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| http://allan-knight.com/Blog |
Thank you for your support and readership!
Cearan
Monday, March 12, 2012
We have moved!
Hello all, we have moved! The Allan Knight Luxury Blog is now available to view on its new platform. You may view the blog by clicking through to http://allan-knight.com/Blog
Thank you for your support and readership!
Cearan
Thank you for your support and readership!
Cearan
Monday, December 12, 2011
2011 HIghlights!
Fantastic 2011. A selection of last year's
articles in review!
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| Doug Aitken, New Horizon (2009) "Charlotte Jones Anderson: Fashioning a Modern Forum" May 2001 |
It seems that 2011 is finally taking its bows,
but I couldn't let this year end without listing some of my favorite moments in the blog. In May, my conversation with Charlotte Jones of Dallas Cowboys fame helped drive my little design blog to another level. The art in the the new Cowboys Stadium took our breath away, possibly as much as the structure itself!
In the Spring I tracked down our busy friend and client Nancy Corzine to talk about the impact of good design and the importance of listening. Then, the unveiling of the ultra-sleek and preeminent Museum Tower Dallas dazzled us in September. This was a year of exceptional movement. What a sight to behold as Baltus contemporary and Summit Outdoor furniture arrived at our door! Theo and Opuzen fabrics rocked our textile department, and Jim Magni's Magni Home Collection added a line of lighting as he began work on an uber-fabulous project just outside of Aspen.
Our year has been an incredibly busy one, but not busy with the typical. No amount of words can cover the emotion connected to what happened in our building and across the country for our brand over the past year. The story, though, can and should be told in images.
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Nancy Corzine is Listening, April 2011 Nancy's travels and energy amazed us this year. Who could pull off the formalities of attending a royal wedding in India, the running of a complicated shelter lifestyle brand and also opening the immediately lauded and prestigious Corzine Fine Art Gallery in West Hollywood? No one could, well, except for Ms. Corzine. |
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Elaine Honea's Les Antiques line of antiques inspired our first series.
We had a wonderful time conceptualizing and working to create these photographs. Each vignette was a group effort. I have gotten enthusiastic feedback on the candles and the continuance of this series. Allan, Elaine and I agreed that this was our favorite group project of the year!
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The gorgeous renderings of the Museum Tower Dallas upped the ante and led to greatly increased awareness of the the newest of our city's premier addresses. The excitement has indeed become palpable during the final stages of the press that accompanies the unveiling. I couldn't resist including this image of Allan and Dan Boeckman taken on one of the upper floors the day we took our hardhat tour. I promised Allan I wouldn't use it.
Hmm... So I lied. |
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Baltus - Point of Departure, September 2011 Baltus, the contemporary line out of Spain, brought fresh clean lines and a fun edgy attitude with it as it slid in the door. What a fabulous mix of "right now" and "what's next". Lucky us. |
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Itinero ergo sum: I travel therefore I am. Sun Valley scratches that travel itch regardless of the time of year you or I may visit!
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Cearan
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article by: Cearan Henley
chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates / Allan Knight Luxury Blog ~live beautifully
"live beautifully" is a registered and protected trade tag-line of Allan Knight and Associates. All rights reserved.chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates / Allan Knight Luxury Blog ~live beautifully
*Thanks go to Nancy Corzine, Charlotte Jones, Paul Templeton-Holmes of Baltus, and Jack Sibbach of Sun Valley Resort!
*Not all of my articles were mentioned here, but I appreciate all of the people and images and time that each client carved from their schedule to contribute to these columns this year. We sincerely thank everyone whom we were able to write about for allowing us to populate a small part of your already winning project!
*A special thank you to Allan Knight and Elaine Honea for the inspiration and continued support of the AKL Blog.
To leave a comment on this blog, please simply click on the date below. A comment box will appear at the bottom of the page!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Fragrances of the Holidays!
