BOOM
Filmmaker and photographer Daniella Midenge takes us into the fabled rooms of DAWNRIDGE for her short film BOOM created for Harpers Bazaar.
The interior world seen in the film is the legendary Dawnridge created by interior designer Tony Duquette.
“Tony Duquette. He always made me gasp.” - Dominick Dunne
Hutton Wilkinson, Tony Duquette’s long time business partner and friend will be giving us a peep into their shared world in our upcoming HUE issue.
(left to right) Tony Duquette & Hutton Wilkinson courtesy of Hutton Wilkinson
“ I wanted to work with Tony Duquette since I was in 7th grade. I read about him and his wife Elizabeth in an article in the home magazine of the L.A. Times … The article was about the Duquettes and how they lived in a silent film studio.”
Beegle courtesy of Hutton Wilkinson
Hutton recounts a time of wonderful memories, grand parties, inspirations and insights into the design aesthetic of one of the worlds most imaginative men. Tony Duquette and his wife Beegle made magic where-ever they cast their eye, starting out in the film world, creating sets and costumes, when elaborate set designs were de rigeur and moving into interior design. Discovered as a young man and treasured by socialite Elsie de Wolfe, Duqette was very quickly the toast of Hollywood. The couple jettisoned the notion of plain white walls and taupe, the ultimate in timid design and embraced a theatrical aesthetic. Theirs was a world of coral pink and malachite green, where more is more and more is never enough. Even by today’s standards, the boldness of their palette is exhilarating.
Dawnridge courtesy of Hutton Wilkinson
Hutton Wilkinson is now the custodian of the kingdom and really, there could be no other to take on this mantle. He has poured hs heart and soul into preserving Duqette’s memory and vision and future generations will thank him for it. Heavily influenced by his mentor, Hutton’s jewellery collection is an exquisite extension of his life spent with the Duquettes. Any time spent with Hutton is an absolute delight as he wheels through his stories and the incredible life he lives with panache and charm. A reminder of old school values and an utterly modern and bold design vision. One can’t help but think it was in the stars that these two souls should have met and shared a business and a friendship that spanned decades.
Dawnridge courtesy of Hutton Wilkinson
Hutton has taken the Duqettes vision and built upon it. The melding of their creative minds is most represented in the addition that Hutton brought to the gardens.
“The lake at Dawnridge and the Indian temple that I created are my newest favorite additions to Dawnridge. The area at the very bottom of the garden had always been neglected by the Duquettes and had always screamed for water. By putting this garden and pond together, I have altered the look and use of the garden immeasurably. I think Tony and Beegle would be pleased!” Hutton Wilkinson, Vanity Fair, October 2009