Interview: Charlotte Moss

Stylish, articulate, elegant and organized are only but a few words to describe designer, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist Charlotte Moss. I feel beyond privileged to profile one of my style icons and to be among the first in the blogging world to give you a glimpse of Charlotte’s new book A Flair for Living, set to be published by Assouline in May 2008.

A Flair for Living seems like the perfect title penned by a woman who still runs a highly successful interior design business; has eponymous collections of china and linens; and is major supporter of the Parrish Art Museum, UNICEF, Operation Smile and the New York City Ballet, among others. “I chose the title because a flair for living is the ultimate goal. Learning how to really live, to cultivate a flair for living in all you do is a lifelong process. Now doesn’t that add a sense of urgency to what you are doing right now?”


A Flair for Living is arguably her most sophisticated and personal book to date, offering a lavish photo tour of every component of the home. From the bedroom to the breakfast room, Charlotte shares her ideas on living graciously and entertaining.

All obvious reasons aside I have always been drawn to Charlotte’s quick wit and sensibilities. A Southerner by birth and upbringing, Charlotte was born in Richmond, Virginia and knows a thing or two about hospitality. “I like to think more in terms of the atmosphere the room exudes—a feeling of invitation and hospitality, a room that makes you feel at ease.” She has also lived in New York long enough to adopt a no-nonsense approach to the important things in life. A perfect combination in my opinion.

A few of my favorite Charlotte Moss quotations:

“There’s just no excuse for bad housekeeping. Cleanliness is something that doesn’t cost anything. It’s about self-respect.”

“There are people who are get-it-done people, and there’s no bitching or moaning about it. Then there are people who think they are doing you a favor, and I can’t handle that. If you’re going to stand out, you gotta do something, and it’s called work, W-O-R-K!”

“I can tell you bedrooms where I know there’s no good sex going on. The room looks like an afterthought, as though nobody cares. Old lampshades, dusty and dirty things…it’s there even in some of the finest properties in New York.”

The spectacular dining room in Charlotte's Upper East Side townhouse. Image - A Flair for Living

Image - A Flair for Living


Q & A:

What inspires your creativity?
Time alone in my library, walking the streets in market towns, a walk on the beach or in someplace sublime, like the Palais Royale.

What is your most prized possession?
My home and my health

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
A sense of humor

How do you define style?
Someone with curiosity, authenticity, generosity, discipline, a sense of humor and passion.

Charlotte's portrait wall of her favorite women

Who are your style icons?
My nieces, Charlotte and Margaret, they keep me au courant. Audrey Hepburn and Tina Turner forever; for their strength, grace and joie. Fleur Cowles; because she has flair and created a magazine with the same name, FLAIR. It’s a big list…

Charlotte (center) with her nieces, Margaret Moss (left) and Charlotte Moss (right)

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being here on earth makes me happy

What books are on your bedside table?
The Importance of Living, by Lin Yutang; The Story of San Michele by Axel Munthe; Basic Black by Cathie Black; Making it New, The Art and Style by Gerald and Sara Murphy by Debra Rothchild

Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
With Edith Wharton, (we have the same birthday) visiting gardens in Italy in an open touring car with our journals, digital cameras and a well stocked picnic hamper.

How does your new book differ from others you have written?
It’s a photo essay on design and more about life after decorating.

What is your favorite indulgence?
Taking a helicopter to East Hampton on the weekend.

What is the one thing people would be so surprised to learn about you?
I like to drive fast (I have a 1960 220SE Convertible). I bought a Skip Barber Racing School package at a charity auction, I can’t wait to go!

Interview by Ronda Carman