Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at The World of Percy Steinhart, Peony Paradise with Christopher Spitzmiller, and Dior at SCAD Atlanta. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
The World of Percy Steinhart
There are collectors, and then there are true tastemakers. Percy Steinhart undoubtedly belonged to the latter camp. Today, STAIR unveils The World of Percy Steinhart: A Gentleman’s Life, an auction celebrating the founder of Stubbs & Wootton and the distinctly stylish world he created. The collection is every bit as charming, worldly, and thoughtfully curated as the man himself.
Born in Havana, Percy cultivated an aesthetic that balanced sophistication with ease like no other. English antiques mingle effortlessly with modern pieces, Chinese ceramics, European paintings, and works by notable Latin American and Cuban artists, reflecting both his heritage and his discerning eye. In true Percy fashion, elegance never takes itself too seriously.
Throughout the collection, one finds the same qualities that made Stubbs & Wootton so beloved: personality, craftsmanship, a sense of history, and just the right amount of whimsy and humor. It is the sort of sale that invites lingering over every page of the catalogue, giving a glimpse into Percy’s rarified world and the beautifully homes he inhabited.
For more information, please check out the auction here.
Peony Paradise with Christopher Spitzmiller
This weekend, celebrated designer and gardener Christopher Spitzmiller is opening his “Peony Field of Dreams,” inviting visitors to Orangerie Garden to experience the height of peony season and bring home freshly cut stems from his collection of more than 2,000 plants.
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Christopher will be on hand to discuss the many varieties he has spent years cultivating, offering a rare opportunity to learn from someone whose love of flowers is nearly as legendary as his lamps. For those of us who eagerly await peony season each year, this feels a bit like a pilgrimage.
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Corals, whites, pale pinks, and vivid magentas will be in bloom, creating what can only be described as peony paradise. The event takes place this Saturday from 10am to 1pm at Orangerie Garden in Pleasant Valley, New York, and we can think of few lovelier ways to spend a spring morning.
Dior at SCAD Atlanta
As lovers of design, we are often just as interested in the process as the finished product. Perhaps that is why Dior: Crafting Fashion at the SCAD museum in Atlanta, immediately caught our attention. Rather than simply displaying a range of beautiful dresses, the exhibition explores the creative world behind the House of Dior and all the details that go into making a garment.
From the first muslin mock-ups to the spectacular runway moments that follow, visitors are invited into the making of the Dior dream itself. More than 100 pieces are on view, including items never before exhibited publicly.
One detail we found particularly fascinating is that Christian Dior originally dreamed of becoming an architect. Suddenly, so much of the house’s enduring appeal makes sense. There has always been something deeply architectural about Dior. The structure, the precision, and the balance between discipline and romance are the very same qualities that make a beautiful building, only Dior transformed them into some of fashion’s most unforgettable dresses.
The exhibition also traces the history of the maison, from Christian Dior through the designers who followed in his footsteps, each bringing a distinct perspective. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, artistry, and a peek behind the curtain, this is exhibition worth adding to the itinerary.
Read our favorite articles of the week!
How to Make the Perfect “Bunny Bed,” According to Bunny Williams written by Kate Lickert for Veranda.
A Small But Mighty Flat in Chelsea Filled with Pattern, Colour and Fascinating Finds written by Emilio Pimentel-Reid for House & Garden.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
x Natalie
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Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge
