Text and Images by J. Ecochard
We felt a connection with the artist Guy Ben-Ner the other night. The 411 on this guy is his and his family’s filmed “performances” in Ikea’s all over the world- taking up temporary residence (sic), improvising some whacky domestic scenarios (until security kicked them out), resulting in the oeuvre “Stealing Beauty.”
A great concept- as we would love to move into any and all of the lovely architectural vignettes staged by the immensely talented and productive fashion/accessories designer Rebecca Moses- that debuted in her brand new showroom with HOMESTEAD LF USA.
The last time Rebecca Moses was on our radar was with her successful collaboration as Creative Director for Saks Fifth Avenue’s “Wild About Cashmere” collection. She’s always been a world traveler, and has been hanging her hat in Milan, including a long stint as designer of Italy’s chic Genny fashion line (replacing Gianni Versace). Lately, the ever elegant Moses must have had spent very little time on the home front because her well attended showroom’s open house (on a seriously snowing February 11th, no less)-had over 1200 want it now items conjured up in four months. Unbelievable!
Seeking to transform “the mundane into the magical” Moses avoids the boring matchy- matchy catalogue syndrome via her extraordinary feel for colors, texture, shapes, and proportion. The collection, a sophisticated pastiche of ethnic and globally nuanced hard and soft goods“With Heart, Soul And Style” is dramatically staged in multi-room displays that have simple luxurious touches; for example, a Garden Room with plush lilac lavender and toile print cushions that loosen up English-like sturdy white outdoor furniture… complete with a glistening table set upon pale celadon green and delicate floral patterned linens. Our favorite East Asian tableau vivant- with a theatrical horn handle, orange leather carryall that anchors the setting- is exotically eclectic but welcoming, sumptuously upscale in feel…and meant for everyday life.
Needless to say, Moses and her team clearly have deep knowledge of where to source the finest mills and manufacturers to produce the brand. Every item is well made/sewn/constructed. This can definitely not be said about the trendy but poorly made furnishings found at some Big Box retail outlets. Even Moses’ china and glass goblets are unique-the pieces would fit right in with anything an individual already owns.
Retail distribution is a work-in-progress. We are confident that this fresh take on how we can express our passion for where we live-is destined for a wide range of outlets.