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| This unparalleled antique French deer is the centerpiece of this grouping which also features a pair of 17th century Italian columns. Candle: "Noel" by Annick Goutal, Paris. |
No time of year inspires the need for fragrance more than the holidays. Pine, berry, apple, pomegranate, cinnamon, and a host of other notes infuse our world with a cheerful awakening of the senses that the other three seasons must, in the end, be quite jealous of.
We light one flame, then another. Before we know it, our house or the showroom is ablaze with light and the aromas of the season. I have searched Dallas and found several that will not only brighten our holiday this year, but may also become lasting favorites for years to come.
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| This pair of 18th century African doors creates the mood for the rest of this tabletop display which also includes an 18th century French playhouse and an 18th century deer from a creche. Candle: "Pine Cone" by Michael Aram. |
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| This 18th century Spanish Santos reigns over this ensemble. Also shown is a 16th century vellum music book and 17th century Spanish Colonial oil on canvas in period frame. Candle: "Holiday" by Ralph Lauren Home. |
Ultimately, we feel driven to create a story around the objects of our recurring affection. Darker colors and items of historic relevance are interesting elements to bring into any holiday setting. We have combined several types of antiquities from different centuries to fashion areas of potent interest. Multiple candles and points of light combine with mirrors to create an other-worldly sense of subtle, almost iconic nuance. These elements culminate to rise above simple atmosphere; they elevate the spirit by inducing a mysteriously spiritual sensation that is the hallmark of any winter holiday celebration. We celebrate this ancient awareness, no matter what our faith.
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| Standing on on of a pair of 18th century gilded and painted plinths, this gilded, 16th century Saint watches over an 18th century Italian creche cradle. Candle: "Holiday" by Nest |
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| An 18th century French trumeau reflects this holiday table display. An 18th century Venetian gondola chair and a pair of 17th century stone lion fountain heads adorn and complete this arrangement. Candle: "Frazier Fir" by Thymes |
We are in the last part of a very busy year. The time for reflection is very close at hand. The hour tolls and we see the past, present, and future or so we may believe. A giving of thanks becomes a celebration for all that we hold dear... And then in our gratitude, we commit to let the light shine into a uniquely promising and spectacular new year!
This is the very essence of the holiday frame of mind.
Please enjoy this seasonal card from Allan Knight and Les Antiques. All our best!
The Candles of "Fragrances of the Holidays."
Annick Goutal "Noel"
Neiman Marcus
NorthPark Center
Carol Andersen
214-363-8311 ext.2176
Nest "Holiday"
Michael Aram "Pine Cone"
Stanley Korshak
Joe Flores
214-871-3631
Ralph Lauren "Holiday"
Ralph Lauren Highland Park Village
Ladye Kay Allen or Tyler Sweatman
214-522-5270
Thymes "Frazier Fir"
Nuvo
Jon Bonsignore
214-522-6886
Antiquities and product styling.
Elaine Honea ofLes Antiques
For more information
call: 214-741-2227
chenley@allan-knight.com
www.allan-knight.com
To leave a comment on this blog, please click the date below and an comment box will appear.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Sun Valley Experience
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| Sun Valley postcard featuring the lodge and famous round outdoor swimming pool. |
I thought this would be an easy article to write. With notes-in-hand from my interview with Jack Sibbach, Director of Marketing at Sun Valley resort, I was ready to post media shots provided by the resort and also vacation photos of years gone by. Funny how when you really care about something, the harder it is the write about it. I love Sun Valley. It really is my favorite vacation destination. Allan and I love the feeling of it in the wintertime and the activities in the spring and summer. Each season brings new diversions and levels of fun. We love them all, but my heart belongs to the holidays and skiing, thus the timing and focus of this blog.
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| The resort on Christmas Eve. |
The first time I realized that skiing was an art form was when I saw expert skiers going down a black diamond slope at Sun Valley, on cross-country skis. This is a hard trick to accomplish but to a person looking at them from the lift above, it is beautiful and poetic. It is magic.
The above image is a shot of the resort on Christmas Eve. The red line of light on the left is the blurred image of hundreds of ski instructors and ski patrol personnel skiing down the mountain carrying a red torch in each hand. This is usually my favorite part of the trip and encompasses the magical feeling of which I speak.
