All posts by Jessica Decina

To Ireland With Love

Whether working in busy urban studios or quiet countryside spaces, there’s no denying that makers and creators remain an integral part of Ireland’s culture and workforce. From painted canvas and chiseled stone to woven tapestries and hand-sewn clothing, the art of the handmade item is alive and well.

In fact, General Paints Group is telling the story of what it means to craft and create in Ireland in the only way it knows how: through color.

The company’s new Curator collection features 144 unique paint colors developed and sourced from artists who focus their creative endeavors in Ireland. The palette presents everything from neutral hues that speak to the quiet woodlands of West Cork to bolder shades that evoke the country’s strength and spunk.

“From the very beginning, we wanted to make a collection that was authentic, special and genuine,” says Rachel O’Connor, expert director for General Paints Group and one of the developers of the Curator brand. “[The artists] all had colors that really meant something to them and inspired their work. And for a lot of their work, their muse was Ireland and our lovely landscape.”

O’Connor, who is also heading up Curator’s U.S. presence, says that develop-ing and sourcing the palette was a nearly five-year journey. After extensive searching, the team worked with 29 Irish designers and artisans to discover the history and heritage behind the colors that inspired them. Although the concept of the palette changed along the way, O’Connor says the goal of capturing “the passion they bring into their work” remained a driving force

 

O’Connor, who is part of the third generation of General Paints Group’s 65-year history, also points to her company’s own entrepreneurial spirit as part of the collection’s inspiration.

“We’ve always had an admiration for artists and craftspeople. Many are solo entrepreneurs who are doing what they love. We worked with a broad range of artists — potters, millers, sculptors — and although they’re all different, they had one thing in common, and that was color,” she says.

 

Ronnie Graham.

O’Connor speaks fondly of the stories within the pigment and describes some of the bolder colors in the palette. There’s Ancient Black, inspired from the creations of sculptor Ronnie Graham. O’Connor describes the lore of this deep, moody color as “haunting and mystical.”

“[Ronnie] works with what’s called buried oak — it’s oak that’s been buried in a bog for thousands and thousands of years. During the preservation process it turns a beautiful charcoal color,” O’Connor says. “Ronnie believes it emits a mystical power — and he tries to capture that in his sculptures. Interestingly, it’s been one of the most popular colors in our market.”

The Curator collection was intentionally designed to easily discover and combine complementary shades. Here, Ancient Black is paired with Kerr’s Pink and Rose Mantel.

Carol Cronin.

O’Connor also suggests the colors can be used seasonally — such as on flower boxes and planters, furniture or even doors; she describes charming Irish neighborhoods with bright pink, turquoise and other colors adorning the front doors of homes. “But we don’t like to be too prescriptive. There’s no such thing as a wrong color combination,” she adds.

Even the palette’s more traditional hues have a story that is anything but. Horseshoe, for example, is a stone-gray shade, aptly named for Horseshoe Mountain in County Sligo, Ireland, that inspires pottery artist John Ryan.

O’Connor’s personal favorite paint is also bright and bold: Running Tides, a bril-liant aquamarine unique to the seascape paintings of Irish artist Carol Cronin, who has captured the Atlantic Ocean on canvas for decades. (“You might think you could get bored of painting waves, but [her works] are stunning,” O’Connor says.) These brighter, livelier shades off er the “pop of color” that O’Connor sees throughout the commercial interior design market. 

“People are starting to be less afraid of taking risks with pops of color. We’re seeing a lot of restaurants, hotels and public spaces take bolder risks. We think it’s a great trend,” she says.

 

The collection boasts shades like Pulled Rhubarb, Tailored Tweed and Dried Kelp (painted on chairs left to right) that ad richness and depth to ordinary spaces.

John Ryan.

“[Ryan] is immersed in the landscape surrounding his workshop, and it inspires these stunning creations,” O’Connor says of the potter’s handmade ceramics. “The color really shines through in his work.”

The collection made its U.S. debut ear-lier this spring in Connecticut and arrives on the West Coast in the fall, including southern California, Portland, Oregon; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Seattle.

 

 

Ultimately, the collection aims to not only honor these artists, but to inspire others to use color to express creativity and passion, says O’Connor. And in a way, that allows the consumer to play curator and tell their own story.

