CHARLOTTE MOSS
TASTEMAKER Q&A + GIVEAWAY
The designer, tastemaker and altogether stylish Charlotte Moss shares her inspirations and favorite things. Charlotte is and always has been devoted to seeing the World around her. She’s an avid reader, photographer, and scrapbooker, taking pictures of her travels and everyday life. She splices these images together in mood boards that help inspire her work. Above is an image of one of her own collages that she made of garden cutouts. Her book Charlotte Moss: A Visual Life: Scrapbooks, Collages, and Inspirations showcases the entire collection. Charlotte has been a great supporter of TSG from the beginning, and we’re grateful for her support, and continue to look to her as we cultivate our brand.
(*We’re giving away a signed copy of the gorgeous book to one lucky Scout Blog reader; leave a comment telling us which SCOUT GUIDE you’re most excited about and you’ll be entered for a chance to win!)
Where do you go for your inspiration?
The simple answer would be to get on a plane and go somewhere you’ve never been to explore and discover. In the absence of plane tickets I try to do this: just slow down. BE PRESENT. When you see, REALLY see, what’s around you then you can get inspired. For me it’s long walks someplace unfamiliar being the “flâneur”, kayaking, and sometimes just puttering around the house.
Favorite artists and art you love?
• Helen Frankenthaler in the living room
• A Braque in my study
• A Bonnard in the morning room
• A Joseph Cornell shadow box for my office
• And a photo by Irving Penn or Avedon
A favorite quote . . .
“Think big.”
Any favorite recipes at the moment?
My favorite recipe is always the last one that worked really well! It’s always the tried and true. One that you can whip up at a moments notice and that’s always a crowd pleaser. (Or anything with a fig!)
What are your summer must-haves?
For wearing: I’m always adding to my collection of kaftans, hats and chunky jewelry. For decorating: new accessories and new items for entertaining outside. At roadside stands: bunches of country flowers, blackberries, tomatoes of all description and fresh corn.
(Above, Charlotte’s extensive collection of objet d’art and wares used for outdoor entertaining in her Long Island garden.)
How do you relax?
Reading and coffee in bed on a weekend morning with no schedule. Relaxing can be a wander through a museum or through a field picking wild flowers. Going to antique and flea markets for the sport of it – that’s relaxing too.
What you are currently reading?
• Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative by Ken Robinson
• Madame Jumel: Influential Women in History;
• Red Thread Thinking by Debra Kaye;
• Poetry by Judge John Charles Thomas
• But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria by Julia Reed
Where is your “happy place”?
Physically a ‘happy place’ can be a morning in the spa or reading for hours on the screen porch in the country. Emotionally a ‘happy place’ can just be spending time with family or a friend.
(Above, Charlotte’s relaxed back-yard)
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?
Those people who pursue big ideas whether it’s education reform in America or building schools in Africa. Young doctors and researchers dedicating their lives to cures. The people making a difference in our lives and in the our future. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people like that in my life.
Here’s how to win…
Comment below telling us which SCOUT GUIDE you’re most excited about!
One winner will be chosen on Monday, June 24th at 10am EST. Open to US only. You will win a copy of Charlotte’s book and your choice of one Scout Guide.
