Charlotte Moss gave a talk a last week at the Decorative Arts Symposium hosted by the Mint Museum here in Charlotte. Her topic “The Muse in Design: Great Woman of Style” was inspiring and well done. She spoke about the importance of “humor, compassion, and comfort,” all of which are key ingredients to happy clients and a wonderful home. With over eighty slides, she gave us an inside glimpse at the creative process she goes through whether it is for a client, designing a china pattern or choosing a paint color. Her well-rounded discussion also included many references to nature, fashion, architecture, and French, Asian and British influences.
Her floral inspiration.
Inspiration by a Roberto Cavalli purple boot.
Green was a color she frequently referenced. I love the palette below.
The dining room at the Charlotte Moss shop (now closed) with celery colored walls.
Her pagoda inspired charm bracelet.
The “Woman of Style” she spoke about are the iconic Jackie O.,
Nancy Lancaster, Pauline de Rothschild, and Pauline Trigere.
Moss also fondly spoke of a party that she hosted for Elle Decor’s Editor at Large (Mitchell Owens) following his lecture series at NYSID (my alma mater) on the relationship between John Colefax and Pauline de Rothschild. She discussed Colefax and Fowler’s impact on her own work, as well as Nancy Lancaster who was a partner with C&F.
For the dinner she had these cakes made by Sylvia Weinstock (I think I would have to freeze it!).
She also discussed Elsie de Wolfe who has made an impact on many following interior designers. An example below of how her love of the trellis, much like that of Elsie’s, inspired her garden, interiors and her china pattern Espalier.
Her inspirations translated into design boards and sketches.
She has been a participant for many years at the Kips Bay Showhouse. I featured her 2008 room on an earlier post. The below bedroom was inspired by Pauline de Rothschild. The room has garnered lots of attention with the bed in the center, the beautiful hand painted walls and her fabrics from Bruschwig & Fils.
Here is a sneak at her Kips Bay Room this year. This is Michael Devine’s gorgeous fabric.
The Kips Bay Showhouse runs through May 17th at 22 East 71st Street.
Charlotte Moss is inspired by the world around her.
What inspires you in whatever your passion is?
Photo Credits: Charlotte Moss (1,2,4,5,6,8,9,10) Pantone(3), Jackie Kennedy photographed byMark Shaw,
Pauline Trigere, Charlotte Moss Photo NY Mag,Michael Devine
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I love Charlotte’s floral inspiration. Thank you for showing the paint colors that accompany it!
I love the pagoda charm bracelet!
I’m inspired by anything that’s pretty that really surprises me. You know, like something that catches me off guard. Beauty and new discovery are the main components which yield true inspiration pour moi.
Great post, that event must have truly inspired.
I find that when we learn to listen to our own style, we find that others follow. Seeking one’s own style is part of bringing pleasure. Inspirations come in many shapes, forms, colors and lives that all touch one another. Jackie O would certainly be flattered by all the followers.
Charlotte must know she has many too. Great post.
pve
lovely post! I am often times inspired by nature too.
xo,
cristin