SIGLO MODERNO UNVEILS, MARCH 2011

The Siglo Moderno showroom is the newest kid on the famed Melrose block, with a fabulous space nicely nestled between Alexander McQueen and Bisazza Tiles. Officially opening their doors to the public in March, designer and founder Jorge L. Cruzata expresses his delight with the new space, "Fashion has always had a heavy influence on me when designing interiors, specifically the fashion of the late Alexander McQueen [...] Spaces I design, evoke an effortless, timeless, sexiness in the same way that his collections did."

Jorge curates his showroom with a sophisticated coverage of iconic vintage designs, contemporary designs and the in house collection: S+M. The current vintage focus is on iconic 70’s Italian designs by designers such as Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, and Gaetano Pesce. The current contemporary focus is on 70’s Glamour designs by designers such as Carlo Colombo, Kemistry of Style and Fredrikson Stallard. The in-house collection, S+M Furniture is currently featuring extraordinary Saddle Collar Mirrors from actual horse collars which have been repurposed.

Siglo Moderno’s defined vision comes from the synthesis of modernity and tradition. “Siglo Moderno is for those who, like me, relish in the romance, the nostalgia of decadent and modern design, yet flee the dangers of trends and prefer to maintain future relevance” says Cruzata.

For more info, visit Siglo Moderno

SIGLO MODERNO
8373 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069
tel 323.377.9255

SIGLO MODERNO UNVEILS, MARCH 2011

The Siglo Moderno showroom is the newest kid on the famed Melrose block, with a fabulous space nicely nestled between Alexander McQueen and Bisazza Tiles. Officially opening their doors to the public in March, designer and founder Jorge L. Cruzata expresses his delight with the new space, "Fashion has always had a heavy influence on me when designing interiors, specifically the fashion of the late Alexander McQueen [...] Spaces I design, evoke an effortless, timeless, sexiness in the same way that his collections did."

Jorge curates his showroom with a sophisticated coverage of iconic vintage designs, contemporary designs and the in house collection: S+M. The current vintage focus is on iconic 70’s Italian designs by designers such as Tobia Scarpa, Mario Bellini, and Gaetano Pesce. The current contemporary focus is on 70’s Glamour designs by designers such as Carlo Colombo, Kemistry of Style and Fredrikson Stallard. The in-house collection, S+M Furniture is currently featuring extraordinary Saddle Collar Mirrors from actual horse collars which have been repurposed.

Siglo Moderno’s defined vision comes from the synthesis of modernity and tradition. “Siglo Moderno is for those who, like me, relish in the romance, the nostalgia of decadent and modern design, yet flee the dangers of trends and prefer to maintain future relevance” says Cruzata.

For more info, visit Siglo Moderno

SIGLO MODERNO
8373 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069
tel 323.377.9255

KOZMA STYLE: FOLK DECO

(Pair of Rounded Cane-Back chairs, by Lajos Kozma: The recognizable bentwood design and old world caning method are quintessentially Kozma Deco.)


(Walnut Secretary with Starburst Inlay, by Lajos Kozma : The rounded corners, simplified lines and veneers with geometric shapes express the stylistic development from deco to Modernism.))



Images | Szalon Antiques


The pre-eminent architect and designer of 20th century Hungarian Modernism, Lajos Kozma, was known for his distinctive deco style, inflected with abstract, indigenous folk motifs and nature-inspired themes. Predominately working with luxurious woods and employing old world methods such as the elaborate marquetry of local artisans in Budapest, Kozma's deco explored a native influence that was unlike the French and American counterparts. Often treating woods with polishes rather than lacquers, and opting to use natural elements in an era that celebrated the Machine Age, Kozma straddled the generations and perplexed his contemporaries with nature-loving forms rather than through the explicit use of man-made materials.

At Szalon Antiques in the famed La Cienega Design Quarter, their collection of Kozma Deco exhibits the works and themes of a designer who has been considered on par with Frank Lloyd Wright, and whom others have hailed as the Renaissance man of his era. As contemporary design moves more and more toward a green lifestyle,
a rediscovery of the nature-inspired themes of Kozma Deco may make for a unique, modern living space.

For more info about Kozma Deco, as well Szalon's complete collection of Modernist antiques, please visit: Szalon Antiques

KOZMA STYLE: FOLK DECO

(Pair of Rounded Cane-Back chairs, by Lajos Kozma: The recognizable bentwood design and old world caning method are quintessentially Kozma Deco.)


