The Quest for "it"®

MEET THE DESIGNER: Fernando Ramirez at the 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse

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Fernando Ramirez, Interior Designer

No home is complete without a kitchen to die for.  Now a days the kitchen has become one of the more "exciting" rooms  in the house.  Fernando Ramirez and  his firm Designs by Fernando Ltd. created true upscale ambiance for the 2018 Hampton Designer  Showhouse.

We spoke with Mr. Ramirez just after a brief Summer shower on the night of the 2018 Gala Preview party where he shared his enthusiasm for being  a participating designer at this summer’s Hampton Designer Showhouse presented by Traditional Home.

Read on...

TQFI: How did you get involved with the 2018  Hampton Designer Showhouse? Is this your first year?

FR: Actually this is a great experience for us. This is our first year and it's been great. A great experience working with all of these people. I think we got it! I'm happy with the result.

TQFI: Where are you located? 

FR: We are located in Deer Park and we do work from the city to Montauk.

TQFI: How did you get this opportunity?

FR: Actually this opportunity came through the Salamones —Steve and Theresa, that’s how we got the opportunity we do all of their mill work.

TQFI: How many years have you been designing?

FR: Believe it or not very early I started didn’t involved with design and then mill work at 12 years old. That’s what I like about my work everyday  I’m doing something different. Everyday I’m looking for different things to do and I think this year is a great opportunity for us to do  “it” where everything is changing to modern—we’re trying to introduce the Manhattan to Montauk.

The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse is located at 2148 Scuttlelhole Rd in Bridgehampton and is open through Monday, September 3, 2018 and is open from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm 

*photo by The Quest for “it”

MEET THE DESIGNER: Shay Geyer at The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse

Hi!

Shay Geyer, Interior Designer

Dallas, Texas native Shay Geyer is no stranger to playing in the big leagues. The bubbly sharp-shooting  Interior Designer is seasoned in displaying her talents as Owner/Designer of IBB Design a full service fine furnishings store and design center in Frisco, TX. She is presently one of the participating designers in the 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse.   Ms. Geyer's beautifully appointed first-floor bedroom is what caught our eye. To follow are her insights as to her process.

TQFI: How did you get involved with the 2018  Hampton Designer Showhouse and how did you  get this room?

SG: So it is my first year doing the Hampton Showhouse,  Traditional Home asked me to participate. I have participated in other showhouses that they've done before and they're always such a blast and my team loves to do it.  I think I was relatively one of the first designers to come on board.

 

TQFI: Tell us about your room...

SG: I just really like the vibe of the space, I figured it was going to have a nice view, with the porches on the front and also here on the other side of the room. To me it was like one of those dreamy spaces that you just want your guests to wake up and never want to leave. Blue is a very calming color, especially this sort Cerulean Blue, a very bright sky blue if you will --a hydrangea Blue, if you will, which is really indicative of the Hamptons area so I really kind of used that as a jumping off point and then Thibaut was the sponsor  for a lot of the wall coverings and the fabrics-they have so many amazing things so I used this beautiful pattern back behind the bed as a focal point and the bed is a bed I designed with  CR Laine who was the main sponsor for the room they did all of the upholstery. They'll be introducing this bed at the Fall-Highpoint Market, you can do it with or without the fenials.

TQFI: How About the Fabrics? and Botanicals?

SG: The fabric on the Roman Shades is actually from my personal collection-my fabric collection. This pattern is named after my daughter, Brooklyn, and so that's in the navy and Cerulean Blue color way and so we have a little sitting area-and to me it's a place where you can have your morning coffee in or read a novel in while your vacationing here. We did the swivel chairs all of this is in Sunbrella fabrics--you get that nice crisp white without the worries of durability, then Thibaut fabrics on the accent pillows. We did a nice little upholstered table here with a skirt and then Samuel and Sons did the trim.

The Botanicals that you see throughout the room are from my botanical collection-permanent botanical collection.  Our orchids are actually 3-D printed so they actually feel real to the touch as well.

 

TQFI: What is your favorite room to decorate?

SG: That is a really tough question. Bedrooms, then I would say kitchen and family room areas. I love spaces to really focus on to do really fun details--where you spend your most time. 

The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse is located at 2148 Scuttlelhole Rd in Bridgehampton and is open through Monday, September 3, 2018 and is open from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm 

*photo by The Quest for “it”

VIDEO: Scenes from Victorycup NYC Classic

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Here's a bit of footage from the Victorycup NYC Classic 2018 polo match on Saturday, August 4th. Governor's Island survived serious showers in order to host an AMAZING sweltering afternoon of polo. Attendees continued to pour in from the GI Ferry even after 3:00 pm. 

