Jean Marc Fray, French Antiques & Decorative Arts
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News, views, reflections and musings about French Antiques, Art, Architecture, Culture, France, Italy, Austin (Texas) and a passion for good living.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The New Boys of Summer: Splashes of Color from Fashion's Top Houses


This year, Milan Fashion Week was overrun with bursts of brightly hued suits, metallic tones in vibrant washes, and fabulous features of color. Grey economic times have been hitting hard, but Italian fashion house Gucci has chosen to respond with an array of colors for their upcoming Men's Collection in Milan. A first look at a selection of beautiful suits reveals Gucci's bold ideas about transforming an established look by introducing vibrant splashes to each ensemble.


Gucci is not the only house jumping on this wagon. Burberry (above) has also launched a line featuring brightly colored metallics. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Donatella Versace, and Miuccia Prada, are illuminating this season's menswear with bright yellows, bold blues, scorching reds, and other whimsical summer tones, making their collections much more playful and interesting compared to other more drab and conservative choices. It seems as though this summer, fashion houses are willing to take further steps forward by making bolder moves, and putting out louder choices. So far, they are receiving a whole lot of attention and very positive feedback from the fashion industry's most demanding consumers.




The same principles can be applied to home decor. This gorgeous painting was created by local Austin artist Meredith Pardue. The Ornaments of Grace IX, as it is titled, showcases bursts of color. A piece such as this would break the tedium in a uniformly decorated space. The variation and possibilities in design themes and ideas are absolutely endless! One of the wonderful things about decorating is the flexibility one has in being able to express their creativity. In that sense, fashion and decor share a bond in both application and as forms of self expression. Check out what vibrant colors the coming season has to offer!

Gucci

 

The suit above is part of Gucci's new Spring/Summer collection, this striking jade suit reminds us the waters of the Mediterranean, as well as pieces we have in the gallery

 

Gorgeous Pair of Murano Sea Green Glass Lamps


 

The unique hue is reminiscent of the Italian coast and is similar to the sea green color of this pair of lamps in our gallery. Their interesting shape are a point of intrigue. Their slender figures are both impressive and graceful.

 

Versace

 

Donatella Versace's collection is an homage to Rome's gladiatorial past. Inspired by the use of color by The Memphis Group, she juxtaposes an eclectic palette onto the grisly history of the sport. Sea foam pops up once again, but the coat worn by this male model is synched by a gloriously blue belt. The color is absolutely stunning, especially with the golden accents.

 

Italian Cerulean Blue Murano Glass Chandelier

 

 

The blue of Donatella's belt looks almost identical to the blue boasted by this charming Murano chandelier imported from Italy. Hanging in our newly acquired space at the Jean-Marc Fray Gallery, this fixture is truly remarkable in the way it bursts with an easy air of cool and chic

 

Italian Pair of Cerulean Blue Murano Glass Lamps



With the many one of a kind pieces we have in our gallery, the unique beauty of Murano glass doubles with this pair of gorgeous lamps in cerulean blue with flecks of 23k gold blown right into the glass. Colored by the same blue as a clear sky, punctuated with the gold of a bright shining sun, these lamps really are imbued with the spirit of the summertime.

Ferragamo


This masterfully color-blocked outfit by Salvatore Ferragamo, features a bold choice in yellow. Fun, fluorescent, and definitely a head-turning eye-catcher. A statement this strong in fashion can be replicated in decor with the right pieces.

Italian Murano "Avventurina" Glass Sputnik Chandelier

 

 

A truly dynamic piece! This golden gem of a chandelier is an absolute stunner! Each rod extends beautifully from the chandelier's reflective brass structure. 

 

Vintage Mazzega Murano Glass Chandelier

 

 

This particular piece hangs with several interlocking glass pieces, forming a cascade of geometric, iridescent glass. Each piece was carefully hand crafted. Each individual glass piece is stunning, and appears to change colors depending on angle and lighting, making it a truly unique and one of a kind piece.

 

Amber and Crystal Murano Glass Chandelier

 

 

Each uniquely shaped glass part of this massive 5 tier chandelier was hand-blown by the skilled masters of Murano in Italy. This remarkable beauty is an absolute showstopper. When seen in person, the chandelier is truly impressive. No doubt, this is the perfect statement piece.

 

Gucci

 

The suit above is also from Gucci's new collection. It's becoming apparent that boldness and color are what drive the new looks they've come up with. This very smart looking pinstripe suit would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

 

Pair of Amber and Tea Murano Glass Sconces by Venini

 

 

And this pair of fantastic sconces would serve to beautify any home. There is no denying the resemblance between these and the above image. The bold stripes made by alternating dark and lighter hues provide a wonderful contrast in each piece, providing ambient lighting, with just a enough edginess in the design.

 

Pair of Venini Murano Glass Wall Sconces

 

 

This alternative, lighter colored pair of sconces, similar to the style above, is also by Venini. This two-tiered, pair of crystal and amber sconces boast the same beauty as their darker counter part. The color of these sconces is similar to the Amber and Crystal Murano Glass Chandelier.

 

Gucci, Jil Sander, Prada

 

These sharp looking suits designed by Gucci, Jil Sander, and Prada are boldly sporting a wonderful burgundy color. Simple, yet elegant, they bring to mind of a pair of lamps in our gallery.

 

Amethyst and Crystal Murano Glass Lamps

 

 

Hand-blown amethyst and crystal glass come together in perfect harmony in these gorgeous lamps. The dark, ox-blood hue of the wonderful amethyst spheres are segmented by cut crystal glass rings. These lamps come in a pair. As the old saying goes, two are better than one. 

 

Ferragamo runway, Milan

 

All over Europe's hottest runways, color is making a comeback and reclaiming the summer. Colors evoke the feeling of the sunny season. In Texas most want to keep the heat out of their homes, but that's no reason not to bring in the same pizazz when it comes to decor.

 

  "Bang Bang Universe" by Meredith Pardue

 

 

The world's best designers are doing it to their clothes, try out the summer splash in your home!

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