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| The Sun Valley Hay Barn welcomes guests at the entrance of the resort property. This iconic entry is another reason we love the experience. |
In my talk with Jack Sibbach, we went over the history of the resort, although it is actually very well known. The resort was built on the Northwest Pacific Railroad Line and billed as a destination playground in between the West and East coasts. The heir to this company, Averell Harriman, was keen on the idea of attracting attention to this part of the country and finally settled on the little town of Ketchum, Idaho for the site.
The Lodge was built in 1936 and immediately began attracting Hollywood stars, because of a marketing plan that was the brainchild of marketing wizard Steve Hannagan. Hannagan is remembered for his spot-on advertising and dislike of cold weather! Under his direction, the stars were invited and they came. The resort was and still is a primary destination of luminaries of stage and screen. "They know they will be left alone to enjoy their vacations!" Sibbach noted during our conversation. And they should be. Peaceful relaxation is the pinnacle of any well-deserved getaway.
The Lodge was built in 1936 and immediately began attracting Hollywood stars, because of a marketing plan that was the brainchild of marketing wizard Steve Hannagan. Hannagan is remembered for his spot-on advertising and dislike of cold weather! Under his direction, the stars were invited and they came. The resort was and still is a primary destination of luminaries of stage and screen. "They know they will be left alone to enjoy their vacations!" Sibbach noted during our conversation. And they should be. Peaceful relaxation is the pinnacle of any well-deserved getaway.
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| This postcard of Roundhouse Lodge advertises a first-class restaurant and bar halfway up the mountain an now accessible day and night via the brand new gondola lift. |
The period postcard shown here are reflections of the historic Sun Valley experience. I always stock up at one of the numerous shops within the resort or at the Pete Lane's world-class ski shop, which is located at the base of the mountain across from the River Run Lodge.
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| Snow sculptures all over the resort add something extra to the experience. The last time we visited the resort, several were lit from within. |
The snow sculptures are a main attraction during winter. This is a very good depiction of how the blocks start out as snow! The blocks are then put into place and sculpted into the Sun Valley logo in front of the world-famous lodge.
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| All eyes turn to other kinds of fun as winter snow gives way to spring and summer activities. |
In spring and summer, the resort is a playground for all outdoor sports including golf, tennis, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and rafting on the Salmon River.
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| The new Sun Valley Pavilion. |
The Arts are a huge part of the Sun Valley experience. The new Sun Valley Pavilion is home to the Sun Valley Symphony and also hosts many other types of music concerts throughout the year. Incidentally, The Sun Valley Symphony is the largest privately funded symphony in the United States. This half-underground combination stone and canopy structure was a labor of love by resort owner R. Earl Holding. Actually, his family's personalized touch is all over the resort and is one of the reasons this destination remains a powerhouse of style, kinetic fun, and graceful relaxation. "It's all about the guest's satisfaction," is a mantra repeated to me by Jack Sibbach. From personal experience, I can attest to that sentiment.
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| Carol singers at Trail Creek Cabin. |
The carolers that travel all over the resort are a consummate Dickens-ish entertainment that is a time-honored tradition. I don't know where they find these young adults, but they can really sing!
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| Allan and me, and the sleigh horses. |
A trip to Sun Valley is not complete without a sleigh ride to Trail Creek Cabin for dinner. Make your reservations far in advance. By sheer demand, the time slots for dinner in this rustic cabin set apart from the main resort book up months before the the holidays. A concierge can almost always squeeze in another reservation, though. As a matter of fact, I've never been told NO at S.V. This can-do attitude is a serious selling point to guests who patronize the resort. They really don't have to worry...about anything.
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| The heated swan pond in front of the lodge. |
The temperature-controlled pond in front of the lodge is but one of the features that lends that ever-important sense of civilized restraint to the resort's list of attributes. (The swans like it, too). Another practical feature of the property is the heated sidewalks. Guests may walk to dinner without donning snow boots regardless of inclement weather.
