Creel & Gow Hosts Launch Of Alex Papachristidis’ The Elegant Life

Designer Alex Papachristidis, a favorite of connoisseurs and aesthetes around the world, has just released a book of his most recent projects. The Elegant Life is a beautiful showcase of Papachristidis’ signature mixing of styles, and features work as far-reaching as Athens, and as close to home as his native New York.

Papachristidis fan Jamie Creel held a party at his shop, cabinet de curiosites Creel & Gow on Monday night, to celebrate the designer’s latest tome. Design world luminaries, clients and friends came out in droves.

“Alex is the real deal,” said AD Editor-In-Chief Amy Astley. “He’s a modern, old school gentleman in the best sense of the word. He loves people and he treats them well. His aesthetic for the home is timeless and classic; he has the best eye and the best taste. He’s a real patron of artists and craftspeople at the highest level, and he brings that to his clients. People love Alex; he does his work so well, and he’s a lovable person. It’s an unbeatable combo in that field.”

One of Papachristidis’ projects is in AD this month, and it is the perfect example of old school decorating with antiques, vintage pieces and contemporary touches.

“Sensibilities and tastes have changed over time: the decorative arts have become more modern, and clients with contemporary art collections want a more modern look so their art can be the focus,” said Papachristidis. “I like to bring in artisanal furniture and mix it with a few 18th Century pieces, as well as 20th Century designers like Gabriella Crespi, Ado Chale, and the Lalannes. I also like to bring nature crafted by man into my clients’ homes. My go-tos are Christopher Spitzmiller gourds, Vladimir Kanevsky porcelain flower and tree arrangements, and furniture and objects by Eve Kaplan, from Gerald Bland.”

Creel & Gow was teeming with people, including Carol Mack, David Kleinberg, Dennis Basso, Jane Scott Hodges, Ashley McDermott, Christopher Spitzmiller, Lisa Jackson and Richard Mishaan.

“Alex is curious and adventurous, and he brings his clients to a level they could never have imagined,” said long time Papachristidis client George Farias. “His sense of exploration is refreshing, enlightening and educational.”

The designer’s family, all of whom are also clients, were there to celebrate as Papachristidis signed books with no break for almost three hours.

“Alex is a great collector, and he has such a keen eye,” said Scott Nelson, Papachristidis’ partner of over twenty years. “Some of my favorite pieces include works by Elizabeth Peyton, Rob Wynne, the Lalannes and Lynn Vautrin. And Alex has always found the time to be weigh in on, and be supportive of, my accessories business, Scotstyles. Ours is a true partnership.”