Thursday 21 June 2007

Imitation of Life














Over the past few weeks we have watched a client bastardise our concept for her new London boutique beyond recognition.
We have stood by and watched while things were measured, remeasured, and measured yet again to ensure that the proportions were what she thought they should be. All the while the individual components of the original concept - silver tea papered walls, limed oak furniture, crushed raspberry moire, hammered bronze, and antique mirror - were being replaced with poor imitations. Yet, we soldiered on as this was nothing new; just part of her pathology. It was her remark, "the new luxury is meant to be accessible", that finally put an end to our relationship.
Philistine!
Like true chic, true luxury is a state of being not something that can be easily bought and traded.

8 comments:

The Peak of Chic said...

So very true, and something that many people unfortunately do not understand.

Pigtown*Design said...

I love the idea of the silver tea paper. I have used it to cover a door. It's just a wonderful combination of flat and shiny surfaces.

Good luck on the new blog. Can't wait to see what you have to say!

HOBAC said...

How utterly charming, and thank you so much for the encouragement.

Sue said...

Just a note to encourage you to continue with your frank assesment of the general decline of elegance and discernment. Your patience with the Philistine was greater than mine would have been.
Looking forward to more from you!

HOBAC said...

Thank you Sue - very sweet of you.

Unknown said...

I love this post. May I quote you
in my next Inspirational Quotations?/"Like true chic, true luxury is a state of being not something that can be easily bought and traded."
House of Beauty and Culture
Let me know. I have linked you to my blog and I will be visiting you regularly. http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/ Kind Regards
Patricia

HOBAC said...

Patricia - How very sweet of you.
Of course you may - but I don't think that it is a thought that is original to me. I merely paraphrased something both my Mother and Gran used to say. They deserve the credit, not I.

cotedetexas said...

Oh, I see now what the post about the Philistine meant. How disappointing for your firm. Perhaps you will get a chance to see your design realized with a client who appreciates you for what you are truly worth. It all sounds so amazing and elegant. What a shame, for her!

Joni