Creative Type Seeks Same
by habituallychic
03 . 10 . 08
My post about David Netto had me pondering relationships. The Vogue article pronounced that opposites really did attract but in the case of David and Ione, I think we could all see that it would never last. They were much too different and David finally married a woman he knew from his childhood days. But it got me thinking about how creative types usually end up with other creative types. I could never be with someone who didn’t have a deep interest in art and design like a doctor or a lawyer. Not just because I wouldn’t have an interest in their work but I’m sure they could care less about the latest issue of Domino or my blog. So let’s take a look at some creative types who did get together with great success and some I’d like to get together with. It’s Monday people. Let’s have some fun!
The couple above is Derrick Miller and Jennifer Vaughn. Derrick is the Creative Director for Barker Black, a 125-year old English shoe company that he is credited with reviving. Their shoes are so fantastic that they sometimes make me wish I were a man! The shop on Elizabeth Street is a kin to a gentleman’s club. Jennifer meanwhile is an interior designer and helped to decorate their apartment that was featured in Domino magazine. A match made in heaven if I ever saw one!
Rufus and Sally Albemarle are a striking couple who also share a love of the arts. Rufus came to New York in the late 1990s, as an industrial designer but now he has a company Albemarle of London that makes “fine shirts for gents” and can often be seen out and about at parties. Sally Tadayon Albemarle is a sculptor but has been living in England with their son for a while. Rufus commutes back and forth to see them. They were married in a big international wedding in Havana, which was covered by Vanity Fair. They seem like a true renaissance couple.
One of my favorite design firm, Roman and Williams, is run by one ridiculously creative couple, Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch. They met while working on set designs for movies and finally decided to open their own firm after they were tired of seeing all their hard work at the end of a movie shoot. They just finished the redesign of the Royalton Hotel lobby and are also working on a line of furniture. I love their vintage yet modern aesthetic.
Now let’s take a look at some creative types who haven’t yet paired up, or at least not that I know of. First on the list is my ultimate crush, Taavo Somer. He is co-owner of my favorite restaurant in the city, Freemans, with it’s rough hewn look and taxidermy animals, it’s a cozy retreat. And the food is fabulous! Next door is his other venture, Freeman’s Sporting Club below, which carries handmade clothing, vintage accessories and the pièce de resistence, an old fashioned barbershop in the back. Taavo actually trained to be an architect which just adds to the appeal. As someone who’s tired of stark white modern boxes, Taavo’s style is a breath of fresh air.
Next up is my newest crush, Tee Faircloth who bought F.M. Allen a few years ago. “I wanted to buy an old African company,” said the 36-year-old former bond trader. “I kept coming back to Frank Murray Allen, who was the last of the gentleman hunters. Bunny was a nickname. Bror Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton got him started. In 1927, he was second gun for them on the royal safari of the Prince of Wales.” I think we all dream of buying a safari company but how many people actually get to do it?! Tee is updating the company which not only arranges luxury safari vacations but can outfit you for the trip and your home when you get back from their collection of antiques and furniture. Where do I sign up?!
My last crush is Ben Schott, but only when he’s wearing his dark rimmed glasses. Ben is the man behind the Schott’s Miscellany Empire, which now includes the Original Miscellany book, Almanacs, Food and Drink Miscellany and Gaming and Idling Miscellany. Ben is the quintessential self-deprecating Englishman with a lovely posh accent, floppy Hugh Grant hair, and a vintage Mercedes, which would be enough for most people but he is also frighteningly intelligent and interesting. He typesets all of his books and is an accomplished professional photographer and journalist. And to think it all started with a Christmas card. Gotta love it.
If anyone else has any interesting creative types that they would like me to add to the list, I’m currently taking nominations. I’m sure there has to be some more Renaissance type men around somewhere!
29 Comments
Great post – love Ben Schott!
Rufus and Sally are a couple on paper only…I don’t think they even live together anymore.
Very clever and original Heather. Fresh angle for a Monday. I like it.
Don´t give up with lawyers or bankers. Here, in Spain, some of the most interesting, elegant and creative men are (or were) lawyers or bankers. Examples: Pascua Ortega (www.pascuaortega.com) or Borja de Artiñano (www.pochevillecatering.com).
After all, a Renaissance type man is not just a creative man. He has to know about History, music, laws, sciencie, etc. Leonardo da Vinci is the perfect example: he knew about anatomy, arts, “war-machines”, etc.
I enjoy reading your blog 🙂
Anonymous #1, So glad there is someone else out there who appreciates Ben Schott. He’s so great!
