DARRELL DEAN - D.C. DESTINATION

DAN JOHNSON LOUNGE CHAIRS AT DARRELL DEANWashington D.C. is a treasured destination for people from all over the world who wish to visit the core of America's historic beginnings.  D.C. is also a must see city for those interested in authentic American architecture.  Spend just five minutes walking around this majestic capital city and you find yourself pulled back in time. 

Within the city, Georgetown is a destination of it's own on many levels.  Be it for the architecture of the period row-houses, the tranquil beauty of the Potomac river banks, the classically preppy vibe of the University students, or the desire for a fix of fashion or interior design treasures - it's all there.  

One recent rainyETHEL RABIN AT DARRELL DEAN and gray weekday afternoon, I set out on foot to Georgetown from my hotel on Embassy Row.  Embassy Row is a favorite spot for me that never disappoints.   Just off Dupont circle, the architecture is overwhelming.   The walk to Georgetown is a beautiful excursion and only takes about 20 minutes.  One store that stopped me in my tracks along the way was Darrell Dean Antiques.  The shop had an excellent example of a mid-century find in their window   Two lounge chairs of tubular iron with a muted green tweed fabric by Dan Johnson.   I'm a mid-century fanatic, so I had to see more.   Once inside I realized that Darrell Dean has an incredibly eclectic collection of seating, lamps, and objects d'art.    It is easy to see why the store has such a reputation and loyal following from all over the country.   The website has a huge selection of items via a simple search system.   The shop is also showcased on 1st dibs.   

Not expecting to fashion find, a collection of unique illustrations caught my eye.  Hand painted copies of fashion illustrations by designer, artist, and illustrator Ethel Rabin are gems!  Rabin drew the illustrations for Berley Studios circa the late 1930's.  Berley was a pioneer in the concept of fashion forecasting.   The studio provided illustrations of the latest Parisian Couture designs from designers such as Chanel, Pioret, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, etc.ETHEL RABIN AT DARRELL DEAN  This was an extremely important service to American department stores who would base their seasonal buy on what was happening on the Paris runways.   Keep in mind, at the time there was no such thing as Ready-To-Wear.   Couture was the fashion of Paris.   American stores like Bonwit Teller or Lord & Taylor would enter into contracts with these famous houses to reproduce the designs state-side for a set period of time.   The department stores would stage in-house fashion shows in their designer salons on 5th Avenue for best customers.

Rabin was an accomplished designer and painter.   Her illustrations for Berley were sought after resources for department store buyers.   The assignment of reporting on the Couture collections of Paris was also as prestigious then as it is today.ETHEL RABIN ON CHANEL AT DARRELL DEAN

Darrell Dean has 300 of these handpainted copies.  They measure 9" x 12" and are in very good condition with a retail of $185 each. Contact the store now to request sketches by color or designs.   They make a great addition to just about any decor, or an amazing gift for any fashion fan.    Click - Darrell Dean now. 

OMNI + TWO JAKES =GREAT DESIGN

OMNI+ PRISM BY KARIM RASHID - $499.95I spent Saturday night in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the launch party for Omni + furniture at the coolest mid-century minded furniture store - two jakes.   The Omni+ line is a welcome addition to the modernist minded shopper who appreciates clean lines and minimal clutter.  OMNI+ VAIL FIFTY BY KARIM RASHID - $599.95 Typically there is a great reality check when mid century decorating meets 21st century entertainment systems with cords and cables that could support life on Mars!  That's where Omni+ enters the equation.   Having been in the business of helping homes and offices clean up their act with mounts of all kinds for over 30 years as Omnimount, the company is no stranger to trying to achieve a more organized space.  

Williamsburg is always fun and there are a million things to do.   two jakes is a great destination for all things mid-century, industrial  and like minded accessories.   The store has a great selection of Eames furniture & Bisley cabinets - two of my favorite collections! Kimberly Fabiano, Betsey Banker, Jason Jobson, Anthony Santelli, & Christophe Pourny

Omni+ pieces were on display around the store that is oh so Williamsburg in it's laid back approach.   Omni+ enlisted design world superstar Karim Rashid to design some of the new collection and Rashid was on hand as well with his beautiful wife.  SUPER CHIC BETSEY BANKER Also in the crowd - Anthony Santelli of Martha Stewart Living and furniture restoration guru - Christophe Pourny. There was a big fashion infusion this night for a typically casual Williamsburg.    A few girls could have walked right off a Paris runway! 

Two jakes is enough of a reason to hop over to Williamsburg any afternoon.  WILLIAMSBURGER MINT SHAKEIf you get hungry, head to Williamsburger nearby.   They have the best burgers in the neighborhood, and mint milshakes - which is reason enough in my book to go to Brooklyn!    To check out the pieces from the new collection, click Omni+

BEVERLY HILLS BOUTIQUE HOTEL - MAISON 140

HOTEL MAISON 140 The next time your travel plans have you spending time in L.A. - find your way to Hotel Maison 140.  While I am not a huge fan of boutique hotels - I always make an exception when I'm in Beverly HIlls.  LOBBY ENTRANCE Maison 140 is a charming little hotel that has all the amenities you need and is tucked away just around the corner from the crowds of Rodeo Drive.   A short walk (yes, you can walk in L.A.!) from Neiman Marcus, Saks, & Barney's - Hotel Maison 140 is the perfect hotel choice for business or pleasure.    The hotel offers all types of packages and little extras for weekend travelers.  LOBBY BAR The staff is friendly, informed, and professional - which are three things you can't always say about the staff at many boutique hotels.    Maison is part of the Kor Group of chic jewel box hotels.   MANDARIN KING ROOM  I rarely linger in hotel lobbies - but find myself spending time there when I'm at Maison 140.     The hotel was just "refreshed" as they say in Beverly Hills with a new coat of paint.  The chic slate gray  is in keeping with what you find once inside.   The hotel describes itself as " A French Mandarin kiss in the heart of Beverly Hills".   I couldn't agree more!

MAISON 140 BEVERLY HILLS 
140 Lasky Drive Beverly Hills, California 90212
Reservations 800 670 6182  |  T 310 281 4000  |  F 310 281 4001