The Style List—April 2009
edited by Tessa Benson
Photo by Francis+Francis
SINGULAR SENSATION
When Mies van der Rohe proclaimed, “God is in the details,” the modernist master probably wasn’t thinking crystal dragons or Las Vegas. But the maxim holds true at Encore. Roger Thomas, Wynn Design and Development’s head of interiors, has orchestrated a symphony of dazzling decorative effects, all the more remarkable given their scale. These are a few of our favorites (clockwise from top left): Sixty-six chandeliers with 126,000 pieces of mouth-blown Rubino Italian glass—the largest order in Murano history; Fernando Botero’s Fertility Goddess, centerpiece of the restaurant named after the artist; some 130 butterfly designs deployed in wall coverings, carpets and mosaics; David Borchers’ 10 glass totems with 67 vintage lamp bases for Switch restaurant; a monumental glass-tile mural of—what else?—a male torso in the women’s restroom at XS nightclub; and a 38-foot dragon with 120,000 crystal scales at the restaurant Wazuzu. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 888-320-7123, encorelasvegas.com. —Mayer Rus
EX LIBRIS
In 1972, Learning from Las Vegas (MIT Press, $24) turned conservative design discourse on its head by taking architectural theory out of the academy and onto the Strip. For years, the original shots snapped by authors Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown and Steven Izenour (and their student researchers from Yale) have languished in the architects’ archives in Philadelphia. Curators from Switzerland’s Museum im Bellpark Kriens have now assembled the seductive images in Las Vegas Studio (Verlag Scheidegger & Spiess AG, $49). —MR
HOMING INSTINCT
Many people who came of age in the 1970s associate high-back wicker armchairs with cheesy prom photographs. Not so for Patricia Urquiola, darling of the international contemporary-design scene, who brings us the Crinoline chair collection for B&B Italia. This floral-patterned high-back has the jaunty spirit and presence of a pop sculpture. Constructed of polyethylene to withstand rain and sun, it’s as fresh and breezy as all outdoors. $4,870. Diva, 8801 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-278-3191, divafurniture.com. —MR
TASTEMAKERS
Jason Bernstein is passionate about beer; his partner, James Starr, is passionate about wine. Their new café, Golden State, pairs both libations with fresh, hearty, locally made bar fare. Try washing down the Harris Ranch burger with a delicious Craftsman 1903 draft beer, or the Let’s Be Frank bratwurst with Topanga Vineyards Grenache Blanc. The only drawback is the place can’t serve alcohol on weekdays until 5 p.m., but you can still belly up to the bar and enjoy a Virgil’s root beer on draft with your nosh. 426 N. Fairfax Ave., 323-782-8331. —Lora Zarubin
OBSESSED WITH
A good satchel is an effortless partner (even when lugging everything but the kitchen sink)—and Valentino’s Petale Shopping Couture tote is spring’s perfect arm candy, with tulle construction and floral detailing. $1,495. Valentino, 360 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-247-0103. —Tessa Benson
IN TREATMENT
Neil George fetes L.A.’s perfect weather with its new cabana. Enjoy top-tier services alfresco, including color and cut with owners Amanda and Neil and manicure with Eve. Isn’t that the coolest idea under the sun? 9320 Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-275-2808, neilgeorgesalon.com. —TB
GOTTA HAVE IT
Accessorizing is usually no-man’s land, but today’s jewels are equal opportunity. Give men their time to shine with John Hardy’s dragon-inspired wristwear, perfect for jeans and suit guys alike. The colorful braided-leather bracelets can be worn separately or paired with the line’s pièce de résistance: a black-sapphire dragon-head bracelet in rhodium-plated sterling. Beware of thieving girlfriends. White bracelet, $195; with dragon clasp, $450; with black sapphires, $4,495. Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., 310-275-4211, johnhardy.com. —Allison Kornberg
COLLECTOR'S CATNIP
Are you bewitched by Biedermeier? Mad for midcentury modern? Or perhaps you drool over Directoire? Whichever style happens to be your thing, find it in spades at the 14th Los Angeles Antiques Show, California’s premier exhibition of objets d’art from antiquity to present day. For those in search of inspiration, there’s a lecture series conducted by the industry’s finest. Happy hunting. April 22–26. Tickets, $15. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, psartsantiques.com. —MR
SITE SPECIFIC
At Fashionology’s new Website, tweens can design and customize their clothing the same way they do everything else—online. Ah, sweet bird of youth. fashionology.com. —A. Moret
Categories: Beauty / Books / Fashion / Interior / Interiors+Interior Design / The Style List
Verify your Comment
Previewing your Comment
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
Comments