It was the last long holiday weekend of the summer before we had to close up our summer getaways and head back to the city. My dear friend invited me to her family’s summer home in the remote Harbor Springs, Michigan. Nearby, Sleeping Bear Dunes is Good Morning America’s Most Beautiful Places in America; chateaus in the French countryside and Tuscany villas both share unique atmospheres with this quaint resort town, nestled away in northern Michigan.
When it comes to combining impeccable style in all aspects of one’s life, there is one woman who does it with such ease and grace. A muse for the likes of Blumarine and yet, not surprisingly, a magnet for all things The Row, Alexandra Pethtel is the epitome of elegance, edginess, and grace. How can this possible?
She has called home to New York City, Dallas, and London. As a globe-trotter, or worldwide traveler, she combines her traditional American roots with eclectic global finds to create a life that is awe-inspiring to all who are fortunate to know Alex. Graduating from Pratt Institute and lending her talent to a prestigious design firm in New York City, Alex soon after spent time in London while further refining her interior art history knowledge at Christie’s London. By combining her aesthetics and experience with her innate Nina Campbell and Kelly Wearstler flare, she will now head back to London to find a unique career position.
As a very special bonus, Alex has agreed to share her insider tips with nubry so that we too can be “in” on the style, culture, and fashion secrets that we all crave! Prepare for future posts when Alex will guide us with her little black book!!!
Interview With Alex
What inspiration have you drawn from the various places that you’ve lived and traveled? How do you incorporate it into your design?
I feel that each place in which I live brings out a different side of my eclectic personality. Currently, I’m spending most of my time in London. I love dressing the part of the country-chic woman…lots of riding pants, wool and cashmere capes, hats and of course wellies.
How do you combine your love for the arts with everyday life and fashion?
Whether it’s architecture, sculpture or street graffiti, I love noticing the details in shapes, color and texture. I am inspired by the color palettes of little hidden treasures, such as a Missoni or Pucci dress that I might find in a shop on Portobello Road, which I could then use to decorate a library or sun-room. London is such an iconic city! It’s truly wonderful to have its resources at one’s fingertips.
When was it that you were first inspired to be an interior designer?
When I was a little girl I would watch my mother select fabrics and furniture. I continue to be amazed at how she can transform a space. Our family’s log cabin, for example, that she completely refurbished is still one of my favorite interiors. It has such a warm and All-American elegance; not one corner of the house has been left untouched. It really feels as if one has walked into Ralph Lauren’s world.
Leave a Reply