If you have ever visited a Restoration Hardware store, then you will understand
when I say that all I wanted to do when I first stepped inside their Flatiron location last Thursday evening was stare at their opulent chandeliers and vegetate on their
massive tufted sectional. But I wasn't there to splay myself along their Soho chaise
lounge. I was there to dig for details about their newest collection and obsessively
photograph all my findings.

The launch party for their Spring collection, Exposed, featured deconstructed
pieces left intentionally stripped to reveal nail heads, wood frames, and burlap
accents, reflecting an old-world personality with a unique modern twist. Two of
the designers were gracious enough to show me a quartet of armchairs,
pinpointing all the details (including the antique cotton upholstery), while
describing the whole collection as 'French country, but edgy.'

During the event, the crowd enjoyed their fair share of bellinis, butternut squash
soufflé canapés, and model-waiters outfitted in head-to-toe black. The party mood
was elevated thanks to DJ Michael Smith and a 30-minute set by up-and-coming
British singer Edei. Despite having a canapé dropped on my leg and water spilled
on my lap, I did get to enjoy a mini ice cream sandwich and a quick 10-minute
breather on an enormous tufted bench fit for a large family. I also took a picture of
the chandelier up above for, you know, posterity's sake.

(Images: Quan Lam)