Creator or collector? Jessie Andrews is a natural at both. Moments, brands, atmosphere, connections between people: it’s a kind of perpetual motion for the American multi-hyphenate. She joins Jess Blanch for a long walk through Place des Vosges to share what home feels like, and why she surrounds herself with people who fascinate her.
JB: You have places in both L.A. and (as photographed here) New York, but what makes a place feel truly like home for you?
JA: I feel at home when I’m surrounded by things that bring me joy and make me feel comforted. So, my coffee machine, skincare and fresh sheets. And most importantly, the memories I have from things I’ve collected, whether it be a vase, stool, books, my keychains or an art piece.
JB: Last time I saw you in Paris, you were staying at a friend’s place just across from Place des Vosges. When you travel as much as you do, how do you make a place your own?
JA: I unpack straight away; let my clothes unwrinkle and set my skincare out. Truthfully, if there’s a pillow or blanket I don’t like the pattern on, I cover it up or put it in the closet, is that weird?
JB: Is there anything you always travel with, or routines you follow?
JA: I always carry on a Mary Poppins bag. It’s got my wallet, passport, converter, sleeping mask, hand sanitiser, vitamin IV packets, lotions, neck pillow, headphones, laptop, tea and honey, lots of snacks, socks, and anything else I can fit in there. I make sure I’m packed the night before and wear my biggest items like shoes or sweaters. I travel extremely light in terms of suitcase essentials – always carry ons. I try and get to the gate as it’s boarding. My pet peeve is waiting at the airport.
JB: Do you prefer homes to hotels?
JA: I try to stay at a friend’s or rent a place before I look into hotels. I like to acclimatise to a city over a longer period of time if I can, rather than pop in for a day or two. I love seeing what people collect, their unique style and how they live. It’s fascinating, but don’t get me wrong, I do love a nice hotel and the thought that goes into it.
JB: What are your favourite homes to be a guest in?
JA: I love homes with history, architecturally, or that are well curated – something that’s not necessarily my style, but that I can appreciate.
JB: What are your favourite hotels from a design perspective?
JA: I’m a huge fan of French design and architecture, likely because I grew up in America. Who isn’t in love with Festen’s design of Château Voltaire? Or Bernard Dubois who did Cap d’Antibes and hotel Bouchardon? Classics like Château Marmont, Sunset Tower and Chiltern Firehouse all lean into this vision of touchable history.
JB: Your New York home houses some special pieces. For example, the signed Cy Twombly lithograph and a bedroom work by Fong Min Liao. What has been the vision for your home in putting it together?
JA: There are some very special pieces in there. Whether it was over-bidding at an auction for the signed lithograph, or visiting Fong’s studio over the years, building a friendship, her and I both moving to New York to then finding a piece that felt right for me, it’s about the journey and memory. When I look at each piece in my home I remember exactly where I bought it, who gave it to me and why I love it.
JB: How does it feel different to your place in Los Angeles?
JA: It’s small and cozy; minimal with just the essentials, but feels like home. I have a lot of friends stay at my place in NY, so there’s a tonne of books, clothing and trinkets left behind. I want people to come back and it feel like home for them too. The architecture is as-is from the 1900s. L.A. is quite big – lots of rooms, an office, a garden, laundry and a kitchen for entertaining. I’m constantly moving things around to fill the space; there’s so many walls and options, sometimes I can’t decide what goes where. But that’s the dream, right? Even though it’s from the 1930s, I was able to renovate and create moments that give it my own character, like the crown moulding or wood panelling on the walls. I haven’t had my NY apartment for as long as L.A., but I do feel more settled there.
JB: When you are at home, in which room do you spend the most time, and what are you doing?
JA: I spend most of my time in the living room. Both places have beautiful natural light and comfortable rugs (I love to sit on the floor). I tend to be stretching or working on my computer.
JB: It feels like you have a compulsion to connect your friends and fellow creative minds. Have you always been this way?
JA: I love having people over or going out. My favourite thing is to spend time with people – we’re fascinating beings. I’ve always been interested in people and listening to their stories.
JB: What do you love about your community?
JA: I love that everyone is passionate about what they do. I can’t tell you one friend of mine that doesn’t like their job. That’s a beautiful thing.
JB: TASE Gallery is a place for you to connect people in a tangible way. Can you share your dreams for the gallery and what is it you most want to create at the moment?
JA: I do quite miss throwing events at the gallery. I’d love to be able to do that again in the future, but having a space like that is a huge overhead for anyone. I’ve been hosting way more dinners at my house to bring people together in a way that’s not a branded event. That’s the goal – no pressure, good food and great company.
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