A master of film, now on film.

The next best thing to actually spending a day with photographer Julius Shulman, is virtually spending a day with him – which is possible with the release of Eric Bricker’s documentary: Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. Now open in New York and opening October 16 in Los Angeles, the film examines how Shulman’s work impacted architectural history. Peppered with Shulman’s quips and anecdotes (and a bit of gossip) about some of architecture’s most iconic figures, Visual Acoustics is a marvelous refresher course on the subject of modernism. You’ll also pick up photography tips from the master himself, as Shulman discusses his use of one-point perspective and how to avoid distortion through a wide-angle lens. He jokes, he reminisces, he basks in well-deserved praise. A fun ride that’s touching, informative and stunning, I strongly recommend you check out this film. For a sneak peek and a chance to meet Bricker, go to the DWR Beverly Boulevard Studio on Wednesday, October 14. 

Buildings sang to him.

At DWR we're very excited about Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman, the new documentary about the noted architectural photographer. We're honored to be able to introduce our audience to the film, which is both a moving biography of a true character, as well as an engaging primer on modernist architecture from the 1930s on. DWR is hosting several talks with Eric Bricker, who directed Visual Acoustics. Bricker spent seven years with Shulman, and knew his subject as a dear friend. In the first of our Q&A sessions, held at the DWR Flatiron Studio in New York, the first-time director shared clips of the film and spoke about his experience working with Shulman in the final years of the photographer's life. Visual Acoustics opens in New York on October 9 at Cinema Village. People in the Los Angeles area will have the chance to meet Bricker at the DWR Beverly Boulevard Studio on October 14 (as a sneak peek just before the film opens there on October 16). Check back here soon for DWR's full review of the engrossing film. Below, Bricker rests post-Q&A in his favorite piece of mid-century modern design, the Eames Lounge and Ottoman.

Why Wellesley women live at the library.

The brilliant students at Wellesley College probably don’t need a reason to go to the library, but if they do, I suggest they spend time in the room filled with Womb Chairs. Eero Saarinen designed this chair in 1948, after Florence Knoll challenged him to create a chair that she could curl up in. Florence didn’t go to Wellesley College, but the result of her challenge to Saarinen should earn her an honorary degree.

Announcing the winners of the DWR | Tabletop Contest!

Sincerest congratulations to:

DWR Staff Prize: Fred Carriedo, who takes home the Grand Prize of four Singe Dinnerware sets, as well as the Amsterdam Flatware and one Water Pitcher.

Community Prize: Nicole Lanteri will receive a $50 DWR Gift Card.

Random Prize: Mary Rauch will receive a $50 DWR Gift Card.

Thank you to all who entered – there were many great ideas to select from. Keep on the lookout for a new DWR contest soon.

Arne Jacobsen enrolled at women’s college.

The Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center at Wellesley College is an engaging structure that I hope to tell you more about in an upcoming Design Notes. It’s also the location of a recent DWR sighting: Series 7 Chairs (which were designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955) in assorted colors are used throughout the space. P.S. Our classics are rarely on sale, but you can save on the Series 7 Chair during our Semiannual Sale through October 13.

Are they or aren’t they?

I spotted what appears to be a row of Eames Molded Plastic Chairs in a Laundromat in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. What do you think, are they Eames? If you live near Charles Street (and are doing laundry), see if there’s a stamp or anything under the seat. I was going to do that after I went to the Paramount (best breakfast in Beacon Hill) but then I forgot to circle back.

DWR: Tools for Living SoHo Artist Window Series, No. 4.

September brings forth the fourth installment of Tools for Living’s Artist Window Series. We invited Alex Merto to illustrate thee windows in his unique style. Alex chose a beautiful illustrated cross-stitch pattern with “Home” as his theme. I asked him why he chose it: He said he wanted to make an image composed of tiny little pieces, every piece contributing to the overall. 

From the CEO: What is of value to you?

I have had a lot of discussions lately regarding “value” versus price. Probably stimulated by an earlier blog post by moi. It really is an interesting subject, and it varies by person and topic. What is of value to one is, well, not so much of value to someone else. Or as my mother used to say, “one man’s garbage is another’s treasure.” 

But I have been giving this subject a lot of thought and would like to know what you all think on the subject. In the times we are living in, it seems very relevant to me. We are faced with green washing, organic everything, and so many claims that it is hard to tell fact from fiction and really understand the impact on our lives that some of these decisions may make. 

Is the organic avocado that was flown in from Peru really a good thing? Is the hybrid luxury SUV that gets all of 19 miles per gallon really a good thing? Or in our case: Is an authentic reproduction of an Eames chair that is three times the price of an unauthorized one really worth the difference? 

DWR celebrates (fashion) design.

Tribeca recently hosted an event to kick off NYC Fashion Week. Part of NYC Fashion’s Night Out, this fun soiree was filled with beautiful people, great music and amazing designs. Preston Lee and Yotam Solomon exhibited three presentations of haute interior design with haute fashion using DWR products. You may remember Lee from Bravo’s Top Design, season two. He creates spaces with an old Hollywood aura and a modern twist. Yotam Solomon is the youngest designer ever to show at Los Angeles Fashion Week. This Israeli-born prodigy is already an editorial favorite and has been featured in Women’s Wear Daily and British Vogue for his beautiful ready-to-wear collections as well as his amazingly cutting-edge, high-fashion shoe designs. 

This weekend: tables, chairs, sofas, desks…oh my.

We’re having  three Warehouse Sales at our Annex locations, this Saturday and Sunday. The Annexes – in Palm Springs, Cleveland and Secaucus, New Jersey – are receiving large shipments of seconds and customer returns. You’ll find sofas and lounge chairs up to 50% off, workspace and bedroom furniture at up to 60% off and dining tables as much as 70% off. This time though, we’re making things a little more interesting: For the serious bargain hunters out there, we’ve added a “deeper discount” section that will include the same great stuff, but for a lot less (potentially with a few more dings and dents). Plus, each location will be holding raffles for free merchandise. Click here to learn more and find a DWR Warehouse Sale near you.