Thursday, September 20, 2007

DESIGNER DONATES, AGAIN

Business must be slow in the high-end interior design industry. Designers are so available that they’re donating their services to worthy causes.

Back in August we mentioned a high-end re-do of Benefit Magazine offices.

Now the Sentinel covers the “high-end” redecoration, this time of a homeless family shelter.

Raphael House, for 35-years a residential provider to homeless families, celebrated its new ambience with rising San Francisco personality Sophie Azouaou and Executive Director Father David Lowell joining Mayor Gavin Newsom to cut a red ribbon of renewal.

There are lots of great photos. The article says Sophie has some connection to Benefit Magazine.


The writer, Pat Murphy, purveys a very dry irony. He is a master of deadpan, as in his lead:

San Francisco philanthropy shone this week as privately funded Raphael House received a high-end makeover from some of the classiest design mavens in town.

Oops! My fact checkers tell me Sophie IS Sophisticate Interiors, the “high end” design firm that redecorated Benefit Magazine’s offices.

I’ll have to spend more time at SFLUXE.

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11 comments:

Civic Center said...

I sat next to the publisher of "Benefit" magazine and his wife at the San Francisco Symphony gala on Wednesday night. It was too amusing, almost as amusing as your calling Pat Murphy "deadpan" when as we both know "deadbrained" would be a more apt description.

Anonymous said...

As usual you are om top of things. The SFluxe spread was interesting. I haven't seen any activity on the Benefit website yet. r.s.

Anonymous said...

Willie, I just took a look at the Sophiticates webpage. There's a 6-minute recording of an interview of Sophie by then-Benefit's Ruby. Didn't know this myself, but Sophie has a French accent. I Shound have guessed that from her name. r.s.

sfwillie said...

Dear sfmike, So I guess I have to read your blog for the lowdown on the BM Publisher.

Supposedly one of the new BM guys was high up at Sunset Mag, which used to be substantial.

sfwillie said...

Dear r.s.,

Thanks for watching the video. I didn't have the stomach. I hope you'll give us a report on your blog (sf bay area, on my blogroll).

Anonymous said...

willie, it was a radio recording but interesting anyway. had a rather long ending commercial about Slide where some girl recently was stilletoed in the eye. Gaskin used to hold Benefit parties there. an odd commercial for a radio host and recovering alcoholic. r.s.

Anonymous said...

Sophie is an example for our community. She is trying to help people in need. She is giving back! She is an inspiration to all of us!!
Instead of wasting your time criticizing her, follow her example.
Maybe she'll be our Mayor one day if she keeps getting involved.
All the Kudos to you Sophie!

Anonymous said...

Sophie is an example for our community. She is trying to help people in need. She is giving back! She is an inspiration to all of us!!
Instead of wasting your time criticizing her, follow her example.
Maybe she'll be our Mayor one day if she keeps getting involved.
All the Kudos to you Sophie!

Anonymous said...

I am a now retired designer and this is the 1st time ever a SF Interior Designer donates time and resources for such a good cause! Deisigners are all too busy making money.
Good work Sophie!
God bless you!

sfwillie said...

Thanks anon commenters.

I don't think I've been too critical.

Except, obviously, a "lifestyle of giving" is usually preceeded by a "lifestyle of taking."

If Sophie is running for mayor she'll be getting scrutiny more stringent than can be mustered by this poor blog.

Besides, we are the only left wing blog in town that extols jewelry as art.

Anonymous said...

She is French, stunning and she cares. What a perfect combo!
Please leave her alone.