David Jiménez is one of my personal style icons. His beautiful, inspired work has resonated with me since the first moment I laid eyes on his portfolio. His style is the perfect combination of classic, tailored, and modern design elements. All of the spaces he designs exude a sense of charm and warmth, which is only natural considering the fact that he is, in my humble opinion, one of the nicest people in the style industry. He carries himself with complete grace and class and has been so kind to me since the first post I ever wrote about his work a few years back. It is an absolute pleasure to feature him in the Style Files series. I can’t say that I was surprised to find that I completely agree with so many of his answers. I guess there’s a reason why he is one of my style icons!
Name: David Jimenez
Occupation: VP Visual Merchandising and Store Design, Hallmark Cards
Hometown: New York City
Current City: Kansas City, MO
{Kansas City Living Room}
LDV: What inspired your career in visual merchandising?
DJ: Ever since I was old enough to move my parent’s living room furniture around in the Bronx, I have been passionate about interiors. I launched my career in New York City at Gap. Later, I became VP of visual merchandising at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware, playing an important role in developing their aesthetic and style. Six years ago, Hallmark Cards called. I moved to Kansas City from San Francisco to help evolve this legendary brand.
LDV: What do you love most about what you do?
DJ: Every day at work is a little like creating theater--setting a stage with each new season.
{Kansas City Sitting Room}
LDV: Where do you find inspiration?
DJ: I travel often with work, locally and abroad. Its a great way to spot trends, tap into new styling details and see where design is headed.
{Kansas City Guest Bedroom}
LDV: Who are your personal style icons?
DJ: Thomas O'Brien for his classic and effortless American style. Kelly Wearstler for her theatrical point of view. David Hicks for all things retro and chic.
{Kansas City Carriage House}
LDV: How would you describe your own style?
DJ: Layered, collected, comfortable and warm.
{Kansas City Carriage House}
LDV: What trait do you most admire in a person?
DJ: Honesty, loyalty, and sincerity.
LDV: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
DJ: There was a saying in Spanish my mom would tell me as a kid growing up in New York, "Como te tires, asi te tratan". Loosely translated it means, "How you present yourself, is how you'll be treated." They have been words to live by for me.
{Palm Springs Regency}
LDV: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
DJ: Making it to work on time.
LDV: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?
DJ: A lazy Sunday morning that starts with a delicious cup of coffee from my new
French press, and Henri Salvador on heavy rotation in the background.
Bloom: Pink Coral Peonies. They have a wonderful scent and the shot of color
adds punch to my mostly neutral-color living room.
Food: An order of the classic Caesar Salad, Chicken for Two, and Mound of Fries from Zuni Cafe on Market Street in San Francisco. Its one of my favorite haunts in the city!
Drink: I just started drinking Vodka gimlet martinis and I love them!
Thing to Wear: I recently walked into an eyeglass shop and asked for 70's looking Ari Onassis glasses. I walked out with the hippest looking pair of specs that have become my favorite new accessory
Season: Winter in Palm Springs. Its a beautiful time of year to be in the desert.
Musician: Amy Winehouse (I'm holding hope that she makes a comeback), Carla Bruni (always sultry and seductive), Lorez Alexandria (she's not as well known as Ella, Dinah or Sarah but she has all the chops of those greats).
{Kansas City Attic}
Artist: Henry Moore is a modern master. We have a sculpture garden at the Nelson Art Gallery, here in Kansas City, and it's a treat to see so much of his work in one place.
Film: Cinema Paradiso--a romantic classic.
Television Show: Madmen. A smart, well-written show with trendsetting style.
Book: I recently sold my house and downsized to a condo in a historical part of town. I unpacked a slew of great books from my move and started re-reading A Room With A View. It's as good as the first time around!
Magazines: Its sad that we have lost so many good ones recently. I always enjoy Vanity Fair, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Kansas City Spaces among others.
Fabric or Pattern: Ikat, flame stitch, zig zag patterns, zebra prints in fun bright colors and retro-looking geometric prints.
Color: I chose a color scheme of light and dark grays, and taupes for the new condo, then punctuated the rooms with accessories in bold colors like citron yellow, kelly green, orange and turquoise
Extravagance: Veuve, Tiffany cufflinks and Gucci loafers.
Quote: Ever since moving into the condo, occasionally I run into a chic, eccentric neighbor that dresses to the nines and packs a stack of vintage Louis Vuitton to go gambling every weekend. "Life is not dress rehearsal!", she asserted, the last time we visited together while waiting for her driver to pull the car around. Boy, does she have it right!
All Images Courtesy of David Jiménez
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