Classic & Curious

As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it feels only right to celebrate the season with a conversation about gardens and the beauty they bring into our lives. And who better to join us than one of the most distinguished garden designers in the UK - Butter Wakefield.

Butter grew up on a small farm outside Baltimore, Maryland. After gaining experience at Christie’s in New York City, she relocated to London in 1988. There, she began her career at Colfax and Fowler as a design assistant, where she honed essential design principles such as color, scale, and pattern.

In 1992, she followed her true calling: gardening - an art form embedded in her family’s legacy. With a mother, aunt and grandparents who were all accomplished gardeners, it was inevitable that Butter would cultivate a passion for gardens herself. She trained at the English Gardening School before graduating from the prestigious London College of Garden Design.

If you love interior design advice, you’re in for a treat. We’re welcoming one of New York’s most celebrated designers, Jennifer Cohler Mason of J Cohler Mason Design.

Jennifer’s journey into interior design began in fashion, where she honed an intuitive eye for fabric, tailoring, and proportion. That foundation informs her interiors today - spaces that exude a refined, comfortable elegance while staying true to each client’s personal aesthetic and lifestyle.

Her meticulous attention to detail has led her to projects beyond NYC, with homes in the Hamptons, Greenwich, and Palm Beach. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and New York Cottages & Gardens. Notably, Architectural Digest has recognized her as a featured designer for three consecutive years.

Beyond design, Jennifer is deeply involved in her community, supporting NYC’s Kips Bay efforts, further demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the lives of others.

What sets Jennifer apart isn’t just her talent - it’s her humility and grace. Her signature “quiet luxury” aesthetic is admired by many, and we’re fortunate to have her share her insights with us. Approachable sophistication at its best.

In this episode, Anne and Jennifer discuss:

• Jennifer’s approach to blending styles and creating a dynamic mix in interior design.
• Expert tips for refining and elevating your home’s design in 2025.
• Creative and unexpected ways to incorporate wallpaper.
• How fashion and interior design share a similar mindset when it comes to finding the perfect piece.

Welcome to 2025! Classic & Curious kicks off the new year with a special episode featuring host Anne and her daughter Abby. Together, they share their favorite trends, brands, and practical tips for the year ahead in what we’re calling the "Currently Loving Episode."

Anne brings her 25 years of experience in fashion retail and interior design consultancy, while Abby adds a fresh perspective as a savvy 25-year-old working in the design field. The result? A thoughtful and engaging conversation you won’t want to miss.

This episode is a small detour from our usual guest-driven format. Regularly scheduled interviews return in early February, but for now, enjoy this unique peek behind the curtain at the personal inspirations of the Classic & Curious host.

Certainly these girls do not claim to be influencers, but we think you will find what they have to say “new and noteworthy!”

In this episode, Anne and Abby discuss:

• Their travel must-haves for hotels and their go-to packing cube brands
• Top 2-3 essentials for entertaining in style
• Favorite culinary tools and baking inspirations
• Fashion trends and brands they’re loving for 2025
• What’s trending in interior design and how people are reimagining their homes this year

Entertaining enthusiasts, get ready as we welcome back Lulu Powers, vivacious chef to the stars and Entertainologist!

Lulu started her catering career in 1994 and became one of the most sought-after chefs in LA & NY with clientele such as Arianna Huffington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Kelly Wearstler. She has been a guest on the Today Show, wrote an entertaining column for House Beautiful, and was featured in magazines such as Vogue, Food & Wine, Elle Décor, and InStyle.