The Style Files: Cortney Novogratz

{The Beautiful and Talented, Cortney Novogratz}

I am honored to debut the newest La Dolce Vita series, “The Style Files” with  a person as talented and gracious as Cortney Novogratz of SIXX Design and the Bravo Reality Show, 9 by Design. The new series will profile inspiring and enterprising people within the style industries. Cortney was the perfect person to kick things off as she embodies so many of the qualities that the series is all about.

Cortney and her husband, Robert are true visionaries. They can take the most run-down building and turn it into something magnificent. I admire them both so much for their fearlessness and ability to “pull the trigger” on even the most daunting projects.They have an innate ability to see the beauty in even things and places most people would disregard. Over the past decade, Cortney and Robert have built a flourishing design career in Manhattan and their family has grown to include seven beautiful children. Cortney and Robert released their first book, Downtown Chic last year. It is a wonderful tome filled with invaluable information and inspiring images for anyone who loves design.

{The Novogratz Family}

 

Name: Cortney Novogratz

Occupation: Designer

Hometown: Columbus, Georgia

Current City: New York, New York

  {A Space Designed by Cortney}

 

LDV: How did you go about beginning your career in design?

CN: I jumped feet first into it.

LDV: What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging aspect?

CN: I love that it is always changing, but it’s tough to keep being fresh.

LDV: Where do you find inspiration?

CN: Urban cities

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

CN: Ralph Lauren, Prouve, Frank Gehry, and Billy Idol

LDV: How would you describe your style?

CN: Vintage / Modern

LDV: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

CN: Don’t take yourself too seriously!

LDV: What is your principal weakness?

CN: I love to eat!

LDV: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

CN: Being healthy, happy, and counting your blessings everyday.

 

{Flowers from Saipua}

 

Bloom: Fresh Cut Flowers

Food: Sushi

Drink: Water

 

{Cortney and Her Family on Vacation in Brazil}

 

Thing to Wear: Vintage

Destination: Brazil

 

{Autumn in New York}

Season: Fall

Musician: Nancy Griffith

 

{A Piece by Ann Carrington in Cortney’s Former Home}

 

Artist: Ann Carrington

Film: Betty Blue

 

{The Novogratz family stars in their own reality show, 9 by Design which airs Tuesday nights on Bravo at 9:00 pm CST.}

 

Television Show: 9 by Design

Book: The Fountainhead

{Cortney’s Favorite Magazine}

 

Magazines: Vogue

Blogs: La Dolce Vita

Personality Trait: Happy

Texture: Silky

 

{Floral patterns abound in this room designed by Cortney!}

 

Fabric or Pattern: Floral

Color: Yellow

Scent: Fresh Air

Meal: Take out, so I don’t have to cook!

Quote: “People think The Beatles know what’s going on. We don’t. We’re just doing it.” – John Lennon