VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

photosourceunknown Peeps, If I could, I'd encamp in this library for days on end.  It's not very difficult to imagine sheltering here from the brutish heat of today (and what is likely to continue through the week) with all the accoutrements of refined civility; and, my only request would be endless cups of Turkish coffee and sesame-seed cakes.  Today's interior is the NYC residence of couturier Ralph Rucci whose masterful touch in the disciplines of haute-couture, fine-art, and interiors is phenomenal--so much that it borders on the sublime.  Floor-to-ceiling modern shelves filled with art-books, Chinese scholar-chairs, and Classical statuary spells perfection.  An inspirational room which still gives me the Joneses after all these years. Hope all the blog readers are staying cool, as well as enjoying this week's visual treats. Thanks, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is KINOBE's Slip Into Something More Comfortable

photocourtesyfocusonstyleblog Peeps, In an industry allegedly dominated by ego-maniacs, divas, copy-cats, trend-followers, weak talent and the directionless, true talent can be increasingly rare to spot, as well as show.  Indeed, it is on the runway -- that daunting, demanding spectacle of craft/art/performance, where a designer's individual viewpoint is crystallized into magical moments which must be quickly presented within a short time-span allotted between other talents, and before the audience's attention wanders elsewhere.  At the cost of millions per minute, the supporting cast of fitters/makeup artists/hair-dressers/lighting and stage technicians/prop-managers and florists/the DJ, and the bevy of beautiful models all contribute to 'that' moment or moments when the designer's vision is wholly realized. Then after thunderous applause (as well as  favorable reviews and large orders from store buyers and enthusiastic clientele, or lucrative contracts for p...