Observations: We simply loved K. Cooper Ray and his emceeing style; the seated General Admission tent AND the top tier Founder'sLounge were both easily accessible (less crowded)  and simply calmer than the Golden Mallet VIP tent; BEST names for specialty cocktails at a polo match we've spotted: Fisher's Island Triple Crown, "Golden Mallet" TomaBloody Mary, YaVe Victory etc.; guys helping their ladies overthe white picket fence--bottoms first--to stomp the divots. 

 

 

GIVEAWAY: WIN Golden Mallet VIP passes for Victorycup NYC Classic!

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If you’re in New York City this weekend and #1 love polo or #2 would like to see what all the hoopla is about-- enter to WIN our latest giveaway. Win (2) Golden Mallet VIP passes to the Victorycup NYC Classic this Saturday, August 4th (10:00 am-6:00 pm) at Governor’s Island.

Send us an email to info@thequestforit.com with what you like BEST about polo i.e. the match, people, atmosphere etc. and why. Type the words Golden Mallet VIP Passes in the subject.

See you there!

 

 

Victorycup NYC Classic—Just A Few Days Away!

Hey There,

So have you heard? polo is coming to New York City and YOU’RE invited! Yes, the Victorycup NYC Classic is set to take place this Saturday, August 4th at Governor's Island.   The Best Party Of The Summer!’ Sponsored by vineyard vines, Peroni Beer, The United State Polo Association & The Wagner Hotel the Victorycup NYC Classic is here!  New this year? a Craft Brewers Tent with dozens of craft beers.

A true entertainment experience, the Victory Cup has not only lined up exciting rival polo matches, but polo-goers will also enjoy dozens of local chefs, restaurants, children’s playground and an informal fashion contest. Not to be missed, enjoy lunch with the polo players, as the Victory Cup boasts one of the largest and certainly most unique farm to table dinner experiences in the nation.

 

 

If you love horses, wine, craft beer or spirits, the Victory Cup has you covered! A family-friendly event held just a few hundred yards from lower Manhattan. Thousands of attendees will enjoy of beautiful day on Governors Island. The whole family is welcome, casual or dressy

for drinks, food, live music and polo so dust off the floppy hats, pastel dresses and seersucker suits. General Admission and VIP tickets are available.

 

Ready to dine or imbibe? Local farms, vineyards, distilleries and breweries will be providing tastings at the event. While enjoying amazing food and drinks, guests will be able to relax in a gorgeous setting while taking in the majesty of the horses, the sights of beautiful lower Manhattan and the thrill of heart-pounding polo.

MEET THE DESIGNER: Rajni Alex at The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse

Hi!

 

Rajni Alex, Interior Designer

The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse Gala Preview was nothing short of impressive.  As in years past,  the showstopping Designer rooms were the big draw at the Traditional Home sponsored event. This season ’s silent auction, benefiting Stonybrook South Hampton University Hospital drew curious bidders.

We spoke with three Interior Designers about the rooms they decorated for this summer’s  Hampton Designer Showhouse always a treat to hear about their inspiration, fabric choices and possible challenges. To follow is our Q & A with Rajni Alex of  Rajni Alex Design, Ms. Alex is the brainchild behind her own suburban design firm.

Read on....

TQFI: As a returning designer who participated in the Hampton Designer Showhouse last year—what room do you have this year?

RA: “Last year I did a bedroom that was supposed to be a little girl’s room. This year we did the covered porch which was influenced by the French Morrocan lifestyle. We do a lot of al fresco living—and we wanted to bring the indoors—outdoors but at the same time not comprise on the texture-the luxe. So, we wanted the feel of luxurious wellness—-with this outdoor performance fabric. I think we achieved that with this beautiful blue Wellwood fabric for pillows and these beautiful yellow fabrics for seat covers in the sectional and I think we got the whole feel of the French Morrocan by bringing in these shudders from the South of Marseilles— eighty-six-year old shudders. We really like the space!”

 

TQFI: How many years have you been designing?

RA: “I’ve been doing this ten, twelve years.”

 

TQFI: Where is your business located?

RA: “We’re in Westchester—Bronxville.”

TQFI: What do see as the primary difference in designing for a client with a Bronxville property vs designing for a client with a Hamptons property?

RA: “One of the differences I see is the size.  In the Hamptons most of the houses are pretty large. Whereas Bronxville, being closer to the city, is more tight-knit so the scale and the proportion you are working with is very different—and of course the proximity to the ocean.  In the Hampton’s it’s more even, beachy and in Bronxville, it’s more transitional, moody, modern, whatever you fancy.”

