Random Notes

Aaron Betsky

An amusing sport in West Hollywood is “Confuse the Vendeur” at Maxfield’s. Simply up-the-ante on the cloying shadows there by asking them if they know Joseph. Either they will, in which case they transmogrify into one’s best friend this side of Sloane St. – or else they’ll be far too embarrassed to admit the gaffe. In any event, you will have made a deep impression, since this Melrose boutique to conspicuous minimalism is a kind of overcooked appropriation of the Basque-Moroccan’s sly menagerie in London. Joseph (ne Ettedui) has not only promoted, Hammnett, Miyake, Alaia et al., but has also furthered the image of Eileen Grey, Ron Arad and Gae Aulenti, by juxtaposing their pieces with his expensive rags and commissioning Foster, Chipperfield and most auspiciously Eva Jiricna to design his stores. Now Joseph apparently needs “an exceptional piece of furniture upholstered in exquisite hide.” The winner is to be manufactured and the two runners-up exhibited in Joseph’s latest emporium. Either a drawing or model will suffice. The jury includes Joseph, Jiricna, Min Hogg of “World of Interiors” and Deyan Sudjic of “Blueprint”. Applications are available from Anthony (Hussey or Simon Adley, The Connolly Prize, Wandie Bank, London SW19 1DW – Telephone (011-44-1)543-4661. Submit your leather chair by June 1, join the famed and the fab in the mags. Good luck!