Marvelous Mario and His Magic Drapes

Tonight I was going through my reference files and came upon one of my favorite photos of a balloon valance, taken at a Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Showhouse in New York City, many, many years ago. The room was done by Mario Buatta, the "Prince of Chintz", society decorator par excellance! If I told you the room was magical, it would be an understatement. I remember standing there, restrained by the velvet ropes I dared not cross, mesmerized, drinking in every detail. Every inch of the room was divine....personal....inviting. It didn't look "done" or contrived, but rather as if the occupant had just stepped out, perhaps to grab a book, or cup of tea. Pillows and patterns, antiques and art, beautiful mirrors and rugs....so much to take in. But in all this finery, the image that stuck in my mind most was the exquisite window treatments. No one does drapery like Mario. We referred to them as "Dressmaker Drapes", made with all the attention to detail as that of a wedding dress. With oodles of fabric and laden with trim, his drapery masterpieces were something to behold and I adored his genius.

During the my time at The New York School of Interior Design, I attended his lecture at New York University. Ever the prankster, he began his speech in broken Italian. Having never heard him speak before this, I had no idea that he was born and raised in New York! The joke was on us and we all had a good laugh.

About a month later, I was headed to California, to cook for my sister's wedding. I flew first class, and stashed in my carry-on was six quarts of pesto sauce. I was seated on the aisle, waiting for the rest of the passengers to board when I spotted him. I couldn't breathe. My heart was pounding. He began to walk down the aisle and then he stopped. No! It couldn't be! OMG! Mario Buatta had the window seat RIGHT NEXT TO MINE!

Lucky for me, it was a five hour flight. Once I composed myself, we chatted, I served him crackers and cheese during the movie, and inbetween our conversation, he worked. I was hoping to get a peek at the name of his drapery workroom, but he took his garbage with him. (Yes, I would have taken it, had he left it behind....sorry, Mario, but I was young and infatuated with your talent!)

So many years have passed, but he remains a great talent. Draperies aren't as elaborate now, and our lifestyles seem to be more casual, but beautiful window treatments, adorned with all the bells and whistles, are still something to be admired....and Mario, you do them like no one else can.