Q&A With: Interior Designer, Author Charlotte Moss
An interview with the well-known Southern designer reveals Philadelphia’s aesthetic.
May 16, 2012
Interior designer Charlotte Moss has seven books and several retail collections including a fabric line for Calico Corners under her belt, but she still makes time for national tours to discuss her passion for design. In Strafford this week for a lecture, “Rooms I Love and the People Who Made Them,” Moss sat down with us to discuss Philadelphia design’s deep roots in history.
How would you describe your personal style?
CHARLOTTE MOSS: I love history and things that have a history, but I believe that putting them together to create a great future for them all is critical. Really [my style] is traditional, eclectic, and sometimes surprising, if you want to distill it.
What changes in design have you noticed for 2012?
CM: The movements are going more toward saturated notes and saturated color. I think there’s going to be a richness restored. Not overall, but I think it will be reinterpreted.
I think we’ll figure out how to bring it back to life. It’s the antidote to technology. We need that softness when we’re sitting here with our hands on a machine all the time. I don’t think we’ll return to the levels of excess and over-decoration like in the ‘80s. It was suffocating. Now we want to breathe a little more.
How would you describe the overall design aesthetic of Philadelphia?
CM: Philadelphia is very much like Richmond, VA, where I was born and raised. It’s so steeped in history. It's just there, so it becomes part of your DNA almost. How it effects how you see things I think. There’s clearly strong tradition in Philadelphia.
But I think anyplace where you have universities, activity, and people who are aware of what’s going on today, they are part of making history vital today because they’re studying it and thinking about it. Clearly some of the greatest furniture in this country came out of Philadelphia—some of the greatest pieces of decorative art and furniture (cabinet-makers and furniture-makers) come from here. It’s something we must preserve.
Aoki Boutique Offers Eclectic Apparel & More
Rittenhouse Square shop boasts international inspirations.
May 10, 2012
A new women’s lifestyle shop in Rittenhouse Square filled with eclectic apparel, accessories, and home décor, Aoki brings a splash of new life to the block with its bright turquoise exterior. Owner Alina Alter returned to her native Philadelphia and brought inspirations from around the world with her, as is reflected in the offerings she sells at Aoki.
Feminine frocks from an array of soon-to-be-discovered designers fill the racks, and the store’s lineup of locally crafted bits and baubles will freshen up any jewelry box for the warm weather season. Unique home and paper goods round out the merchandise, and Aoki is a destination for great gifting—think presents by names like Gorjana, Leigh & Luca, and Roost. A bright energy is translated through the finely stocked boutique, making it Rittenhouse’s latest exciting adventure. 115 S. 22nd St., 215-568-2024
Free Reign Boutique Brings Array of Goods
New store from the family behind Kay Lighting & Design offers curated mix of gifts, jewelry, and more.
May 09, 2012
From the family that’s excelled in superb customer service since founding Kay Lighting & Design in 1947 comes Free Reign, Conshohocken’s newest gift shop. As purveyors of a wide array of goods from both recognized and undiscovered artisans and brands, mother-and-son duo Linda and Josh Denenberg offer a truly eclectic mix of artfully selected merchandise ranging from jewelry and children’s toys to home goods and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Familiar brands include Michael Aram, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Chamilia, while other shelves hold handcrafted items from local and American artisans, as well as eco-friendly wares. Expect to soon see an in-store café, furthering the family boutique’s desire to have customers spend time luxuriating in a truly memorable shopping experience. No matter what you’re looking for, Free Reign Boutique will surely have something to offer. 317 W. Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, 484-368-3005
Bentley Reveals Luxe SUV: EXP 9 F
The luxury brand's first SUV boasts all the usual Bentley trappings, but raises some debate.
May 04, 2012
Bentley made a statement the night before the Geneva International Motor Show during VW’s Group Night, where each of the parent company’s brands showcased their latest and most spectacular vehicles. The British luxury maker wowed the crowd with its first SUV concept, EXP 9 F.
Massive 23-inch alloy wheels; the signature bold Bentley grille; a powerful 6-liter W12 engine that can make up to 600 horsepower; an 8-speed transmission; a fold-down champagne cooler; and luxury tailgating fit for the Kentucky Derby, seem to overly exceed expectations of consumers looking to purchase an ultra-elite SUV. Bentley’s sports utility vehicle is in competition with other luxe cars like the Range Rover and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo. While the design and composition keep all the usual Bentley trappings, it is unknown if this foray into SUVs will be met with negative or positive feedback.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II: Technology & Tradition
Rolls-Royce’s new Phantom model embodies the brand’s dedication to quality and customer connection.
