TWO WEEKS IN DALLAS

Wow!! What an amazing fortnight in Dallas starting on October 12 with the official opening of the Dallas/ATT Center for the Performing Arts on through my favorite event in any city anywhere, Two by Two for Aids and Art.

THE COUNTDOWN:
After the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center on October 12, there was a great U2 concert in the fabulous new Cowboys Stadium. It was a fantastic show in a venue unlike any other, especially viewed from John and Jennifer Eagles' great suite.

Then, the opening nights of the Wyly Theater and the Winspear Opera House which were both spectacular!

Following on the heels of that week, Two by Two for Aids and Art week kicked off with the Sotheby's Preview Night--everyone's first peek at the top tier art that was donated by noted artists and gallery owners from L.A. to London to Germany. This year's art was considered the best ever in Two by Two history.

Two nights later, First Look party which is a fun night with lots of fashion/music people and a wonderful fashion show featuring Christian Siriano, winner of last year's Project Runway and sponsored by Dallas' boutique, 4510. Guests also enjoyed a special music perfomance by Gavin Rossdale courtesy of Kirtland Records.

Next, the Two by Two Gala night which is the most glamorous night of the year in Dallas with lots of star power. Artists and art dealers from all over the world come to this event, along with celebrities---this year, Stanley Tucci and Harry Belafonte, honorary chairs, Kenneth Cole, president of amfAR, and featured artist, Peter Doig. Alan Cumming's performance brought the house down---it wowed everyone there!

Harry Belafonte Alan Cumming

Then Jamie Niven of Sotheby's---yes, he is the son of David Niven, and the funniest man on the planet---took the stage for the live auction.

Two by Two went on to make a record breaking $4 million!

Two x Two tent My daughter Elizabeth & I co-chaired the event

Once again, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky opened the doors of their Richard Meier house for every one of these events. Their major art collection is removed each year so that all of the art donated for the event may be displayed. What a show!

