Photos courtesy of Alessandra Branca
Have you visited Bergdorf Goodman's home floor recently? It has been transformed by Alessandra Branca into a Cabinet des Curiosite, with objects of wonder set against a striking backdrop of red, white and black. Showcasing a mix of bespoke hand-crafted accessories, antiques, decorative objects and tabletop, the space, with walls covered in her new Schumacher collection textiles, is like stepping back in time to a fantastical chic European shop. Designed with residential appeal, every surface holds something compelling to look at, and it is all available to buy. Big on pairing artisan, hand-made and quality elements, Branca finds inspiration in the past and repurposes it to create an entirely new, updated sensibility. The curious can visit the treasure trove where the mix of Old World and ornate will live till the end of the month. If you are interested in these stylish finds, visit Branca. where the story continues.
In a dramatic turn, her coral embroidered Schumacher Coralina pattern is upholstered on walls piped in black. An antique Louis XV bergere covered in her black and white diamond woven adds contrast. Check out the kooky genius needlepoint Stags Head above. He provides an unexpected take on the taxidermy craze.
A shot of black in a space adds an important element of the dramatic. Here, a to die for antique Jansen desk with a leather top and gilt detailing.
French antique glass domes hold specially created porcelain flowers, and antique seals are framed and mounted in a black shadowbox. Accessories that incorporate a bit of history show personality and an appreciation for the past.
Game tables are THE thing to have. A 1950's hand-painted black lacquer folding games table with gold detailing is from the same artist that created Coco Chanel's furniture. White painted Louis XVI chairs are upholstered in the zippy Branca red and white stripe from her Schumacher line.
An antique table set for a woodlands-themed dinner features Branca's new faux Bois Bosco tabletop pattern. A skinny gold banding elevates the porcelain, making it a bit dressier. Call it lodge luxe.
I am surprised this faux bois covered chair is still there- it would suit a rustic- chic man cave aesthetic perfectly.
A specially printed colorful faux bois upholstered on walls is a textural backdrop for a Victorian bobbin leg chair covered in her Schumacher red and black tartan.
My favorite moment- a toile-covered niche, a Louis XV circa 1750 sofa with a serpentine back covered in red velvet and standing lamps with marbleized shades. Wow, that is striking and totally makes a large-scale neo traditional toile au currant.
Last time I zipped through, I think this bench had been sold. Covered in custom red, black and white marble-printed leather, it was pretty amazing.
After visiting her Designer Visions Showhouse space for Elle Decor today, I saw Branca's love of stripes executed in a really innovative, space-creating application. Here, stripes on an armchair are punched up a notch with the inclusion of a red wall.
More large-scale marbleizing, this time on a lacquered tray that holds her stag-etched stemware and embroidered cocktail napkins. Fall is the perfect time for a Hunt Party, and this would add sophistication to the festivities.
A dark brown grained wood faux bois fabric brings an equine element to a lifesize needlepoint horse mounted on the wall. A Branca velvet chair and ottoman spice up the area with some red.
