Burlesque Gallery and Interior Design

To Leopard or not to Leopard, That is the question?

2011-06-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Leopard Print is a word that often scares your typical client away. They find only by suggesting it, or the thought of even using it makes you a tacky designer.

On the contrary, it could be extremely chic if used in the right doses and the best quality of fabrics. Kings and Royalty alike have used it on their Thrones as a sign power, depicted in many of The Masters paintings.

Modern Day designers, the likes of Alberto Pinto (in my humble opinion one of the best designers of our time) Jacques Garcia, Ralph Lauren, and many more in the past such as Tony Duquette, have often used Leopard Print in their interiors as it adds that element of richness to a place. Be it a Grand Salon, a Cozy sitting room, a lodge, or an oriental style Majlis; just the right piece in Leopard can pull a whole look of a room together.

People often associate leopard print with Tackiness, unrefined taste, and the Nouveau riche!
Yes; Leopard Print could be extremely tacky if not used in the right way. For example Gianni Versace’s use of it in an entire living room, which I am pretty sure he has used the best quality fabrics, yet it looked exceptionally vulgar! Saying that though, I still do respect his aesthetic, as he marketed and made a name for himself as the designer for the Nouveau riche!

Excessive use of Leopard Print can only be pulled off, if it’s in a certain night club with a certain theme or mood in my opinion, but a lot of it in a home wouldn’t be the right choice.

Leopard Print should be used as accent pieces in a room. Such as a cushion, an arm chair, a bench, a beautiful throw on an Emerald Green Damask sofa, a chaise, a rug, would definitely add drama, opulence and refinement to any room.

Even men should not be fearful of using Leopard Print, as I think a few cushions would look wonderful on an aged leather chesterfield sofa in a den or private home office. It even works wonderfully with plaids.

Avoid purchasing cheap velour leopard print cushions, or bed covers from places such as low end department stores. Especially those awful ready made drapes in Nylon!

Either go for high end quality, or forget it! Lorenzo Rubelli carries the most beautiful Silk Velvet Leopard Print I have ever worked with. Just running your hands on that fabric feels rich, and sophisticated.

Same goes for Zebra or any other animal print for that matter!

Be bold and go for it! There’s no wrong in trying. Trust me; it would look wonderful if used correctly.

Leopard and Animal Prints used Correctly

courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

A beautiful colored Tiger Print Ottoman

A beautiful Bench in Silk Velvet

The work of Tony Duquette

Bisazza has made Mosaic Cool again. Would look great on one Wall in a Bachelor's Pad
An Elegant Zebra Cowhide Upholstered Armchair
courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

A sophisticated and contemporary way of using Zebra Printed Hide as a bed throw

A Moroccan Boudoir
courtesy of Alberto Pinto

A Grand Salon with touches of Leopard Print Armchairs
courtesy of Alberto Pinto

Tacky and Awful Use of Animal Prints

The ready made drapes I mentioned earlier. Absolutely AWFUL!

A Versace Home Disaster

I really dont know what to make of this. Animal Printed Canvases???

Unfortunately, a beautiful room with Tacky furniture! Donatella Versace's Bedroom

I have always wondered who designs these useless wall hangings, which dont make sense at all whatsoever, and to top it all off they are just plain UGLY. Who even buys such ugliness??

The Piece De Resistance. What the heck was Versace Home thinking when they designed this Eyesore of a sectional? It was feaured in Kanye West's Home.

A very classy Limo interior, custom made for Mel B...Seriously she designed it for herself.

Nothing worse than cheap Animal Prints bedding with matching Drapes

One of the ugliest washbasins and counter tops I have ever laid my eyes upon. Titled the Artist Edition by KOHLER

NO COMMENT ROLEX!