CHAIRS, CHAIRS, CHAIRS If I had to chose one design element that I have a weakness for, it would be chairs. They are simply irresistible to me. I guess there is a very good reason for this passion of mine....a room has little character with simple upholstered pieces...yes, they make a room inviting and comfortable and every room needs them, but for the most part, they add little personality to the setting. One can completely change the look of a room, simply by changing the chairs. Just ask my husband!! We have a room that I love to redecorate----I have done this most frequently by changing one pair of chairs with another (over and over and over!). You get the idea. The next time you look at what I like to call a "character chair" i.e. one that is not fully upholstered, think about how it might change the entire look of a room. I like to add chairs to my furniture collection that will work in many different interiors. Here are a few examples of what I'm talking about: JSC Syrie chair JSC Gigi chair JSC Clark chair JSC Carleton chair Keep in mind that these are not always the most comfortable chairs in the room...they need to be reasonably comfortable, but you will have plenty of other seating in the room for that purpose. These chairs are all about making a statement----although I would never make a statement with a chair that is also an instrument of torture! HERE IS MY CHAIR HALL OF FAME: the iconic Frances Elkins Loop chair late 18th c. Italian Klismos style chair JSC Loop dining chair JSC Daphne chair SOME SPECIAL CHAIRS WE HAVE IN MY ANTIQUES SHOWROOM RIGHT NOW: So, remember, when putting together a room, don't forget the character chair. It will be the element that makes your room memorable {other than a wonderful piece of art!}. This is a good time to mention buying sustainable furniture. As you can see, some of my favorite chairs are over 200 years old. I continue to be appalled at the number of people who should know better but continue to buy furniture that will be disposed of within the next 5-10 years if not less! I love the old Chinese saying "BUY THE BEST AND ONLY CRY ONCE." What an amazingly true statement. I might add, buy second or third rate, and cry every time you try to sell it or have to rid yourself of it. Remember---quality does matter---it always has and always will. I have a few other things on my mind this month.... CRUSHES MAD MEN---ok, ok, I know I'm obsessed but it just gets better and smarter every season. The clothes, the sets, the acting and most especially the writing!! I was recently asked which current movies were inspiring to me and I simply could not think of anything that is more inspiring to me on every level than this show. If you aren't watching, rent the first and second season which is a great way to see it with no commercials to fast forward through. You can also download it from iTunes on your laptop---fun to watch when you're on a plane. I love Burt Cooper's office with the Rothko, Japanese screen and Hollywood regency furnishings with Asian influences. Betty and Don Draper have just redecorated their living room---it is 1963 when Hollywood regency was all the rage. FASHION---love the great dresses this fall that have been inspired by MM!! ART---can't wait to see the Kandinsky show at the Guggenheim and Georgia O'Keefe's abstract show at The Whitney along with two interesting and creative new shows at the Dallas Museum of Art called All the World's a Stage and the Performance/Art show. Kandinsky's Several Circles - The Guggenheim O'Keeffe's Series I-No. 1 - The Whitney Pietro Paolini's Bacchi Concert - DMA All the World's a Stage Yinks's Shonibare's Un Ballo in Maschera - DMA Performance/Art DALLAS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS---it's finally here!! Dallas has an arts district that is simply stunning with the Winspear Opera House designed by Norman Foster and the Wyly Theater by Rem Koolhass to add to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Meyerson Symphony Hall and the Nasher Sculpture Garden. If you don't live in Dallas, there has never been a better time to come. TWO BY TWO BENEFITING AIDS AND ART----The art this year is better than ever and, I am happy to say the event is sold out. Dallas continues to support the arts. My daughter, Elizabeth Showers, and I are co-chairing it this year. It will again be in the amazing Rachofsky House hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky who are two of the most dedicated people I know---they are truly remarkable and give so much of themselves to both the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR. To see all the art that will be up for auction, go to http://2x2online.org/. You will find works from Brice Marden, Francesco Clemente, Marlene Dumas, Olafur Eliasson along with over 100 other works. You may place a bid online, so enjoy!! Francesco Clemente's Allegory a pair of Norman Cherner armchairs, c. 1958 The Rachofsky House DESIGN In addition to my book, Glamorous Rooms, I am so excited about several other books by designers that will be out this fall. Nancy Corzine, Kelly Wearstler, Suzanne Kasler and several others will be available later this month. I plan to buy copies of all of the above to add to my library. I just returned from a book signing party in New York that was held in the beautiful A. Rudin showroom at the D & D building. It was a lovely party and lots of people attended. My furniture collection is now represented by this showroom. By the way, if you live in New York or you are going to be there on October 29, be sure to go by and see Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Décor. She will be signing her new book, Style and Substance at 11 a.m. that day. While you are there, be sure to check out all of the wonderful furniture lines that are represented! THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE---I know most people went to see this movie to see how much Anna Wintour is like the Meryl Streep character in Devil Wears Prada, but they came away amazed at what it takes to put a magazine issue together. Grace Coddington is a revelation and creative genius (as Anna admits at the end of the movie). If you love art, how can you not love what Grace does on a monthly basis? PEEVES Not too many this month....already mentioned furniture that is not sustainable and that is disposable. Most of you already know how I feel about wenge wood and cheap finishes that require no craftsmanship as I have written about this several times in the past. REALITY TV SHOWS---sorry, I simply cannot get excited about watching these shows with manufactured dramas. Why watch them when you can watch shows that are well written with great production values? We as a society need people to admire. Who wants to watch a train wreck? By the way, don't Hollywood producers have any new and creative ideas----how many shows and magazine articles can they do on the Dallas stereotype (big hair, bad accents, shopaholics, ect.) which is totally unrepresentative of that city? DOOM AND GLOOM ATTITUDES---we will never have a good recovery from the current recession if we cannot get away from listening to talking heads 24/7 with this kind of attitude. Yes, we all need to save and that is a good thing, but to not spend at all will keep our economy stagnant. I cannot even talk about the negative radio/tv commentators that irresponsibly stir up hatred and fear with no regard for the consequences of their actions. More next month on getting ready for the holidays with some new and interesting ideas for gifts, decorating for the holidays and much more. And, please, enjoy fall---look around and appreciate all that this season has to offer. http://www.twitter.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jan-Showers/91838712518

FABULOUS FALL

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love fall---cooler weather, leaves turning, birds flying south, fires in the fire place, grown up movies returning to the screen, fall clothes - always my favorites - and, most especially, doing a little redecorating. Something about the cool air and fall colors simply makes me want to change things indoors.

Flowers are the first thing that I think about changing in the fall. I love white flowers in the summer and as long as it's warm outside, but with the cooler temperatures, other colors and flowers come to mind. Oak Leaf Hydrangeas with branches from oak trees come to mind as do branches with berries.

Pillows that looked perfect in summer may suddenly look too light and there is nothing like new pillows to freshen a room.