*photo by The Quest for “it”

 

 

 

 

 

MEMORIAL WEEKEND REPORT: The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse is Coming!

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What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with this special bit of info--The 2018 Hampton Designer Showhouse is Coming! That's right once again the interior design highlight of the summer is fastly approaching.  The Hampton Designer Showhouse, the showcase for America’s premier design talent, will return this summer in Bridgehampton, NY. Proceeds will benefit Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY.
The Showhouse is happy to announce that Traditional Home magazine is the 2018 Presenting Sponsor, Hamptons Purist is the 2018 Regional Magazine Sponsor, and Kohler Co. is the 2018 Design Sponsor.  Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman. Jamie Drake and Alexa Hampton are the Honorary Design Co-Chairmen.

Catching Up with Cannes—Grey Goose Wildlife Film Party at Nikki Beach & MORE

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Seems like with Grey Goose there's no shortage of AMAZING parties this year at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. Grey Goose-hosted events during week one of the Cannes Film Festival for any round-ups that you might be working on. Grey Goose kicked off the celebrations by presenting the “Wildlife” film party at Nikki Beach on Wednesday, May 9. Guests included Hollywood A-Listers Carey Mulligan, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Luke Evans, Imogen Poots and James Norton. Alongside the stars of stage and screen, fashion it boys, Toby Huntington-Whiteley, Oliver Cheshire, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Isaac Carew partied till dawn.

Just a few hours later, Grey Goose presented the cocktail party for the film “355” at its sun-soaked terrace at the iconic Majestic Hotel on Thursday, May 10. Guests of the party for the buzzy spy thriller included its star Jessica Chastain (below), “Deadpool” producer Simon Kinberg and model Danielle Copperman, who enjoyed signature Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz cocktails. One of the top hits of the festival, the film was just acquired by Universal for US distribution.

 

On Friday, May 11th Grey Goose hosted a late-night soiree at Nikki Beach. Guests included model Joan Smalls (below), actors Chloë Sevigny, Jay Ellis, Nina Senicar, Anya Taylor Joy and entrepreneur Travis Kalanick who took in the sights and scenes of the iconic La Croisette. Joan immediately hit the dance floor, dazzling guests with ‘her legs for days’ and spirited dance “moves.” And Joan wasn’t the only guest feeling frisky – up and coming formidable talent Anya Taylor Joy was seen at the bar cozying it up with a hunky brunette. Meanwhile, Jay Ellis and his Italy-based actress girlfriend Nina Senicar were reunited at the restaurant’s famed beachfront, marking a rare sighting of the famously private couple.  

 

Grey Goose, along with A-List film talent from around the world, will continue to celebrate iconic moments in film over the next two weeks. Following Cannes, top bars and restaurants across the United States will continue the celebration by evoking the glamour of France’s famed seascape with elevated Grey Goose cocktails and lively warm weather activations.

*photos #1-3 courtesy of Dave Bennett/Getty Images; photo #4 courtesy of Michael Kovac/Getty Images

STYLE FILE: Dame Helen Mirren Wears Avakian at the 71st Cannes Film Festival Premiere of Les Filles du Soleil

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Talk about wowing your adoring fans! British Actress Helen Mirren stepped onto the red carpet for the 71st Cannes Premiere of Les Filles Du Soleil adorned in a necklace and earrings from the High Jewellry Collection. The set draws upon the style of the Art Deco, and vibrant and contrasting colors often used in Art Deco Jewelry back in the era.

The BMW Concept iX3--Electric Mobility Arrives at the Core of BMW

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The BMW Group is pushing ahead with its electrification strategy by extending the reach of its all-electric mobility offering to the company’s core brands. The BMW Concept iX3 – presented for the first time at the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing – offers a look ahead to the expansion of the model line-up in this area. The first model from the BMW brand to be driven purely by electric power will be a fully-fledged Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – and without compromises when it comes to functionality and comfort.

The BMW Concept iX3 underscores the BMW Group’s decision to further strengthen its leading position in the field of electric mobility. The expansion of the company’s range of vehicles offering locally emission-free mobility is one of the central spheres of activity defined by the Automated, Connected, Electrified and Services (ACES) technological fields.  The company is driving forward the transformation of the mobility sector as part of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy.

The expansion of locally emission-free mobility vehicles is one of the key areas of centralized action, alongside with automated driving, high-end connectivity and new digital services, which are driving the company’s transformation of the mobility industry as part of the NUMBER ONE> NEXT strategy. 

 The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is distinguished by its extremely compact design. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are now grouped into a single component, making it much easier to integrate them into different vehicle architectures.

 

 

*photos courtesy of BMW Group