Objects Of Desire

CRYSTAL BRIDAL BOWL by Monique Lhuillier

This is sooo gorgeous!  I want one!!  From her “Sunday Rose” collection produced by Waterford, this beautiful 7 inch diameter bowl features an exterior of hand-carved roses in full bloom – very tactile…  The external finish is translucent satin whilst the interior is clear, creating delightful “light and shade” and amplifying the sculpted effect.  The collection was inspired by Lhuillier’s iconic and hugely popular Sunday Rose wedding gown design.

I see this bowl as a lovely centrepiece with a full arrangement of perfect roses or floating blossoms.  It could also serve as an extravagant, eye-catching vessel for potpourri or simply be appreciated as a beautiful stand-alone objet d’art.  Alternatively – what a stunning statement as a candle holder – imagine a pair - illuminated by votive candles – on a mantle (or in the bedroom) – very romantic!! See It Here

Based in Los Angeles, California, fashion designer Monique Lhuiller creates high-end bridal and evening wear (she has many celebrity devotees) and, like Vera Wang, (see below) has diversified into quality homewares.  Her collaboration with Waterford has produced a stylish line of crystal, fine china and flatware as well as beautiful decorator items – vases, photo frames and other ornamentals.  She also designs fine linens, papers and home fragrances.

The “Sunday Rose” range – whilst undeniably feminine (and an obvious choice for the bridal market), is a fashionable option for any special occasion.  The fine china dinnerware – white with the white rose embellishments defined in platinum, is classic and eminently collectable – quietly beautiful and elegant. See it Here

Lhuillier has created several popular tableware and accessory collections for Waterford – Dentelle, Stardust, Etoile Platinum, Couturier, Platine, Atelier and Modern Love.

BREGUET BRILLIANCE

From the very fine French watchmaker/jeweller Breguet is this bedazzling bracelet – part of the beautiful “L’Orangerie” Collection.  Inspired by the magnificent Orangerie at the Chateau de Versaille, this suite of jewellery is an indulgent exercise in clever colour combination and bold, innovative design.  With an 18ct yellow gold setting enhancing the radiance of pave diamonds (10.70ct) and rubies, pink tourmalines, spessartine garnets, yellow beryls and spinels (23.42ct), this special piece is a glorious floral explosion of colour and light.  The very desirable “L’Orangerie” collection also includes a stunning necklace, extravagant double flower ring, a pendant and drop earrings.

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Bring some sexy Italian style to your desk with the very clever Chain Light – a totally inspired and eminently functional lamp designed by Iliara Marelli for Nemo Italianaluce.  Fully extended this uber-elegant appliance stands at 22 inches tall. Four “bright white” 1 watt LED lights deliver great illumination and, when not in use, the sleek articulated sections fold down to deliver a subtle ambient light. Completely closed, the lamp compacts to just a teeny 2.75 inches high!  Flexible, adaptable and practical, the Chain Light is a lovely piece of Italian sculpture for your workspace!

BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES

I have long been a fan of Paloma Picasso’s beautifully crafted pieces and have amassed quite a collection of her distinctive jewelry.  It has been most interesting to follow her style evolution – always unique and inventive, she has inherited her  father’s bold and very original design instincts.

In early 2010, Paloma launched her stunning Marrakesh collection – one of three new ranges of jewelry designed to celebrate her 30 year liason with Tiffany and Co.  This extravagant collection features bangles, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings in silver and gold, with many of the pieces incorporating precious and semi-precious stones to great effect (diamonds, red jasper, lapis lazuli, black onyx, nephrite green jade and turquoise).

Of course the most appealing feature of this particular range is the exotic cut-out patterning of the metals, inspired by classic Moroccan geometric designs (Paloma has a home in Marrakesh).  Beautifully detailed and intricate, these signature creations are collectable classics. I just adore my gold Marrakesh bangle which I team with the matching drop earrings and the blue enamel and gold ring – great party pieces!   The bangle is also available in sterling silver.

VERA WANG CRYSTAL VASE

Does anyone do the wedding dress better than New York designer Vera Wang? She of fabulous bridal finery fame has many strings to her bow – apart from designing exquisite wedding gowns and exclusive evening wear, Wang has turned her considerable talent to producing lovely fragrances and cosmetic products, unique jewelry, handbags and luggage, eyewear, footwear, stationery and furniture.  She has also joined forces with the Waterford Wedgwood group to produce a luxurious range of covetable tableware, giftware and decorator items.  From fine bone china and stylish cutlery to sleek modern stemware and gorgeous collectables in silver, crystal and stainless steel – Vera Wang designs are very popular inclusions on any discerning wedding gift register.  The new “Vera Wang With Love” crystal vase is just so elegant – a contemporary classic!

DANISH DELIGHTS

These striking, sinuous stainless steel “Cobra” candlesticks from Danish design house Georg Jensen add glamour to any table setting.  Made of mirror-finish stainless steel, their reflective surfaces create a beautiful play of light.  Also from Jensen is designer Helle Damkjaer’s delightful “Bloom” tea light candle bowl – a beautifully sculpted organic shape, inspired by exotic flowers, in brushed stainless steel.  Grouped or placed randomly, these lovely ornamental pieces make a discreetly stylish statement at the table, or in any room – perfect for mood lighting in the boudoir and bathroom!