Travel

Tropical Escape: British Virgin Islands

Work hard, play hard, that’s the motto in our family. We don’t take much time off, but when we do we try to plan a vacation that will appeal to our need for rest as well as our need for fantasy and escape.

British Virgin IslandsThis year we spent seven glorious days on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. If secluded white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, soft trade winds, and that delicious vibe of African, Latin and European culture sounds good then this one’s for you.

British Virgin IslandsLittle Dix Bay offers secluded, ocean front cottages in an understated mix of rattan, stone, and tropical prints.

British Virgin IslandsI could stare out at that view all day.

Virgin-Islands-2

British Virgin IslandsNothing like your own chartered boat and crew to make you feel as glamorous as a Bond Girl.

Virgin-Islands-9Willy T’s – Perfect place to park your boat, climb aboard and have some freshly grilled fish, a cocktail and some naughty talk from bartender “Zeus.”

Virgin IslandsMy beach read this year was “Elizabeth…The First Wife” by Lian Dolan. A clever, breezy read about learning to feel good about yourself and not worry about what anyone else thinks.

Virgin-Islands-6

British Virgin IslandsIt was a tough job, but somebody had to do it!

 

Ms. Madison’s Highlights from Maison et Objet Paris 2014

To say Maison Objet is a little overwhelming is an understatement. There are eight pavilions filled with fabulousness to cover. My usual routine is to scour as much of the show as possible, taking it all in, and then go back and hone in on what really catches my eye and what we might like to carry in the store. Here are just a few of the most spectacular designers and product lines that we discovered at the show. You may just spot a few of these items in On Madison very soon.

Maison et Objet Paris 2014Spain and Portugal are hitting the design scene hard with a number of companies making definite impressions on me. The Ivory Blend Harmony combines clean modern lines, some Deco leanings and a nod to 60’s Italian design. The lacquered dining table, a version of a simple Parsons style, comes tricked out in a geometric pattern of black, cream, and peacock blue and is a knockout.

The Ivory Bend HarmonyPols Potten – a great collection ranging from hand blown glass in just about every color imaginable, to perforated brass lamps and Pedro Friedenberg inspired hand chairs done in gold gilt.

Pols-Potten

Pols Potton

Jules Pansu – with artwork from Picasso, Miro and Kandinsky, can you really go wrong? Jules Pansu uses these images on a collection of decorative trays, pillow, tapestries and rugs that would make a striking statement in any décor. The trays and pillows will be in On Madison soon.

Jules-Pansu

Tom Dixon is a design sensation in London and now, it seems the world. Known for delivering high style at a mass produced price point, I loved his Cog Collection in brass. The Beat Light fixtures in brass were equally as stunning and the Bash Vessels in gold would look lovely anywhere.

Tom-Dixon

I do love offbeat things that give a wink to something traditional. The Marie Antoinette inspired vessels from Bosa are high style fun, especially when grouped together.

 Jaime-Haydon-for-Bosa-Trade

 Last but most certainly not least, 22 Edition. A playful, yet chic take on French cane latticework, the Cannage collection includes settees, chairs and dramatic plant stands. They come in a myriad of fabulous colors giving us a 21st century spin on the 18th Century. Louis XVI would have loved it!

22 EditionItems coming to On Madison soon!

 

 

Ms. Madison Goes to Paris

It’s been quite some time since I’ve been to Paris, so I must say attending this year’s Maison & Objet is particularly exciting.  No sooner did I drop my bags off to my hotel than I did what any self-respecting Francophile would do and that’s hit the streets of Paris immediately.

Travel-ParisI admit to getting lost, but if you must get lost, the Left Bank is not a bad place to do it.  Here are a few photos of my self-guided walking tour.

Travel Paris On Madison AveMany years ago, I saw a photo spread on the fabulous Paris apartment of fashion designer Yves St. Laurent and his partner, Pierre Berge.  I must say, I had never seen, nor have I since, such a splendid space, filled with every manner of exquisite and rare things. I had intended to visit a popular coffee bar located at 47 Rue de Babylone, when it suddenly hit me, that 55 Rue de Babylone was the location of Yves St. Laurent’s legendary apartment.

Yves Saint LaurentSo I made my pilgrimage to that address and simply stood for a moment and pondered the wondrous apartment that has inspired me for so many years.

Yves-Saint-Laurent ApartmentYves-Saint-Laurent-Apt-1Yves-Saint-Laurent ApartmentYves-Saint-Laurent-Apt-4

 

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