Summer is coming to an end, and soon a new season will be upon us. Whether you are in school, or haven’t attended class in thirty years, September evokes memories of freshly sharpened pencils and books waiting to be opened. It’s that time of year when you want to fuel-up on new insights, vivid imagery and explore the unknown. So it’s no surprise that I have books on the brain.
A few months ago, the fall book preview for 2015 was released by all the major publishing companies and I was lucky enough to get a sneak-peek of the coffee-table and culinary books. My personal favorites were from Phaidon – the dreamiest of all publishing companies. Their showroom was a book nerd’s dream, chock-full of over the top vibrancy and curious content. After two days visiting multiple publishers, I knew that I was in trouble – every extra penny earned was going towards the new fall line-up of books. Lots and lots of sexy books.
So without further ado, here is a round-up of the best coffee-table and culinary books for Fall 2015:
ART, FASHION & PHOTOGRAPHY
Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue by Grace Coddington
The biggest book in Fashion and it’s all about the iconic wonder-woman, Grace Coddington. 408 pages showcasing the greatest photographs ever published in British and American Vogue.
Release Date: September 28, 2015
Diana Vreeland: The Modern Woman: The Bazaar Years, 1936-1962 by Alexander Vreeland
A gorgeous book looking back on the legendary fashion editor, Diana Vreeland, and the three decades she spent at Harper Bazaar. Written by her grandson, the book highlights the glory days of fashion and Vreeland’s monumental influence on the industry.
Release Date: October 20, 2015
Fantastic Man: Men of Great Style and Substance by Gert Jonkers and Jop van Beenekom
Who and what defines masculinity in the 21st century? Over the past ten years Fantastic Man magazine has been portraying the stylish modern man through iconic photography and witty editorial. This book celebrates a decade of cool with 69 of the world’s most influential and stylish men.
Release Date: October 26, 2015
Daniel Ost by Paul Geerts
Daniel Ost is a magician in the floral industry. His works are not modest, nor will you find them on traditional tabletops. Ost constructs large-scale floral sculptures for some of the most prestigious residences, temples, exhibitions, and events in the world. The book will simply take your breath away. Comprised of 80 floral designs, paired with a descriptive essay that will take you through the wonderland of Ost’s mind.
Release Date: October 19, 2015
Map: Exploring the World by Phaidon Editors
Created by a panel of academics, curators and collectors from around the world, this book of 300 maps creatively pairs striking imagery, historical facts, culture and tradition. Throughout the book you will experience 5,000 years of cartographic drawings and the many reasons why humanity creates maps.
Release Date: September 28, 2015
LIFESTYLE AND DESIGN
Modern Taste: Art Deco in Paris 1910-1935 by Jose Marinas
Art Deco was the beginning of the modern era. A sharp contrast of previous styles, Art Deco forever changed the landscape of design and culture. This gorgeous book takes readers through a comprehensive journey of art, fashion, film, architecture, and design during one of the greatest artistic movements of our time.
Released: July 28, 2015
Sage Living by Anne Sage
Anne Sage is a profound writer, blogger and stylist. Sage Living is her first book and it is a must-read! Beautiful interiors, intimate stories and a welcomed perspective on design and how it affects our lives. Sage Living is more than a pretty picture book, it’s a guide that “helps readers decorate for the lives they truly want.”
Release Date: September 15, 2015
Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves by Emily Henderson
Emily Henderson is an interior stylist, TV host, and author based in LA. Known for her darling demeanor and commitment to approachable home design with a vintage kick, Henderson has become quite the style maven. In this book, she shares an easy ten step guide in “styling” any space. Decorating can takes months of planning, but styling only takes a few minutes. Enjoy trade secrets, over a 1,000 design ideas and 75 inspiring interiors.
Release Date: October 13, 2015
CULINARY
Bread and a Dog by Natsuko Kuwahara
“A quirky, photographic exploration of two beloved subjects: breakfast and dogs.” Food stylist, Natsuko Kuwahara, shares delicious breakfast recipes, tips and beautifully designed table arrangements. The catch? The book is 100 pages of beautifully styled food and Kippie…an incredibly well-trained dog that is fascinated with his owners work. A delightful book with a refreshing viewpoint on food and pets.
Release Date: October 5, 2015
Nopi by Yotam Ottolenghi
Another breathtaking, mouthwatering cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi. This time, Ottolenghi joins forces with Chef Ramael Scully and creates a book with an unusual fusion of Asian-inspired and Middle Eastern dishes. Exotic spices and wild pairings, this is definitely a book you want to add to your collection.
Release Date: October 20, 2015
The Nordic Cook Book by Magnus Nilsson
Chef Magnus Nilsson, the man behind the famous restaurant Faviken Magasinet, saw a great need for a geographical cookbook and one that was properly translated. So, he travelled throughout the Nordic region collecting recipes and photographing the magnificent people and landscape of the north. In this book, Nilsson explains (in a way that has never been done) Nordic heritage, ingredients and techniques that allow readers to recreate these recipes with ease. A beautiful combination of rich cuisine and culture featuring 700 recipes from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenleand, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Release Date: October 12, 2015
Tacopedia by Deborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena
Everything you would ever want to know about tacos and more! Known as the ultimate taco guide, Tacopedia is a fun cookbook with 100 authentic Mexican recipes, vibrant photos, interesting stories, interviews, illustrations, maps and quirky infographics. Whether you love beautiful graphics or excellent Mexican food, this book will captivate any audience.
