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Dinner with the Prince of Chintz

by habituallychic

10 . 08 . 09

Yesterday was a very long day that began with the Evolution of Design panel discussion and numerous events at the D&D Building and then culminated in the Stars of Design awards. I will definitely try to recap the panel discussion later because I think we made some interesting points about websites, blogs, and social media but that will have to wait until I catch up on all the work I put off yesterday and also accept a rug delivery at the bachelor pad. A decorator’s work is never done!

I will leave you with a little story though. Last night, I had the honor of sitting next to the design legend and Prince of Chintz Mario Buatta at the Stars of Design awards dinner. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him before but it was so nice to be able to sit and chat with him about his career and the design world. He had lots of great things to say about Sister Parish and Albert Hadley who he credits with teaching him everything he knows about architecture. He also advises all you young designers out there to study designs of the past and especially the 18th century. You don’t have to emulate it but you should definitely know about it!

I was really surprised to learn that Mr. Buatta has never published a book! He did say that he’s had offers but never pursued them so I did my best to try to change his mind! I know that I would love to read about his life and how he came to become the Prince of Chintz. He’s also quite the jokester and loves to play practical jokes so I know it would also be filled with lots of funny stories and anecdotes! I wish I had a tape recorder with me last night to record just some of them! So the next time you run into Mario Buatta, make sure you tell him that he needs to write a book! Maybe we can all persuade him together!

11 Comments
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  1. Ivy Lane October 8, 2009 | 2:20 pm

    That must have been amazing to sit and chat with Mr. Buatta! I am also surprised there is no book… You better get Rizzoli right on it!! 🙂

    Have a Great Day!

  2. Ashfield Hansen Design Inc. October 8, 2009 | 2:48 pm

    Heather-
    What a lovely oppportunity to have dinner with such an esteemed gentleman. And what good advice from Mr. Buatta for designers to study the past!
    I look forward to hearing more about your panel discussion, as I’m sure we could all use a little help in this realm.
    Thank you
    David Hansen @ Ashfield Hansen Design

  3. maison21 October 8, 2009 | 3:04 pm

    cool beans, heather- a rising design star (you) sitting next to a true design star legend (mr. buatta). though i’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, i’ve heard from mutual friends what an entertaining storyteller mr. buatta is, so i’m sure your dinner was quite memorable.

    and i hope you can help him with that book deal…

    looking forward to hearing about your panel discussion too (to go with the photos i already glimpsed)- you looked quite in your element, sitting up there with design world biggies like michael bruno and jonathan adler. wish i could have been there!

  4. TheCluelessCrafter October 8, 2009 | 4:55 pm

    Mario’s advice should be headed by all who study design and art. Having been in the NY art world for some time, it is truly sad to realize how few have an aesthetic history under their belt. We do not need to reproduce the past, but we do need to understand underlying concepts.

    Kudos to a book. . .

  5. Sallie Ann October 9, 2009 | 12:41 am

    what an interesting opportunity. Facinating.

  6. home before dark October 9, 2009 | 1:28 pm

    You are having a very enchanted year. Hope it continues!

  7. the NEO-traditionalist October 9, 2009 | 1:46 pm

    What a fun evening you had! I would certainly buy his book. Hopefully when Buatta sees all of your readers comments saying the same he will be convinced! Have a lovely weekend Heather.
    XX Kate

  8. Karena October 9, 2009 | 2:14 pm

    Such an exciting experience. I can’t wait to hear more about the panel discussion!

  9. Tammy@InStitches October 9, 2009 | 5:19 pm

    Sounds like a great night ! I would read his book.

  10. The Muddy Dog October 9, 2009 | 6:46 pm

    I had the pleasure of attending a Mario Buatta lecture when I lived in St. Louis years ago and have to agree that he has an absolutely wicked sense of humor – it was one of the most amusing talks!

  11. Urban Flea October 9, 2009 | 11:32 pm

    How awesome that must’ve been! Oh to be able to pick his brain…
    xo Katherine aka. Urban Flea 🙂
    http://www.urbanfleadesign.net