Eco Chic
Organic with Gusto
Its good enough for Matthew Modine and it is the only certified organic restaurant in the city. If we are what we eat, then healthy organic foods are the way to go. So put the cookies down and head to Gusto Organics, for fresh tasty food and a wonderful atmosphere. We highly recommend smoothies.
If you like Matthew you should check out this great New York City movie.
Green Roofs
Green Roofs on the Faroe Islands
When it comes to the environmental issues I always find it funny that our ancestors practiced what we like to preach, unaware they would one day be part of a ‘movement’. In Ireland where I am from, the thatched roof was a most efficient insulator against cold and rain. The use of local water reeds also made the roofs locally sourced and sustainable. Once used by the less well off, they are now distintly upmarket.
Adare village in Ireland where I got married.
A few years ago when we renovated our house in Brooklyn we planned on having a green roof. At the time we were told we had to re-inforce the roof to carry the weight of a garden, so we did. Maybe next Spring we will finally get around to planting. In the meantime we found a company, Alive Structures who have installed roofs all over the area including the one above in Southampton.
Where can we find the most expensive green roof in the city?
That would be this private roof of a very lucky owner at One Jackson Square in the West Village.
Eco Luxury Retreat: Costa Rica
A friend brought this very interesing development in Costa Rica to my attention knowing that I love all things ‘real estate’. Puerta a la Vida will be a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly community with a focus on wellness and appreciation of nature, while offering the highest level of service. Their hope is create a new paradigm in the world of lifestyle driven real estate.
The development will be a showcase for sustainable building practices and innovative green technologies, boasting the highest standards of green master planning, architecture, and construction. The villas will have a water re-use system, and use solar and wind power. The grounds will feature organic landscaping, showcasing the concept of gardening without pesticides. A feature I love is the organic farm where you can have your own veggie garden. A little reminiscent of Marie Antoinette but cool nevertheless..
Sustain with style
Being ‘green’ is a simplified word to describe a major trend occuring in our culture. That is; how do I spend money in a way that promotes the vision of a world I want to live in? Being ‘green’ is just a part of this larger movement.
Project Alabama was founded in the 2000 with the idea of creating jobs for women with traditional quilting skills, in the state of the same name. In the early days of this label it was fun to look at every piece of clothing; each a unique piece of art. I have paired a look from an early collection with two beautiful pieces of mid century style. The lamp can be found at Jon Vaccari’s New Orleans store, and the Japanese style bench at Modern Artifacts
In the course of writing this piece I discovered that they have since moved their manufacturing to India. They are maintaining the ethos of their company, but I think from looking at their recent collection at Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman that they have lost the soul these southern women put in their work. Very unfortunate, and perhaps they should rename their label. Above a top that we paired with this amazing garden bench at Berns Fry ltd
Still a perfect excercise in sustainability with lifestyle.
Chanel goes Green?
Wow, I have never been one of the girls that worship at the altar of Chanel, but every now and then I am sucked in by the genius of Karl Lagerfeld. Because who doesn’t want to be a 21st century Marie Antoinette in couture on her way to a barn dance.
In a nod, I like to think to the environment, burlap and raw linen was everywhere, from the covered seats in the audience to the classic jacket we all know and love. You have to love the giant wooden C’s, and those clogs will be everywhere next summer.
Green+luxury=Classic
At the Auction
Tomorrow afternoon Wright 20 in Chicago will hold its Fall modern design sale. If you are not familiar, they are a ‘mid level’ auction house, and can be a good resource to pick up pieces from standard designers of mid century design. My picks are a Bruno Mathsson book crib from the ’40s which has nice lines (estimate $500-$700) and this brass Hagenauer candlestick (estimate 2-3k)
Interestingly enough tomorrow will also include pieces Philippe Starck designed for the Royalton Hotel back in 1988. My favorite is this sofa (estimate 2-3k). Lets face it the ’80s are back. I can’t believe I am wearing leggings and ankle boots.
‘Green’ with Envy
Last week we decided to take a field trip to One Jackson Square. After many years of new buildings that rarely live up to the marketing hype, I must confess that our expectations were not that high. So it was a very pleasant surprise to be wrong.
From the moment you enter the lobby you can’t help but be impressed by the level of design, and more importantly the quality of the workmanship. This is a building that walks the walk; from the attention to detail to the eco friendliness of the materials used. Above right is a cross section of the bamboo that makes up the paneling. Above left you can see a glass light well that brings natural light to the basement. This is where the gym will be located.
In keeping with the high standards elsewhere, the gym is outfitted by Antonio Citterio.
I had to return over the weekend to get photographs of the roof because it was so cool. The glass railings help preserve the openess of the view, the brazilian Ipe wood is beautiful, and most of all I love the green roof that borders the deck, all planted and maintained by the building.
The kitchen in the one bedroom apartment. Loving the contrast between the white high gloss cabinets and the dark wood, also the paneled ceiling is very striking. Notice the opening between the cook top and the overhead cabinets. When you enter the apartment you see though to the floor to ceiling windows which is very dramatic.
The floors are infinity floors, as in infinity pool. This is achieved by dropping the window a few inches below the floor. Very effective.
So our conclusion is One Jackson Square is a very elegant addition to the architecture of New York City. The workmanship is some of the best we have seen in new construction, proving you can be ‘green’ and live with style.
Seed Banks
Seed banks have been with us since the ancient world. However in recent years there has been a much more concerted effort to store seeds in the event of a worldwide crisis. For instance the Doomsday vault in Australia hold stores 15% of the worlds plant species.
Most impressive of all is the Svalbard global seed depositary shown above; this complex will hold up to 4.5 million seeds in sub zero temperatures. Even if the local climate is affected by global warming, or there is electricial failue the seeds will remain viable.
How extraordinarily beautiful are these floral seed stored at theKew Millenium seed bank?
Green Luxury: Concept Bike
We have seen plenty of concept cars but at last we are seeing a more earth friendly concept; the Intelligent Bike. The carbon frame has an inbuilt computer that allows only the owner to unlock it via their fingerprint. Perfect for the mean bike lanes of New York City. It counts calories as you pedal, plays music and uses a solar-powered motor when you get tired. Wow! Recently unveiled by cyclist, Chris Boardman.
Green is cool
What usually comes to my mind when I think ‘green’ is organic cotton and recycling day, not much fun I know. But what I love about Stella McCartney is that she shows us vegans are cool too, and we can care about the environment while looking like a rock star at the same time. The outfit above is part of her resort collection. The sequined jacket reminded me of this table by Aurelio Martinez-Flores with it’s base made from crushed cans. It is included in the Latin America auction at Phillips de Pury on October 3rd. The Pegasus horse speaks for itself. You are either into it or your not. Fashion, art, and vintage signs. All green, all cool.
