Musings
Getting Frank...with Chic Textiles
I met Christina Bryant at one of the first dinner parties I attended in San Francisco close to three years ago. We swapped life stories over vino and hors d'oeuvres as I quickly developed my "girl crush". I was immediately enamored by Christina’s views on international development, her tales from her travels in Africa and the surrounding globe, her graduate work at Stanford, her entrepreneurial spirit, and overall grace and gumption. This girl had it all happening.
There is nothing more inspiring than seeing your friends and peers pursue their dreams and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to introduce you to Christina's remarkable company, St. Frank. St. Frank launched in October of 2013 as the only retailer of framed textiles. All of St. Frank's pieces are handmade by artisans around the world in low and middle-income countries, each one showcasing a traditional craft with rich stories. Central to the company's model is what they define as a two-fold mission: supporting economic empowerment for artisans, while preserving and cultivating the traditional craft. Each unique item is truly a conversation piece, and a chic compliment to any space.
Above, you'll find an assortment of pieces from St. Frank's vintage collection. In addition to these pieces, I encourage you to view their newest collection: Coffee & Chocolate. Impressively, St. Frank has received a multitude of praise from Harper's Bazaar, Traditional Home, C Magazine, Lonny Magazine and the like. C&C wishes Christina and the St. Frank team continued success!
PRIVATE via Instagram
One of my favorite subjects on Instagram is Giancarlo Giammetti. Giancarlo is known by many across the globe and perhaps most well-known for his long-time relationship with partner Valentino Garavani, the man behind the Italian powerhouse that is Valentino. Giancarlo, who has been quoted saying that his life truly didn't start until meeting Valentino, (they met by a chance encounter in a Parisian nightclub in the 60's), is equally responsible for much of the fashion house's success. Although the duo sold the brand in 1998 to Italian conglomerate HdP, Giancarlo and Valentino continue to reign over the kingdom of high fashion and the colorful social circles that follow. You can find the duo in an array of fabulous locales, surrounded by what they refer to as their "tribe" a group of beautiful, well decorated (famous) friends who join on their travel adventures (typically à la Valentino's yacht T.M. Blue One), from the Adriatic Sea, to beach clubs in Southern Greece, to couture fashion shows in Paris, and then some. In the past year, Giancarlo was the particular interest of the international press when he changed his Instagram account from private to public while subsequently releasing his book “Private: Giancarlo Giammetti”, a remarkable 12 pound memoir with a look into the fanciful world that is his own reality.
The Chase
There's no question I inherited this trait from my Mother, however I love a good thrift store hunt. Yesterday, I found this oyster platter in a neighborhood thrift store. There is something about collecting treasures that have been cherished in past lives that brings me a great deal of satisfaction. It's a re-birth of sorts. I find thrift stores to be excellent places particularly for sourcing sterling silver and furniture. See my favorite San Francisco go-to's below and do email us if you care to share your most coveted locales! (citrusandcedars@gmail.com)