweeping architectural details were used when Dion Lee presented his collection as nominee for the International Woolmark competition which was recently held during London Fashion Week.

The details are intricate, the finish meticulous and the shapes elegant.  That's what you get when you mess with Felted Wool!  

Congratulations to the winner, Belgian Christian Wijnants who was chosen by a panel of judges including Franca & Carla Sozzani, Victoria Beckham, Donatella Versace and Diane von Furstenberg.  (Although I can't find enough information about the winning designs.. I think it was a thick, chunky knitted jumper).

Illustration by me
Photos above and more images via Vogue Aus

Home Style, Fashionable Colourful Parisian

Of course on Valentines Day I have to indulge in something french, non?  And as my taste veers to something eclectic, designer, colourful and chic, this home covers the criteria today.

This ultra stylish Parisian apartment in Paris belongs to fashion designer Stefano Pilati.  No stranger to bold lines, sexy luxe finishing and ultra chic styling it just screams Fashionable to me.

The walls in the living room painted a stunning aqua - no reason to shy away from bold colour right?  The office, subtle, grand and eclectic at the same time.  And the bedroom, elegant & tactile.

I love the mix of vintage, designer and eclectic finds throughout this home - I think it lends itself to a bold and confident personality don't you think?... not unlike Stefano's designs we've seen previously at YSL.

Oh, and the beautiful walled garden is a bonus as well in such a busy city.

18th Century Italian Painting above the bed and 1950's floor lamp /
A beautiful soft grey wall anchors the differing styles

Vintage light fixture, Olivetti Desk and carpet from Marrakech /
Love those long windows

Artwork by Giorgio de Chirico, Henry Moore, Rosemarie Trockel and Sonia Delauney /
Frank Lloyd Wright chairs

Photos Bjorn Wallander
Images via Architectural Digest

A Room With A View... Pantelleria

Wouldn't you like to wake up in this idyllic hideaway?

Roll out of bed and straight to the pivot glass door onto your balcony to be met with a cool Mediterranean breeze.

Don't forget your morning coffee, a hat and your sunglasses... or a yoga mat!  It's going to be a long, idyll escape.

Photo Francesco Bolis

More images via Elle Decor

Something Old

For lovers of Art & Fashion... some beautiful images by photographer Hendrik Kersten emulating the poise and serenity of a old Dutch masters painting from centuries ago.  

A sombre background with the subject in a 3/4 pose jumping out from the darkness.  Swathed in light and luxe and this season's designs, here his daughter Paula (who is his muse and model in most of his photography) stares confidently into the lens.

She has a bit of an early Isabella Rossellini look don't you think?

Commes des Garcons Top and Headress

Jennifer Behr Headpiece

Vera Wang Top and Philip Treacy Hat

More images via HarpersBazaar

In The Schedule

It's been busy few days and I didn't manage to put the week's links together before now... but there is still a few hours left to enjoy some colourful fashion, swish accessories, a beautiful renovated home and of course some delicious treats.

+  Modern Elegance ... I love this beautiful editorial featured in Vogue China Mar2013 issue by photographer Greg Kadel.  Beautiful pastels, stunning silhouettes, gorgeous model and fabulous hair!  More pics here at Fashion Gone Rogue.

+  You know a girl always loves a good accessory.  An elegant timepiece is an investment to be sure and this Cartier Miniature Panthere Diamond watch would probably cost as much as an investment home... one of the special pieces that was shown recently at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Watch Fair in Geneva.  Is it too over the top for daywear?  More watches via WMagazine.

+  A monument 'dedicated to the glory of French art', the Grand Palais is now seen as synonymous with the house of Chanel through the ongoing celebration of fashion under it's domed ceiling.  Another Magazine looks at a timeline starting at 2006 to current where Karl Lagerfeld cast his artistic eye over the Art Nouveau landmark and transformed it each season to meld seamlessly into the Chanel vision.

+  Take a look inside this beautifully transformed Brooklyn Brownstone belonging to Francesca Connolly (founder of Remodelista).  Initially the building was split into separate apartments and housed several tenants when Francesca moved in, the renovation included bringing it back to a single residence and maintaining the classic features throughout.   Of course, a smattering of designer pieces, luxe finishes and the most stunning vintage chandeliers don't go unnoticed either.. more images via Elle Decor here.

+  Chocolate!  There, got your attention...  No matter how you prefer your chocolate, elegant, rich flavour, a flourish of decoration, or a bold, hard edge, this Top 10 list of the best chocolate shops around the world from Architectural Digest has the interiors to match your taste-buds.   Above is a look at the classicist take from Les Marquis De Laduree in Paris - Bien sur!  

+  And of course, because it is the day for Lovers soon, remember the best way to a man's heart is via his stomach and these yummy looking Pavlova Hearts with Chantilly Cream from Return To Sunday Suppers would do just the trick.   In fact, it's the easiest way to impress me too... a delicious dessert!

Hope you're enjoying the lovely last hours of the weekend.

A Room With A View... Paris

I want to go somewhere where the curtains billow softly in a light breeze as I enjoy my newest hardback or magazine.  Glance outside and it's still there - La Tour Eiffel!

I love this image, it's quite soothing don't you think?  And mostly because it gives the impression that you're hiding and savouring the quiet.

Hope you're savouring the quiet at your place...shhhhh.

Image unknown

Via Tumblr

In The Schedule

It's been a short week for us and it's flown by - the weekend for me brings a kiddie party, friends to meet up with, a picnic, and if were lucky, some nicer weather here.

Here are few links I found earlier this week to share...

Photo Gregory Harris

+A great look at wearing jewellery in the city - rings, bangles, necklaces and general bling meant to be worn for a chic sophisticated lady about town.  No oversized coloured baubles here - just sleek and shiny all the way - How about those Balenciaga rings above!  View here via InterviewMagazine.

+  Cara Delevingne photographed with a Mediterranean flavour in Sicily by Mikael Jansson for WMagazine.  Dramatic, elegant, glamour settings- and the clothes aren't bad either.

Photo Patrick Demarchelier

+  I like the simplicity of these Post Modern inspired clothes which are currently having a bit of fashion moment (like early 90's Monastic when it usurped big shouldered Glamazon late 80's).   Simple palettes, barely there embellishment, minimalist cuts.  Is it a backlash from all the over the top, colour pop inspiration and glitz, glitter n feather gowns that we've seen coming down the runway last couple of seasons?  Just keeping it simple at InterviewMagazine.

+  I love this idea for storage in a tight spot... now how can I make one?  Great idea from WeekdayCarnival.

+ And finally, read how Isabella Rossellini did a favour for a friend and ended up with a modelling/acting career over 20 years.  Talk about being at the right place at the right time.  Isn't she just the most beautiful woman ever!?  (Of course, her heritage might have something to do it as well.)  Vogue talks Isabella and a few other celebrities about their 'first time' at Vogue.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend everyone ...