A BEAUTIFUL SONG

2010-07-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Its been ages since I posted anything, and I must apologize. I have been quite busy working on my new collection of furniture, which I shall be posting pictures of very soon, but be prepared to be shocked:) It's my most eccentric work to date. I have also been working on a few Interior Design projects as well which I will also be sharing with you.
As a fresh start, and getting myself back into the world of blogging, I would like to share this beautiful song of a Lebanese singer named Yara who has the most amazing voice. The reason for choosing this specific song though, is because the video as well as the music reminds me of Burlesque and old world circuses. Until my next post, ENJOY!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T04:25:00.000-08:00

Burlesque wishes you all Happy Holidays

Eid Mubarak

2009-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a very happy Eid Al Adha. May this Eid fill you're lives with Joy, good health and prosperity.
We also decided to share with you some images of the marvelous Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the eighth largest mosque in the world, and in my opinion one of the most beautiful ever built.

RAMADAN MUBARAK

2009-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Burlesque Gallery and Interior Design wishes you all Ramadan Mubarak

In the memory of Zahid Ansari

2009-08-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking about writing something for quite sometime now about a man whom I respected and admired very much. Zahid Ansari.
He was a man of passion, fine taste, opulence, and grand interiors. A true perfectionist! His passion for furniture, and fine details were beyond anyone I had ever met.
He had an eye for details; everything about him was in his details. From the finish of a chair, the trimmings, the embroidery, the lace, even the studs were hand picked and finished in a certain way.
He could transform an ordinary piece of furniture into something totally unexpected, and turn it into a work of art. No one could mix or combine colors, textures and materials as effortlessly as he did.
Zahid’s untimely passing at such a young age, has left us with wonderful memories of his wonderful soul and incredible work.
You will be greatly missed Zahid!

Zahid Ansari 1953-2008

image courtesy of Nini Voilette

Zahid's Last Winter Window Display

image courtesy of Nini Voilette

Working on a Project

2009-07-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for not posting anything lately, as I have been extremely busy working on an amazing project. I do promise to post something exciting very soonJ

Stay Tuned!

Until then, I though I'd leave you with a panel I designed for a wall at Burlesque. Crazy I know!

Alice in Wonderland Pictures Unveiled

2009-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

Finally, Disney released some wonderful pictures of the highly anticipated Alice in Wonderland the movie, directed by the incredible visionary genius Tim Burton. Can't Wait!!!

Alice Walking through Wonderland. Notice the talking flowers

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter

Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen

Matt Lucas as Tweedledee & Tweedledum

Anne Hathaway as the White Queen

Desert Fish

2009-06-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

You have to excuse the quality of these amazing photographs, as they are scans of a magazine. I do promise to re-post the actual ones once I get them from the increadible PETER RICHWEISZ This was a fashion spread shot for Desert Fish Magazine by peter on location at Burlesque. The idea of the shoot was based around Pin Up Girls made famous by Bettie Page in the 1950's. The make up artist did an amazing job by recreating the pin up look and adding some fake tattoos on the model. Burlesque's enviroment was perfect for such a photoshoot. Enjoy!

Boudoir

2009-06-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

This project was a HUGE challenge, as we ONLY had 30 days to finish it. When I say a huge challenge I truly mean it! We had to change and revamp everything from the staircase railing, the reception, the living room, the dining room, and the guest powder room. Wallpapers, murals, faux finishes, custom furniture upholstery, lighting, drapery, accessories, wall paneling, heavily carved architraves, you name it we did it! We even custom made the floor rugs (Savonnerie), incorporating the entire color scheme of the fabrics into them.
Fabrics were ordered from Paris, furniture from Theodore Alexander, chandeliers from Turkey, accessories from Germany and Italy. Every single element in this project was custom made and ordered. It wasn’t easy at all! We were all on top of one another, like ants day and night trying to finish it in our 30 day period.
The client wanted to the whole look to be ultra feminine, rich and extreme extravagance. The color palette was derived from Marie Antoinette, Madame Pompadour and Laduree’s macarons.
The entrance of the house was done in purples, lavenders, apple green and touches of pink. The main sofa under the staircase took 15 days to upholster alone, because of all the patchwork done on the back of the sofa. Using different fabrics, laces and trimmings, and sewing them together. It was a very complicated piece. The single chairs next to it, we named the cupcake chair.
The drawing room was done in yellows, pinks, and greens. The 2 large green sofas were in Veraseta silk, and J.Pansu velvet. We even had the crochet trimming on the edges custom made to match the colors of the sofas. The 2 pink sofas were also in J. Pansu velvet, and we created green roses to go in place of buttons for the capitone look. The yellow curtains were hand embroidered with bouquets of roses.
The dining room was slightly darker using burgundy and turquoise. The burgundy silks were Veraseta and the turquoise damask metallic velvet was from Persan.