“The collection [is a] showcase of Irish craft and talent, but it goes beyond that,” O’Connor explains. “I think home is deeply personal to people. You want it to reflect your identity and personal style. When you bring a color into your home, you’re looking for more than just paint. In our collection, every color has a meaning and personality. [It’s] allowing the customers to be their own curator.”

The collection is currently sold at Ring’s End as well as McDermott Paint & Wallpaper in Connecticut, and is also available for purchase at curator.com.

All photos and featured photo courtesy of General Paints Group / Curator.

This post originally appeared in the Fall ’19 edition of The High End.

Private “Gulf to Channel” Family Estate

16486/488 Captiva Drive is a once-in-a-lifetime gated estate on Captiva, Florida's prestigious Gold Coast.

Renovated Tropical Contemporary Home

This completely renovated tropical contemporary home in South Miami offers perfection with utmost functional details and high-end finishes.

Charming Spanish-Style Residence

Prepare to be enamored by this charming Spanish-style residence, nestled in the serene enclave of Little Gables.

The Line

A sleek reflective facade against the gorgeous Saudi Arabian landscape is only the beginning of this futurist urban development that could change city living forever.

An Exclusive Look at The Mansion on St. Simons Island

At 316 Yacht Club Lane, expect unparalleled luxury living and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe from the moment you arrive.

Fashion Beyond the Runway

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

$12.4 Million Southlake Stunner: Insights from Industry Pro, Sherri Murphy

Prepare to be captivated as we unveil a distinguished property nestled within the prestigious enclave of Southlake.

Extraordinary Oasis in West Montrose, Ontario

Home of the Day: 1305 Sawmill Road! A 80-acre parcel with over 2,500 feet of Grand River frontage.

A New Lease on Luxury

A new kind of vacation trend is sweeping the nation. Seekers of serenity are experiencing the tranquility of being tucked away with only the birds to sing them awake. But they’re not roughing it.

Frozen Desert

Echo was inspired by astronauts and space travel, and is now a dream destination for polar travelers who want to experience the real Antarctica in comfort and style.

Private “Gulf to Channel” Family Estate

16486/488 Captiva Drive is a once-in-a-lifetime gated estate on Captiva, Florida's prestigious Gold Coast.

Renovated Tropical Contemporary Home

This completely renovated tropical contemporary home in South Miami offers perfection with utmost functional details and high-end finishes.

Charming Spanish-Style Residence

Prepare to be enamored by this charming Spanish-style residence, nestled in the serene enclave of Little Gables.

The Line

A sleek reflective facade against the gorgeous Saudi Arabian landscape is only the beginning of this futurist urban development that could change city living forever.

An Exclusive Look at The Mansion on St. Simons Island

At 316 Yacht Club Lane, expect unparalleled luxury living and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe from the moment you arrive.

Fashion Beyond the Runway

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

$12.4 Million Southlake Stunner: Insights from Industry Pro, Sherri Murphy

Prepare to be captivated as we unveil a distinguished property nestled within the prestigious enclave of Southlake.

Extraordinary Oasis in West Montrose, Ontario

Home of the Day: 1305 Sawmill Road! A 80-acre parcel with over 2,500 feet of Grand River frontage.

A New Lease on Luxury

A new kind of vacation trend is sweeping the nation. Seekers of serenity are experiencing the tranquility of being tucked away with only the birds to sing them awake. But they’re not roughing it.

Frozen Desert

Echo was inspired by astronauts and space travel, and is now a dream destination for polar travelers who want to experience the real Antarctica in comfort and style.

Fashion Beyond the Runway

To casual observers, fashion trends are shaped by iconic designers, glossy magazine covers and social media posts by celebrities. But in truth, a myriad of forces are at play.

Accessorize Like an Expert this Winter

Cold weather can feel calamitous to one’s personal style as bulky puffer coats, chunky gloves, and clunky snow boots forcibly overtake outfits.

Plant-Based Handbags

In the ever-changing fashion industry, handbags go beyond mere accessories. They serve as reflections of personal style, symbols of status, and extensions of identity.

Winter’s Finest: 10 Luxe Sweaters to Keep You Stylishly Warm

By Kristen Hunt Sablyn Eloisa Cashmere Cardigan Fall in love with winter in this pastel cream cashmere cardigan by Sablyn. Its oversized sleeves and ribbed hemming bring to life the designer’s motto of sophisticated and sexy. For a chic look, pair it with a tan mock...

