LB Louis Boshoff
Memories of a Moroccan Maker
bill willis may be far less celebrated than any of his clients but his legacy remains. yves saint laurent’s second den in marrakech was collaborated on by willis and jacques grange. yves is known to have mentioned on bill’s work; ‘everything at dar es saada is laid out with an order in which I can safely deposit my disorder.’ friend of the gettys, agnellis and rotschilds, he assisted in decorating their palaces and homes in morocco with his acute knowledge of orientalist decoration. in fact his superior knowledge of keyhole arches and eye-bending pattern, spurred on my the romantic sentiments of the french writer pierre loti, made him the master of the aesthetic language of marrakech. entirely self-made, orphaned in his teens;’told on returning from a wild, illicit night out, that his mother had slipped down a cliff” and perished, he succeeded in monopolizing the morrocan tradition. american decorator stephen sills commented; ‘He was a rarefied bird — very charming, grand, very clever. And kind of mean.’ bill had since exchanged his good-looks for a prematurely-ravaged-hippie-eyeliner-look; ‘his energies and his appetites were prodigious, his hours unusual’, says christopher gibbs, the british antiques dealer.
Through the eye of a beholder…
paolo roversi’s talent and evergreen appeal probably has to lie in his relentless body of work. he has seen and shot almost every fashion label and every it girl ever to wear it. my favorites are his distinctive glass-darkly portraits that have been in permanent demand for their rich and beautiful otherness; imbuing an exoticism that transports model, clothing and audience into a sepia haze of timelessness. the subjects in his pictures seem as far away in time and space as 1929 shanghai. his styling is demure but powerful, un-fussed and textured, many looking as if they are suffering from some convalescent malaise; awkwardly posed and often with a shy look of being surprised unexpectedly. mr roversi sights eyes and lips as important and then that eerie shadowy light that he brings into the picture. beguiling and romantic, his work is truly the legacy of someone who not only appreciates beauty but respects it.
Shirtless Genius
while most of his works are still circulating from hong kong to edinburgh in anticipation of the opening of the musée national picasso in paris next summer, i thought i’d post some pics of the man who literally couldn’t keep his shirt on…
No Messing Around…
the less glamourous sister-of-pavlova. a generous pudding from the privileged sons of Eaton College circa 1930’s. today it has suffered various incarnations but as far as a fool proof answer to dessert goes…who can argue something that is this edible even after it’s been dropped on the floor.
- Homework (140)
- Portraits (84)
- Re-Issued (39)
- Recommended (187)
- Reviews (281)
- Wanderlust (60)
Stupidity & Sensitivity
Since it’s nearly impossible to gauge each individual’s level of sensitivity or stupidity, I’d rather play it safe and classify this site as suitable for adults only. Although that term is still nebulous to me, the responsibility remains that of the viewer.
Curating & Criticism
The identification and definition of creativity are two different things. Challenging conventional interpretations and perspectives expands its validity and effect. I am convinced that collaborations and participation across creative industries allow for discovering a greater realisation of our potential.
Art & Collecting
I love mixing styles and textures, media and materials. But I believe in respecting personality when it comes to choosing work. There is of course the investment angle which is too boring to discuss here….or anywhere really. It is important to remember that when you live with art, it should be alive to you. That is to say it needs to move you. You need to have an affair with it.
Fashion & Architecture
Starting with the roof over your head and the clothes on your back. These are the things we inhabit. Without entering into the fashion vs trend debate. They also shape our sensibilities and the way we present ourselves.
Design & Function
Whether colour or form is your thing. Pattern or plain. What we choose to live with can make our lives easier or more challenging. Consider your commitment and convince yourself.
Gardens & Flowers
Since Eden it has been a fascination, inspiration, an indulgence of kings and common gardeners, a joy. No home is complete without it. Whether you go for potted, landscaped or organic, dry or shade, just go for it.
Treasures & Trash
Most of which are filed under S for sentimental. I respect that.
Heirlooms. Bargains. Souvenirs. Gifts. Curiosities. Found Objects. Impulse Buys.
Never hide what’s important or meaningful. Denial is a very ugly word.
History & Reality
Get to know yourself and others. As much as we live in the same world, everyone has their own version of it. Live up to yours, never fear your dreams and ideals lest they remain aspirations forever.