Maybe because my great grandmother was French, maybe because I studied French for seven years, or maybe because of my admiration for French women’s uncanny ability to make any outfit look stylish simply by adding a scarf. Whatever the reason- I’ve been fascinated by all things French for as long as I can remember.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite designers is Philippe Starck, a Frenchman. To me, he is the master of style, and for certain, the king of cool.

His product designs exude imagination and originality, and his interior designs ooze style & sex appeal.

Speaking of his ingeniously creative interiors, I always feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland each time I stay at the Hudson in New York City- a hotel designed by Starck and Ian Schrager. Instead of falling down a rabbit hole however, upon arrival, I ascend an escalator bordered by illuminated, chartreuse walls. I know that when I reach the top, I will be in a different world- a world much hipper, sexier, and much more stylish than the one I just left.

You see, The Hudson, is not just a hotel- it’s a mecca of style, where ultra hipsters from around the world seem to flock. Case in point- during recent visits I had the pleasure of meeting an impeccably tailored reporter from Paris, a curly-top, blue-eyed, ‘street preppy’ vacationer from Germany, and a casually stylish, devilishly handsome, Sting look- alike, grad student from Rotterdam.

Starck and Schrager have left no stone unturned – their attention to detail is impeccable. From the white, lightweight, semi opaque drape that serves as a portal to every room, to the stark (no pun intended) white bathrooms, beds with headboards capable of being backlit via an elegant, tassel pull cord, and dimly lit lobby where (once your eyes adjust) you discover ultra vogue chairs of varying style and material, tucked away in every corner- each one cooler than the last. Every inch of this lodging masterpiece contains an unexpected and completely pleasing style treasure. Simply put, this design collaboration has yielded a space with off the chart cool.

I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture here a month or so ago by GQ columnist, Scott Schuman, a.k.a. ‘The Sartorialist.’ In speaking about the photos he takes (and posts on his blog), he stated ‘I shoot what inspires me and helps me dream.’ He went on to explain that there is an element in every photo that represents how he wants his life to be.

That is exactly how I feel when I stay at the Hudson. Its uber-stylish décor, equally stylish guests, and blatantly cool, sexy vibe inspire me.

I’m not saying that I feel compelled to paint some of my walls chartreuse, cover others with ivy, or infuse every room in my house with polycarbonate and brushed aluminum furniture. And I certainly don’t have the financial means to feature an Eames ‘La Chaise’ in my front room. I am saying however, that I want to dwell in a world marked by creativity, imagination, and personal style– with many unexpected, pleasurable visual encounters thrown in for good measure.

Ok, now for the shameless plug- – many Philippe Starck products can be purchased right here at the IMA. Their home will eventually be in the Design Center, which opens in October, but for now, you can find such items as: the Mademoiselle chair (including a stunning version upholstered in leopard print fabric designed by Dolce & Gabbana), the Ghost chair (both Louis and Victoria), the Hudson counter stool, the Juicy Salif lemon juicer, and more at the IMA store.

A few other Starck / Schrager temples of style are on my radar. If all goes well, upcoming travels include stays at The Delano in Miami, The Clift in San Francisco, and the Sanderson in London. I will keep you posted.