The Lobby

Drawing Room

Dining Room

Powder Room

Pop Surrealism

2009-05-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mark Ryden is one of the most celebrated artists of the Pop Surrealism movement. His works recall a parallel universe of 1950s Golden Books and the whimsy of Lewis Carroll. His cheerful bunnies, rendered in the glowing hues of children's books, are more likely to be carving slabs of meat rather than frolicking in the forest.
Ryden’s known for his superb technique with freakish imagery to create a world of strange and disturbing beauty. At once captivating and unsettling, baffling and enchanting, Ryden's works are a subtle combination of many sources and influences as wide-ranging as Psychedelic and Vienna School artists, Neon Park and Ernst Fuchs, to French neoclassical Ingres and David.
How many artists can make grotesque creatures and haunting childlike characters look so innocent???

"Well, I have to admit I don't really paint my paintings; a Magic Monkey does. He comes to my studio late at night, when it's very quiet. Mysterious things happen late at night when most people are asleep. I help the magic monkey, but he does most of the work. My job is to get him to show up”
Mark Ryden

Mr. Ryden

Debauchery

2009-05-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

This was my debut collection of paintings which I launched at Index Exhibition Dubai 2004, named The Decadence Collection. This collection was a collaborative effort between me and another artist. All the paintings depict beautiful women in highly stylized poses.
The most striking aspect of the art work is the glittering jewelry worn by the women. Beautiful necklaces, ornate tiaras, large earrings and even a contemporary version of the traditional Arabian burqa'a have been painstakingly painted on canvas and encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
The languorous demeanor of the women and the ornate backgrounds of the paintings are reminiscent of opulent French palaces and the debauched lifestyles of their occupants.
Titles such as The Widow, Debutante, Madame Deficit, Paramour, Jezebel, Odalisque and Naiveté also suggest a classical mood, yet there is a certain kitschy, pop art like element that gives the art work a contemporary feel. Inspired by the work of Art Deco legends such as Tamara de Lempicka, costumier Erte, and jeweler Lalique.
As a film-maker as well, I always had a thing for close-ups, and this is reflected in my compositions. The artist then translated my ideas into oil on canvas. Once the paintings were ready, then I started the painstaking process of applying thousands of Swarovski crystals individually on each of our creations, to complete the final look. This process took weeks, and with some even months to complete. This was the least enjoyable part of the collection, for I was going literally blind. The most annoying part was when I would layout the crystals, and then with a sudden nudge they all scatter on the table, and I have to start all over again! The end result though was phenomenal. They could light up an entire room, once the light hits them.

La Coquette

Jezebel

Commtesse de La Motte

Odalisque

Paramour

Recherche

Vestal

Madame Deficit

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-05-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

