Posted on 01/16/2009 10:07:34 AM PST by lewisglad
Style watchers are buzzing about Michael Smith, the L.A. decorator to stars, models and fund managers, who is joining the Obamas in Washington to design the family quarters.
He's a surprising pick, if only because he is associated with clients like Cindy Crawford and Steven Spielberg, for whom the concept of a budget is impressionistic at best.
Michelle Obama's press office praised Mr. Smith's "family-focused and affordable approach," but I doubt even he can remember when he last accepted a $100,000 limit -- that's what is earmarked for the presidential family quarters -- unless that was the budget for window treatments. Private donations will subsidize this project; that's how Nancy Reagan got her $210,000 worth of Lenox place settings.
The connection to Mr. Smith was made through incoming White House social secretary Desiree Rogers, a friend of one of Mr. Smith's important Chicago clients, realtor Katherine Chez and her companion Judd Malkin, an important Democratic Party donor.
Mr. Smith is a national star. He makes classic rooms that look like their owners have inherited money and furnishings, and he mixes things up with tastefully hip pieces -- just as he wears John Lobb custom shoes.
The Obamas made it clear during their campaign that they would not tolerate divas, another reason Mr. Smith is a startling pick, but he's smart enough to know when to respect protocol.
Mr. Smith said in a press release he plans to bring "20th Century American artists to the forefront." Let's hope he also turns to America's artisans, such as potter Frances Palmer, weavers Jamie Gould, Elizabeth Jackson and Angela Adams, and designers Stephanie Odegard and Katie Ridder.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
This is a bad omen for the whole country. HELP US DEAR JESUS! The freaks are in charge!! :(
can't add anything to THAT.
These frauds continue to prove what they are....phony, fake, superficial, arrogant and WRONG FOR AMERICA.
This lurching transition from rooms to the designer's shoes has evoked in me an enduring contempt bordering on hatred for the author of this wretched article.
snort
Oh come on. I can't be that expensive to bring Kenya hut interior decor to the White House. I know importing genuine Kenya dirt floor would be expensive but let's be real.
I think it’s called “window treatments” at Jacque Penney’s
LOL!
Does anyone have a jpg file of the “leg lamp”?????
A mere $100k? How will they cope?
Yeah, those Obamas really understand the common man ...
Is that a lamp shade or Mrs. Present Obama’s Inaugural gown?
Hahahaha! Is her ‘coronation frock’ going to be covered in plastic, too?
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