(Walnut Secretary with Starburst Inlay, by Lajos Kozma : The rounded corners, simplified lines and veneers with geometric shapes express the stylistic development from deco to Modernism.))



Images | Szalon Antiques


The pre-eminent architect and designer of 20th century Hungarian Modernism, Lajos Kozma, was known for his distinctive deco style, inflected with abstract, indigenous folk motifs and nature-inspired themes. Predominately working with luxurious woods and employing old world methods such as the elaborate marquetry of local artisans in Budapest, Kozma's deco explored a native influence that was unlike the French and American counterparts. Often treating woods with polishes rather than lacquers, and opting to use natural elements in an era that celebrated the Machine Age, Kozma straddled the generations and perplexed his contemporaries with nature-loving forms rather than through the explicit use of man-made materials.

At Szalon Antiques in the famed La Cienega Design Quarter, their collection of Kozma Deco exhibits the works and themes of a designer who has been considered on par with Frank Lloyd Wright, and whom others have hailed as the Renaissance man of his era. As contemporary design moves more and more toward a green lifestyle,
a rediscovery of the nature-inspired themes of Kozma Deco may make for a unique, modern living space.

For more info about Kozma Deco, as well Szalon's complete collection of Modernist antiques, please visit: Szalon Antiques

Metallic Encrusted Goodness at VDB

Something about designer, Craig Van Den Brulle's lavish, new Delaunay collection gets me in the holiday spirit. The glittering, cubist design feels very NYE 2010 to me... like dining on top of the Times Square ball as it drops! The Delaunay dining table is the first piece of the collection available in Steel, Gilt Bronze, and Chrome, and will soon be followed by dining chairs (rendering shown.) Thanks to VDB for sending me a moment of sheer opulence and fantasy.

-S

Metallic Encrusted Goodness at VDB

Something about designer, Craig Van Den Brulle's lavish, new Delaunay collection gets me in the holiday spirit. The glittering, cubist design feels very NYE 2010 to me... like dining on top of the Times Square ball as it drops! The Delaunay dining table is the first piece of the collection available in Steel, Gilt Bronze, and Chrome, and will soon be followed by dining chairs (rendering shown.) Thanks to VDB for sending me a moment of sheer opulence and fantasy.

-S

Curious Curiosities at Voila!

I had the pleasure of attending Voila! gallery's launch party for their new line of custom moulding designs by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The new line is beautiful and quintessentially MLB of course, but it was the entire collection of interesting curiosities that really blew me away about the showroom. Voila! explores, discovers and exhibits their treasures, mixing vintage oddities with antiques and contemporary art, to truly create an authentic space with a unique point of view. As gallery owner and designer, Katrien van der Schueren explains, "we mix old with new [and] we make our own creations, edgy with a sense for humor. I am from Belgium, and surrealism is close to my heart and my aesthetic."

I'll let their work do the rest of the talking. For more info and to check out their entire collection, check out: Voila!

Friend Voila! on FB


-S

Curious Curiosities at Voila!

I had the pleasure of attending Voila! gallery's launch party for their new line of custom moulding designs by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The new line is beautiful and quintessentially MLB of course, but it was the entire collection of interesting curiosities that really blew me away about the showroom. Voila! explores, discovers and exhibits their treasures, mixing vintage oddities with antiques and contemporary art, to truly create an authentic space with a unique point of view. As gallery owner and designer, Katrien van der Schueren explains, "we mix old with new [and] we make our own creations, edgy with a sense for humor. I am from Belgium, and surrealism is close to my heart and my aesthetic."

I'll let their work do the rest of the talking. For more info and to check out their entire collection, check out: Voila!

Friend Voila! on FB


-S

The Desk

Desk - Music and Sound Design from Aaron Trinder Film:Motion:Music on Vimeo.

I've always been obsessed with my desk. I take photos of the tabletop while I'm working, from time-to-time, when it's messy and full of ideas. This short film explores our relationship with our desks so beautifully. - S

The Desk

Desk - Music and Sound Design from Aaron Trinder Film:Motion:Music on Vimeo.

I've always been obsessed with my desk. I take photos of the tabletop while I'm working, from time-to-time, when it's messy and full of ideas. This short film explores our relationship with our desks so beautifully. - S

Mansour Modern Announces Victoria Hagan Collection

Prestigious rug purveyor, Mansour Modern, is proud to announce a collaboration with award winning interior designer, Victoria Hagan. Hagan’s guest collection for Mansour Modern is true to her signature aesthetic, “My design philosophy is about the juxtaposition of the old and new, the blending of materials and periods to create a thoroughly modern environment,” says Hagan.