When you’re a film maker, turned artist, turned interior designer, you always look at things differently. This is what happens to me all the time. Whether I am in the car looking out the window and noticing something interesting, or even looking at a tree can inspire my next design project.
Now going to the movies is a whole different thing all together. I can’t remember the last time I watched a movie, and literally enjoyed the story line or plot.
My mind would be racing a million miles per hour, already designing my next project in my head. This wall would look great with so and so project; this chair is perfect for so and so house! It does get frustrating at times to be honest, as I would really like to switch off and enjoy the film like anyone else. I failed tremendously, and just can’t get design out of my head. It’s either the set design or lighting, the window treatment, the wall paneling, the furniture, the costumes, the art etc etc…
One film which I watched over and over again, trying to grasp the plot, which again I failed at, was “Marie Antoinette”
Don’t get me wrong, I do know the story inside out, but I just couldn’t enjoy the acting as much as I enjoyed these visuals. The colors were mesmerizing, the set design was impeccable, the fabrics were decadent, and food never looked as beautiful as it did in this film. I remember watching an Interview with Sophia Coppola, in which she mentions that she derived the color palette of the entire film from the infamous MACARONS, which clearly is evident throughout the film.
Feast your eyes on history recreated…

RAZOR SHARP

2009-05-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Blaise Dovifat has always had a passion for art and design. Now, armed with the experience of his professional career in graphics, he has moved towards the creation of furniture and accessories somewhere between drawing and sculpture.It is in his workshop in the Paris region that he constructs his creations that are often imposing and somewhat theatrical. He cuts out, profiles, perforates or makes fretwork like lace out of steel, stainless steel or even aluminium, giving the raw material all its nobility and thus creating rare and significant pieces.Today he presents a range of mirrors, consoles, tables or lights with varying characteristics : baroque, tribal, contemporary or intriguingly unusual.His creations are authenticated "one-off" pieces or limited numbered editions.

Below are some of his amazing creations we proudly carry at Burlesque.

Enchanting Architecture

2009-04-30T03:55:00.000-07:00

The Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) is a concert hall designed in the Catalan modernista style by the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. It was built in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, between 1905 and 1908 for the Orfeo Catala.
The design of the Palau is typical of Catalan modernism in that curves predominate over straight lines, dynamic shapes are preferred over static forms, and rich decoration that emphasizes floral and other organic motifs is used extensively. In contrast to many other buildings built in the modernisme style, however, it must also be said that the design of the Palau is eminently rational.
The rich decoration of the façade of the Palau, which incorporates elements from many sources, including traditional Spanish and Arabic architecture, is successfully married with the building's structure. The exposed red brick and iron, the mosaics, the stained glass, and the glazed tiles were chosen and situated to give a feeling of openness and transparency.
The concert hall of the Palau, which seats about 2,200 people, is the only auditorium in Europe that is illuminated during daylight hours entirely by natural light. The walls on two sides consist primarily of stained-glass panes set in magnificent arches, and overhead is an enormous skylight of stained glass designed by Antoni Rigalt whose centerpiece is an inverted dome in shades of gold surrounded by blue that suggests the sun and the sky.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2009-04-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is not a stage from a show on Broadway nor is it a movie set. In fact it is a wedding I designed last year in February. I know this might seem slightly unusual to many people, but this is how weddings are mainly done in the Gulf region.
The main stage is called a “KOSHA” in Arabic. The Kosha usually consists of one sofa in front of the guests where the bride reigns queen for the night, as female guests congratulate her, take pictures with her and observe her beauty.
This is a tradition carried out, as women have their wedding separate from the men’s. After all the dancing and celebration nears an end, that’s when the groom comes into the reception hall, takes his bride by the hand and leaves with her for their honeymoon.
This wedding in particular, is a close one to my heart. I designed it for my best friends sister’s wedding. She wanted something extremely magical and romantic. Something out of a fairytale and that’s exactly what she got!
The mood was inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, Narnia, and Lord of the rings, with elements of Art Nouveau.
Thousands of roses and flowers were flown in from Holland to bring this fairytale into reality. A tree sat on to the side of the stage as its branches and leaves canopied the 15,000 Swarovski crystals encrusted sofa. Peal chandeliers cascading on the other side of the stage, within layers and layers of greenery.
The catwalk, where the bride walks on as she enters and exits the reception hall is also a dance floor. It was covered entirely in a custom printed damask vinyl, and the sides were printed in a lace motif. We also built a small stage to the side of the main stage “KOSHA”, where the harpist played as guests were arriving.
The tables were covered in coral velvets, and on top sat bronze centerpieces, with the most spectacular flower arrangements in roses and orchids in yellows, corals, and reds. The final result was mesmerizing.

