1-1.c•R P E
FR.
OUR RETAIL ROUNDUP
VIVE LA FRANCE
Two former real estate attorneys, Jen-
nifer Tobias-Turner and Leslie Benser
Luciani, have left their American law
practice behind for European interests
in Michigan. They are owners of the La
Belle Provence, an antique and inte-
rior design store in Northville and Mack-
inac Island, featuring French country
furniture, pottery, fabrics, wall cover-
ings, gifts and clothing.
"We travel to Europe twice a year,"
says Ms. Luciani.
Since Jennifer Tobias-Turner speaks
French fluently, they east/ conduct busi-
ness on their shopping excursions. When
they travel to Brittany, a French province,
they purchase Quimper pottery which
depicts provincial patterns of Breton
country life. Decor Henriot is the signa-
ture pattern which shows a peasant in
traditional garb. These patterns, without
stencils, have been painted for more than
100 years.
"Each piece is unique and hand paint-
ed," says Ms. Luciani.
Quimper earthenware is available in
many home and dining accessories with
a range of prices. A small bric-a-brac
heart dish sells for $2150, a dinner plate
is $65, a large serving platter in the
shape of a fish sells for $250.
La Belle Provence also carries Pierre
Deux fabrics and wall coverings. The
Quimper canisters in the photo are sit-
ting on a Pierre Deux placemat.
Although all of the items are func-
tional, Ms. Luciani points out that many
are collectibles.
Merchandise shown available from
La Belle Provence in Northville and
Mackinac Island.
KINETICALLY
SPEAKING
California artist Fredrick Prescott
transforms sheets of metals into
multi-dimensional sculptures. Since
he was inspired by mobile artist
Alexander Calder, his art forms
move. But bending steel is natural
for Mr. Prescott who grew up weld-
ing steel in the family business.
Mr. Prescott's kinetic scenarios
are unique and vibrant. His sculp-
tures depict contemporary life with
a whimsical sense of humor. He
captures Wall Street with a New
York street scene and gives new
meaning to the Wild West with his
cowboys and their smoking guns.
The carnival and the circus are pop-
ular themes with their exciting rides
and exotic animals.
Madeline Posner, of Posner Gallery,
believes his art appeals to many peo-
ple. "Ills pieces are eye-catching, col-
orful and kinetic," she says. 'the
response from the viewer— that's what
I'm after," states Prescott
Merchandise shown available from
Posner Gallery, Farmington Hills.
TURKISH DELIGHT
MUM'S THE WORD
Some rugs make a better chair than a
floor covering. The Ghiordes Knot in
the Michigan Design Center knows this
axiom because their chaise lounge is not
only comfortable, but is also a conver-
sation piece.
"There's a display in the hold window
and it's sparked lots of interest," says
Donna Thompson, showroom manager
of The Ghiordes Knot
Ms. Thompson explains that this
chaise lounge is covered with a Turk-
ish kiim, a hand woven rug. Some of the
rugs used on the recliner are antiques,
while others are brand new. The earth-
tone colors of olive, khaki tan and rust
have an Old World feel, but customers
can request colors. The price of this el-
egant chaise is $3500.
In 1880 Tiffany & Co. designed the
silver pattern Chrysanthemum, an
ornate design of blossoming flow-
ers and meandering tendrils. Last
spring, more than one hundred
years later, Chrysanthemum final-
ly met its match with Chrysanthe-
mum china.
The porcelain china, produced
in Limoges, France, is in the art
nouveau style. The colors of russet,
emerald and cobalt blue comple-
ment the silver design, while the
gold band completes the regal pat-
tern. This china certainly brings the
garden indoors.
Merchandise shown available at The
Ghiordes Knot, through your interi-
or designer, at Michigan Design Cen-
ter, Troy.
8 • FALL 1992 • STYLE
Merchandise shown available at
Tiffany & Co., The Somerset Collec-
tion. Photography by Bill Cunning-
ham.