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| Stars John Payne and Sonja Henie in Sun Valley Serenade, 1941 |
The musical film Sun Valley Serenade, 1941, was filmed in and around Sun Valley. The movie starred John Payne, Sonja Henie, Glenn Miller, and Milton Berle. This movie plays non-stop on the Sun Valley channel in the lodge, condominiums, and at the Inn. Upon arrival, we always watch it. Can't help it. The song, "It Happened in Sun Valley" from the movie seems to be the the unofficial song of the resort!
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| Skating stars on Sun Valley ice |
The Summer Ice Shows are famous. Superstars such as Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill have skated on this rink behind the lodge. The list of notables is long and venerable and the entertainment is second to none.
Sun Valley is a place where you make lifelong memories. That is the real magic.
We could go somewhere else I suppose, but why?
It really does happen in Sun Valley.
For more information on Sun Valley resort, please access:
article by: Cearan Henley
chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates
"live beautifully" is a trademarked and protected tag-line of Allan Knight and Associates.
photos by: Cearan Henley
*Media images including postcards courtesy of Sun Valley.
*Special thanks to Jack Sibbach for the information provided.
*All media images herein are the sole property of Sun Valley and are used in this
blog by express permission of Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, USA.
To leave a comment on this blog, please simply click on the date below. A comment box will appear at the bottom of the page!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Baltus - Point of Departure
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| Gemma Sofa |
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| Carlotta Coffee Table, Caspio Sofa, Roma Chairs |
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| Chequia Bookcases, B. Detroit Sofa |
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| Candela Bookcase, Lyon Desk and Mansion Chair |
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| 3 X 1 Sofa, Beijing Coffee Table, |
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| Rosio Armchair |
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| Lazo Chair |
The materials are the absolute best and the finishes are superb, as if touched with the master's hand. When Allan and I went to LA in to view the collection and choose samples, we were very much struck with several of the chairs. The Lazo, shown above, is so fantastic I expect there to be an engine tucked under the seat. It looks like its ready to take off! This is one hot chair! We receive our samples soon, they will of course go into the Modern Showroom. We are making room now and are in expectation of the finely tuned hot rods that are Baltus.
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| Dais Coffee Table |
For more information on Baltus, please access:
article by: Cearan Henley
chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates
"live beautifully" is a registered and protected trade tag-line of Allan Knight and Associates.
*Images courtesy of Baltus.
*Special thanks to Paul Templeman-Holmes and his team for the access he has provided.
*All images herein are the sole property of Baltus and are used in this
blog by express permission of Baltus Spain,
To leave a comment on this blog, please simply click on the date below. A comment box will appear at the bottom of the page!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Museum Tower Rising
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| Welcome to the Museum Tower - Main Entrance |
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| The Tour Begins - Lobby and Reception |
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| Dinner in the Clouds - Kitchen and Terrace (Rendering of Richard Schultz 1966 Lounge Chairs by Permission of Richard Schultz Design) |
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| A View from the Top - Master Bedroom and Bath |
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| Arrival - Air of Expectation |
Now that I have your attention...
First a little history on The Museum Tower Dallas project.
Over 10 years ago two partnering entities, initiated a co-development idea. Dallas's
Turtle Creek Holdings, Inc, and Brook Partners, began to move forward to purchase
one of the last available lots which was in walking distance of The Morton H. Myerson
Symphony Center, and the newly proposed and highly anticipated Nasher Sculpture Center.
The two partners in Turtle Creek Holding are our friend Dan Boeckman and his associate
and partner of 20 years, Greg Greene. Turtle Creek Holdings had been directly involved in
the Titche-Goettinger 1900 Elm conversion, the first multi-family residential conversion in
downtown Dallas. At the same time, the partnership had put together the
Universities Center (U.N.T. campus) next door.
Principals at Brook Partners are Lyle Burgin and John Sughrue. One of their
most notable projects was the adaptive reuse of the Southwestern Life building
which had been designed by George Dahl.
