THE DEN » Mary Dail

Perfectionism

Mary Dail — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:17 +0000

Hilary Robertson styled this wonderfully symmetric cover for Elle Decor, shot by unwavering William Waldron. It really is astounding just how much the image was shot to match the design of the cover. I just picture them with the cover overlay up on the screen, managing the tiniest details and chosen asymmetries, like the bag on the floor next to the desk and the way the artwork on the shelf mirrors the copy on the left side of the page. And then the way that the cover logo is perfectly framed by the ceiling with the columns providing an additional frame. This is just the most fantastic example of great teamwork, patience and perfectionism.

Shane’s Powers

Mary Dail — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:23:50 +0000

More and more the best work in the industry these days is the result of a great collaboration. David Land films phenom stylist and designer Shane Powers bringing a touch of life to the winter months we spend indoors – on assignment from West Elm. In the old days artists had patrons – in the present, we have have companies like West Elm that bring artists together. Yes, it is a directed and controlled creativity, but more and more the companies are realizing that the best, most true method of inspiring people is to let people like Shane and David have a lot of freedom. The result is something beautiful, natural and informative. It’s a win-win-win.

Stencil Sharpener

Mary Dail — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:08:24 +0000

Stencils are indistinguishable from magic. They transform the most average object into a lively and fun ray of sunshine in your day. They’re like tattoos for your possessions, except without the lifetime of regret.

Molly Fitzsimons styled this cute campaign for the Martha Stewart line at Michael’s, photographed by Helen Norman. Molly isn’t just talented – she is a stencil grandmaster. You should see her kitchen, her front door, her bathroom sink, her dog, her young son…. ok, we were just kidding about the bathroom sink.

Clutter Battle

Mary Dail — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:58:31 +0000

Why yes, we are drowning in paper, and yes, we would like to bring order to the chaos. Ed Gallagher can style both – like this story for Better Homes and Gardens. He made the controlled mess, and then made it right. The funny thing is, when his invoices come in they look a little like this stack. And out of that chaos, beautiful pictures.

Pretty Bed

Mary Dail — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

What makes a pretty bed? HGTV magazine breaks it down for us in 3 easy steps:

1. call Big Leo. 212-625-3861.

2. Hire Scott Horne.

3. Done!

Photos by the sleepy-head Lucas Allen

Fire at Will

Mary Dail — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:42:13 +0000

James Worrell shot this great concept for Fast Company, with custom USB drives by the master tinker Megan Caponetto. Just looking at it you can get a perfect summary: hackers are waging a secret war of information. Information that can be as powerful as bullets, that can have just as much of an impact. I would almost go so far as to say that some stories can’t live up to a picture that carries such a strong idea. Whatever the case – this shot was meant to be a strong lead for the editorial, and it was – wait for it – right on target.

At Home with Ellie Krieger

Mary Dail — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:14:35 +0000

It makes it easier to keep to a good eating routine when you have a great schedule like this. Of course at Big Leo, we’d have at least 5 taco nights in the mix. Sarah Cave styled this beautiful and laid-back story for Better Homes and Gardens, about Ellie Krieger‘s homemade family meals. If eating well is the cornerstone of a good life, then styling well is the cornerstone of a good editorial! If only we could get the magnificent Alison Attenborough to cook every night, along with the lovable Con Poulos to shoot. Talk about a week of Sundays…

Decorating with Plants

Mary Dail — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:14:35 +0000

Hilary Robertson styled this simple yet luscious story for Real Simple, shot by the green-thumbed Christopher Baker. There is something so peaceful about plants – the kind of life to have in your home that not only adds a beautiful touch, but also a real living object that animates the rest of the decor. Why buy an air filter, a tchotchke and a pet, when you can have all at the same time?

A Letter to Genevieve

Mary Dail — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:52:33 +0000

Dear Genevieve-

I’ve fallen out of love with my home. It doesn’t look anywhere near as beautiful as this gorgeous brownstone of yours, styled by the graceful Molly Fitzsimons for HGTV Magazine. What can I possibly do to rekindle the romance? Should I call Deborah Jaffe to photograph? Do you think you could lend me a couple million bucks to first buy a whole brownstone, then completely renovate it? Then is Molly available to spruce it up a bit? Please make the check payable to Big Leo Productions.

Thank you!

-the Big Leo team

Clutter Solutions

Mary Dail — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:16:57 +0000

Ed Gallagher organizes the cover of the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Not that it was very cluttered to begin with, with a nice clean design, but a little style goes a long way. Photo by Cameron Sadeghpour.