Universal Things

It's sort of a tradition in my family -- on my dad's side -- to go against the grain. "Just because other Americans have HBO or frequently eat at hip restaurants, doesn't mean we have to." This philosophy is decidedly uncool when you're thirteen but no so bad when you're an adult. Being frugal in certain areas sometimes makes it possible to enjoy other luxuries, and it definitely comes in handy when the rainy days hit (or the stormy years).

I feel grateful that last year I was able to purchase a few small paintings and drawings. Each one has a connection to a kindred spirit. Above is Vicky's interpretation of LouLou de la Falaise's Paris apartment, and below is the Guillaume de Laubier photograph that inspired the painting. (Image is from Dressing the Home.)

LouLou's eclectic vignette is all about personal objects. More and more when I look at other people's interiors, I find myself focusing on their art and accessories. It's been said a million times but those are the interesting things, whether the art is hanging in a stately Neff-inspired house or a tiny bungalow.

So while I love the fantasy of Yves Saint Laurent's and Pierre Bergé's exotic and far-flung homes captured by Ivan Terestchenko in his new book, Les Paradis Secrets d' Yves Saint Laurent et de Pierre Bergé, I'm most intrigued by the arrangements of art, personal collections, and inspiration boards.


Ivan says that famed brit designer, Peter Saville, is responsible for the French cover. Other editions will be published in the UK at Thames and Hudson, and in the US at Vendome, but with different covers. Pierre Bergé wrote the introduction.

Enjoy this sneak peek.




For the scoop on the related YSL Christie's auction, be sure to read Emily's wonderful post.