The Style Files: Alexis Swanson Traina

La Dolce Vita is more than just the name of my blog, it is an active pursuit in my daily life. To me, “la dolce vita”, or the sweet life means an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures along with a love and admiration of stylish places and inspiring people. Anyone with an appreciation for living la dolce vita is probably well-acquainted with the Swanson family of Swanson Vineyards. Swanson Vineyards is a personal favorite and is a go-to for me every time I am in Napa. The setting is chic, charming, and whimsical and their wines are outstanding. Alexis Swanson Traina, Creative Director for her family’s eponymous vineyard and the cheeky label she conceptualized, Modern House Wines is the mastermind behind all of the charming nuances which have gone into creating two such special and unique brands.

{The Charming Sip Shoppe at Swanson Vineyards}

We recently had a conversation to discuss how Alexis wound up working for the family business, the people who most inspire her, and what style means to her. The thing I most admire about her is that she is part of an incredibly chic and savvy family, lives an enviable lifestyle, has a rewarding and creative career, yet she is so sweet and has such a down-to-earth sensibility. There is no flash to Alexis, only substance and a heart of gold. Alexis is also the author of Alexis’ Napa a chic blog with whimsical style focusing on the chicest things Napa has to offer. It is a must-read if you’re heading to Napa Valley anytime soon.

Paloma Contreras: As Creative Director of your family’s vineyard, Swanson Vineyards, you’ve been able to create a chic, whimsical, and hip brand unlike anything else I’ve ever seen in Napa Valley. Did you always know that you would eventually work for the family business?

Alexis Swanson Traina: I graduated from college and immediately started working with my dad—and just stayed put. I didn’t go to UC Davis or arrive with any particularly valuable set of skills. I was a very good observer/listener/storyteller. I was fascinated by culture/rituals/ceremonies and the wine industry allowed me to explore and illuminate all of these. I was so lucky my Dad encouraged me to pursue all of my instincts.

 

PC: What do you love most about your role with Swanson Vineyards and Modern House Wines?

AST: I love the creative process and finding the freedom to express myself in a way that is relevant and connects emotionally with others.

{As of last fall, Modern House Wines are now available exclusively at Target for under $13. Alexis created this collection of wines with the wine lover in mind, seeking to capture a cheeky spirit while providing a good, affordable wine.}

PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?

AST: I turn to music, magazines, Instagram, my sisters, my husband—and always keep my ear to the ground.

{A Peek into Alexis’ Chic Living Room via Instagram}

PC: Who are your personal style icons?

AST: My sisters, mother, mother in law, sisters in law, and friends.

{The Beautiful Swanson Sisters via Alexis’ Instagram. This is one seriously talented and gorgeous clan! Alexis is Creative Director for Swanson Vineyards and Modern House Wines, Veronica Swanson Beard is one half of the duo behind the chic fashion label, Veronica Beard (her sister and law and partner is also named Veronica Beard), and Claiborne Swanson Frank, the talented portrait photographer, stylist, and author. }

PC: What is your guilty pleasure?

AST: Hot Glazed Donuts

PC: Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

AST:  Those immediately around me—all of whom are pushing themselves daily to create better/differently.

{Beautiful Vineyards in Napa back in March when the Mustard was in Full Bloom}

PC: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

AST: Every morning I wake up to the squeaky voices of our children rooting in bed with us. It is a moment I will cherish forever and won’t last long.

 

Go-To Outfit: Anything with army green

Style Mantra: Confidence= Sexy

Scent: Fracas

Piece of Jewelry: A ring I wear as my wedding ring given to me by my husband that has a sweet expression we share together.

Color: Raspberry

Flower: Gardenia

Design Element: branches/specimen botanicals

Era: 70s

Hostess Gift: Modern House Wines

Meal: NY Steak at Ruth’s Chris

Drink: Cappuccino

Way to Unwind: With a glass of Swanson wine

Weekend Destination: West Marin

Hotel: Villa Feltrinelli

City: Paris

Museum: The Rodin Museum in Paris

Artist: Photographer, William Eggleston

Song that Always Puts Me in a Good Mood: “Under Pressure”

Actor: Elizabeth Taylor—love her shamelessness!

Risk Worth Taking: LOVE

Greatest Extravagance: Good hair color

Don’t you just love Alexis’ style and sensibility? I adore her! For a tour of her stunning San Francisco home, check out this feature in ELLE DECOR.

The Style Files: Windsor Smith

{Windsor Smith}

Over the years, we have established several recurring series on La Dolce Vita. One of my all-time favorites, was “The Style Files” which ran from 2010-2011. It seems a lot of you enjoyed it as well as I get emails from readers from time to time asking that I bring it back.  At the beginning of this year, I spent sometime coming up with concepts for new series to feature on the blog, but my mind kept going back to “The Style Files”, so I am thrilled to announce that the series will be returning and appearing on LDV regularly. One of the most amazing things that my blog has afforded me is the opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals and with the people I admire within the design industry. Bringing this series back will allow me to share further insight into some of the most fascinating personalities in the design world with all of you.

