Guest Blogger Jamie Herzlinger

Of course it's already yesterdays news that another online magazine is coming via the brains behind Lonny HERE

Trad Home - not your G-Mom's traditional

Apparently Trad Home is geared to all the trad decor (traditional) girls and guys out there, though it's not your granny's trad so to speak. The lines have been blurred by the blending of antique, vintage, and contemporary elements that all combine into the new traditional decor.
Touchstones of elegance and comfort with a nod to icons of the past are key ingredients.

The first issue of Trad Home is coming this Spring, and the buzz is the Top 20 designers they name as bringing the best of the new traditional. You can see them all named HERE at So Haute.

A week ago I didn't know a thing about all of this until one of the Top 20, Jamie Herzlinger – Jamie Herzlinger Interiors, dropped me a very sweet note saying she's a fan of the Vamp, and asked if I'd like her to do a guest post sometime. I love having people do guest posts, so before I even knew a thing about Trad Home, I said sure, send it along. Jamie has her own blog HERE and could have easily posted this piece there. But I am thrilled she asked to do it for us here.

The stylish and Top 20 Trad Home designer Jamie Herzlinger
(and our new BFF - Blog Friend Forever!)

So read along and enjoy the images she chose for us too.


The Hidden Trend: Orientalism Meets Boho Chic
by Jamie Herzlinger for Visual Vamp

Jamie says Alberto Pinto epitomizes modern Orientalism

Jamie writes ~ I am so excited and flattered to be doing a guest post for Valorie today. Everyone at the office reads her blog daily so it is a huge honor for me to be able to post a few words of my own.

Everyone at the office of Jamie Herzlinger reads Visual Vamp

Today I am going to be writing about a particular trend that has recently piqued my interest and it is, Orientalism. It seems to be a designer secret and yet only the best are using it. I have done a little research of my own and come up with the roots behind Orientalism and why it is such an exciting trend right now.

Juan Pablo Molyneux ~ New trad Orientalism

Orientalism or interest in the Orient soared in popularity in Europe and the United States when the East India Trading Company was established in the mid-18th century. It was the first time the exotic nature of eastern design could be explored by those in the west. With this discovery came sumptuous materials and luxurious motifs that were both simple and complex. Westerners became obsessed with silk, embroidery and porcelain that was only available from these faraway lands.

Jamie Agnes Emery Orientalist tile

In the West, there has been no decline in interest in exoticism and foreign countries. However, the word “oriental” is often understood to refer to the Far East instead of the places to true Orientalism such as India and Morocco. While many aspects of Chinese and Japanese culture have been adapted as a part of American culture, the traditional nature of true Orientalism has received little modification.

Molyneux uses exotic influences

Since Orientalism of the Mediterranean has not been as popularized as that of far east, it far less widely understood, but if you look closely, you will see that the best current designers are taking time to understand the style and use it in subtle ways.

Alberto Pinto uses trad Orientalist elements

However, this style no longer being called Orientalism in the world of interiors or fashion. The current trend interpretation of traditional oriental is now referred to as Boho – Bohemian Chic.

Marc Jacobs does Boho Chic

(Vamp says: I spy a floppy hat I have from the 1970's)

The style is very recognizable with its unique materiality and nature inspired motifs. Boho chic is all about extravagance and over the top color and texture. Attention to detail is a key characteristic that is often accentuated by a handcrafted touch seen in much of the tile and woodwork.

Gorgeou luxiurious rug by Jamie Agnes Emery

This style is so luxurious because of the combination of natural materials like iron and wood with lavish materials like sumptuous textiles and precious stones like mother of pearl. This style is all about creating an experience that engages all senses.

Sumptuous Muriel Brandolini

These characteristics can be taken in contemporary design and implemented strategically to create a historic contrast. There are many masters of modern Orientalism including Alberto Pinto, Catherine Ferrier, Germain Boffrand, Muriel Brandolini, and Juan Pablo Molyneux.

Boho Chic for Spring 2011 via Polyvore

The sophistication of Boho Chic won’t be a secret much longer after seeing the various spring collections in fashion. You can start by adding a little Boho to your wardrobe, and even though oriental furnishings are more difficult to find, you only need a few key pieces to make a statement. I hope you are inspired by the photos I chose, and start observing the exotic oriental characteristics that surround you that you may not have noticed before. Thanks for letting me share today. ~



Vamp Here ~ Well I loved what guest blogger Jamie brought to us today and I thank her very much! What about you?!