10 February 2013

The Wait is Over...

Almost.  This fall the one and only Mario Buatta's first ever monograph is coming to a bookstore near you.  It is going to be  enormous and packed with hundreds and hundreds of glorious photographs, including projects never before published.  And if you think you know everything about the Prince of Chintz's style, you will be surprised.

It has been the most marvelous adventure working with Mr. Buatta on this (not to mention my new collection of toy Harold cockroaches and wind-up mice).  As this will be the end-all, be-all book on all things Buatta-ful, what would you like to see, hear, know?


24 comments:

Magnaverde said...

Well, glory be! I was afraid this day would never come.

My first question is pretty obvious: if this was your idea, how did you manage to convince Mario to do it? I mean, how many years has he put this off while dozens of less-talented decorators issued fluffy books crammed with multiple photos of unremarkable rooms? It's not like the guy Mario needs publiciy to keep the clients calling.

And if it was Mario's realization that it was finally time for him to do it, how is it that he came to choose the ideal person to help him? From doing the intro to your book for Hyde Park Antiques? Or did the two of you already know each other before that?

All I know is that I said--on a dozen public forums, over a period of a dozen years, hoping that he'd stumble across my offer--that he absolutely needed to do this, and that if I needed to, I would come out to New York myself and do it for free, just to make sure it happened. As it turns. come fall, I'll get all the pleasure without having had to do any of the actual work. And that's my favorite thing.

Anyway, however this perfect pairing worked out, congratulations to both of you.

Bart AKA Magnaverde

P.S.You can go ahead and sign me up now for the first signing in Chicago.

Blue said...

Finally! Thank you. This is wonderful news.

balsamfir said...

Definitely a must buy for me. I remember the Kips Bay Showhouse when he ruled the NY design world, and by comparison, much of what I've seen since seems lacking. I guess I'm still stuck in the '80's, but he is wonderful.

Linda

Reggie Darling said...

Thank Heavens! And how wonderful it is you who is collaborating with him. I can't wait to spend hours and hours with it, memorizing every picture and paragraph! Reggie

Reggie Darling said...

Oh, and if the bedroom on the cover is his iconic one from the Kips Bay showhouse years ago, then I am all agog. I almost fainted when I walked into that room. I'm serious! Reggie

Jennifer Dengel said...

I think this is wonderful news and the thought of having all of those beautiful images consolidated into a book is a very exciting prospect. Emily, in answer to your question, as to what we would like to see, hear, know...I would be very interested in hearing Mario Buatta's recollections about the legendary decorators, upholsterers and craftsmen that he has known thru the years. Best of luck with the book and many thanks for taking it on!

The Devoted Classicist said...

I can hardly wait!

stephendrucker said...

Hallelujah! Mario should be celebrated and you're just the person to do it.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant - a favorite decorator and a favorite writer - together! KDM

home before dark said...

I don't know nuthin' bout birthin' books, but with god as my witness (loved my friend who swore the line was as god as my waitress), glad this latest book gestation is over and we all can soon celebrate....without the plastic bugs.

Picture of Elegance Blog said...

So happy to hear that...I'm sure the book will be most the remarkable.

Christa Pirl Furniture & Interiors said...

Can't wait! What fun! I know you will do his work justice!

Anonymous said...

Halleluja!!!

Thrilling! We are all in a complete lather waiting for this!!!

That is not the Kip's Bay room that I almost fainted in!
I am not exaggerating! The room started spinning!
That was Verriers print; although this picture is a gorgeous room also! I have not seen this picture!

I tried to preorder!!

It truly is the perfect combination! Our favorite writer and favorite decorator!!!

Penelope

Anonymous said...

PS How about a booksigning in Montecito?????

I will have it at my house, if you want!!
Sign me up for the one in LA!!!

Anonymous said...

Dearest EEE,

Congratulations! I know this was a true labour of love. Reserve 4 signed copies for me!

Rich de Singapour

Toby Worthington said...

Delightful news EEE, but please-- don't allow that to
be the final design for the book's cover!

The Peak of Chic said...

I'll be first in line to buy it! This is long overdue, and I can't think of a better team than you and Mario. Hurray!

Anonymous said...

From the moment I stepped into the living room Mario Buatta decorated at a New York Showcase House several decades ago, I was smitten. I have heard him lecture several times and have collected every article and photo of his work since. I am thrilled that there will finally be a book celebrating his work. It is LONG overdue!

Roy said...

Can't wait! I'm sure it will be superb! We miss you!

Dean Farris said...

Dear Emily, What a coup! Congratulations to you both! I imagine you'll make so much moo-lah on this one book, that you can hire MB and give him carte blanche for your new Fifth Avenue penthouse! I am proud to know Mario, and your readers should know that he has the very richest, most powerful people for clients, simply because he a true genius, and knows how to laugh at himself...he's the best of the best! So are you! DF

PS: For Mario clients, the 1980's are still alive and well. It's called investment decorating. You don't throw out your Vuillards just because they're not "trendy"!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news! He is such a great talent, and I am thrilled beyond words.

I think I've read just about every interview and read every article that featured one of his designs, so I will love knowing more.

Bumble at home said...

what a treat to look forward to but the best bit of news for someone who knows all his published rooms by heart
(tragic I know) is the prospect of hitherto unpublished
photographs.....yippee!

Anonymous said...

Mario's look is always tasteful. So sad that young consumers are buying so much trendy and not looking for pieces that will grow with their taste!

quintessence said...

I know this post is from long ago but I just shot a video with Mario and Ellie Cullman today and got a quick glance at the book - it is FABULOUS!! Congrats - can't wait to have my own copy to ogle over leisurely.