Who Is John Houshmand?

Some would say he is a designer, a photographer, a sculptor or even a ceramicist. I think he is simply divine. The Dutch-Iranian designer grew up in the Philliphines, Great Britian, Iran and Israel. After graduating with a BA in Art History from Yale, he quickly immersed himself into various artistic realms which ultimately led into his romance with furniture.  His use of reclaimed wood in the industry has been unparalleled. But don't just take my word, check out his work today.http://johnhoushmand.com

My New Obsession with Iteun Basi

If fashion is suppose to be sexy and exuberant, then Iteun Basi certainly fits the bill. This talented woman began her career designing bridal wear in the UK. But in 2008, after a twenty year stint designing for other labels, she decided to take a leap of faith and returned home to her native land of Nigeria  to launch her on line. Since then she hasn't looked back where she has managed to give back to emerging African fashion designers. Her use of color and vibrant prints is inspirational to any fashionista who dares to be different and for that reason alone she is Le Rapport Minoritaire's designer of the month.

The Bold and the Beautiful!

You too can achieve this bold look by simply refurbishing an old worn out wing chair and using a beautiful tribal wax fabric to breathe new life into it. "Vive le Africa!" Chairs by Anthropologie.

Isn't She Lovely?!!!

If someone would have told me that I would bear witness to a woman of African descent winning the Miss. Universe in my lifetime, quite frankly I may have not believed. However, it is clear the world's view of has evolved. When asked about racism after her victory, Lopes responded, “It’s not normal in the 21st century to think that way.” Smart girl. While it is clear that Lopes wowed the judges with her beauty, it was her answer to a question about her looks that clinched her victory. When asked what “physical characteristics” she would change, Lopes answered, “Thank God I’m very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Later on during her interview round she also said, “I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.” Spoken like a true queen!

The Grandeur of the Hunting Lodge

You too can bring on the exotic into your space by simply using texture. Whether you utilize wood planks on the ceiling or grass cloth on your walls, you can evoke a well-traveled look by infusing warm color palettes on patina'd walls, geometric patterns on soft handwoven rugs or rugged large-scaled lighting fixtures. It's all about texture, texture and more texture!

What A Pleasant Surprise!

The Honorable Nelson Mandela has a clothing line, y'all! From what I've seen its absolutely fabulous and I can not wait until it is available in full force. Stay tuned...

A Call to the Wild!

Hello, dolls! Every now and then I come across sumptious bedding that I simply have to share. For those of you who are bold at heart, try Sweet Dream's "Tigress" or "Kalahari" Bedding Ensemble at Horchow.

Lifetime's "Picker Sisters" Definitely Inspires

 

Nature's Best by YLighting

A Little Bit of Zen Goes A Long Way

Hello, dolls. With the impending holiday around the corner, I can imagine that you all are seeking your own quiet moments as we wind out the summer. Well have no fear, you can bring a touch of zen into your space with subtle touches of Buddah without having to worry about going "over-the-top". Hands by Home Port Collections.