{The House of Windsor}

I am so excited to kick off  the return of the series with the one and only, Windsor Smith. Windsor is  a “lifestyle architect” and the founder of her eponymous design firm in Los Angeles as well as the creator of Windsor Smith Home, Inc. which includes a line of fabrics with Kravet, furniture with Century Icons, and Windsor Smith Home Collection—a private label line of bespoke furniture and accessories. Windsor’s work has garnered extensive media attention with features in House & Garden, Veranda, House Beautiful, InStyle, The Wall Street Journal, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP. As many of you probably know, Gwyneth scooped up the gorgeous House of Windsor (a showhouse whose concept was created by Windsor and Veranda ) in L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood and has worked with Windsor on several other design projects, including the redesign of her Hamptons living room using Windsor’s Room in a Box design solution. I love that Windsor’s style is approachable yet rooted in tradition. Her rooms are vibrant, filled with color and interesting pieces and maintain an effortless elegance. Windsor’s beautifully-curated spaces are an exercise in “livable luxury” with a touch of “grounded glamour”. I recently had a conversation with Windsor to better understand her design philosophy, her inspiration, and what makes her tick. Her answers to my questions are sure to delight, inspire, and even surprise you. Enjoy!

Paloma Contreras: How would you describe your style?
Windsor Smith: Eclectic, optimistic and elegant.

PC: Would you say that living in Los Angeles has influenced the way you decorate?
WS: The relaxed approach to luxury is in the DNA of all that I do!

PC: What does your home say about you?
WS: That I am daring, coy, and expansive in my taste and style, but a devout traditionalist at heart!

PC: What do you love most about being an interior designer?
WS: I love the intimacy of the work, the relationships, and the trust the client places in me to create their environments with and for them. And of course, the constant connection to tactile and beautiful materials.

PC: Where do you turn for inspiration?
WS: Everywhere! I am walking velcro looking for inspiration. I found a printing plate for a 500 dollar bill at a flea market and plated it in gold and had it made into a necklace. It was my P.Diddy moment! I totally embarrassed my kids by wearing it! Nothing is safe around me—I have no scruples when it comes to repurposing almost anything into an object of beauty, humor, and intrigue.

PC: Who are your personal style icons?
WS: Pharrell is my new style crush for his joyful, intuitive approach to music, art, and fashion. Slim Keith, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, and French and Italian women for their effortless sense of timeless style.

PC: What is your guilty pleasure?
WS: Shopping for vintage cars on Ebay.

PC: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
WS: Deliver on time and under budget!

PC: Finish this sentence: Before I die, I’d like to…
WS: I’d like to have a Benjamin Button experience and work my way back to the beginning of my life. It has been so great, I want to do it again before I go. EXACTLY the way it happened, only in reverse.

PC: Who/what has been your greatest professional influence?
WS: If we are not talking creative, but professional, I would say my own inner desire to do well by those who count on me. It makes me try harder and push the envelope from all sides creatively.

PC: What is your idea of living la dolce vita?
WS: I’m pretty simple: time for my family and friends uninterrupted by the mundane workings of life that steal our moments far too often. A quiet Bahamian hammock nap on the beach, a cool dip in the pool, and Italian linen shirt, a warm, airy home filled with light and fresh flowers; movie night in our pool house, soulful music on Pandora, 1stdibs, a great martini with almond stuffed olives, a well-made classic automobile with supple leather seats; cherry blossoms in bloom, a Bottega Veneta leather-bound family photo album, and a few chunky gold rings and I’m good. I will have lived.

PC: What can we look forward to next from you?
WS: My line with Century-- launching it is the perfect culmination of the pieces that I have found I want to use over and over for the feeling they bring to a room. More build projects that incorporate lifestyle and family into the design along with a larger presence in the digital space with WSRoominaBox.com. In 2015, my book with Rizzoli launches as well as my line of whimsical and gorgeous objects with Arteriors.



Go-To Outfit: Pale Gray Linen Jodphurs with White Oxfords, a White Jil Sander Men’s Shirt, Gold Hermes Belt, and Gold Rolex Watch
Favorite Scent: Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique
Color I Never Tire of: Deep Navy
Favorite Flower: Pink Peonies
Indispensable Design Element: Soft Summer Slipcovers
Go-To Hostess Gift: Chanel Nail Polish in Blue Satin or Bundles of Fresh Sage from my Garden
 Favorite Meal: Anything from Mozza
Favorite Way to Unwind After a Long Day: A Swim or a Little Reading in our Pool Cabana
3 Things I Love about my City: The Sunshine, Synchronized Swimming Lessons at the Annenberg Center at the Beach, Disney Hall
Go-To Weekend Destination: Ojai
Favorite Hotel: Hotel du Cap
Favorite Artist: Richard Serra or Cy Twombly

{Images Courtesy of Windsor Smith}

Art in 5: James Turrell

“His work is not about light, or a record of light; it is light — the physical presence of light made manifest in sensory form.” — New Yorker critic Calvin Tompkins on James Turrell

Hi, it's Erika Brechtel with a third installment of "Art in 5!" Thus far, I have focused on a painter (Ellsworth Kelly), a sculptor (Auguste Rodin), and a photographer (Julius Shulman), so today I thought I would highlight an installation artist, James Turrell. I have been fortunate enough to see his work at an art gallery in Chelsea, at a museum in Scottsdale, at the ARIA hotel in Las Vegas, and at a small gallery in Wynwood, Miami this past December during Art Basel. What fascinates me about his work is that it seems so simple -- flooding light into a controlled environment. But what you don't expect is that you completely lose your sense of depth perception to the point where you are not certain of where the walls are, where the floor and ceiling is, if the illusion of an object you see is real or projected. In some of his spaces, your mood can even change depending on the color of the light. It is precisely this human interaction and perception of reality that defines Turrell's groundbreaking work. The gist:

Here are some examples of his work:

PROJECTION PIECES A Turrell Projection is created by projecting a single, controlled beam of light from the opposing corner of the room. The projected light appears as a three dimensional form.

Alta Blue 1968, London

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Afrum Pale Pink 1968

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Pullen White 1967

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WEDGEWORKS In a Turrell Wedgework, the precise use of projected light creates the illusion of walls or barriers where none exist.

Wedgework 3 1974, Holland

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Milk Run, 1996

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Raemar Pink White 1969, LACMA

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GANZFELD “Ganzfeld”: a German word to describe the phenomenon of the total loss of depth perception as in the experience of a white-out. Turrell artificially creates a similar experience through the controlled use of light, coved corners and an inclined floor.

Armta 2011

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Double Vision 2013, Oslo

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SKYSPACES A Turrell Skyspace is a specifically proportioned chamber with an aperture in the ceiling open to the sky. Skyspaces can be autonomous structures or integrated into existing architecture. The aperture can be round, ovular or square.

Open Sky 2004 Chichu Art Museum, Japan

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The Color Beneath 2013, Oslo

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TALL GLASS / WIDE GLASS A Turrell Tall Glass or Wide Glass piece is an aperture with frosted glass. LEDs are positioned behind the glass and programmed to change slowly over the course of several hours. A glass can also be curved. Each Tall Glass or Wide Glass light program is unique.

Coconino 2007

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Mohl Ip 2008, Phoenix Art Museum

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I personally love the ones that remind me of Rothko paintings. (Read my past "Design Under the Influence" column on Rothko here...)

If you're in LA, definitely catch the retrospective on James Turrell at LACMA until next Sunday, 4/6/14. I've got my tickets!

Images and descriptions from JamesTurrell.com

Top image: Akhob 2013, Louis Vuitton, Las Vegas

Art in 5: Ellsworth Kelly

"I have worked to free shape from its ground, and then to work the shape so that it has a definite relationship to the space around it; so that it has a clarity and a measure within itself of its parts (angles, curves, edges, and mass), and so that, with color and tonality, the shape finds its own space and always demands its freedom and separateness." -- Ellsworth Kelly

Hello, it's Erika from small shop! After 30 installments of "Design Under the Influence" I decided it was time to move on to a fresh new column! If you didn't know, my B.A. is in Art History, so I thought I would bring some of my background to you, providing you with quick and easy synopses of art periods and artists throughout history. Fun, right? And as I am off to Art Basel in Miami tomorrow, I can't think of a better time to kick it off! First up, an artist that you may have seen and heard a lot of, but didn't know much about. Well, consider yourself learn-ed, with my new column "Art in 5"...

More Ellsworth Kelly:

"Study for Combe II" 1950, cut pasted colored paper pencil

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"Spectrum Colors Arranged by Chance VI" 1951, cut pasted colored paper pencil

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"Study for 'Cité' Brushstrokes Cut into Twenty Squares and Arranged by Chance" 1951, paper collage with ink

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"Spectrum Colors Arranged by Chance II" 1951, cut pasted colored paper pencil

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Study for Rebound" 1955, ink and pencil on paper

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"White over Black" 1963, painted aluminum

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"Magnolia" 1965, transfer lithograph from drawing

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"Spectrum IV" 1967, oil on canvas, 13 panels

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"Cupecoy" 1984, lithograph on paper

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"Houston Triptych" 1986

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"The Yangtze" from States of the River series, 2005, lithograph

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I hope you learned something new today! Let us know what you think.