Sleek in the City

There was something about the Traina's home that I posted yesterday that reminded me of this New York apartment.  It belongs to eccentric fashionista Daphne Guinness and was designed with Daniel Romualdez who she said got what she wanted right away.  It was featured in the March issue of Archtechtural Digest and is a clear indication of why you should be buying the magazine again.  I love that even though you know a designer helped with the apartment, it still looks personal.  You can tell that she chose all the art because she loved it.

Guinness says that some people get a little turned around in the entry hall of mirrors but it looks chic. Mirrors are especially great at opening up dark spaces in New York apartments. The photograph is by Daido Moriyama.

Sometimes I wished magazines included floorplans so you could see the flow.  I'm not sure where this part of the entry lies but I love the kaleidoscope look of the butterflies in Another Amazing Transcendental Experience by Damien Hirst from 2003.

A close up of Daphne Guinness in front of the Damien Hirst piece.

One wall of the living room is also mirrored. Hanging over it are works by Nobuyoshi Araki, David LaChapelle, and Bert Stern.

Wish we could see more of the library too.  I always love to see what books on are on a person's shelves.

Of course, I love the green Chinoiserie paper covering a screen in one of the bedrooms.

Another bedroom looks like it's mirrored but it's really Mylar wallpaper from Florence Broadhurst. I follow Daphne Guinness on twitter and find her fascinating.  It seems like her New York apartment reflects her interesting personality and her sophistication perfectly.



Photos by Thomas Loof

Chic Soiree and Spring at Ralph Lauren

I had intended to post these photos of the new spring Ralph Lauren Home rooms at the Ladies Mansion yesterday but my computer had other ideas.  It actually worked out perfectly because now I can not only post photos of the gorgeous rooms but tell you about the chic soiree I attended there last night.  Ralph Lauren, the man and the store, graciously hosted a lovely cocktail party to celebrate editor in chief Margaret Russell and the new Architectural Digest and it was definitely the party of the year so far.

Not only was everyone in the design world of New York in attendance but many came from out of town to celebrate with Margaret.  Some of the attendees included Charlotte Moss, looking beautiful in black Ralph Rucci; legendary decorator Mario Buatta; architect Richard Meier; Jesse Carrier, who as I suspected will be decorating Jay Fielden's new office at Town & Country magazine; chic party planner and shop owner Antony Todd, Suzanne Kasler, the sweetest designer ever in town from Atlanta; Darryl Carter in from Washington, DC; and Nathan Turner from Los Angeles.  I did not get to meet Nathan when I was in LA last year so it was a treat to finally meet him in New York.  His new design reality show will debut this spring on Bravo and I can't wait to watch.  My friend Jessica and I couldn't let style icon Iris Apfel pass us by without telling her how much we love her style and I couldn't resist telling Zezé how much I love his flowers.  I think a field trip to his shop is in order soon. 

So, I can tell you a good time was had by all especially since my head is still pounding today.  But more importantly, make sure you stop by the 4th floor of new ladies Ralph Lauren mansion to check out the gorgeous new spring collections for Ralph Lauren Home.  It's like visiting the chicest home where you can actually buy everything you see.  What could be better than that?!  Bon Weekend!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

The New Architectural Digest

I had the pleasure of attending a lunch at the Condé Nast Building today for an exclusive preview of the new Architectural Digest.  Margaret Russell walked a small group of us through the new features that debut in the March 2011 issue.  I can tell you without a doubt that you are going to love it!  The magazine hasn't changed so much that long time subscribers will be unhappy but it has been freshened up enough to now appeal to a broader audience.  I was especially excited to see the Fifth Avenue apartment of eccentric fashion iconDaphne Guinness by Daniel Romualdez and the Paris home of Pierre Passebon, antiquaire and partner of Jacques Grange.  There is also a gorgeous Mississippi home designed by Richard Keith Langham and the cover shot of room designed by Michael Smith could not look more chic.  I hope the March issue of Architectural Digest finds its way to your mailbox or local newsstand soon!

Margaret Russell is new Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest!

We finally have the announcement that we've been waiting months to hear!  Margaret "Peggy" Russell is leaving Elle Decor to become the Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest!  I think this means that we won't be seeing Cher or Michael Jackson on the cover ever again!  Woo hoo!  Congratulations Peggy!  Now we just have to wait to hear who's taking over Elle Decor!

UPDATE: Word has it that Michael Boodro, the current executive editor, will be the interim editor at Elle Decor.  As everyone has pointed out, the magazine musical chairs has shaken things up and I hope this means that some of our favorite magazines will now be around for years to come!