Release Date: September 28, 2015
Toast by Raquel Pelzel
Who doesn’t love toast? Morning, noon, or night, savory or sweet, the possibilities are endless when it comes to toast. Award-winning food writer Raquel Pelzel features a delectable cookbook of 50 fresh-ingredient recipes on how to fix toast. Pelzel explains that toast is so much more than bread and butter, it’s a canvas of culinary opportunity. Toast is the cookbook you’ve likely been dreaming about.
Release Date: September 14, 2015
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Photo and Curation by Ruthie Lindsey
Have you heard of Strolby? If you not, you are in for a treat.
“Strolby is a curated e-commerce site showcasing remarkable products from the best small shops around the country”. What does that mean? It means the small brick-and-mortar scene finally has friends, really cool online friends. These friends are partnering with them, shouting from the mountain tops about their wonderful business and give them a real fighting chance in the retail scene. Strolby is on a mission to help people discover and shop online from the best small shops in the world. And most importantly, to help those shops thrive in an ever growing (tenacious) market place.
And guess what? They just launched a Nashville market!
The Nashville shops include Hey Rooster General Store, Emil Erwin, Cadeau Nashville, Arcade Nashville, Ceri Hoover, Nisolo, H. & Clark, Jamie and the Jones, Wilder, Scout, and Peter Nappi. A lovely mixture of gifts, fashion, home décor, and kid’s apparel. They also have a wonderful Nashville Guide created by the talented travel blogger, Lauren Greenberg with The Weekender .
In case you didn’t notice, small shops form local culture. They also create new trends, provide jobs and give a place for the creatives in the community to show their wares. These shops are important! Without them the city lacks spirit. And yet all too often, they get lost in the shuffle – usually due to a lack of convenience or awareness.
Although Nashville shouts with a mega-phone “Shop Local!” you’d be surprised how few people actually step foot into a small shop and make a purchase. I know this from the personal experience of owning a home décor shop in Nashville. I also consult regularly with local shop owners, and the story is always the same – lots of local love, but few customers and even fewer sales. This is why Strolby is such a great company. Their mission is to bring additional exposure and customers to these local gems, making it easier for both customer and shop owner.
One of my favorite things about this website is the easy navigation and the encouragement to look around and stay awhile. The vivid photography, the excellent selection of high-quality goods and the flow of the site creates a similar experience one would have if physically shopping in these stores. And that is no small feat! Strolby’s unique approach to online shopping is going to change the way retail does business. With this much thought and care, we are likely to see the war between brick-and-mortar and online stores finally end.
So, no more excuses! Put your money where your mouth is, and actually support your local shops. All your favorite Nashville goods are now just a click away.
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Photo Credit: Calico Wallpaper
Over the last two years we have seen various patterns pop up in fashion and home décor that are reminiscent of marble and watercolor paintings. Trend watchers have forecast numerous times that it will be the biggest trend of the year, and yet it never seems to make a huge splash. Cool patterns pop-up and then it’s gone. But this year seems to be different. Hand-marbling and various manipulated ink patterns are popping up in more luxurious designs – a sign that they are here to stay. At the 2015 New York Design Week last month, marbleized and hand-dyed patterns were found in furnishings, décor, fabric and artwork. During the 2014 & 2015 fashion weeks in Paris, London and New York, various designers used fabrics covered in brushstrokes, ink-blots and watercolors. And in the makers & artisan scene, marbleizing or hand-marbling has become the latest experimental craze.
One of the reasons the marble pattern hasn’t exploded in years past is the patterns were too literal. The faux marble look has been done, and each time it has looked cheap and awkward. And for the watercolor effect, the colors and style have been a bit immature. The key is to either keep it simple and use the real material/or style, or reinvent the pattern into something completely new. This year I am finally seeing a new creation – lyrical, abstract patterns with natural movement made from a mixture of marble patterns, ink manipulation, and hand-dying. And of course, the real deal is being used in furnishings and home decor as well. Beautiful white Carrera Italian Marble in tables, shelves, dressers and home accessories. Many of them paired with brass hardware and it is absolutely stunning.
What about the geometric patterns and cut-outs we saw trending earlier this year? This is where it gets exciting. The biggest trend of all is the juxtaposition of hard-line geometric patterns paired with blurred organic movement. So be on the lookout! The marbleizing and painterly watercolor trend is already trickling in. And come fall, we are going to see a whirlwind of pattern play.
