Collecting Trend Impressions from Nena Ivon

I seem to be blue, and least on a blue trend, first denim, now blue and white china. Another trend that is classic, and most certainly, on trend, especially in the Summer, giving the aura of warm breezes. But then, it works just as well in all seasons, Love amaryllis in urns, or vases filled with greenery for the winter holidays or with tulips in the spring…the possibilities are endless.

What I particularly like with this cult favorite, which can be exorbitantly pricey or very, very reasonable, all, unless you are a purist, can be mixed. A perfect compliment to other collections, mixed with many other colors, periods, in all rooms and even outside. It can be Delft, transfer ware, fine bone china….well, you get the idea. You can always find items of blue and white at the monthly Randolph Street Market. I find when you are starting a collection, or for that matter even when you are a seasoned collector, research is the answer. What in the world did we do before the internet….but I am still a proponent of stocking up on reference books and, of course, chatting with the vendors who are anxious to share their knowledge. In this case we can go back to China in the early 1300’s. Delftware began in Antwerp by an Italian in the 16th century. You can find references to blue and white from China, to the Middle East, to the Netherlands to England and the States. Each a fascinating story that I suggest you investigate. In this piece I want to show you some suggested uses with a couple of interesting deviations..

Let’s begin with some books on the subject.

The Miller’s books are always good references for many collectibles

One of my most favorite arbiters of style and a prolific author, Carolyne Roehm (I will be featuring her new book in nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club, Carolyne Roehm: Design & Style: A Constant Thread, to be published this fall!). Her love of blue and white is evident in the rooms in all her homes as well as in her table settings.

Oscar de la Renta’s sunroom in the Dominican Republic.

Ralph Lauren also loves using this color combination.

Some photos from Pinterest that caught my eye and give you an idea of the multitude of ways blue and white can enhance your home.

Or perhaps something non-traditional.

Or tile on a wall, back splash or….

A dress….this from Guo Pei see other pieces featured in the Met’s Costume Institute’s China: Through The Looking Glass Exhibition

Or a dress made of porcelain…

A fabric….

A cell phone case

The cover of The New Yorker

Another book that might interest you, a historical novel on our subject….check my blog nenasnotes for an upcoming review….looks appealing, don’t you agree!

A collection of blue books…

Or just a wall of plates…..as you can see the possibilities are endless….what a fun collection you can develop no matter your style of decorating, enjoy!!!!!

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by Nena Ivon
www.nenasnotes.com

All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.