For the Northern California launch of Norman & Blake, Jesse wanted to incorporate the photography duo into the design of the evening - not only into the look of the decor, but into the menu, the cocktails, the music. Each component was carefully considered, so that when guests left for the night, they parted with a piece of Emily and Shannen and their new brand. Jesse played with the idea of hard and soft, masculine and feminine, industrial and natural. He layered velvet pillows and napkins on rustic wooden tables with stainless steel stools. The floral was deep hued with dark plum leaves but also incorporated soft and light elements - structural but airy and fluffy concurrently.
Photography by Norman & Blake
Never using caning material for details on paper design before, Jesse partnered with Chris and Julie of Yonder Design for this menu booklet that was incased in bleached caning. To play off the textural element of the cane, Jesse used a fine French silk ribbon as the closure. It’s this ying and yang that keeps Jesse’s design fresh, interesting, ever evolving and so personal to his clients. Never be afraid to take risks and try working with new materials; it’s often the biggest risks that pay the biggest reward.
The high-low use of butcher-block tables and the beautiful handmade Italian Vietri fluted plates are a perfect example of how putting contradicting design elements together can make them sing in a new, authentic way. Here, Jesse also mixed lucite flatware and crystal candlesticks - another perfect illustration of high-low harmony within this beautiful and unique tablescape.