The Fantastic Mr. Cummings

There are certain people who walk into your life at some unexpected junction in time and they just never leave, for better or for worse.  If you are fortunate enough to know what I'm talking about, then you are one among the few who recognize an amazing, magical moment in life and hold on to that connection.

Such was the case for me when I met Sean Cummings some #$*#%$$-teen years ago.  Sean, a cutting-edge developer who has created some of New Orleans' hippest hotels and condos, came into my life on a very ordinary day while I was out celebrating my engagement with the girls at his newly opened boutique hotel in New Orleans, International House.  Originally the first World Trade Center in the world, International House is a sophisticated sanctuary, a mecca of sorts for the forward-looking artisans, entrepreneurs and visitors who are reinventing the great city of New Orleans.

International House Hotel

221 Camp Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

To make a long story short, my engagement didn't last -- but my friendship with Sean did. And in all of the time since our first meeting, he has been a constant source of inspiration, encouragement, support, understanding, love and motivation.

And Sean never ceases to amaze me. Dedicating his life and vision to the regrowth and development (culturally, economically and artistically) of New Orleans, Sean has and continues to do good by it -- revitalizing forgotten areas of this city and attracting major players from other parts of the world to invest in the rebirth of the Crescent City. One such project was the Make it Right Foundation made famous by New Orleans' adopted couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I will never forget that other magical moment in my life when Sean introduced me to Brad Pitt in the flesh who seemed just like any other gorgeous demigod in the room wearing blue jeans and drinking a Heineken.  But that's another story for another post.....

Now back to Sean ....

Sean's most recent accomplishment has been the renovation and opening of the Rice Mill Lofts in one of New Orleans' most creative and picturesque neighborhoods, the Bywater.

Dedicated to the artisans and entrepreneurs of this great City of ours, the Rice Mill is a building of breathtaking originality. One with captivating river views, inspired street art, sublime open space, architectural artifacts and hospitality services.

This radiant building marks the gateway to the Bywater, a new Bohemia and its new riverfront. And, it does so with a purpose described well by Ann Cutler, "One- hundred percent quality, real service, unique design and style – these are the product values that deliver human values which never change: love, pride, joy, the family and self esteem."

Patinaed brick walls, inspired street art, polished concrete floors, expansive windows revealing captivating views of the Mississippi River and skyline, soaring structural columns and exposed wood beams, are but a few of the organic elements that make the Rice Mill come alive with the soul of New Orleans. 41 wide-open SoHo style lofts,21 live-work artist studios, and 7 two-story river-view townhouses, the Rice Mill has quickly become home to a wide range of amazing talents and soulful, hip trendsetters.

Homes ranging from 750 - 2100 square feet with one – three bedrooms

That Christian Liaigre chair has my name all over it!

The rooftop of the Rice Mill Lofts 

But the most amazing story to come out of the Rice Mill Lofts and most recently captured by the New York Times in its June 6, 2012 feature, "Where the Walls Do Talk," is the building's most coveted and highly protected artistic component -- graffiti left over from its derelict days. It took a person like Sean to see the beauty of this historical landmark. If you have not read the article, do yourself the favor and click here.  

Taken by the amazing New Orleans photographer Sara Essex Bradley for the New York Times (who, incidentally, also took the photos of my home for my own feature in the NYTimes), these photos capture the beauty of Sean's vision.

Rice Mill Lofts, an 1892 structure in New Orleans that was once home to a rice processor, has been converted into housing with an unusual amenity: graffiti left over from its derelict days. (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

An 8-foot resin Buddha presides over the lap pool behind the building, with a segment of a Mississippi River flood wall as a backdrop. (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

Lauren Kolb decorated her three-bedroom apartment with pieces like a French trumeau mirror from her childhood home. It is propped against the wall because she isn’t allowed to hang it near the graffiti. (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

On the brick wall in Cady McClain and Jon Lindstrom’s apartment is a birdlike figure with the words “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” spray-painted next to it. They are not allowed to tamper with the graffiti. (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

Sean's space is furnished with a Christian Liaigre Basse Terre sofa, a Senegalese drum table and two Simplice chairs by Maxalto. The rug is a throw by Marcel Wanders. (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

Sean Cummings (photo: Sara Essex Bradley)

To my friend, Sean Cummings, whose overflowing energy, creative passion and contagious spirit inspires us all.  Congratulations on another beautiful creation!

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

I'm back

And wait until you see some of my new things soon to be on 1stdibs.....

Murano Plafonnier

Hope you are having a long, wonderful summer!

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

More Magazine June 2012 Issue

Some of you may recall that just a month or so ago, I had a blast doing a photoshoot for More Magazine.  (If you didn't read the post and have nothing better to do today, click here).

