As fashion week was ending last week, American Fashion: Designers at the Aldyn Showhouse was just beginning. It is a showhouse of fashionable interiors inspired by the book American Fashion Designers at Home published by Assouline and the CFDA. Each of the 22 rooms pairs an interior designer with a fashion designer or icon as their inspiration. It's such a chic concept that I'm surprised they didn't think of it before!
The first room I toured was designed by Jennifer McGee and inspired by Babe Paley "who Vogue magazine declared "the absolute Fashion Icon of the 1950's.' She was the ultimate in glamour, elegance, style, and taste." The same could be said of the room that was designed in her honor.
I'm not a big fan of big glass buildings. Sure have great views but they also present problems such as how to cover the large windows, weird angles and unsightly HVAC units. Jennifer McGee not only successfully solved all these problems but also succeeded in warming up the cold white space. I absolutely loved her room.
Canopy beds can be tough to pull off since they can end up looking too frilly or feminine but I think it helps warm up this space and envelope the occupant. Jennifer said that her male clients love them and I think this tailored design must win them over. The pretty patterned fabric is from Holland & Sherry.
Jennifer McGee said that "in a nod to Babe's induction in the Fashion Hall of Fame, we combined the mix of neutral colors, lush fabrics, period antiques, and Modern art. Babe's room would not be complete without the fabulous Billy Baldwin signature slipper chairs."
I love that the room mixes a Lucite console and an antique secretary below. It's these types of pairings that make rooms look fresh and not so staid. Babe Paley thought "a room should be fun and personal" and I definitely think she's approve of this one.
Designer Jennifer McGee of Jennifer McGee Design in her room.
The American Fashion: Designers at the Aldyn opens September 21st and runs through December 10th. Admission is $25 and benefits the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It is located at 60 Riverside Boulevard at West 63rd Street. For tickets and information call (212) 579-6006 or thealdyn.com.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic