THEN IS NOW

March 14, 2018

THEN IS NOW

A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Historically living within a legacy was proof that
one had "made it." Hence the idea of hiring some stranger to rearrange one's family heirlooms was deemed nouveau riche at best. All that changed
by the end of the twentieth century as "designers"
came into vogue. My first exposure to said style
superstars came via the pages of Architectural
Digest. The work of one man in particular stood
out. Angelo Donghia started life far from affluent enclaves. The son of a tailor, he attended Parsons School Of Design. And soon thereafter became
a highly respected and much copied decorative
force to be reckoned with. Angelo was HAUTE!

OVER THE TOP
Throughout the seventies and eighties style
impresarios like Angelo Donghia redefined
all of the rules. Reinventing classicism with bravado Donghia designed the majority of
the furniture, lighting, and decor used in his revolutionary designs. Soon taste makers
like Ralph Lauren, Barbara Walters and
Liza Minnelli were living in spaces of his
making. "Glitzy" - they were meant to be enjoyed, savored, and noticed! Everybody who was anybody or hoped to be someone longed to call a space a la Donghia home.
Even a developer named Donald Trump.

TRUE AND FALSE
In 1985 Ivana Trump commissioned Angelo Donghia
to design her family's triplex atop Trump Tower. The result (shown above) reflected the owner's desire to
make an impression. Sadly all that glittered was not
gold. By 1992 the Mr. and Mrs. Trump parted ways. Subsequently Donald turned Ivana's jewel box into
the Midas melange it is today. Going for baroque he
removed most vestiges of streamlined sophistication.
Now (left) that same room is a pastiche of pasties. A coffered ceiling, faux frieze, bedazzled mantle, bad
applied moldings and french imposters have replaced
Angelo's sleek chic. While it's owner may think more
is more, it's obvious that money alone can't buy taste.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
Sadly Angelo Donghia exited this world in 1985. Since then his company has continued to build
on his legacy. For a time his work was deemed
passe'. Now a new generation has rediscovered
his best which warms the heart of this Donghia devotee. Recently Frank and I purchased one of
his most iconic designs - the Stellare chandelier.
While old - it's sleek elegance seems new again. Hand blown in Italy of twisted and mirrored
glass, this model still sells new for over eleven thousand dollars. Fortunately C+V HOME is
able to offer this "antique" for a song. So why
not turn up the lights and go back to the future?