The photoshoot was for an article that the talented writer, Margot Dougherty (of Conde Nast Traveler, Town & Country, Los Angeles Magazine fame) worked on for about a year now.  Margot flew over from Los Angeles after reading the article that appeared about me on the New York Times and took the time to know me for the months that followed that initial meeting.  She has been not only a wonderful writer to work with, but on a more personal level, a constant support and friend throughout my struggle to find direction in this new career path I have taken for myself.  Margot has truly become part of my small circle of wonderful women I have had the fortune of meeting since I took the plunge in 2009 into a new world that I had dreamed about for so many years.  For this and more, I thank you, Margot, and all of my wonderful new friends at More Magazine.  And although I wish I could tell you that I had a girls' lunch with actress Madeleine Stowe (who graces the cover of the same June issue I'm in), at least I can say now that she and I are only one (1) degree of separation (as Margot also interviewed her for this issue).

So with no further ado, I present to you the June 2012 issue of More Magazine.  Hope you enjoy reading the article as much as I enjoyed telling my "second act" story. (And if you don't have the x-ray vision necessary to read the fine print of the article below -- sorry, I tried but couldn't make it any bigger -- pick up a copy at Whole Foods or Barnes and Noble or wherever More Magazine is carried.  It's a great magazine notwithstanding my story).

 

 


To contact me or to view my store, please go to www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

And to read the full article on More, click here!

The indelible Mark Shaw

Photographer Mark Shaw is best known for his extraordinary talent and work capturing the life and glamour of John F. Kennedy's family.  Prior to his work with the Kennedys, Shaw was renowed for defining fashion photography in an era when fashion was heralded by famous designers such as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, to name but a few.  Having behind the scene access to some of the most elite celebrities and models, Shaw's photographs include rare, candid takes backstage in the salons of Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, and Nina Ricci, not to mention the living rooms of some of the most renowned socialites of the time.

Selected images of Shaw's work has been brought to the public by Svenska Mobler's Andrew Wilder in collaboration with Mark Shaw's only heir, David, and his wife, Juliet Cuming, after going unviewed for over 40 years.  

Here are some of my most beloved shots of Mark Shaw in never seen before photos.  For more information or to see more of Shaw's work, click here.

Mark Shaw-Editioned Portrait of Coco Chanel #14 , Paris, 1957

Coco Chanel as captured by Mark Shaw for LIFE in 1957. Chanel is seen here approaching her boutique on the Rue du Faubourg St.Honore in Paris. 

Jackie Kennedy and Caroline in Hyannis Port 1959 #1 by Mark Shaw

Captured here  is Jackie Kennedy and daughter Caroline in an informal moment on the beach at Hyannis Port in 1959. This image is an outtake for an assignment from LIFE magazine about Jackie Kennedy which ran in 1959 while JFK was making his White House run.

1953 is a portrait of Audrey Hepburn on the set of "Sabrina"

Christian Dior hat and gown, Paris, 1954

Portrait of Cary Grant #1, LA, 1955

Portrait of fashion designer James Galanos surrounded by models. These models are wearing Galanos' creations and are captured at the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Never before seen portrait of Grace Kelly shot for LIFE Magazine. Grace Kelly appeared in four major motion pictures that year. Soon After she later went on to marry Prince Rainier and become the princess of Monaco. This was a test shot of Ms. Kelly which was recently discovered in Mark's archives.

Model at Paris Louvre Metro Station wearing a gray Christian Dior dress, 1957.

 Model in day wear on a residential street in St. Tropez in 1960. 

Pictured here a model wears a bucket hat in the 17th century house where Manon Lescaut once lived, then owned by Suzanne Luling, directrice of Dior in Paris, 1960.

A whimsical moment captured by Mark Shaw front and center at the Christian Dior couture show in Paris in 1954.

Captured in 1953, socialite Vicki Reynaud modeling a draped chiffon gown and jeweled collar by classic Parisian designer Desses. Standing in the "dahlia-bedecked" dining room of Desses' two story apartment, Reynaud is surrounded by an 18th century Manila leather screen and a collection of English Silver. Desses' apartment was formerly occupied by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the tower builder. 

Test shot of an unidentified model on the beach in Portofino, Italy, 1955.

Captured here in 1955 in a Paris courtyard is a model wearing an Givenchy gown and orange colored and cape.

Limited Edition portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, 1956

Shot in a Paris courtyard, a model is seen wearing a grey Dior gown, 1955.

Socialite Sophie Malgat in a gray Dior ball gown. Shaw shot this in the sunroom of the house of Christian Dior in Passy in 1953.

Jackie Kennedy in an informal moment at home in Georgetown in 1959. 

Me, just having fun.

Have a wonderful week!

www.karinagentinetta.1stdibs.com

Italian Elegance

Elegant Mazzega Style White Feather Murano Chandelier

Italy

20th c.

Individually sculpted clear and white hand blown murano glass petals or feathers make up this elegant chandelier. Each hand made glass piece is partly covered by an opaque white color over transparent glass. The opacity of the color, allows the finesse, delicacy of the glass . The scattered light is soft and indirect. The white color is very pure when it is lit. Chromed metal frame. 

Available online on 1stdibs and on display at 1stdibs@NYDC

www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Saturday Shopping on 1stdibs with Me!