High-Tech Health Gadgets

If your sights are set on living a healthier lifestyle, boosting your mood, or reaching new fitness milestones, then consider adding some technology to the mix.

How Quiet Luxury is Taking Over Fall 2023

By Jacquelyn Elliott What is Quiet Luxury?  Quiet luxury is a term used to describe a style of living or a product that exudes a sense of refinement, elegance, and quality while never coming off as flashy or showy. This understated sense of luxury focuses on...

Outside the Bag

By Kristen Ordonez The beauty of fashion is it’s innate ability to evolve, both forward and backwards in time. Its only curse is deciding which pieces and styles align with your taste. For designers, the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to think outside...

A Night Out

By Ritika Jain Designer fashion specifically offers fashion-forward customers a diverse selection of the most bold, experimental pieces that reflect modern style, but also foreshadow upcoming trends. Neiman Marcus curates that experience, selling high-end clothing,...

Celestial Standard Time

By Roger Grody From the first night our ancestors cast their eyes skyward, our species has been fascinated by the universe, and the current space race is yet another expression of our obsession with what lies beyond our atmosphere. Luxury watchmakers are keenly aware...

Sustainability Without Sacrifice

Hoping to be more sustainable in 2022? Introducing luxury handbags that leave their mark on the fashion industry without damaging the environment.
Leave a comment

Test Driving the Electric Future

Aston Martin is once again wowing drivers with two new vehicles that have all the pizazz and none of the pollution.

The luxury carmaker held its inaugural Electric Future event in late June to showcase two all-electric models — The Rapide E and Lagonda Vision Concept — at Aston Martin Mayfair in London.

Relaunched as the world’s first zero-emission luxury brand in 2018, Aston Martin’s Lagonda line aims to leverage the latest advances in electrification and autonomous driving technologies while maintaining “a unique niche in the market,” says Marek Reichman, chief creative officer at Aston Martin Lagonda. 

Aston Martin Lagonda Vision Concept. 

“We set ourselves an ambitious target to be the world’s first luxury electric brand,” he says. “[Lagonda] is for the high-end luxury customer who wants to explore and be autonomous while remaining mindful of the impact they are having on the enviro-ment. Lagonda will achieve this but it will also delight the people who get to enjoy its unique internal environment.”

Aston Martin Rapide E.

The Electric Future featured the Rapide E, the company’s first electric sports car, as well as the Lagonda Vision Concept, the latter of which first turned heads at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018. The sleek vehicle’s four-passenger interior doubles as a stylish space, with cashmere interiors and swiveling fronts seats. The Vision Concept is designed as a self-driving vehicle, and it’s expected to enter production around 2022.

Meanwhile, the Rapide E has already delighted drivers across Europe and Asia, making a flashy debut in Morocco and Shanghai in spring. With a design that was based on its V12 predecessor, the Rapide AMR, it’s no surprise that the Rapide E clocks in at a max of 155 mph — all on an 800-volt battery. 

The car boasts twin electric motors that produce 610PS and 950Nm of torque, allowing it to zip from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds, and can manage the jump from 50 to 70 mph in 1.5 seconds.

On the inside, the car’s digital gadgets include a sleek display for battery and energy information, and Aston has also developed a smartphone app to monitor the car’s battery life and parking spot, among other features.

According to John Caress, vehicle line director, the Rapide E drives a little more than 200 miles on battery power alone, which can then be recharged from 0 to 80 percent in just 35 minutes — so you’re back up and on the road in no time. It’s expected to enter production at the end of the year, with a limited run of 155 vehicles.

Aston Martin Rapide E interior. 

Aston Martin Rapide E charges at its electric port. 

“Rapide E is proof of Aston Martin’s commitment to its Second Century Plan. Having an electric powertrain is no longer just a vision for our company, it’s reality. We are producing fully electric vehicles which will form part of our future strategy that will culminate when the first Lagonda vehicle enters the market,” he says.

Pricing is not yet available for these models. Explore all Aston Martin vehicles at astonmartin.com.

All photos and featured photo courtesy of Aston Martin. 

Leave a comment