Work and play does mix, at
least that’s what I told myself yesterday! Suzanne and I went into to the book
signing for Phoebe Howard yesterday in NYC. We decided to make it a
workday and did returns and searched at the D&D building. The problem
with the D&D is it never ends! You say you will stay focused on a
particular search and then you see so many new wonderful fabrics, paper, etc.
that you end up spending several hours roaming through each showroom. So
needless to say when 5 o'clock hit we had to force ourselves to put the fabric
samples down! We knew that we had a good hour before the book signing
began so we decided to rest our weary legs at the wonderful Bemelman's Bar at
the Carlyle Hotel.
For those who have not
been there it's on 76th and Madison. It is traditionally beautiful with
whimsical touches throughout. The bar is dark and moody with 24 k leaf ceilings
and a wonderful surrounding wall mural rendered by Ludwig Bemelmans. If the name
sounds familiar it should... he was the author and illustrator of the classic
Madeline Books. This is the only surviving commission open to the public, one
in which he refused payment. Instead, he created the murals in exchange for
a year and a half rent free residency at the Carlyle for he and his family. I
have included photographs of this great little haunt, and hope that it entices
you to drop in, next time you are in the Big Apple!
Well, Suzanne and I did
eventually make it to the book signing, but it was difficult leaving that cozy
lounge! This was quite a different atmosphere at Carolina Herrera. Greeted
by several wait staff with sparkling water and champagne, we entered what felt
more like a fashion show. Everyone was dressed in cocktail
black. Charlotte Moss in horizontal black and cream, Phoebe in a lovely
dress and Suzanne and I in our work attire! Oh well, we really did work all
day! Anyway, it was lovely meeting Phoebe Howard. She was gracious and
friendly. We found out more about the line of furniture for Sherrill
launched by she and her husband. Phoebe kindly gave her husband most of
the credit for the line and stated it was well received at market. We
wish the Howard's much success with their new line, and I am sure it will be
fantastic! A special thanks to Leah Kennelly for inviting us, it was a fun day
of work and play!
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| The lobby at the Carlyle |
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| Cafe Carlyle |
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| Art Deco suite |
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Love this suite! |
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| Bemelmans Bar |
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| Thank you Phoebe Howard! |
