Washington Universty Lopata Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri
Photography by Alise O’Brien

Cutting edge, innovative and progressive are the best terms to describe avant-garde design. By incorporating one avant-garde item into your room design, you can breathe fresh air into a space. Or, add several accents for an inspired new look.

one: Eufaula rectangular chandelier, by Curry & Co., from Metro Lighting.

two: 5 o’clock shadows wall art, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.

You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of black and white. Both of these neutral shades are powerful alone, but when paired together, they create a sleek statement.

one: Mirrored links decorative wall hanging, from Savvy Surrounding Style.

two:  New safari chair, by Ralph Lauren Home, available at KDR Designer Showrooms.

three: Beaujolais table, by Baker, from KDR Designer Showrooms.

Durable, comfortable and most importantly fashionable, Gersemi is changing the way women look at equestrian clothing. With twice yearly collections (a spring/summer collection driven by the sport and an autumn/winter collection that is more serious and functional), Maricela Alexandersson, along with her husband Jan, are combining quality fabrics with a luxurious feel to create a beautiful line of clothing for every woman.

Tucked into a discreet, alley-like street in downtown St. Louis is one of the city's most exclusive eateries, Blood and Sand. This unassuming location is the perfect home for the only private restaurant in town. You don't need a secret password to get in, but you do need a membership.

Everyone wants to be clean, but what soap should you choose? The answer doesn't matter at Herbaria, because all their handmade soaps are people friendly. Customers hop from one bar to another, to try out all the wonderful herbal scents. The Herbaria soapmakers leave out the artificial fragrances, colors and harsh detergents, and instead include nourishing natural oils and healing herbal essential oils to produce soaps beneficial to the skin.