The End of an Era

1962 Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog

 

I was so shocked to learn yesterday that the Neiman Marcus flagship store in Dallas is closing after 117 years. I remember so vividly receiving the NM's Christmas catalog every Christmas season and pouring over every page, especially its fantasy gifts.

Lilly Pulitzer Palm Beach Chinoiserie

You had better be seated for this, for you are about to go weak at the knees. These are some of my favorite pieces from the Lilly Pulitzer Furniture Collection. Some of this collection is now available at Neiman Marcus and Horchow.

American Chinoise Jewelry

Chinoiserie can be found in art, architecture, interiors, furniture, textiles, pottery, decorative objects, wallpaper, and gardens. Recently, many fashion designers have been influenced by Chinoiserie in their collections. In January, I posted about Ward Kelvin whose new jewelry collection "American Chinoise" is taking the luxury jewelry world by storm. His pieces can be found at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan and Neiman Marcus in San Francisco. He previously worked with Tiffany & Co. and David Yurman, my two favorites. He has also designed for Estee Lauder, Ralph Lauren, and Steuben. Raised in a home he describes as High Style 70s Chinoise Chic, he was further influenced by 1930s Hollywood Regency. With its bamboo, lattice, and even a swinging monkey, his work is the epitome of Chinoiserie-whimsical, sophisticated, playful, and elegant. Here are some lovely pieces from his collection-the Chinoise Frame earring in Gold Tourmaline, the Garden Path earring in Rubellite Tourmaline, and the Waterfall earring in Green Tourmaline.

The Chinoiserie Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are practically a necessity in the South and husbands love them, but let's face it, they can be so ugly. This Chinoiserie one is anything but ugly. Available at Neiman Marcus and Horchow.

Chinoiserie Jewelry

Ward Kelvin, an emerging jewelry designer in luxury jewelry, has launched his first collection entitled American Chinoise. The forty piece collection is his modern interpretation of 1930s Hollywood Regency with its bamboo and lattice filled interiors. The pieces are light and airy. He wishes the woman wearing it to feel "it was created by the chicest chinoiserie bird, as if it were creating a nest." He uses gold, platinum, diamonds, peridots, and Mali garnets. Mr. Kelvin previously designed for Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren. His jewelry can be found at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan now and Neiman Marcus in San Francisco this spring. Pictured here are the Bamboo cuff ($20,450), Chinoise Bracelet, and Peacock Earrings. Valentine's Day is just around the corner.