What to Expect at Banana Republic’s New Home Store in Melrose

Once every two weeks, Town & Country puts together an assortment of the best design news and happenings— everything from interior design projects that pique our interest and auctions of note, to any must-have products on the market.

Banana Republic Opens First-Ever Home Store on Melrose

Since 1978, when the brand was originally a source of travel and safari clothing before its major rebrand to a luxury brand in 1983, Banana Republic was a brand that was worn. Now, it’s a brand that can be lived in. To coincide with the launch of their home line which debuted earlier this month, Banana Republic has now opened a 5,000-square-foot storefront on Melrose in Los Angeles where it will live.

Banana Republic’s first home store is located in Los Angeles.

Courtesy of Banana Republic/Sam Mittman

The store was conceptualized by Stefano Casati.

Courtesy of Banana Republic/Sam Mittman

Architectural designer Stefano Casati (who has helped bring the Burning Man Festival and Liverpool Light Festival to life in 2018) crafted a space that ultimately feels like a modern earthy-haven. Banana Republic’s selection of bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms are sourced from artisans across the globe, from Morocco, Mexico, USA, Turkey, and India. There are soft linens paired with warm woods and jute rugs. And while there is an aura of tradition, there’s also a sense of futuristic innovation: the exterior of the space has a mid-century golden steel structure that was created by the AI. There are also pieces, specifically the chandeliers, that are traditional in silhouette but made of modern materials. The Maia chandelier, for instance, cascades into a space with black beads. For those who are keen on furnishing their homes in a contemporary earthy style, perhaps a visit is well worth the while.

To browse the home collection, please visit brhome.com.

Doyle Auction Sets up in Charleston: A Jewelry Sale Featuring the collection of Tiffany & Co. and Jean Schlumberger to Come.

Since 1962, Doyle Auction House has been the source of furniture, art, jewelry, and more. Nestled in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood with galleries in Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, and Boston, the auction house has sold the furniture and art collection of Edward Koch, former mayor of New York City, and garnered popularity with their annual Dogs in Art & Sporting Art sale which coincides during the week of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Now, the team’s sights are set on the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina, and will open in October with an exciting program.

Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger Gold, Enamel and Sapphire Parrot Brooch. Estimate: $20,000-30,000.

Courtesy of Doyle Auction House

Kicking things off will be the collection of Tiffany & Co. and Schlumberger jewels. Standouts for this sale include a Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger tourmaline and Diamond Seahorse Brooch (estimated at $30,000-50,000) and an enamel and sapphire parrot brooch (estimated at $20,000-$30,000).

Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger Gold, Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Seahorse Brooch. Estimate: $30,000-50,000.

Courtesy of Doyle Auction House

Emily Grimball Longley, a Charleston native, will serve as the Regional Representative of the location in addition to her role as VP and director of Alien Strategy. “It is an honor to be a part of Doyle’s growth in the region and bring its values of expertise, integrity, and service to the Holy City, as one of the world’s premier auctioneers,” Longley said in a release.
To stay updated on upcoming auctions, please visit Doyle.com.

Ceramicist Frances Palmer and shell artist Exhibit with de Gournay in Paris

Since 1968, de Gournay has had a longstanding commitment to whimsical fabrics and wallpapers, often using natural motifs to help. In honor of Paris Design Week, the brand has welcomed two American ceramics who share a love for the natural world: Tess Morley and Frances Palmer.

Morley has an affinity for using seashells in their designs.

Courtesy of De Gournay

Frances Palmer experiments with terracotta.

Courtesy of De Gournay

Now on view at their Paris showroom, the works by the two artists are spread throughout and complement de Gournay’s signature aesthetic. Palmer hails from Connecticut and is best known for her functional objects made of earthenware and porcelain. For the exhibition, Palmer experiments with terracottas-inspired miniature artworks of India’s historic courts. Morley, on the other hand, is devoted to the use of seashells. A shell-encrusted mirrors the sculptural nautilus cups. Fittingly, they are set against the backdrop of de Gournay’s hand-embroidered depiction of the seafloor.

To view the collection, please visit degournay.com.

Christofle Introduces First-Ever Glassware Collection

People are already buying advent calendars, so clearly there’s no such thing as being too early when it comes to planning for the holidays. For seasoned hosts, Christofle has just introduced its first glassware collection, Tourbillon. Designed in collaboration with Lebanese glass artist Alya Tannous, the collection features a contemporary swirling design. The collection features six styles: red and white stemmed wine glasses, a champagne flute, a water glass, and two heights of candlesticks that double as vases. The collection is available at christofle.com and starts at $255 for a pair of glasses.