I have been saving this surprise for about a week now!  I am just so awful about keeping surprises.  They gnaw at me until I just explode and tell everyone!!

When 1stdibs contacted me about being their featured Saturday Shopper, I was delighted.  Imagine searching through their entire website choosing some of the most coveted items from 1200 of the most prestigious dealers across the globe!  I had a blast, choosing everything from beautiful vintage Oscar de la Renta gowns to vintage Coco Chanel jewelry, to fabulous snake skin Christian Louboutin heels.  I even went shopping for dream homes in the southern coast of France with 1stdibs' new Fine Homes feature.

And this is the best part, I am on the same page and feature as Kelly Wearstler!!!  Someone pinch me, please.

So go check out my 1stdibs picks for this week.  I think you will enjoy them (especially the 8.80 carat HARRY WINSTON Cushion Cut Diamond Ring).  To go to the site directly, click here.  And to visit my own inventory on 1stdibs, go to www.KarinaGentinetta.1stdibs.com

Happy shopping!

A Night To Remember - April 14, 1912

My father was a merchant marine captain.  Not just an ordinary merchant marine captain, mind you, but rather the youngest captain in the history of the Argentine merchant marine.  Many of you may have read an earlier post about how my mother and father met aboard The Corrientes (if you haven't and a want to, click here).  My father was passionate about the sea.  It was his life.  If he could have spent his life at sea sailing, he would have been the happiest man alive.

Okay, not the best picture (don't you hate it when they get you with your eyes closed?) but 

look at the photo in the background (yes, Evita was first lady at the time)

My father ran our household as if it were a ship and we were his crew.  I remember when he tried to teach us children morse code (because you never know when you may be stuck in the middle of nowhere and have to use morse code, right?).  He made a little morse code machine out of household wires and knob that would transmit signals and we spent days on our dining room table learning all the letters and codes.  Can't say I've had an opportunity yet to show off my talents in this area, but the childhood memory of us sitting at the dining room table pretending to be radio operators on a ship and sending messages back and forth is something I treasure.

Time in our household was also signaled by an 8-Day Wind Ship's Bell Clock.  For you all who lived in otherwise normal households and may not be familiar with this clock, it is a clock based on the traditional ship's 8-bell watch cycle, ringing every half hour to signal the changing of the bridge's watch or guard.

Like many sea captains, my father loved to tell us real life stories about the high seas, which us, as young children, listened to with big, wide eyes.  I cannot remember how old I was when I first heard about "The Night to Remember" -- the tragic story about the Titanic -- but it was a story that made such an impact on us all that to this day, my siblings and I still get goosebumps when we hear anything about it.  In fact, just this Easter Sunday, my youngest sister mentioned the Titanic in conversation, and before we knew it, we were all huddled around the computer watching the latest footage on James Cameron's deep-sea exploration to the sunken vessel.

Everything about the RMS Titanic, from the mystique of its amazing luxury, its wealthy and not so wealthy passenger list, its opulent cabins and interiors, to the unfortunate events leading up to its tragic sinking and the deaths of so many people, has always moved me.  I have watched every movie about the Titanic countless of times and every time, I sit there hoping that THIS time, THIS time, the ending will be different.  What if the Titanic had heeded the iceberg warnings?  What if the iceberg accident would have ripped 4 rather than 5 of the water tight compartments (she could have survived with 4 compartments being breached)?  What if the radio operator of the SS Californian (which was only a few miles away from the Titanic) had not gone to bed and had received the distress signals from the Titanic?  What if there had been enough lifeboats aboard the Titanic to accommodate all of its passengers (rather than half the required number)?

Can someone please come up with a version of the Titanic where Leonardo DiCaprio lives and the Titanic sails in triumphantly to the port of New York!!!!!!!

So it will come as no surprise to you that as the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912 nears (tomorrow, in fact!), I wanted to write a post in its honor and what was such a unforgettable moment in history.

The RMS Titanic in all its glory sets sail on its maiden and last voyage on April 10, 1912

Titanic Capt. Edward Smith shown here aboard the Titanic with his dog, Ben.  Janice Servais, researcher for the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo., which opened a tribute of its own to the dogs of the Titanic last year, says the museum has only ever been able to verify 10 dogs, all kenneled by first class passengers, with only three surviving. Some people refused to leave their canine companions who were not allowed on the lifeboats.

James Cameron's epic love tale Titanic in 1997, the role that made Kate Winslet a global sensation.  I LOVE THAT HAT!!!  

The decadence of the time!

Titanic's grand staircase was meticulously recreated for the movie (inset)

I wonder what it must have been like to have been on the Titanic

Some of the real people aboard the Titanic.  Kathy Bates portrayed the wealthy socialite from Hannibal, Mo., who not only survived the Titanic's sinking but helped others board lifeboats, eventually becoming known as the "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."

An Edwardian Diamond ring, one of the few articles that survived the wreckage.

The Titanic today as it lies at the bottom of the ocean floor (photos by National Geographic).

RMS Titanic, 1912-2012.

To my father who loved the sea.