CERAMIC DINNERWARE & DECOR: Tortoise Marbled Dinnerware by Tao Oudomvilay, The Gradient Vase by Leif, Modern Black and White Teapot & Cups by RK Ceramics, Rose and Gold Swirl Plates by Suite One Studio, Belay Dinnerware by CB2, Blue Ebru Marble Ceramics by Simple Life Instanbul, Botticino Marble Coasters by Anthropologie
FURNISHINGS: Surf Coffee Table by Worlds Away, Anne Marble Dresser by Steven Shell, Marble & Brass Wall-Mounted Shelf by CB2, Elke Side Table by Crate & Barrel
AREA RUGS & WALL FINISHES: Night Slate by Calico Wallpaper, Marble Wall by Kelly Wearstler, Marble Rock Zebra Rug by Lulu & Georgia, Droplet Rug by Michelle Weinberg, Banshee Rug by Surya
PILLOWS & LAMPS: Marble Cushions by Ferm Living, Marble Cascade Pillow by CB2, Carrera Italian Marble Holiday Rose Pillow by Society6, Casa Bonita Indigo Pillow by Scout & Catalogue, Flynn Lamp by Arteriors, Swirl Orange Table Lamp by Safavieh
DIY: Marbleized Ribbon by Oh Happy Day and Marbleized Paper by A Beautiful Mess
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If you missed my 12th & Broad piece last week on Wilder and Pennyweight, this is a must-read!
Josh and Ivy Elrod of Wilder continue to break the mold in the Nashville retail scene. Less than a year old, the contemporary design boutique in Germantown has already been featured in W Magazine and the New York Post. Progressively innovative, always connecting, and giddily pushing boundaries with non-obvious pairings – Wilder is transforming the traditional market place in our fair city.
So it is was no surprise when they announced the summer long collaboration with the incredibly talented stylist, blogger and creative consultant, Elise Joseph of Pennyweight . A three-month Pennyweight pop-up curated by Elise Joseph at Wilder. This is what I call summer bliss!
The pop-up kicked off on Tuesday, May 26th and will run through Sunday, August 16th. Just a few weeks in and the response from the public has been incredible. The pairing of this dynamic trio has created a lot of buzz not only locally, but nationally as well.
“As soon as we met Elise we knew she was a natural person for us to collaborate with,” said Josh and Ivy Elrod, owners of Wilder. “The most exciting part of developing Wilder has been the energy and inspiration we get from encountering new people and vibing together.”
The Nashville native is also collaborating with designers to create several limited edition pieces, exclusively for the event. “It is such a dream to be able to take aspects of what I do online and share it in person – to connect with people in a more authentic way,” said Elise. “I’m thrilled beyond words to team up with Ivy and Josh, and think my collection will pair nicely with their cool, modern aesthetic.”
Pennyweight will offer select pieces from emerging designers like Jesse Kamm, Kieley Kimmel, Wal & Pai, Kathleen Whitaker, Lauren Winter, 7115 by Szeki, Another Feather, Beatrice Valenzuela, Electric Feathers and more. Local designers include Annie Williams, Jamie & The Jones, Josi Faye, Ceri Hoover and Elizabeth Suzann.
“We want Wilder to be a place that sparks us as people and as artists, and incorporating Elise’s keen eye into the mix is layering a dynamism to the already lively conversation,” said Josh and Ivy.
So don’t walk, run to Wilder. This limited edition of decadently high-quality goods won’t last long. I can tell you from experience, a trip to Wilder will not be disappointing. The shop is more than a room of beautiful objects, it’s a transcendent experience.
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If you have ever stepped into the darling 12South boutique Cadeau, you understand that a surprise is always awaiting you on the other side of their entry door. Cadeau, meaning gift in French, is a refreshingly chic gift shop full of local and name brand décor and home furnishings. Whenever I visit, I am delighted by all the handpicked treasures – well curated, a bit cheeky and packed with inspiration.
Recently, I stopped into Cadeau and found myself immediately drawn to the hand-dyed pillows designed by Aubrey Hyde. Gorgeous patterns, in exquisite colors and each uniquely their own. I was completely smitten by the textile designs, which varied from ink-blot, drip, cosmos and blasted colors on linen/cotton. The pillows are surprisingly different, and yet, they have a wonderful classic appeal. Best of all, they are handmade in Nashville. No silk screens or digital printers, but hand-dyed and sewn one pillow at a time.
“Always a creative child, Aubrey began her creative career at Otis College of Art & Design, in her hometown of Los Angeles. Majoring in fashion design, she followed her passion for custom couture clothing and went to work at a fast-paced Hollywood costume shop after graduation. It was here that her passion for hand work, designer details and fine craftsmanship flourished.
After a move to Nashville in 2001, Aubrey soon ran the Nashville Ballet’s costume shop and became their resident designer. It was here that she grew her love for hand dyeing. She also opened up an online shop where she sold hand dyed accessories and fulfilled wholesale orders from retailers such as Free People.”
I find that those that can design for both fashion and home, have a rare aesthetic. Their designs stand in a unique realm of luxury and style. Designing in-between two worlds, allows one to be free in their technique and a bit of a rule breaker. Which makes for a very refreshing concept.
If you are interested in Aubrey Hyde’s pillows, you can purchase them at Cadeau, online at the Aubrey Hyde store or place a custom order here. And for all you fashion lovers, go to Ola Mai and see the stunning Dipped Liberty Top that Hyde and Nashville designer Leslie Stephens created.
Photos courtesy of Aubrey Hyde, Picture Happiness and Flock South
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