Eminent tastemaker Axel Vervoordt recounts the pivotal moments in his life that formed the foundation of his mindful philosophy and signature aesthetic.
Axel Vervoordt is one of the world’s foremost tastemakers. Revered for his discerning eye in art and interior design through a career that has spanned more than fifty years, he is renowned for his captivating minimalist interiors. An iconic figure at the most prominent international art fairs and exhibitions, he incarnates a singular philosophy for how to live mindfully and with style.
Axel recounts stories from the people who most influenced his life—his family, friends, patrons, artists, colleagues, clients, and unforgettable mentors—in this memoir that is personal, funny, insightful, and permeated with humility, wisdom, and lessons learned. He reflects on the key moments in his life—Rudolf Nureyev’s visit to the Vervoordts’ castle, Axel’s youthful acquisition (and subsequent sale) of a Magritte, his discovery of Japanese Gutai art, his legendary Venice exhibitions, and his experience working for notable clients and friends. He details his greatest successes and his personal regrets, while offering firsthand insight into the work that has forged his reputation. Axel is a larger-than-life and inspiring man, and this book offers snapshots from his life, painting an overall portrait of his guiding philosophy.
"The reception room at Kanaal is line with books devoted to Mr. Vervoordt’s vision as a dealer and decorator. In “Stories and Reflections,” he describes how the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sums up his approach, embracing 'the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally.' " —The New York Times
“If there were ever anyone who could humble Kanye West, it would be art dealer and interior designer Axel Vervoordt. In a recent interview for The Hollywood Reporter, the two artists exchanged ideas about the importance of proportions, the danger of ego, and their respective attitudes toward the creative process.” —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest
"As proved in new autobiographical book Stories and Reflections, [Axel is] an amusing and energetic raconteur. From a creative so esteemed for his discreet interiors and Hollywood client list, the storytelling twinkle in his eye indicates that Vervoordt is not to be pigeon-holed." —Elle Decoration
Axel Vervoordt is internationally renowned for his work as a collector, antiquarian, designer, curator, and founder of his eponymous Belgium-based company. His previous books include Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors, Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations (2011), and Axel Vervoordt: Living with Light (2013). Michael James Gardner collaborated on Axel Vervoordt: Living with Light and contributed to At Home with May and Axel Vervoordt (2012). His nonfiction work has been nominated for a Pushcart literary prize.
Eminent tastemaker Axel Vervoordt recounts the pivotal moments in his life that formed the foundation of his mindful philosophy and signature aesthetic.
Axel Vervoordt is one of the world’s foremost tastemakers. Revered for his discerning eye in art and interior design through a career that has spanned more than fifty years, he is renowned for his captivating minimalist interiors. An iconic figure at the most prominent international art fairs and exhibitions, he incarnates a singular philosophy for how to live mindfully and with style.
Axel recounts stories from the people who most influenced his life—his family, friends, patrons, artists, colleagues, clients, and unforgettable mentors—in this memoir that is personal, funny, insightful, and permeated with humility, wisdom, and lessons learned. He reflects on the key moments in his life—Rudolf Nureyev’s visit to the Vervoordts’ castle, Axel’s youthful acquisition (and subsequent sale) of a Magritte, his discovery of Japanese Gutai art, his legendary Venice exhibitions, and his experience working for notable clients and friends. He details his greatest successes and his personal regrets, while offering firsthand insight into the work that has forged his reputation. Axel is a larger-than-life and inspiring man, and this book offers snapshots from his life, painting an overall portrait of his guiding philosophy.
Praise
"The reception room at Kanaal is line with books devoted to Mr. Vervoordt’s vision as a dealer and decorator. In “Stories and Reflections,” he describes how the Japanese aesthetic of wabi sums up his approach, embracing 'the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally.' " —The New York Times
“If there were ever anyone who could humble Kanye West, it would be art dealer and interior designer Axel Vervoordt. In a recent interview for The Hollywood Reporter, the two artists exchanged ideas about the importance of proportions, the danger of ego, and their respective attitudes toward the creative process.” —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest
"As proved in new autobiographical book Stories and Reflections, [Axel is] an amusing and energetic raconteur. From a creative so esteemed for his discreet interiors and Hollywood client list, the storytelling twinkle in his eye indicates that Vervoordt is not to be pigeon-holed." —Elle Decoration
Author
Axel Vervoordt is internationally renowned for his work as a collector, antiquarian, designer, curator, and founder of his eponymous Belgium-based company. His previous books include Axel Vervoordt: Timeless Interiors, Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations (2011), and Axel Vervoordt: Living with Light (2013). Michael James Gardner collaborated on Axel Vervoordt: Living with Light and contributed to At Home with May and Axel Vervoordt (2012). His nonfiction work has been nominated for a Pushcart literary prize.