April 23, 2012
From connecting with their clients via private tours of their plants to throwing exclusive events for owners, Rolls-Royce is a brand that treats its customers like a close-knit family. These individual discussions with owners on what R-R stands for, what customers expect from the company and the product, and what it needs to be in order to move forward are exactly what inspired the brand’s new Phantom Series II model.
“When considering changes to our iconic Phantom, we first carefully listened to customers,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “Around the world they explicitly told us, ‘Do not change Phantom too much but introduce new technology where appropriate.’ And this is precisely what we have done.”
The end result is a blend of traditional and classic with modern technology that allows the Phantom to keep up with customer expectations. “It combined the spirit of its famous pedigree with superbly elegant design work, ground-breaking technology, and visionary engineering techniques,” said Müller-Ötvös.
Of note technologically are the full LED headlamps, and the completely revamped satellite navigation system with 3D landscape topography, guided view tours, and more, all on a much larger monitor. Best of all, its famous V12 direct injection engine has been updated with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear differential, which results in 10-percent improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.
The car’s appearance has also gotten a few updates. In addition to the aforementioned LED headlamps are a virtual constellation of stars in the interior, and a slightly tweaked bumper. Just as with its unparalleled customer service, the brand will go above and beyond to create a custom luxury vehicle to your specifications—from humidors to drink cabinets to constellations in the shape of your zodiac sign, virtually anything is possible.
“Since its first appearance in 2003, Phantom has reclaimed the pinnacle of automotive luxury and refinement,” said Müller-Ötvös. “It is a completely unique and unequaled achievement that goes beyond its primary role as a car and becomes to many a work of art, a fine piece of jewelry, or a rare and collectible object of desire.”
Sylvia Weinstock's Confections Take the Cake
Celebrity cake designer Sylvia Weinstock reveals the latest flavors and designs to permeate her sweet craft.
April 11, 2012
After 32 years in the pastry business, Sylvia Weinstock takes the cake as the go-to name for celebrities in the market for a show-stopping dessert. Weinstock creates confections for household names like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, and Alec Baldwin using her signature buttercream frosting and sugar paste flowers.
We sat down with the “Queen of Cakes” to discuss how she is bringing the craft back to its roots to create cakes that are as simple in their flavors as they are elaborate in their designs.
You entered the cake decorating industry long before it achieved the popularity that is has today. Where did your interest in the craft begin?
SYLVIA WEINSTOCK: Yes, I think I opened a Pandora’s box! I used to entertain all the time, and desserts were always a big hit. I would make four or five different desserts for one event, and, guess what, I didn’t even decorate them. I just made pure, great food.
How would you define your style as a cake designer?
SW: I have a very realistic style. Sugar flowers are our specialty, because you can make them very thin and very delicate. We also sculpt things like animals and people. But for me it’s a dual focus; I look at art and food, not just one.
You’ve worked with a long list of celebrity clients and couples. What have the stars been asking you to incorporate into their wedding cake designs?
SW: They always like to make them very personal. I try to incorporate the décor of their wedding site, and also to incorporate the gown into the design. Fabrics are great inspiration. A gown with lacework or beading makes a great design on a cake.
What are the season’s trendiest colors for wedding cakes?
SW: Well, think of a wedding—the colors are usually muted. I work with nature’s color palette, which is very colorful but also very soft.
What types of flavors are celebrity clients requesting right now? Are they deviating from the classics and embracing any new and unusual flavors?
SW: A lot of people still pick chocolate; people will always love chocolate. Fruit flavors are popular, too—raspberry, blood orange, lemon curd. They’re all easy, simple flavors.
What is your personal favorite pairing of flavors for a cake?
SW: Lemon and raspberry is my favorite. A delicious yellow butter cake with lemon curd and fresh raspberries drizzled on top. And all of my cakes are made with buttercream, never fondant.
Nicole Miller’s Artelier Collection
Fashion designer Nicole Miller talks Philadelphia haunts and the ideas behind her new line.
March 28, 2012
Thirty years after designing the first dress for her eponymous runway brand, Nicole Miller is debuting her Artelier collection, a sportswear line that offers dresses, skirts, blouses, pants, and knitwear for today’s busy woman. Miller stays true to her interest by incorporating tailored shapes, graphic prints, and saturated hues that echo her interests in art and design. We checked in with the busy designer at The King of Prussia Mall’s Neiman Marcus store, where she attended a fashion show to debut the new collection.
