London Fever: Alexa Hampton for Chesney's

Continuing on with our British blitz -- we love the Olympics -- we wanted to share the latest collection from Chesney's, designed by Alexa Hampton. The daughter of the venerable Mark Hampton, Alexa inherited her dad's love of classicism, which made the collaboration with Chesney's a match made in heaven.



Chesney's started 25 years ago as a dealer of antique fireplaces. They continue to maintain a stock of several hundred antique pieces, while they have expanded in a contemporary direction with designer collaborators like Jasper Conran and Jane Churchill.



The Alexa Hampton Collection consists of three mantel designs, all hand-carved in Statuario Venato marble. As each mantel is made to order, any size is possible, with prices starting around $9,700.



Stop by Suite 224 at the DDB to touch the beautiful stone and see the mantels in person. And remember, it might feel too hot today for a fire, but custom work takes time...

Blogfest 2012!

If the DDB feels particular bustling today, it's probably because of the upswing of bloggers. Blogfest 2012, the second annual, by-invitation-only event that brings bloggers from across the country to NYC during Design Week, kicked off yesterday. The three-day event connects bloggers not only to each other, but to design and publishing professionals. It's sponsored by some industry heavyweights, including Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. For a complete list of sponsors, click here.

This morning the 170+ bloggers enjoyed private tours and visits with Veranda, House Beautiful and Elle Decor. Here's what in store for them this afternoon:

-Lunch at Lee Jofa, sponsored by Traditional Home with special guests Keith Granet and Robert Brown

-A Traditional Home Event at Kravet, hosted by Editor in Chief Ann Maine, featuring Alexa Hampton

-A Visit to the Brunschwig & Fils Showroom, followed by a cocktail reception and preview of the soon-to-open Baccarat Showroom.

In the News: Alexa Hampton for Kravet Collections

The latest collection from Alexa Hampton has arrived at the Kravet showroom and we're hard-pressed to find a pattern we can say ‘no’ to. Alexa designs what she loves, and the result is a collection that is versatile and casual, grounded by linens and textures in a cohesive and fresh color palette of coastal blue, jade and neutral.

The collection offers up a selection of prints and patterns inspired by the Northeastern coastal landscape. Ranging from large statement prints like watercolor jacquard and tiger skin to small-scale geometrics and florals, the collection is anchored by beautiful linen designs. The patterns are lighthearted and high on style, and can be mixed in both formal and casual settings. Cottons, embroidery on linen and simple sheers round out a collection that will complement any décor style.

The launch also includes exclusive trims with clean, basic profiles, designed to add another dimension to the fabrics and coordinate with Alexa’s existing catalog of fabric and trims.

The collection is available at the Kravet showroom at the DDB, PDC, DCOTA and DCH and online at online.

Event Recap: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Rocks the DDB (Part 1 of 2)

The DDB's Annex Building was the place to be last week where the celebration of Scott Frances' striking photographs filled all three floors. A stylish crowd made up of designers, editors and artists, the opening of MonoVisioN was an evening to remember.

We made our rounds and chatted with the guests to ask what they loved about Scott's work and what sets him apart.

"I've known Scott for years and I'm excited to be here to support his work," said architect Campion Platt. "What has always made Scott's work exceed the norm has been his understanding of design and of architecture. He has always been ahead of the curve in the technology he uses and has a clear and extensive understanding of a room and how it should be seen in a photograph."

Before we could asked Campion anything further, he dashed off to congratulate Scott in person. Before doing so, he introduced us to architect Alexander Gorlin, another long-time friend and colleague of Scott's.

"It's really obvious why Scott's work is so respected," Alexander said. "When you look at the composition and the perspective of his photography, you're able to appreciate the architecture and design in the picture as well as the skill and art of his work."

Interior designer Alexa Hampton caught up with us to talk about the long history her father, legendary interior designer Mark Hampton, and her company has had with Scott.

"I could go on and on and on and on about how much I love Scott's work," said Alexa. "There's a very good reason that my father and now I always use his photography. My dad respected the way Scott worked and appreciated his attention to detail in every single photograph. Scott and I have known each other for so long, I could talk about him until I'm blue in the face! I'll refrain though because blue isn't my best color!"

You can view MonoVisioN in the DDB’s Suite 110 now through July 29. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on Scott Frances' gallery opening for MonoVisioN.