48 Hours in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city of storytellers. It's where my own story took a significant turn as I met my husband there in my twenties - in a bar no less. As a teenager, I inhaled Southern...
What is American Alpine Style?
Besides an occasional ski trip, my familiarity with the West has pretty much been an obsession with Westerns. Yellowstone, 1883, and recently American Primeval have had me hooked for a while. This spring I headed to Jackson for a design collaboration with the extremely talented Emily Janak. Emily had used a significant amount of our textiles and wallpaper in a recent refurbishment and we decided to throw a party together celebrating the completion of the job. Aptly named the "Chalet Soiree," the party also showcased author Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, whose recent book Alpine Style, was a local favorite.
For me, the burning question for my trip was what exactly is American Alpine Style?
Left: Susan and Emily, Right: Alpine Style by Kathryn O'Shea-Evans
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a breathtaking valley nestled in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, with a colorful history that mirrors the evolution of the American frontier. Before European explorers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, followed by European fur traders—John Jacob Astor started his financial empire trading beaver pelts and a famous expedition of his gone wrong is featured in the amazing book Astoria by Peter Stark. After the decline of the fur trade, ranching became essential, and eventually, the area developed into a world-class ski resort and destination for large numbers of summer visitors drawn to the spectacular national parks. By the mid-20th century, notable architects and developers began shaping the area, focusing on preserving its natural beauty and building luxurious accommodations. We stayed at the fabulous Cloudveil hotel, which is centrally located and has one of the best lobby bar scenes for people watching you can hope for. We occupied ourselves with activities including a fantastic wildlife Eco Tour, Astoria (named for Astor) Mineral Baths, and basically immersing ourselves in the insanely good local food scene.
Filled with color, the living room only adds to the incredible mountain views.
When I think of traditional alpine design, I think of Austrian and Swiss chalets with sloping roofs, large overhangs and intricately carved woodwork. Referencing these beautiful houses in the heart of the Alps, I was now seeing a modern interpretation of the same kind of luxury in an American landscape, equally stunning, but totally different. In her project, Emily had featured one of our most traditional prints, Eleanora, and put it on modern silhouettes in a cozy living room set off by spectacular views of the mountains. Her husband Adam , a talented architect, had painstakingly reproduced Swiss style carved stair rails that were a perfect reference to their European counterparts. The children's room with its double bunks reminded me of one of my childhood favorites Heidi of the Mountains with its colorful quilts and cozy feel. Emily told me the children's classic Madeline is many times an inspiration for her childrens room schemes.
Our Eleanora fabric on dueling sofas in the living room. Farrow and Ball's Dix Blue, one of our favorites, was used throughout the chalet.
The Chalet Soiree was incredibly fun with a vibrant mix of locals, transplants, creatives, skiers, non-skiers, old and young - you name it and they were there. Of course, fondue was featured and from the welcome glasses of champagne to the wine and cocktails flowing, we all had a very good time. As I left this mountain paradise inhabited equally by elk and American eagles, I knew what American Alpine style was. Like all good design, Emily's version, was unique, imaginative, colorful, comfortable, charming and of course the setting for a first rate party.
Left: Chalet guests were welcomed with glasses of champagne. Our Burmese fabric was the perfect tablecloth. Right: One of our favorite Sister quotes on bookmarks for everyone going home with a copy of Alpine Style.
Our Georgina performance fabric in blue on dining room cushions and a banquette.
Emily custom colored our Dot wallpaper in a signature chartreuse for the chalet entryway. Read more about our custom program for the trade here.
- Tags: Fabric Chronicles
