First Look at Creativity at Work

My book publication is definitely feeling bittersweet.  I'm grateful for all the lovely emails and comments this week and for my electricity.  I'm very excited that everyone is loving Creativity at Work.  If haven't received your copy yet, you can get a first look at The Cut at New York magazine here.  

I also want to remind you of my upcoming book signings.  Join interior designer and TV personality Tommy Smythe in conversation with me about all things chic and stylish as well as my new book on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00pm at Indigo Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West,Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A5, Canada. Signing to follow the talk. 

I will be signing books at the fabulous new store Hudson Grace at 3350 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94118, 415-440-7400, on Thursday, November 15th from 5:00-7:00pm.

Stop by the wonderful Chicago store Jayson Home, 1885 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, for a book signing with me on Thursday, November 29th. Time TBD.

Other cities will be posted once they are confirmed.  Los Angeles will probably take place in January 2013. 

Thanks!

HC

The World of Gloria Vanderbilt

Wendy Goodman is a very busy author.  She writes for the Home Design section of New York magazine and also found time to write the new book The World of Gloria Vanderbilt.  It seems like a perfect pairing since design plays a big part in Gloria's life.  As she says in the magazine, "decorating is autobiography" and it's fun to see her progression from patchwork quilts to dramatic glamour in her apartment.  I can only imagine that the stories in the book are just as interesting!

Gloria Vanderbilt in front of a portrait of her mother and with a cardboard cut out of her son Anderson Cooper.

The painting above the fireplace was painted by Gloria in 1953 but she paints the fireplace when the mood strikes her.  

Gloria in front of anther fireplace during her quilt phase.

The entrance hall.

"A portrait by Miguel Covarrubias of Gloria’s half-sister, Cathleen, hangs in the entrance hall."

I love the mix of patterns and textures in this room vignette.

Gloria's studio.

Gloria's current living room.

Gloria's home was also featured in Elle Decor magazine in October 2000.

Gloria with her sons Carter and Anderson Cooper.  Carter committed suicide in 1988 at the age of 23.

Gloria's bedroom in her quilt decorating period.

Gloria and her children.

Photos from W magazine, New York magazine, and Style Court

Ace of Spades

I've mentioned before that I've been going through my old tear sheets and one of the folders contained numerous magazine articles that featured Kate and Andy Spade's apartment. In my opinion, it's one of those timeless homes that will probably look as good in 30 years as it does after three which is a testament to the chic taste of it's owners as well as their interior designer, Steven Sclaroff. Maybe also because they retained the beautiful pre-war details that a lot of other people might have ripped out. The fabulous art collection doesn't hurt either! It would be interesting to see if they've made any changes since it was last photographed. If you are curious as to what this creative couple has been up to since they left Kate Spade the company, they were just profiled in New York magazine. I hope the next interview is accompanied by more photos! Enjoy!

Photos by Tina Barney, Jason Frank Rothenberg, Noe DeWitt and Eric Morin