Hagan has contributed an impressive, twenty-seven designs for her collection for Mansour Modern. A collection that Hagan says was inspired by nature and bold geometric forms, “We are all connected to the outdoors and our interiors live in harmony with the elements around us, I look to the landscape, and try to bring the outdoors in. The mixture of organic and geometric creates environments that are complicated yet simple, light yet strong,” says Hagan.

Ben Soleimani, principal and head designer for Mansour Modern utilized his rug expertise to translate Hagan’s designs into indisputable works of art. Soleimani made the rugs in the most luxe materials befitting Hagan’s aesthetic; silk, linen and mohair, which are as plush underfoot as they are pleasing to the eye. Taking from his vast knowledge of texture and his natural leaning towards innovation he wove in sustainable materials such as hemp and other natural fibers with the more luxurious, creating a perfect balance for Hagan’s designs to be highlighted. 

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to work with Victoria, she’s a true talent and her offerings are stunning,“ says Soleimani. It seems the admiration is mutual. When asked why she chose to work with Mansour Modern Hagan answered, “I have known Ben for many years and was thrilled when they asked me to collaborate with them. It was a chance to explore gorgeous materials, and to work with such a highly respected international brand with an eye toward creating modern classics.“

Mansour Modern Announces Victoria Hagan Collection

Prestigious rug purveyor, Mansour Modern, is proud to announce a collaboration with award winning interior designer, Victoria Hagan. Hagan’s guest collection for Mansour Modern is true to her signature aesthetic, “My design philosophy is about the juxtaposition of the old and new, the blending of materials and periods to create a thoroughly modern environment,” says Hagan.

Hagan has contributed an impressive, twenty-seven designs for her collection for Mansour Modern. A collection that Hagan says was inspired by nature and bold geometric forms, “We are all connected to the outdoors and our interiors live in harmony with the elements around us, I look to the landscape, and try to bring the outdoors in. The mixture of organic and geometric creates environments that are complicated yet simple, light yet strong,” says Hagan.

Ben Soleimani, principal and head designer for Mansour Modern utilized his rug expertise to translate Hagan’s designs into indisputable works of art. Soleimani made the rugs in the most luxe materials befitting Hagan’s aesthetic; silk, linen and mohair, which are as plush underfoot as they are pleasing to the eye. Taking from his vast knowledge of texture and his natural leaning towards innovation he wove in sustainable materials such as hemp and other natural fibers with the more luxurious, creating a perfect balance for Hagan’s designs to be highlighted. 

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to work with Victoria, she’s a true talent and her offerings are stunning,“ says Soleimani. It seems the admiration is mutual. When asked why she chose to work with Mansour Modern Hagan answered, “I have known Ben for many years and was thrilled when they asked me to collaborate with them. It was a chance to explore gorgeous materials, and to work with such a highly respected international brand with an eye toward creating modern classics.“

Design Solution w/ Jean De Merry

Last Friday, I attended the grand opening party of one of my favorite interior design houses, Jean De Merry, at their new Melrose Place location. The gala was also a premier for Douglas Friedman's latest photography exhibit "Take It Off," which was an event in itself. The level of taste, style, and elegance brought by Jean De Merry is unmatched in L.A., and guests such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Tara Subkoff, Margaret Russell, Randolph Duke, Noa Tishby, Steven Weber, Robert Verdi, Rupaul and Bradley Garlock came out to support this spectacular affair.

Rather than show you pics of people smiling and drinking champagne at the gala, I'd like to focus our attention to a tangible interior design solution that I believe Jean De Merry has executed so well. As a hoarder of books and magazines, I'm constantly challenged in the way I store my collection. Many of us in the creative industries use our archive for inspiration, so the pages need to be close, visible and on hand when we need it. The images I snapped at Jean De Merry show a smart way at storing and yet showcasing magazines and books. When I spotted this particular living room vignette, I couldn't stop starring. For some, this may look a little messy, but I have to argue that the placement of these books around the coffee table is pure style and sophistication. I'm going to try doing this at home... maybe you will too.

Bless this mess,

-S

Design Solution w/ Jean De Merry

Last Friday, I attended the grand opening party of one of my favorite interior design houses, Jean De Merry, at their new Melrose Place location. The gala was also a premier for Douglas Friedman's latest photography exhibit "Take It Off," which was an event in itself. The level of taste, style, and elegance brought by Jean De Merry is unmatched in L.A., and guests such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Tara Subkoff, Margaret Russell, Randolph Duke, Noa Tishby, Steven Weber, Robert Verdi, Rupaul and Bradley Garlock came out to support this spectacular affair.

