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Behind the Scenes at Blairsden
Behind the Scenes:
Blairsden
Curious about the grand backdrop for our latest photoshoot? Allow us to introduce Blairsden! Built between 1897 and 1903, this Gilded Age mansion was originally the home of American investment banker Clinton Ledyard Blair. Designed by prominent architects Carrère and Hastings, the sprawling home covers over 62,000 feet, so there was plenty to explore! Even more interesting? The mansion’s unusual history. After Blair’s death in 1949, Blairsden was sold to the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, serving as a religious retreat for several decades. For a closer look at this historic space, we’re going behind the scenes with three members of the BHLDN team.
What was your favorite moment from the shoot?
Landis S., Creative Director:
“The way we filled the living room with Anthropologie furniture. All that color in that pristine Old World shell!”
Julia W., Producer:
“Scout day! It’s the best day to explore the spaces. Every floor of Blairsden held its own special magic.”
Kirby C., Stylist:
“Always love a scout day! It’s the perfect time to let your creativity go wild—there’s such a fun energy as you imagine all the possibilities. It is also nice to have the extra time to spend in the space as shooting days go by so quickly!”
What was the most interesting space at Blairsden?
Landis: “The staircase. It was like a people-sized wedding cake made of marble and iron.”
Julia: “The third floor! At one point it served as a dormitory for nuns. Very eerie.”
Kirby: “I second what Julia said…it was so interesting to go to the dormitory from the grand home. Definitely weird vibes, although they claim it is not haunted!”
“Those walls had a life of their own and so many narratives.”
What are three words you’d use to describe Blairsden?
Landis: “Feels like home.”
Julia: “Stunning, massive, and historic”
Kirby: “Vast, odd, layered.”
What are three words you’d use to describe Blairsden?
Landis: “Feels like home.”
Julia: “Stunning, massive, and historic”
Kirby: “Vast, odd, layered.”
My favorite moment from the shoot was...
Landis: “The chandeliers were from French crystal masters Baccarat. You could tell because each one had a single blood red crystal replacing a normal clear one. I can't even imagine how much they are worth. But SPARKLY.”
Julia: “Yes! It was designed by the same architect as the New York Public Library.”
Kirby: “Apparently, Mr. Blair had an assortment of exotic pets and once they caught the monkey in the kitchen eating honey! (Was he the original Joe Exotic? Probably not, but the mind likes to wander...)”
What was your favorite look from the shoot?
Landis: “The Lynette Gown has come back at a perfect time. One part ballerina couture, one part courthouse chic, it's like Marilyn and Audrey shared a dream dress.”
Julia: “Definitely the Kellyn Gown. The pearl beading on the back is so gorgeous and so unique for a wedding gown.”
Kirby: “I loved shooting the Doutzen Jumpsuit. Such a chic Kate Moss moment!”
