Furniture Pimp : Jim Walrod

Ettore Sottsass Hsing Vessel from The Pop Series, Model 456

Stools After Jean Prouvé 1985

Kim Moltzer & Jean Paul Barray Coffee Table 1965

Guy de Rougemont Wall Mounted Console

On May 3rd Wright presents The Collection of Jim Walrod at auction. Comprised of 250 lots of art, design and objects from Jim’s personal collection, the sale is a celebration of a man who collected everything and knew just as much. 

Jim Walrod’s eye was legendary. Mike D of the Beastie Boys called him his ‘Furniture Pimp’ in sincere gratitude of his talents as a designer and in appreciation for the breadth of his knowledge. Clients worldwide—from David Bowie to André Balasz—sought his unparalleled expertise. Although Jim saw his role as a guide, aiding clients in finding their own distinct eye, it was his unique vision that shaped so many others.

His career began after a chance meeting with Andy Warhol led Jim to work for Fiorucci, the legendary style makers. There he was introduced to the radical designs of Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis group, as well as the key members of the New York art world. In 1987, Jim entered the New York art scene with his first gallery on Lafayette. He opened Form & Function in 1998, which became a mainstay for those looking for expertly curated vintage design. He remained true to his unique vision throughout his career, later lending his expertise as an interior designer, adviser and curator. With exhibitions at R & Company and Patrick Parrish gallery, Jim shared his collecting vision with an even wider audience.

Jim’s beloved Chinatown loft always remained the truest expression of his remarkable collecting vision. Works by friends were placed alongside modern icons creating an interior rich in dialog. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jim sought works labeled as ugly or incompatible. And it is those experiments that make his collection so wonderfully rare and unique. Jim shared glimpses of this extraordinary space with friends, followers on social media and clients. Sourced from numerous locations, he was proud of his finds, whether it was a rare book or piece of radical lighting. Each cherished object was thoughtfully selected and likewise showcased within his interior.

This collection celebrates a rare collecting vision without boundaries. Each object was assembled with a singular appreciation of its aesthetic, regardless of the value to the outside world. As Jim was known to say: “Time is the only real critic that matters”. ~via Wright 20

*Our friend Jim is deeply missed*

Girls Gotta Eat

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maria

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Funny, how the spots geographically closest to me are the last places I visit.  Maria (my partner in crime, so to speak) suggested we meet at The Pikey.  Cause God knows if I’m put on the spot and asked where we should go to lunch, I’ll probably suggest  some spot in Culver City that will take a hour to get to. Of course I wouldn’t think of The Pikey on Sunset Blvd. because it’s probably the closest place to eat just down the hill from us in Nichols Canyon. The drive: 10 mins tops. Geez!

Anyways, I’ve heard owners Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson‘s place had some good Fish n’ Chips. So that’s what we ordered.  Must admit, it was pretty good.  And of course you can’t really go wrong with anything that Sean’s done (most of the places he did with my husband, Jon Sidel in the 90s are still around today: Swingers, JONES, Good Luck Bar). The Punkey British  Pub atmosphere alone is enough reason to go to The Pikey, if not for the fact that Chef Ralph Johnson formally from NYCs The Spotted Pig is manning the kitchen.

I’ll definitely be back for drinks.  Join me!

 

Inn Heaven

Last week I went over to my friends Steve Werndorf and Gisela Marin’s home in the Hollywood Hills to check out their Moving Sale.  I’ve only been to their house a handful of times, but I have to say the 1926 Spanish Hacienda has such a magically quality to it I felt a bit sad knowing that this was most likely the last time I would be there since it was recently purchased by someone else.  As I walked out empty handed,  I felt compelled to snap a few pics shown above. I think you can tell it’s not just the property alone that makes it special, but their unique mix of mid-century furniture, antiques, art, and original photography that spin a “rustic meets modern” homey vibe.

Lucky for you and me,  the same vibe has been created at Inn Paradiso, the property that Giesla and Steve bought a few years ago.   Surrounded by old growth oak trees and wildlife, the Inn is located in Paso Robles, California’s Central Coast, and sits half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Inn Paradiso has earned “Sunset Magazine Editor’s Choice” and a recent mention on T magazine here.

Find more info on Inn Paradiso here.

PALIHOTEL

I heard last night that PALIHOTEL on Melrose was opening today and thought I would stop by after having lunch at Cecconi’s.  I drive by this spot all the time and when the facade was completed, I just couldn’t believe how quickly it was done.  One day it’s a Hostel, the next a Boutique Hotel.  That PALIGROUP works FAST!
Check out curbedla to see the inside.
The Palikitchen will be up and running soon (it’s OPEN for coffee/cookies program), but you can get your Thai massage on now.
Thank you to Kirsten of PALIGROUP for the tour!

Hôtel Americano

Oh, a new spot to check out in NYC! 
Located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, Hôtel Americano is the first US hotel from Mexico City design hotel chain – Grupo Habita.  The mesh clad building was designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norten of Ten Arqitectos and the restrained interiors that nod to mid-century with a Japanese touch were designed by MCH-Arnaud Montigny.
As with the other properties from Gropo Habita,  I’m sure Hôtel Americano will not disappoint.

ssshhh…

photo by Tim Street Porter

According to David Netto’s recent “Shangri-La in the Dust” article posted in WSJ Magazine, the Hacienda de San Antonio is a must visit SECRET located less than two hours inland from the Pacific coastal city of Manzanillo, deep in the highlands of Mexico.

Well, I’m hear to blow the top off this little secret cuz I’m in LOVE with the beauty of this place.
The isolated hotel was renovated and restored to its original glory by French interior designer Robert Couturier.

Read David’s article here.

Hope Springs Resort




Desert Hot Springs: Hope Springs from Adam Royer on Vimeo.

Curving like a Richard Serra Sculpture, the high entry wall shelters Hope Springs from the parking plaza off Club Circle Drive creating a private garden in front of the lobby…. Three separate pools offer a veritable high, medium, and low temperature natural hot springs therapeutic experience. There is an owner/manager living/ dining area, kitchen, bedroom and bath space off the lobby, plus an additional kitchen for guests. Ten guest rooms, four with their own kitchenettes, set back around the perimeter of the site, wrap the garden courtyard and pools. Hope Springs has been internationally published, and with its steady flow of international guests, should only continue to grow in success and reputation as perhaps the ultimate natural hot springs in the Coachella Valley. ~Crosby Doe Associates Listing

Yesterday was 19 degrees here in New York. After seeing that Hope Springs Resort is still on the market, I’m reminiscing of warm desert nights past. ahhhhhhh.