Philadelphia Style: Tell me about spring collection.
Nicole Miller: This is the debut of my new Artelier collection, the sportswear line. This is its first season in stores and its first season in Neiman Marcus.
PS: What trends popping up for spring do you especially love?
NM: I think color is really strong. There are still a lot of the boxy tops with narrow bottoms; our Georgette boxy tops have done very well. Our tech skirt cropped pants have been big sellers, too.
PS: What colors have you incorporated into the collection?
NM: I’m wearing salmon and chartreuse, but there are a lot of red-oranges and mustards—it runs the gamut. But blue has been very popular, too. It took a long time for it to come back in again.
PS: Do you see a need for a collection like this in the Philadelphia market?
NM: Definitely. There are plenty of neutrals around, and plenty of basics. We have all these digital prints, our prints are very unusual, and we have unique use of color. I think the customer really wants newness; I think she wants something that’s not out there.
PS: When you’re visiting Philadelphia, what do you like to do?
NM: My father’s family is from around here so I’ve been coming to Philadelphia for years. Philadelphia has amazing restaurants, so for me this city is all about going out to dinner. I remember going to Le Bec-Fin. The original Buddakan is here, and Morimoto.
Auction Block: Virgina Knauer’s Prized Antiques
Freeman’s auctions off the Philadelphia politician’s 18th century antique collection.
March 05, 2012
President Richard Nixon and Virginia H. Knauer
On April 30, Freeman’s Auctioneers will present the 18th century antique collection of Virginia Knauer. A Philadelphia native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, Knauer worked her way up the 1960s political ladder to be the first Republican woman elected to Philadelphia’s City Council. She also held positions as the head of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and the director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Consumer Affairs, as appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1969. Items in the auction were purchased by Knauer and her husband in the 1940s and ’50s and mostly include English furniture and Chinese export porcelain. Highlights include Chippendale carved walnut chairs circa 1770 and a mahogany and parcel-gilt looking glass circa the mid-18th century.
The Art of Shaving Opens in Cherry Hill
The luxe men’s grooming salon opens a flagship store in the Cherry Hill Mall.
March 05, 2012
The Art of Shaving is celebrating its 15th anniversary by opening of a new flagship store in Cherry Hill. Formulated with all natural ingredients and 100-percent pure essential oils, products in the brand’s skincare line are gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. Fragrance options run the gamut, including unscented, sandalwood, lemon, lavender, and ocean kelp.
The Best Chocolate Desserts in Town
A local guide to celebrating American Chocolate Week.
March 05, 2012
Max Brenner's Euphoria Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Brownie Sundae
Philadelphia’s penchant for artisanal chocolates dates all the way back to Benjamin Franklin, who was known to sell locally-made chocolates in his Market Street print shop. However, chocolate has come a long way since 1739. In honor of American Chocolate Week (March 14–20), we put together a list of the four most notorious chocolate hubs in Philadelphia.
Max Brenner
Wholly dedicated to sweets, Max Brenner offers an entire chocolate menu, as well as a chocolate bar stocked with chocolate pizza, chocolate pancakes, chocolate burgers (served with strawberry ketchup and vanilla cream mustard), chocolate bagels, and more. 1500 Walnut St., 215-344-8150
Philly Chocolate
From the founders of Philly Cupcake comes Philly Chocolate, a self-proclaimed “dessert lover’s paradise.” The menu of homemade chocolates changes daily, but items include chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate vodka shooters, chocolate-covered Nutter Butters, Oreos, and Rice Krispies treats on a stick, and even chocolate-covered Swedish Fish. 1315 Walnut St., 215-545-2040
Buddakan
Stephen Starr is no stranger to decadence, but with Buddakan’s dessert menu, he really outdoes himself. Favorite desserts include the Crying Chocolate, a warm chocolate cake with a gooey center and a scoop of Vietnamese coffee ice cream, and The Chocolate Bento Box, filled with a chocolate pagoda, cashew candy bar, warm babycake, chocolate almonds, white chocolate passion fruit panna cotta, and a banana tower. 325 Chestnut St., 215-574-9440
Flying Monkey Bakery
Tucked into Reading Terminal Market, Flying Monkey Bakery offers an enormous variety of brownies, from mint-chocolate to hazelnut praline and Glenlivent to rocky road. For a sweet and salty hit, try the Junk in the Trunk brownie, loaded with pretzels, white and dark chocolate, and oreos. Twelfth and Arch Streets, 215-928-0340; flyingmonkeyphilly.com