Displays of glass are another great way to change things this time of the year. Ambers and aubergines as they remind me of fall. Greens are wonderful anytime of the year as are blues, but the deeper they are, the better.

If you are thinking of replacing lamps anyway, consider certain colors to freshen your room. Of course, I think white ceramic or glass are great year round, but you might consider other colors to work with a fall scheme that will still look right when spring/summer roll around next year.

And, if you are thinking of reupholstering a chair or sofa, there are some stunning fabrics that you will love for fall and all year. Silk velvets---so luxurious and great visually. A few of my favorites......

Paint is one of the least expensive ways to change a room....we have just painted a room a wonderful carmel color in the showroom. In the aubergine family there is a very subtle color that looks great in the fall/winter or in spring/summer.

Click on each color chip for more information.

CELEBRATING FABULOUS FALL AT JAN SHOWERS

We have been redesigning our showroom in the Dallas Design District for the past couple of months in order to get ready for fall. If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please come by and take a look at new paint colors as well as lots of wonderful new antiques----chairs, lamps, rugs, mirrors and chandeliers.

GLAMOROUS ROOMS

Another great way to get ready for fall----pick up your copy of Glamorous Rooms. Lots of great ideas for any time of the year!!

Please visit my Facebook & Twitter pages to see where book signings will be held across the US...

GLAMOROUS ROOMS Glamorous Rooms has been released!! After working on this project for almost 2 years, it's finally here. Of course, I have really been working on it for the past 25 years as you will see when you look at all of the images in the book. Here are three of my favorite images from GR...... For the rest of the 170+ images taken over the past 20 years including more than 75 new ones, you'll need to buy the book! There were over 100 images that were not included---maybe some of them will be in the next one..... The name of the book is what it's all about......ROOMS......most design books over the past few years have been formatted project by project. One of my favorite books from the past was a book Conde Nast published about living rooms that had appeared in House and Garden over 25 years ago. The entire book was just living rooms and I loved it. So, if you are designing or redecorating a bedroom, then turn to that chapter in Glamorous Rooms and read what I have to say about how to start - what to do and what not to do, etc. Then take a look at the images that show examples. I got an advance copy at the end of May and I was so happy to see my daughter, Elizabeth, looking at it and getting ideas for her guest room. The book is very accessible and I hope, inspiring. Here are a couple of examples: "Beds should envelop, feel warm and cozy, and have the best linens one can afford." "Make the living room into a place where people want to spend time. Imagine ways to seduce and lure family and friends into using these typically neglected spaces, such as books stacked high on tabletops along with filled magazine racks, which never fail to make rooms appear more layered and welcoming." There are 208 pages of rooms and detail shots----it is my wish that readers will look at these images and use the ideas, colors, mix of fabrics and woods in their own interiors. BOOK SIGNINGS There will be book signings in Dallas, Houston, New York, L.A., Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Atlanta. For specific dates on these signings, we will post them on my website www.janshowers.com as well as on www.twitter.com and www.facebook.com. Hope to see you soon and sign your copy of Glamorous Rooms!! *Glamorous Rooms is available wherever books are sold or online.

ITALIA If you've never seen "The Talented Mr. Ripley" or even if you have, buy it or rent it if you want to see almost every city or locale in Italy. The sets, costumes (it is set in the 50's) and music are masterful and the movie reminds me so of a great Alfred Hitchcock movie though much better in many ways. Anthony Minghella adapted the screenplay from Patricia Highsmith's book and created a masterpiece in my opinion. An earlier version was made in the 1960 with Alain Delon called "Plein Soliel"---check it out as well, but for costumes, sets and mood, Mingella's version is mesmerizing. This is one of Gwyneth Paltrow's best performances along with outstanding ones from Matt Damon and Jude Law. Watch for her costume when she meets with Dickie's (Jude Law) father and Ripley (Damon) in Piazza San Marco. I also love the gardens that are like interior rooms as well as the interiors. This movie in on my mind this month because we are in Italy and everything around us is like a film. Take a look!! View from Al Valuu restaurant in Tremezzo on Lake Como Bellagio Verenna on Lake Como Entrance to our garden Lunch on the terrace                       Matthew looking cool in Ray Bans Our Villa More to come with a big announcement on September 1!! CIAO!!