Sex and the City Part 2???

2009-04-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

Ok the title is slightly deceiving:) The television show and film have had phenomenal success all over the world, and more so the styles and fashion worn on the show and film alike. When people say Carrie, they immediately think a huge flower, and when they say Big, you think a polished suit or a tuxedo.

Therefore I designed two chairs (HIS & HERS) paying homage to the greatest love story on television.

The two chairs were upholstered in a grey pinstriped wool, very luxurious.

Carrie's chair has a pink velvet trim, with buttons covered in the same wool fabric and hand sewn individually on the trim, which alone took a week to finish. The flowers are all in silk chiffon with feathers.

On Big's chair, I added a touch of purple in silk satin, which was pleated on top of the white silk satin applique. The buttons were covered in black silk satin as well, which was also used for the trim and bow tie.

Here you have Carrie and Big!

The Mood Board

Carrie Chair

Mr. Big Chair

Stewed, screwed and tattooed

2009-04-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ted Nemeth discovered his love and talent for leather furniture when resorting an old motorcycle seat. He expanded into custom leather furniture, bags and accessories. His style is deeply rooted in the chopper Hotrod culture of the 50s and 60s. Totally unique and beautiful creations with a bad attitude. Ted has mastered the fine art of hand tooling leather.
I came across Ted’s work a year ago, and just had to get my hands on some of his works of art. When I first contacted him, it was an instant connection and understanding on how we would work together.
Christina Aguilera is a client, and Nemeth recently completed pieces for the new nightclub at the Las Vegas Hard Rock and is currently working on a bar owned in part by Tommy Lee.
Here are some of his incredible pieces, and the custom designed piece for Burlesque aptly named “The Dubai Chair”.
Notice the distorted proportion of the chair frame, the stingray skin “Fleur-de-lis” on the back, the butter soft embroidered leather, the authentic pirate jewelry hanging from the sides and back of the chair, and to top it all off, the patent leather corseted back legs of the chair with feathers peeping through!

The Dubai Chair

The Throne

The Engine Coffee Table

The Dragon Coffee Table

The Outlaw Chair

The Great White

MONA WHO?

2009-04-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the history of art. The painting is a half-length portrait that depicts a woman whose expression is often described as enigmatic. Few other works of art have been subject to as much scrutiny, study, mythologizing, and parody.
I personally never understood the fascination which the artistic world had for this painting, until I saw it in person....Its something indescribable! From that moment on, I couldn't wait to get started on my own take of this fascinating woman. A year later, the Mona Who collection was born!

La Gioconda (The Original Mona Lisa)

Mona Elizabethan

Mona Yehe Nara

Mona Antoinette

Mona Balqis

Mona Geisha

Alice in Wonderland is here!

2009-04-13T02:52:00.000-07:00

I have to apologise for not posting any pictures of Burlesque! To be brutally honest, I just needed to get the hang of blogging. The thought of it terrified me. So here's my second attempt:) Enjoy!

The Entrance "THE RABBIT HOLE"

The Candy Room

The Great White Room

The Cabaret

The Tattoo Parlor

The Gentleman's Room

WE ARE FINALLY OPEN!!!

2009-02-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

It's been a long 4 years and a dream in the making since 2005. We have finally opened the doors to our beautiful and magical gallery Burlesque.
People have doubted the idea that Burlesque will ever happen, or even kick off. This proves that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It has been a long journey of tears, sweat and blood...and only good can happen now.
We stand by our vision, and ideas for being one of the most unique galleries in Dubai, and will continue to carry the most spectacular pieces of furniture, lighting, home accessories, jewelry and ART in all it's forms.
We will do our best to showcase most of our work, and update you with what's new and in store at Burlesque!