16 August 2010

Coup de Foudre: Lagerfeld's Austrian

I was recently savoring the ode to the eighteenth century that was Karl Lagerfeld's Paris flat, as captured by Christie's in 2000.  The sale was a major purge, and he swept out his savonnerie to go all high tech and Hedi Slimane.  As long-time readers of EEE may know,  there is nothing like an Austrian shade or a pagoda pelmet  to stop me in my tracks. 


The Kaiser's are perfection - the two swags (as opposed to four or five) are unexpected, and I love the gathered side edges and that it's unlined.  Oh I could go on and on.

From his introduction to the sales catalogues:
"Lives, like novels, have chapters.  Never put yourself in a position where one day you can compare a still unknown future to a happy past."

Photograph by Karl Lagerfeld from the 29 April 2000 Christie's Monaco catalogue

(Click here to see my current pagoda obsession....)

7 comments:

Victoria Thorne said...

They are complete perfection. As is the quote. And the table/desk in the foreground. I love the pure implication of genius in those stacks. Marvelous marvelous post (as ever), thank you.

Toby Worthington said...

Two swags~ always better than 4 or 5. Tails at each end
are allowed, though. For which, see examples by Mario Buatta, Stanley Falconer, John Fowler.

Vickie H. said...

I am right there with you: those pagodas grab me everytime....it is a deep and abiding love!!!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Well, I finally disagree about something with you! I've never liked these blinds, but agree they are appropriate in many situations. However, this simpler version does appeal to me; I may be a convert to the flouncey side! ;-)
Hope you're having a great MARRIED summer!

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

Stefan, I love it that you disagree! Austrians are kind of granny chic and in many cases, can really kill a room - but for some reason, they really do something for me. Just thinking about Henri Samuel's for Susan Gutfreund sends my pulse racing.

But can you have flounces on the side with an Austrian? Isn't that more of a festoon shade?

home before dark said...

I wondered what happened after that pagoda pelmet "conversation." Did you follow through with that idea?

I adore Toby's classical vision and his hand of restraint. As I have told him, I just haven't evolved as much as he has. When I finally master my digital camera, you'll be the first to see my study which I have dubbed "Edward VII goes to Africa." It's upholstered (of course) in a malachite green stripe and there is a matching ballon shade and overdrapes (of course) in tribute to chintz and setting up a proper tea tent in the jungle. And, then there's the leopard carpet. It's all theater, no?

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

Ms. Home, please tell me you are studying your camera manual night and day????