3.16.2012

Focusing on the Details...

This image of Oscar de la Renta following his show runner and fixing the strings on each gift bag as she puts it down (spotted via wife & 2 kids) is perhaps one of the best things I've ever seen, on so many levels.

First there's the fact that (to me) it epitomizes humility and the importance of rolling up your sleeves and doing a job well no matter how (seemingly) menial the task. I mean, honestly it's Oscar de la Renta people, I'm sure he has someone to tuck-in those strings for him, but he's doing it...himself.

Then there's the attention to detail factor, which, really, is what takes a situation (any situation) from good to unforgettable. All of my most poignant moments in life are inevitably accompanied by some memory of a perfectly thought out detail -- a little bit of going above and beyond (and it doesn't have to be extravagant) to make things feel magical.


Food & Thought at SFMOMA with Meatpaper and Blue Bottle - "Still/Life"

Case in point: Earlier this week I was at a shoot for work. I arrived at the studio to the photographer's wife making a pot of lightly sweetened cuban coffee and fresh squeezed juice involving carrots, ginger, apples and some other crazy yummy but not quite discernible ingredients. She set the beverages out on a large table where we all sat and enjoyed them together before the shoot. Then she went off and lit a few candles, turned on some music and kept tall glasses of water filled for us all day.

The gestures were simple but thoughtful and lovely. And they turned an otherwise normal day (ok, not totally normal, it was a photo shoot after all...) into a "burned on my brain", totally memorable moment.

It's been a harried week. I'm rushing through tasks, trying to get it all done, frenetically crossing things off the to do list. The details are suffering. Big time. So I'm going to take a deep breath and try to get them back a bit. I think it's too important not to.

Happy weekend friends.

8 comments:

nicole said...

the lovely detailed gestures sometimes outweigh the grand gestures, don't they?

A Fresh Note said...

I am striving to pay more attention to the details everyday. It's a work in progress.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post. It really is the details that matter sometimes. Quality over quantity, it's easy to forget. Have a wonderful weekend xoxo

Lynne said...

I love paying attention to the little details. You are so spot on that they take the mundane to special with very little grandeur necessary. And, I always feel a pull towards people that notice these details whether on the giving or receiving end of them. Thanks for sharing...love the photo of Mr. de la Renta.

Chaucee said...

True hospitality is something that I feel our culture lacks. Whenever I travel internationally that's always the first impression I get of other cultures; of how welcoming they are.

Unknown said...

love this post. so true and so important to remember that its the little details and the little pleasures that make your life something.

UrbanChiqueNess said...

So true, well said. Sometimes, I find myself obsessing over the details which takes away from the gesture itself...I have met Oscar de la Renta at PA's at Saks. He has always been like that, hands on with the clients. It is truly remarkable! Enjoy your weekend.
xo
E

greenbeenfood said...

Great post... I love the finer detail and given time I am always fiddling with the little things! That image of Oscar is seriously brilliant...says so much!