3/04/2011

A Day in Tony Duquette's World

Last Sunday I was privileged to be included in a glorious day at Tony Duquette's historic Dawnridge estate. Hosted by the dapper and convivial Hutton Wilkinson along with the warm and gracious Ronda Carman, a luncheon was held in honor of SFERRA's 120th Anniversary. I'm a huge fan of SFERRA linens (I have them on every bed in our house now), so I was more than happy to toast to the venerable company's many years of success. The guest list was full of amazingly talented people and the setting could not have been more ideal for the group. It was such a special gathering and feel very lucky to have been a part of it.

For those who aren't familiar with him, Tony Duquette is legendary for being a preeminent American interior designer, sculptor, and jewelry designer. His name lives on through his partnership with Hutton Wilkinson who now serves as the owner, creative director, and president of Tony Duquette, Inc. Under Hutton's brilliant guidance, the company produces exquisite fine jewelry, home furnishings for Baker, textiles for Jim Thompson, as well as decor and tabletop accessories under the Tony Duquette trademark. To learn more about Tony and the evolution of his art and business, be sure to get the following books: More Is More: Tony Duquette and Tony Duquette. Thanks to Hutton, the books are beautiful and together they offer a more complete glimpse into the late designer's world.

Finally, be sure to log in for One Kings Lane's Tony Duquette Tastemaker Tag Sale tomorrow, March 5 beginning at 8am PT. Until then, take a look at the "Meet Our Tastemakers" slideshow on the OKL site...it shows some great snapshots of Tony and his work!

The interior of Dawnridge.

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Party guests including Tobi FairleyJan ShowersTracy PorterStacy KunstelSuzanne RheinsteinHutton WilkinsonClinton SmithScot Meacham Wood, and Lori Dennis.

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Tracy Porter, Ronda CarmanHutton WilkinsonLori Dennis, and Scot Meacham Wood.

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan


"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Festive lunch table, complete with gold flatware and vibrant SFERRA linens.

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Clint Smith, Editorial Director of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine, me, and  Scot Meacham Wood. I didn't have much of a chance to chat with Clint, but I had the pleasure of sitting by Scot at lunch and he is nothing short of fantastic!

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan


Ronda Carman, Cassandra LaValle, and Fred Iberri.


"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Ronda and Jan Showers

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan


Not a detail was missed...even the wait staff looked fabulous!

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

Dawnridge, aka Malachite heaven!

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan


"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

More Is More: Tony Duquette and Tony Duquette


"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

I LOVE this doorway and rug. The curtains were created with a fabric that Hutton designed. I believe it was called Ermine...whatever it's called, it's stunning.

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan

"SFERRA’s 120th Celebration at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge" Photos by Andreas Branch for Patrick McMullan
This was taken with my iPhone...which explains the bad quality!

Absolutely amazing place isn't it? I wish there were more shots of the exterior. The grounds are breathtaking...I literally felt like I was in some exotic locale. Like I said before, the luncheon was a truly memorable experience and I'm so thankful to Ronda and Hutton for being such wonderful hosts.

Lastly, be sure to tune into the One Kings Lane's Tony Duquette Tastemaker Tag Sale tomorrow, March 5 starting at 8am PT!

10 comments:

  1. I think I will be glued to this post all day, maybe all week...it is amazing!

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  2. Mr. Duquette, more than an icon, he was a design king. Nobody can do "more" like he did. I think the gorgeous stone that is malachite should be called "Tony Duquette"!

    Thank you so much for sharing!

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  3. It was great meeting you at the Design Bloggers Conference this past week, I had such a great time! How amazing is that interior! That luncheon looked like a lot of fun :)

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  4. Beautiful images. What an unbelievably fun day!

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  5. What an incredible event and of course what a truly amazing estate Dawnridge is!! You were so lucky to be a part of this wonderful day!!

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  6. Breathtaking!! A feast for the eyes. It's like living in wonderland. I have been trying to incorporate that malachite fabric into a job. One day.

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  7. I am blown away. This is so stunning. The color combination of oranges, blues, and greens is my absolute favorite right now. You are one lucky lady :-)

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  8. What a fabulous day that must have been! Love seeing the close up shots of the table and the interiors!

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  9. Chartreuse green with envy. I so hope to get to see Dawnridge in person one day. What a wonderful treat the luncheon must have been.

    More is definitely more in the case of Tony Duquette; I cannot get enough.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

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  10. Absolutely beautiful.It makes my heart sing! More is more is the ticket. After years and years of less is less, and taupe and gray, when you see design done by an artist you remember what innovation is. He is one of the designers of the past who inspires my work today.For young designers today, take a look and see the world in technicolour!

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