What’s on a Leading Designer’s Shopping List?
What might one of America’s leading designers, and one of Architectural Digest‘s “AD100 Top Designers of the World,” look for in a unique holiday gift? Suzanne Tucker, founder of one of the largest design firms on the West Coast, Tucker & Marks of San Francisco, shared with our editors some of her favorite finds this season. See the coveted items she’d snag for all of the special people on her list, from the urban cowboy, to the fashionista, to the fellow decorator.
For the Anglophile
Lot 415, Elizabeth II & Prince Phillip royal Christmas card, signed,
Dreweatts & Bloomsbury (December 1)
“Having tremendously enjoyed the lavishly produced Netflix series ‘The Crown,’ this royal Christmas card featuring Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and their children is an extraordinary artifact from a world and an era that holds a particular fascination for so many, including myself. What a unique gift this would be!” says Tucker.
For the Urban Cowboy
Lot 148, John Wayne’s “Western Trails” hat by Railey of California,
Dreweatts & Bloomsbury (December 1)
“I can think of quite a few would-be cowboys among my circle of family and friends, for whom this classic stetson hat signed by John Wayne would top their list of amazing collectibles. Properly displayed in a ranch house or mountain cabin, this would be quite the conversation starter for many years to come. I would give this along with a full set of John Wayne movies.”
For the Classicist
Lot 2, “Views of Rome and Pompei” by James Anderson and Giorgio Sommer, 1850s-1870s,
Lempertz (December 2)
“This would be a lovely gift to one of my fellow board members at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA); a wonderful set of portfolios documenting the traditional 19th century ‘Grand Tour” in Rome and Pompei.”
For the Photography Collector
Lot 150, “Daryl Hannah, L’Uomo Vogue” by Michel Comte, 1992, gelatin silver print, 5/20,
Lempertz (December 2)
“This striking photograph is an wonderful homage to the iconic Richard Avedon image, featuring renowned model Dovima elegantly posing between two elephants – I have a poster of that one in my office. Michel Comte’s image features actress Daryl Hannah, captured as the epitome of modern woman. Beautiful.”
For the Art Aficionado
Lot 2, “Huile sur toile” by Nicolas de Staël, 1950, oil on canvas, Artcurial (December 5)
“This abstract landscape by French painter Nicolas de Staël has the most sophisticated, timeless color palette. I definitely believe in mixing contemporary pieces with antiques, modern elements with antiquities – and this painting would work well within a wide variety of design styles.”
For the Seasoned Collector
Lot 11, “L’autruche” by Diego Giacometti, c. 1970, Artcurial (December 5)
“I have a soft spot for sculptures by designer Diego Giacometti – at once expressionist and delicate – but this one adds an element of wit to that equation, making it a very special highly sought after collectible. A similar piece recently sold at auction for $125,000.”
For the Flower Lover
Lot 72, “Kiku” by Andy Warhol, complete set of 3 screenprints, Freeman’s (December 6)
“I named one of my very first textile designs ‘Kiku,’ the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum, as it was a stylized Japanese-inspired floral linen. So, this set of three eponymous Andy Warhol screenprints immediately resonated with me. Their bold colors contrast beautifully with the delicate subject matter; it’s flower power at its best.”
For the Decorator
Lot 47, “Sea Anemone (Bush)” by Harry Bertoia, c. 1970, bronze with patina, Freeman’s (December 6)
“The perfect addition to a well-curated ‘cabinet of curiosities,’ this sculpture by prolific mid-century modern artist and furniture designer Harry Bertoia is both iconic and timeless – a unique gift for anyone with a taste for decorating and collecting.”
For the Fashionista
Lot 202, Hermès Birkin bag, ostrich leather, 2008, Aukstionshaus Eppli (December 10)
“What better gift for the chic and stylish fashionista than the holy grail of handbags: the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, in festive red ostrich leather? A tried-and-true classic that will never go out of style!”
For the Equestrian
Lot 107, Black leather heeled Hermès boots, Aukstionshaus Eppli (December 10)
“Hermès sets the gold standard in beautifully crafted riding gear, so this pair of classic riding boots would be the perfect gift for my daughter Hatley, who happens to be an award-winning equestrian.”
The More the Merrier
Looking for more? Find gifts for her, for him, for the youthful spirit, for the entertainer, for the world traveler, and for many more on your list with Invaluable’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide.
About Suzanne Tucker
Suzanne Tucker is recognized today as one of the country’s leading interior designers. She and partner Timothy F. Marks founded Tucker & Marks in 1986, and the firm has long been considered one of the most respected and successful interior design firms in the U.S. Architectural Digest has honored Suzanne Tucker repeatedly as one of the “AD100 Top Designers of the World.” The Robb Report named her “The Best of the Best in Interior Design.” Suzanne was also awarded the 2015 Design Leadership Award and the 2016 Julia Morgan Award.