Rather than show you pics of people smiling and drinking champagne at the gala, I'd like to focus our attention to a tangible interior design solution that I believe Jean De Merry has executed so well. As a hoarder of books and magazines, I'm constantly challenged in the way I store my collection. Many of us in the creative industries use our archive for inspiration, so the pages need to be close, visible and on hand when we need it. The images I snapped at Jean De Merry show a smart way at storing and yet showcasing magazines and books. When I spotted this particular living room vignette, I couldn't stop starring. For some, this may look a little messy, but I have to argue that the placement of these books around the coffee table is pure style and sophistication. I'm going to try doing this at home... maybe you will too.

Bless this mess,

-S

The Green Life: KAA & Cisco Launch HOM Outdoor Collection

Photos | homlifestyle.com

Los Angeles is the land of the endless summer. A handful of rainy days may scatter the SoCal calendar, but outside of that nominal precipitation Angelinos live in perpetual sunshine and summerlike temps year-round. When it comes to design and architecture, it’s no surprise that L.A.’s attributed with coining the term “indoor-outdoor living.” Whether the idea is to bring nature inside or to empathetically open up the home to the outside, designers in Los Angeles have pioneered the green movement from the very beginning. Grant Kirkpatrick, principal of KAA, is one such architect seminal to the movement for sustainable, green design. A leader in the design industry since 1988, Grant founded KAA as an integrated design firm inspired by the belief that “design has the power to elevate the human spirit.” Now making a foray into furniture design, Grant is bringing to furniture the same passion that has motivated his successful architectural career.

Recently launching HOM, a collaborative line with L.A. based Cisco Brothers, a full collection of furnishings was unveiled at the Cisco Home showroom on La Brea last week. The collection features warm, modern design and functional amenities that are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, together and in combination with like-minded products. The vibe: simple, purposeful and ecological. The line provides a high degree of design with comfortable, quality products for a flexible and relaxed lifestyle. HOM is about living outdoors and in, with a close connection to nature. The idea is to live a healthier, happier lifestyle with a smaller ecological footprint and with respect to our planet.

As we spring forward into the forthcoming summer months, this may be the perfect time to consider the HOM collection as a chic way for living the green life. With this dual approach to designing the line, the HOM collection offers the quintessential indoor-outdoor, SoCal lifestyle while still being environmentally aware and proactive.

For more info about the HOM collection, please visit: homlifestyle.com, or visit your local Cisco Home showroom

The Green Life: KAA & Cisco Launch HOM Outdoor Collection

Photos | homlifestyle.com

Los Angeles is the land of the endless summer. A handful of rainy days may scatter the SoCal calendar, but outside of that nominal precipitation Angelinos live in perpetual sunshine and summerlike temps year-round. When it comes to design and architecture, it’s no surprise that L.A.’s attributed with coining the term “indoor-outdoor living.” Whether the idea is to bring nature inside or to empathetically open up the home to the outside, designers in Los Angeles have pioneered the green movement from the very beginning. Grant Kirkpatrick, principal of KAA, is one such architect seminal to the movement for sustainable, green design. A leader in the design industry since 1988, Grant founded KAA as an integrated design firm inspired by the belief that “design has the power to elevate the human spirit.” Now making a foray into furniture design, Grant is bringing to furniture the same passion that has motivated his successful architectural career.

Recently launching HOM, a collaborative line with L.A. based Cisco Brothers, a full collection of furnishings was unveiled at the Cisco Home showroom on La Brea last week. The collection features warm, modern design and functional amenities that are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, together and in combination with like-minded products. The vibe: simple, purposeful and ecological. The line provides a high degree of design with comfortable, quality products for a flexible and relaxed lifestyle. HOM is about living outdoors and in, with a close connection to nature. The idea is to live a healthier, happier lifestyle with a smaller ecological footprint and with respect to our planet.

As we spring forward into the forthcoming summer months, this may be the perfect time to consider the HOM collection as a chic way for living the green life. With this dual approach to designing the line, the HOM collection offers the quintessential indoor-outdoor, SoCal lifestyle while still being environmentally aware and proactive.

