At the risk of being hammered by interior aficionados, I have to admit this is the first time I have read Belle magazine. Gasp. But put down your pitchforks, because Iโve been converted. If their deliciously decadent front cover didnโt do it (which, letโs admit, it did), then the quality editorial inside would have tipped me over. Why, I hear you ask, is this the first time Iโve read Belle? It was the Vogue effect; I donโt buy Vogue because itโs too inaccessible (concepts and price tags). And I mistakenly believed I would feel the same way about Belleโฆ Iโve never been so happy to be proved wrong!
Highlights
- The styling by Steve Cordony on the โSpy Trendsโ pages. Iโve never been inclined to visit India, however the exquisite detail of these pages is making me reconsider.
- The โHot Shotsโ feature on young Australian design talent. Particularly loved the comment by Henry Wilson of Henry Wilson Studio that โwe might have a different design landscape in Australia if the cut-off for industrial design was replaced with an interview and portfolio.โ The fashion sense of the blokes profiled in this feature was incredible (yellow socks!), and was followed up by the Right Now Man page of suave menโs products.
What I loved
- As a previous magazine editor (of a niche magazine), I always wondered how many people actually read my Editorโs Letter; itโs the first page I flip to when reading a new mag. Iโm loving Neale Whitaker on The Block, and as shown with his Editorโs Letter, he has an elegant writing style to match his aesthetic sensibilities.
- Hospitality design group AvroKO make me want to visit New York again solely to tour the establishments they have left their mark on. As writer Mitchell Oakley Smith says: โ(they have) radically reimagined New Yorkโs dining scene from the architecture and interiors down to the menus.โย
- The smart conversion of a pub into a family home in inner city Melbourne. Inspired by crisp, organic Scandinavian design, this is a genius conversion by interior designers Hecker Guthrie. Iโm lusting after the AndTradition โraftโ barstools used in the kitchen.ย
Things Iโm coveting
- After reading the piece by Jean Wright on Parisian designer Andrรฉe Putman, Iโm desperate to get my hands on a copy of the book Putman Style by Stephane Gerschel. When Andrรฉeโs imitable style was commented on, she explained it was the same as placing objects in an interior, and was quoted as saying: โthe secret thread that assembles it is you โ thatโs what makes it individual.โ
- The Bathroom Trends page โPower Roomsโ had six standout powder rooms that are all worthy of a Pinterest pin.
- Osborne & Little Penguin Library Wallpaper: this was actually an ad in the magazine, but resonated with me. Over 12 months ago I purchased a box of 100 Penguin book cover postcards and have been pondering what to do with them. I suggested creating three big squares of them on the wall and my husband was not impressed โ until I showed him the ad for this wallpaper, and now that he can visualize it I think I can swing him around!ย
Comments
Rebecca Beaumont says
The wallpaper is brilliant – you could even frame your favorite bookcover postcards!
I think I’ve just stolen my own idea!
Love Belle magazine!
Jen Bishop says
Hi Rebecca. I have done that! Put the book cover postcards in a frame. They look awesome.
Jean Wright (Belle) says
Hi Jen, Just noticed your comments re my piece on Andree Putman in Belle . Andree was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Those of us who knew her well still miss her so very much. When Suzanne Trocme was in Sydney last week she reminded me that Andree was the link that bought many of us together. And we all keep in touch.
Love Interiors Addict,
Jean
Jen Bishop says
Hi Jean, thanks for your comment. That post was actually by a previous intern of mine, Jacqui! Thanks too for your kind comments about the blog, I am a big fan of your work too of course! Meant to say hi at Hardold Park the other night. Will introduce myself next time! Jen