Palm Beach Illustrated October 2017

Last October, my family and I attended FAU’s Halloween Spooktacular party at the Eleanor R. Baldwin House. I vividly remember two things from that night: the first thing I saw when I walked in—a gory “surgery” scene, complete with creepy doctors—and my conviction that if the president’s mansion can look this good as a spooky hospital, it would clean up pretty nicely for a magazine story. Having known and admired FAU President John Kelly and his lovely wife, Carolyn, for some time, I also knew their personal story was worth sharing with our readers. John has absolutely transformed the university, which ranked No. 10 (out of 11) in the state metrics when he took over, with innovative programs, aggressive fundraising, and a single-minded focus on research. He and Carolyn are…

From Worth Avenue to Royal Poinciana Way and all the green spaces in between, The Garden Club of Palm Beach has played a vital role in the island’s beautification. The organization, founded in 1928, has spent nearly nine decades preserving local horticulture and spearheading projects that forever change the town’s terrain. Every Palm Beach entrance point bears the club’s influence. In 1935, club members planted three blocks of trees along Royal Palm Way, forming an iconic scene. More recently, the club sponsored the creation of the Oasis Traffic Circle at the Southern and South Ocean Boulevard median as well as the Kaleidoscope Circles on Royal Poinciana Way. Both are complex works of horticultural art that incorporate drought-, salt-, and wind-tolerant plants. The club’s next major project on the docket is…

Location: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa Eye Candy Appeal: Although located farther south in Manalapan, the Eau is well worth the drive thanks to its quirky Jonathan Adler–designed guest rooms and stunning scenery. The Shot: Hit up Breeze Ocean Kitchen and the new margarita cart for a customblended cocktail and super cute pic. Location: Buccan Eye Candy Appeal: Chef Clay Conley is always turning out #foodstagram- worthy dishes featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. The Shot: Opt for one of Buccan’s nightly specials or go with a classic: Oysters and Champagne staged next to one of the resto’s comfy couches. Location: The Colony Hotel Eye Candy Appeal: Nothing screams Palm Beach style like this boutique hotel, with interior design courtesy of Carleton Varney. The Shot: Hunt down the bold banana…

Bob Currie never wanted to be an architect. His father was one, but the job just didn’t appeal to him. That was until he took architecture classes during his freshman year of college and fell in love. “From then on, I felt sorry for anybody who wasn’t an architect,” Currie says. While pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard, Currie became enamored with modern architecture. He studied up on the greats, looking to Cubist-inspired designs by Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto’s Humanist approach for inspiration. He got his start at The Architects’ Collaborative, working under Walter Gropius, the founder of Germany’s Bauhaus. During this time, he worked abroad in cities like Athens and Rome. After a stint in Australia, he settled down in Delray Beach, opening his own firm in 1969.…

Now that Gucci has pervaded every fashionista’s closet, creative director Alessandro Michele is impressing his brand of quirky maximalism onto homewares with the launch of Gucci Decor. Culling the trippy florals, whimsical color combos, and animal motifs from the catwalk, the collection comprises bold touches of romanticism in the form of tasseled cushions, Chiavari chairs with embroidered velvet upholstery, silk wallpaper, porcelain candles and incense trays by Richard Ginori, and folding tables and screens. Turn the page for more eclectic picks.…

Style Notes XOXO: Personalized charm bracelets and necklaces add a touch of whimsy CUT & PASTE: Look for prints that feature a kaleidoscope of shapes, symbols, and motifs METAL WORKS: Metallic accents elevate the trend’s artisanal craftsmanship…