For more info about the HOM collection, please visit: homlifestyle.com, or visit your local Cisco Home showroom

"If Design Were..." with Brooks Hudson Thomas

Blackman Cruz protégé, Brooks Hudson Thomas, breaks out on his own with Specific Merchandise. With a background in art, a fascination for handicraft and the obscure, Brooks curates a collection that is undeniably personal...specific even. According to Brooks, the idea behind this venture was to do a "deliberate mix of high and low things" and to "blur the line between a gallery and a shop." The collection is pretty innovative even for a discerning design enthusiast, with pieces from furniture designer Tim Lewis, Mexican ceramicist German Montalvo (pictured,) and an exclusive lighting collection by Marie Christophe (pictured.)

After visiting with Brooks and really taking in the store, the name Specific Merchandise really sunk in and made sense. I thought it would be interesting to get inside the mind of the man behind the showroom to understand design as he sees it. Let's play, "If Design Were...," with Brooks Hudson Thomas:

SY: If design were... an object?

BHT: "A bottle opener."

SY: ...a person?

BHT: "Donald Judd."

SY: ...a place?

BHT: "Tokyo."

SY: ...a song?

BHT: "Tony's "Something's Coming", West Side Story."

SY: ...a film?

BHT: "Auntie Mame, or Cary Grant in anything."

SY: ...a moment?

BHT: "A first kiss."

"If Design Were..." with Brooks Hudson Thomas

Blackman Cruz protégé, Brooks Hudson Thomas, breaks out on his own with Specific Merchandise. With a background in art, a fascination for handicraft and the obscure, Brooks curates a collection that is undeniably personal...specific even. According to Brooks, the idea behind this venture was to do a "deliberate mix of high and low things" and to "blur the line between a gallery and a shop." The collection is pretty innovative even for a discerning design enthusiast, with pieces from furniture designer Tim Lewis, Mexican ceramicist German Montalvo (pictured,) and an exclusive lighting collection by Marie Christophe (pictured.)

After visiting with Brooks and really taking in the store, the name Specific Merchandise really sunk in and made sense. I thought it would be interesting to get inside the mind of the man behind the showroom to understand design as he sees it. Let's play, "If Design Were...," with Brooks Hudson Thomas:

SY: If design were... an object?

BHT: "A bottle opener."

SY: ...a person?

BHT: "Donald Judd."

SY: ...a place?

BHT: "Tokyo."

SY: ...a song?

BHT: "Tony's "Something's Coming", West Side Story."

SY: ...a film?

BHT: "Auntie Mame, or Cary Grant in anything."

SY: ...a moment?

BHT: "A first kiss."

ACNE: Foray Into Furniture

Finding myself applauding at my computer screen, I knew I had to cover ACNE's foray into furniture design, which launched this week in Paris. The Swedish creative agency ACNE (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions,) known mostly as a fashion line, used the work of renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten, and in particular his "New Berlin" sofa as the reference for the line. ACNE founder, Jonny Johansson, explains that he decided "to objectify its form from a perspective play, [...] stretching, squashing and pulling the simplistic shape to create new sculptural forms," and he compares the remix, guided by "proportion, lineage and structure," to the brand's approach to fashion. Playing with proportions, is of course, a popular theme in fashion, and these pieces are jaw dropping examples of the beauty in distortion; transforming classics to create something truly modern. Creating a common thread between their fashion brand and the new venture, ACNE dressed these pieces in denim, treating the upholstery in the same way as they approach their jeans — by washing, bleaching, and hand-drying the pieces to create bespoke finishes.

Check out the video below for a glimpse into the launch party in Paris ("Wicked Games" in the background is a nice touch, too.)

-S

Acne Furniture Launch from Acne Studios on Vimeo.

ACNE: Foray Into Furniture

Finding myself applauding at my computer screen, I knew I had to cover ACNE's foray into furniture design, which launched this week in Paris. The Swedish creative agency ACNE (Ambition to Create Novel Expressions,) known mostly as a fashion line, used the work of renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten, and in particular his "New Berlin" sofa as the reference for the line. ACNE founder, Jonny Johansson, explains that he decided "to objectify its form from a perspective play, [...] stretching, squashing and pulling the simplistic shape to create new sculptural forms," and he compares the remix, guided by "proportion, lineage and structure," to the brand's approach to fashion. Playing with proportions, is of course, a popular theme in fashion, and these pieces are jaw dropping examples of the beauty in distortion; transforming classics to create something truly modern. Creating a common thread between their fashion brand and the new venture, ACNE dressed these pieces in denim, treating the upholstery in the same way as they approach their jeans — by washing, bleaching, and hand-drying the pieces to create bespoke finishes.

Check out the video below for a glimpse into the launch party in Paris ("Wicked Games" in the background is a nice touch, too.)

-S

Acne Furniture Launch from Acne Studios on Vimeo.