Hello All, Elsie Wolfe is back again!

I know it feels like only yesterday that I posted but I just had to let you in on the news.                           I must admit I like to leave decent gaps between my blogs.  After all one does not rush onto the next course before one has savoured the first, and cleansed ones palette so that one may enjoy the full richness of the next. (giggle) Well that is the plan. So I fully understand your surprise at the speed of this blog on the the back heal of the last. Stay with me please? They are related. 

Enjoy my lovely’s  xx

 

Olivia Bard has a NEW range!

Olivia Bard‘s new collection was showcased at the Scottish Interiors this year in February, those of you who didn’t manage to get there read on ? Olivia Bard kindly sent their postcard designs that show a sneak peak of what the BURNISHED GRANDEUR range has to offer………

This collection oozes style and luxury reminiscent of the opulence and beauty of historical French Elegance. I feel the designs are reminiscent of the excesses of Louis XV‘s  reign and that of his predecessor Louis XIV.

And I love it!

Louise XIVs great palace at Versailles (Google Images)

17th century France

“In this period, Louis’ minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert established royal control over artisanal production in France; henceforth France would no longer purchase luxury goods from abroad, but would, herself, set the standard for quality. This control was also seen in the creation of an academy of painting and sculpture, which maintained a hierarchy of thegenres of painting (the “noblest,” according to André Félibien in 1667, being historical painting), a strong use of pictorial rhetoric, and a strict sense of decorum in subject matter.

Furnishings and interior designs from this period are referred to as Louis XIV-style; the style is characterized by weighty brocades of red and gold, thickly gilded plaster molding, large sculpted sideboards, and heavy marbling.”

Extract taken from Wikipedia. (They explain it quite eloquently)

I feel that even though Olivia Bard has not used all the patterns of this period she has harnessed its essence of luxury, texture and taste. Historical French Elegance has been given a modern edge.

 

Musée Nissim de Camondo. Salon des Huets room furnished in Louis XV style

 

 

Velvet, chenille and jewelled highlights crown these fabrics creating a truly sumptuous collection re-discovering heirlooms in all their glory. I just love the way that colour seeps through from the back of some of the patterns giving them depth and luxury. Red behind pewter, cobalt blue and pearl. I feel this collection has strength and longevity .

I love how Olivia Bard has broken into the industry with strength and sophistication. Long may this continue. Who knows? There may be further additions to the repertoire of this brand in the future? Bedding, wallpaper ? Who knows what the future will bring ?                                                         Whatever direction The Haddow Group and Olivia choose to take, I watch them with eager anticipation. Until the future arrives lets feast and enjoy on what Olivia bard have to offer in the present.                                                                                                                                                          

These first collections deserve our utmost attention for they are truly wonderful !

Till next time, thank you for reading

E.Wolfe