I knew I should have picked a different couple other than Rufus and Sally but they insist they are still a couple so there you go.
Thanks Courtney! Sometimes I need a little break from the interiors!
Anonymous #2, I just told someone today that I was done with finance types but maybe I will make an exception for those who have found their creative calling and no longer spend their nights getting drunk in Irish bars and dating six women at one time 😉
P.S. Thanks for the links. I look forward to checking them out!
Creative people can be found in all walks of life. I am always attracted to creative people who I find, like me, are all a bit crazy.
But that makes life interesting!
Thanks for a bit of escapism on a Monday.
The last one is a bit dashing…do you have his number?
Ok, I would TOTALLY agree with your premise that creative types belong with creative types. Generally,control freak number crunchers don’t understand it if you do care about how something looks and also don’t appreciate or tolerate any quirky or out-of-the-ordinary tastes you might have. I bought Ben’s “Schotts Miscellany” a few years ago. I thought it was fascinating and appreciate a man who is an intelligent wordsmith without looking like a male version of a spinster librarian!
I’ve always had the problem that I can never get along with other creative types – most architects ( myself included ) are a little overly opinionated which doesn’t lend itself to other creative types -someone has to be the ‘alpha’dog! LOL I can definitely see the benefits though to such a coupling!
Bayou Contessa, I love the old idea that out of madness comes genius, meaning that all creative types are tortured souls. It definitely makes life interesting!
Suzy, I wish I had Ben’s number! If anyone knows him, please let him know he has many interested parties 😉
Annechovie, I recently went on a date with a guy who made it clear he was not interested in my blog or design or anything creative, which was also apparent by his clothes, but what struck me was that it was rude. I told him that I would take an interest in sports if that was important to someone else, although I probably wouldn’t be too happy about it, but I support was important to those who are important to me. But I do think it’s easier for another creative person to understand and appreciate my passion for design and my blog.
Be the Change, perhaps it works better if you aren’t in the exact same create industry. How about an architect with an interior designer or a artist and fashion designer?
Yes, I think that would work out better,H.C. I guess I just haven’t had the opportunity really! It really is a dream scenario to share your passion with your other half!
One of my dearest friends is in politics. He’s very interested in design and art (both viewing it and creating it), so much so that it always surprises me that he went into politics.
He has very definite ideas on design, contemporary art, poetry and great food. It is always a delight to explore new things with him, he always challenges my assumptions.
Politics, who would have thunk it?
Be the Change, I dream of meeting someone creative like an architect who wants to go to museums and galleries and eventually open an antiques shop with me. Sigh.
HC, I’d love to do those things with you (strictly platonically as I’m really one of the girls, lol) but I’m sure thats not quite what you’re looking for! haha Luckily my business-type BF indulges me and will go to the occasional museum or art-film. Otherwise I’m on my own or go with friends!
Cindy, I wonder if someday he’ll finally decide that he wants to make his passion his career. You know Martha Stewart and Charlotte Moss both started out in finance before persuing their true passions.
Be the Change, I’m always up for more female friends to do artsy things with so if you ever want to take in a museum, let me know. I think I’m actually going to stop looking for someone to date for a while. It’s exhausting!
no HC, I’m one of the GURRRRRRRRRRRRLS -haha -not female
Be the Change, Hahahahaha! I’m a little slow today! A gurl is actually better than a girl!
You know it, HC 😉
I have to toss in my two cents here. As a highly involved creative I am THRILLED to be married to someone who isn’t into art and design. I know what that’s like. It’s like being a chef and being married to a food critic. Not for me.
My husband appreciates what I do (which is key) and sees the value of design, but it allows this to be my area of expertise in the relationship. For me, it really works.
But there are other areas like travel, goals, fitness, religion and politics that I simply could not compromise on. So those areas had to match, otherwise we’d be incapable of being together.
So I do understand your need to have a connection on that level. But for me, it’s a dream come true that design remains my domain.
OH Ben, if I wasn’t married!!!! One of my favorite family friend couples are an architect and an interior designer, what a team!!!!! Fun post!!!!!!
Franki, Maybe you are the exception to my made up rule. Lol!
Julia, I saw Ben on The Martha Stewart show and as soon as he opened his mouth, I was smitten. Cute and smart. Lethal combination!
Love your idea for this post. I enjoy the collaborations between photographer Paul Costello and his wife Sara Ruffin Costello, Domino magazine style director. Photos of their home were amazing.
Perfect Bound, I will put them on the list for the next “creative type seeks same” post. Thanks for the nomination. Now, do you know any cute and creative single men for the list???