The Impeccable Taste of Blue Carreon: From Dream Dinner Guests To His Most Treasured Possesion
Source of inspiration
Travel, my collection of design books, and 1stdibs.
Greatest professional influence
My partner, Bruce Bromberg, who constantly reminds me that I am smart and should apply myself more. His nagging led to my book, my store, and my home line, which is now sold at Bergdorf Goodman.
Favorite stores
1stdibs in New York and online. I am addicted. I spend late
nights browsing the online store and I always visit their store when I am in New York.
Blue's desk in Manila
Most admired designer
In fashion, Dries Van Noten because he is singular in his vision. In interior design I love the work of Miles Redd and Jean-Louis Deniot; both always refer to the hallmarks of interior design then they execute them with modern flourishes or pair them with the unexpected.
Favorite writers
So many! Ian McEwan, Joan Didion, and Michael Cunningham come to mind.
Ways to discover new things
Constantly reading design magazines and blogs, and I always get recommendations from friends and locals of places I am visiting.
Your idea of the perfect home
One that has a story to tell, decorated with pieces that hold meaning.
Style icon
In terms of fashion, Steve McQueen. In design, Albert Hadley and Tony Duquette.
Arch bookends from Blue Carreon home and his favorite Louboutin and Stubbs & Wootton shoes
Three words to describe your style
Consistent and classic with a dash of daring.
Something you’d never leave home without
A navy jacket, it is the backbone of a man’s wardrobe.
A must-have item in any home
Books, they tell a lot about the homeowner.
Most used electronic device
Sadly, my iPhone. I am constantly on it from the moment I wake up until lights out.
Who do you follow on Twitter/Instagram
I follow @privategg and @realmrvalentino because they live the best lives filled with luxurious homes and travels, impressive art collections, and incredible sets of friends. It’s my way of escapism.
Favorite phone/tablet app
Seamless for food delivery when I am in New York. It’s easy and fast. And Instagram, of course.
Favorite cities to visit
New York because it is my spiritual and creative home and it has embraced me wholeheartedly. Paris because it is simply beautiful.
Favorite city hotel
The Four Seasons in Florence, a former palazzo. The hotel has maintained the original frescoes and architectural details. It also has its own private park.
Countryside hotel or resort
I spent the recent holidays at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley and I think I will be visiting again soon. The villas on a hill with views of vineyards and the mountains are just majestic.
Travel must-haves
Hermès cashmere scarves. Never travel without one or two.
A jewelry box from Blue Carreon home and Blue's favorite watches
Vacation spot
Anywhere
Places you’ve never been, but would most like to visit
Buenos Aires, Istanbul, and Marrakech. It’ll happen one of these days.
Happiest moments
When I see my book and my designs in people’s homes.
Best gift ever received
An Alexander Calder artwork from my in-laws.
Young designer that we should keep our eyes on
Josep Font of Delpozo. He makes the most ethereal dresses. And Rosie Assouline for her way with color and shape. Oh, and Wes Gordon—he is destined to become the next Oscar de la Renta.
People you would most like to meet
I’ve interviewed quite a few boldface names, but it would be a dream to interview artists like Ellsworth Kelly, Alex Katz, and Richard Serra.
Words to live by
You’ll only regret those things you didn’t do. So try and do everything on your bucket list.
Guilty pleasure
Reality television.
One thing few people know about you
That I don’t know my way around the kitchen. Cooking is not one of my talents.
Favorite chef
Alfred Portale. Gotham is sort of like my kitchen when I am in New York.
Drink of choice
Champagne. Veuve Clicquot is our house pour.
Dream dinner guests
I would love to assemble the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Truman Capote, Marcel Proust, Salvador Dali, Karl Lagerfeld, and Donatella Versace at one table. Imagine the stories!
The Kelly Wearstler brass foot Blue gifted himself
Fail-safe personal recipe
I only ever make a peanut butter sandwich, which is my daily breakfast.
Film you never tire of watching
The English Patient.
Most treasured possession
My albums and albums of photographs—they are testaments of the beautiful people I’ve met and value, places I’ve been, and the life I’ve lived.
This story was originally published in the December 2016 issue of Town&Country.
