MATERIAL GIRL

No, this isn't a homage to '80s Madonna.  Nor is it quite an outfit post.  I merely wanted to illustrate, by way of clothing, what has been taking a lot of my time lately.

We are still coated in sawdust, but nearing the visible part of construction.  For weeks, I have been the Material Girl, zipping around the Bay Area, in search of the right wood, metal, stone, fabrics.  In a way, nothing matches.  But, as we know with outfits, harmony can surface through a cacophony of beautiful materials.

Mixed Materials -- herringbone tweed, velvet, lace, metal; wool, leather, faux fur
Applying the same philosophy to interiors
Dress: Anna Sui for Target (I loved this collection)
Coat: Walter (this coat design always makes me think "Ostrich")

I was surprised by the last design meeting I had in San Francisco, uncovering a panoply of subtly-colored weaves and jewel-toned velvets to complement -- or contrast with -- other materials.  It was a different direction from our initial ideas, and all because I fell in love with the teal fabric on a chair.  In January, I'm also scheduled to brainstorm with a team of artists to design a side table which I want in mixed materials. I'm thinking hammered metal with some distressed wood, but in modern geometries.  We'll see.

Sheer chiffon, satin ribbons and appliqués dressed down with knits
Dress: Vintage couture

The Italians among you will be pleased to know that my labyrinthine quests have often led me down the path of Italian design. What can't these people do beautifully?!  From wood floor, stones and tiles, to lighting fixtures and fabrics, my favorites mostly turn out to be crafted from the land of the Medicis.  It's such an unfair -- or perhaps fair and duly earned -- head start, with their long history in art and architecture!  (Hmmm, I guess Madonna owes her creativity to her Italian heritage.  Now, that lady knew how to mix materials as well...  whaddya know, this post ended up being about the Material Girl after all.)

So, this is just a brief interlude from my Christmas postings -- though I did wear that ostrich-bottomed coat to a Christmas party last week, and the ribboned dress to a holiday show.