Dream Dinner: Andy Spade

Andy Spade has my idea of a dream-job. Partner's & Spade is the ultimate New York-chicy gallery that not only sells corky things, but also consults on all things creative. Mr. Spade got his start at an ad agency, and then eventually went on to create the husband-brand of Kate Spade, oddly titled Jack Spade. After remaking the idea of cool at Jack Spade, he went on to open his creative consultancy where he gives a helping hand of neat ideas that you are sure to have seen. My favorite project of his is definitely the J. Crew Liquor Store in NYC. But the one thing that sticks out to me about Mr. Spade is that Partners & Spade is actually a two man team, but he added Partners in front of Spade so to throw off any unhappy people... genius. 

The Spades on the Upper East Side

There's nothing I love more than an octagonal entry way, and when the walls are filled with pictures, I like it even more. Andy and Kate Spade's apartment on the Upper East Side is something to covet. The eclectic mix of antiques, books, and other little trinkets create an inviting home that will make anyone feel comfortable. The apartment might remind you of your grandmother's house at first glance, but then you spot the Richard Serra painting sitting above the fireplace or the fire engine red lacquered walls and shelving in the library, then you realize that the entire apartment is as new as a Jack Spade backpack. The large space packs an even bigger punch of personality with the mini collections found throughout the house, including matchbooks, picture frames, hairbrushes, just to name a few. The vintage apartment is a huge change for the couple, previously coming from a downtown loft; the classic prewar apartment is prefect for raising a family and enjoying nice and quiet afternoons around pieces that can truly inspire you. 

Photos courtesy of The Selby

J. Crew Liquor Store

From their first catalog in 1983, J. Crew has always been innovative while giving their customer a classic American style that caters to most. In recent years, J. Crew has expanded at a rate of wonder, opening up an enormous amount of stores all around the world. But New York City is where J. Crew focuses their attention for their sartorial-minded customer, opening a series of specialty boutiques, including the J. Crew Liquor Store which is a super luxe men’s shop for the quintessential J. Crew male customer. The king-of-cool, Andy Spade of Partners & Spade was picked to consult on the space, which was an actual liquor store and bar, but since converted into a chic men’s store with a comfortable feel that mimics J. Crew’s classic clothes. The store is covered in dark paneled walls, and filled with lush leather chairs, a model ship adds a bit of interest to slender space along with a miniature airplane built from beer cans. The oriental rugs in the den are topped with bookshelves stacked with manly classics including Hemingway and Kerouac. All of the items in the store are displayed in a way that makes them feel like they're decoration of the space, and my favorite thing in the store is the Globe-Trotter luggage that is scattered around the store being used as displays, and also available to purchase. Andy Spade did a magnificent job styling the space, and J. Crew does a magnificent job filling the space with things to buy, including Thomas Mason appear. Also Alden wingtips, Doria hats are displayed upon the original bar, and jewel-tone ties are stuffed into lowball glasses staying true to the original liquor store.

Images courtesy of acontinouslean.com