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS........   What is it about the beginning of summer?  Does it go back to school being out as a kid?  I don't know about you, but it is the most relaxing time of the year for me no matter what is going on with business.  There are three glorious months to look forward to no matter what you are doing or where you are going.  I am equally happy in my own backyard or on a beach in the south of France or hanging out on Lake Como as long as I have all of my favorite things around----namely, my family and my dog!         SOME OTHER THINGS THAT MAKE ME GRATEFUL THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR HAS ARRIVED:   Robins and cardinals in our garden----they arrive much earlier, but become amazingly plentiful at this time of the year.        Fish----from Copper River Salmon to really fresh red snapper from the gulf----it all tastes great this time of the year.   Domaine Ott Blanc---a refreshingly light wine from the south of France that reminds me of St. Barth's...the French like the rose version, but I prefer blanc.   Deviled eggs----only the ones I make----they are so perfect as hors d'oeurves before a lovely supper on the terrace.  The reason that they are so delicious is that they are simple---a little great mayo (either homemade or Spectrum) and a dollop of Durkee's Famous Sauce and a little salt.  Yummy!!   Fireflies just before dark---as a child, I used to love catching them and putting them in a bottle with holes in the top.  Now when my grandchildren want to do the same thing, I tell them not to.   Lamps outside to be turned on as soon as dusk falls.  Just be sure they are under an overhang or awning or loggia.         Outdoor drinks carts for lemonade or martinis.                                  A stack of books to read for the summer----or for travel, a Kindle since I can't carry all of them with me.   Wildflower---this book by Mark Seal gets 4 stars from me.  He writes a compelling story about Joan Root and Africa from 1960 until her murder in 2006.  Truly well written and researched.  A must read.   A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert----the story of a family focusing on the women past and present....great reviews.   The Bolter---by Frances Osborne, the wife of George Osborne who may be England's next Prime Minister about her great grandmother's adventures from pre "Great War" through her escapades in Kenya's "Happy Valley" in the 1930's.   Shanghai Girls by Lisa See---a story of sisters from Shanghai in the 1930's immigrating to L.A.  This one will certainly be a movie from what I am reading.                    Fourth of July weekend with my family at our house in the country---this year all of the children want to ride in the parade which consists of horses, bicycles and fire trucks along with a few motorcycles.   Lake Como----we'll be there in late July until early September.   A complete vacation from watching the news on tv....just checking out The Daily Beast every other day to keep up---love this website.  It's like reading the news in Vanity Fair on a daily basis.  From hard news to fashion to art....Tina Brown knows how to report on all things that interest me.  You can read in depth (or not) on her "Cheat Sheet".     Movies----I think the best ones come out in the fall, but there are always blockbusters in the summer.  However, I'm looking forward to seeing Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & Julia.   So, kick back, read books, enjoy being outdoors and RELAX......

JEWELRY!!!! Jewelry by Elizabeth Showers I love to compare design objects to other things in life...chairs often look like people because a great character chair has such personality. A Klismos chair reminds me of a really laid back guy, a Louis XV chair reminds me of a great looking lady with pretty legs. You get the idea. The next time you look at a chair, think about it! There is only one way that I describe wonderful lamps---JEWELRY---as they are the true jewelry in any room. They come in all shapes and sizes just like chairs. Changing lamps in a room can do more in a minute that almost anything else. A great example of this is the sparkle of glass lamps. There is nothing else that adds this element to an interior. Glass lamps can be masculine or feminine depending on coloration and shape. The one on the left has very straight lines and would look great in a man's study or library. The one on the right would be appropriate for a lady's dressing room or a formal living room with light colors. I often use bronze lamps----they are oh so of the moment in Paris right now----as they add weight and a sculptural quality to any décor. We are working on a handsome house in Phoenix with stone walls. The house will look totally appropriate in the desert. Colors throughout are an extension of what's outside----sand, sage and pale blues. We are using bronze and nickel lamps in most of the spaces and also mixing in colorful vintage ceramics. When there are lots of beautiful glass accessories in a room, I love to use ceramic lamps. They add color and form---no sparkle, but that isn't necessary if there are glass pieces present. Just remember, there is nothing you can do to change your décor faster than to change your lamps or dated lamp shades! There is nothing that can spoil an interior faster than bad lamp shades, and conversely, nothing that can glamorize an interior faster than good ones. Here are some of my all time favorite lamps..... So, if you're not redecorating an entire room, remember these jewels...instant gratification for achieving a fresh look! More to come soon...