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| The Great Lawn |
Ray Nasher, noted developer, philanthropist and art collector, voiced his concern that
certain design restrictions be followed carefully, to reduce the possibility of glare into
certain design restrictions be followed carefully, to reduce the possibility of glare into
the Sculpture Center. Dan and his group were obliging as the land was always seen as
the perfect location for a residential tower.
Dan Boeckman and his team, buoyed by a local framework of solid financial concerns,
purchased the property. Having worked on the previously mentioned, high-profile projects,
the group was not afraid of urban investment that resulted in cutting edge or even more
proportionately elevated propositions.
Mr. Nasher told the group that it would take at least 10 years to get the enterprise
moving and realize any construction. Mr. Boeckman was not so sure.
The location of the real estate demanded something very special. Beautiful examples of
some of our area's most daring designs would be or already were neighboring properties.
The Winspear Opera House, The Wylie Theater, The Dallas Performing Arts Center,
The Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center, The Dallas Museum of Art and
The Nasher Sculpture Center would complete an assemblage of important
sites within close proximity to the new tower.
"Ray Nasher was one of the most respected and influential developers in the country...
I realized later that I hadn't given enough weight to his viewpoint, "Dan explained
to me with a laugh.The project did take 10 years. It seems that planning and design on
such a complicated development could render any standard time quotient invalid.
I realized later that I hadn't given enough weight to his viewpoint, "Dan explained
to me with a laugh.The project did take 10 years. It seems that planning and design on
such a complicated development could render any standard time quotient invalid.
The location of the real estate demanded something very special. Beautiful examples of
some of our area's most daring designs would be or already were neighboring properties.
The Winspear Opera House, The Wylie Theater, The Dallas Performing Arts Center,
The Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center, The Dallas Museum of Art and
The Nasher Sculpture Center would complete an assemblage of important
sites within close proximity to the new tower.
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| A View of The Woodall Rogers Park |
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| A view from the Nasher |
which would be completed sometime in 2013 or
The Perot Museum of Natural History
which is only now under construction.
The Margaret Hunt Hill-Calatrava Bridge was still in planning stage. An expectation for superb architecture was implied, for all the obvious reasons.When complete, the Tower will look out over the works of seven Pritzker Prize winning architects.
The Pritzker Prize is the highest award given for excellence is architectural design.
It was evident to me after my tour that the quality of The Museum Tower project had been completely matched to the cultivated experiences available within the Dallas Arts District.
Spearheaded by this 15-year member of
The Dallas Museum of Art Board of Directors, the idea became an eventuality not a option.
"I believe in the The Dallas Arts District not only as a destination, but as a lifestyle.
Our arts district is unique. There is nothing else like it in the country."
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| Luxury Quarters - Living Room |
The day we toured the site, Mr. Boeckman said, "My favorite aspect of the building is that there are only four elevators. Each unit is accessed by its own elevator and either has a vestibule, or the elevator doors open directly on the owners home, revealing an unobstructed view through the glass walls of the structure's uniquely tapered design. Architect Scott Johnson of Johnson-Fain, not only capitalized on but actually superseded my team's conceptual perspective."
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| Opening Act - November 2012 |
We stand amazed as the glass and steel begin to scrape the top of our downtown skyline, once again.
But we know that this is just a beginning, a beginning brought by artistic enterprise
to the literal home base of cowboys and gentlemen.
The Museum Tower Dallas opening is slated for November 2012.
Our hats off to Mr. Boeckman,
his partners and the entire project team.
We are on the edge of our seats.
(applause)
For more information on The Museum Tower Dallas project, please visit:
http://www.museumtowerdallas.com
article by: Cearan Henley
chenley@allan-knight.com
Allan Knight and Associates
Photography by: Cearan Henley
"live beautifully" is a registered and protected trade tag-line of Allan Knight and Associates.
*Renderings courtesy of Museum Tower Dallas.
*Special thanks to Dan Boeckman and his team for the access he has provided.
*All images herein are the sole property of Museum Tower Dallas and are used in this
blog by express permission of M.T.D.
To leave a comment on this blog, please simply click on the date below. A comment box will appear at the bottom of the page!
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