HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y’All! 🎉
.
.
Well, I’ve gotta say that 2025 tested me in ways I didn’t see coming. It asked for patience when I wanted answers, trust when things felt shaky, and endurance when it would’ve been easier for me to tap out.
And somehow, here I am. Steadier. Clearer. Lighter.
2025 didn’t break me; it refined me. It forced me to get honest about what drains me, what fuels me, and what actually deserves my time and energy. I learned that peace is a choice you make over and over again, sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly. And that growth doesn’t always look like progress from the outside, but you feel it deeply on the inside.
I’m incredibly grateful. For the people who stayed close. For the ones who showed up without being asked. For the work that still excites me. For the days that reminded me why I started in the first place. And for the strength I didn’t know I had until I needed it.
As I step into 2026, I’m focused, not frantic. Intentional, not reactive. I’m choosing joy without guilt, rest without apology, and ambition without burnout. I know what I’m building now, and more importantly, I understand why.
This year feels hopeful. It feels aligned. It feels like mine.
Cheers to clarity, momentum, and a heart that’s finally at ease.
Hello, 2026. I’m ready!
I need to say this plainly.
.
.
Some of the reactions I’ve seen to @zohrankmamdani ’s win have been disappointing.
Not because everyone needs to agree. We don’t all have to vote the same or think the same. But some of what I’m seeing crosses into something else entirely. Something rooted in broad mistrust of entire communities, entire faiths, entire groups of people. And I can’t let that go unchecked.
Listen, we don’t have to agree on everything. But what I can’t allow is language that treats whole communities as one thing. Judging an entire faith or culture by the worst actions of a few is the same logic that justified some of the darkest chapters in our country’s history.
This nation was built on slavery, genocide, segregation, and state violence. Yet we don’t walk around saying all white Americans are violent or hateful. We allow nuance and complexity for ourselves. We need to extend that same nuance here.
So I’m asking everyone who follows me to be thoughtful, informed, and grounded. Do not let fear talk you into repeating the same patterns that harmed so many. We are better than that.
And to my Muslim friends, celebrate this moment. Be proud of what this represents. Your presence and your leadership matter. Your joy is not something you need to shrink. Take up space. You have earned it.
Mabrouk.
Anderson ♥️
VILLA CLAMART Community Member Spotlight: Anderson Somerselle
Storyteller of Design Culture | Creative Strategist | Founder of SOMERSELLE MEDIA
Anderson Somerselle is the Founder and Creative Director of SOMERSELLE MEDIA, a boutique agency dedicated to amplifying the voices of designers, makers, and brands shaping the way we live. Based in New York, Anderson operates at the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling—crafting editorial content, digital campaigns, and strategic partnerships that elevate global creative narratives.
Through his work, Anderson brings visibility to underrepresented perspectives in the design world, building bridges between heritage and innovation, and fostering dialogue across disciplines. His lens is both editorial and empathetic, making him a vital voice in the evolving conversation around design and identity.
Anderson's takeaway from the VILLA CLAMART evening.
"Being part of Villa Clamart reminded me how vital spaces like this are for meaningful dialogue within the African Diaspora. It’s a rare and beautiful thing when art, culture, and community converge so naturally."
#VillaClamart #AndersonSomerselle #DiasporaDesign #DesignStorytelling #CreativeVoices #GlobalDesignCommunity #BlackCreatives #DesignDiplomacy #SOMERSELLEMEDIA
Full Circle Moment ✨
.
.
Back in 2014 I went to my first #wnwn with my good friend @kellycgates and whispered, “One day I’ll be part of this.”
11 years later… I’ve been a panelist, I’ve moderated, and now, I’m PRODUCING a panel! 🤯
Join us September 18th at 2:30pm inside @dennismillernyc (12th floor). Can’t wait to see you there! ♥️
HAPPY BIRTHDAY @reece_cup_
.
.
I’ve loved this beautiful soul since before she took her first breath—and somehow, loving her only gets easier with time.
Watching @reece_cup_ grow into the woman she is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. She is light. She is grace. She is fire when you need courage and softness when you need home.
To say I’m proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.
To say I’m lucky feels like an understatement.
She’s not just my sister—she’s one of my life’s greatest gifts.
Happy Birthday, to my ONLY sister. I love you to the moon and back, and then some. 💫💛
I stand on sacred ground 🌈
.
.
Some names are more than just names — they are battle cries, prayers, and promises.
Marsha P. Johnson threw a brick at history and demanded it see us. A Black trans woman who led with love, defiance, and fire, Marsha made space for those the world tried to erase. Every time I walk into a room unafraid, I carry her with me.
Matthew Shepard (@mattshepardfdn )was a young man just trying to live. His life — and the unspeakable way it was taken — cracked open the conscience of a nation. He didn’t ask to become a symbol. But his story changed the world. I think of him often. I hold close how sacred it is to simply be alive and seen for who we are.
@rupaulofficial took the idea of otherness and made it divine. In a world that once mocked us, he showed us how to laugh louder, strut harder, and love ourselves out loud. His legacy gave me — and so many others — permission to take up space, unapologetically and powerfully.
These icons didn’t just inspire me — they armored me.
They made it possible for someone like me to walk through this world fully, freely, and fiercely myself.
I’ve never been in the closet.
I’ve never once been ashamed of who I am.
From the very beginning, I knew.
Being gay is not the entirety of my identity, but it is a part of me I wear with honor and immense pride. It’s not something I’ve ever tried to hide. It’s not something I’ve needed to explain. It’s simply who I am — and always have been.
If you know me — if you’ve ever shared joy, creativity, or connection with me — then you’ve felt the light of a legacy that runs deep. A legacy born in protest, built on resilience, and carried forward in love.
Happy Pride. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Honor the ones who came before.
Protect the ones still finding their voice.
Love us loudly — not just in June, but every damn day.
HELLO 38!
.
.
Well, I've made it around the sun yet again. And this one taught me to stop expecting the past to apologize.
Forgiveness, I’ve come to learn, isn’t about condoning what happened. It’s about releasing the hope that it could’ve been any different. It’s about unclenching your fists, not for them—but for yourself.
This year, I disappointed people. And people disappointed me. That’s life. The difference now? I no longer shapeshift to soften their discomfort.
For so long, I shrank myself to keep the peace. I diluted my opinions, softened my voice, edited my joy, and tiptoed around the truth—just to make others feel more comfortable. I became whoever they needed me to be, even if it meant betraying myself. But eventually, the cost of disappearing became too high.
Now, I choose me. My full self. Unedited. I no longer mold myself to fit someone else’s idea of palatable. I’d rather be too much for some than not enough for myself.
Divorce taught me that when the scaffolding falls, you’re left standing with one person: you. And you better be someone you can count on.
So here’s to being softer without breaking. To letting go without bitterness. To forgiving—not to forget—but to be free.
Another year older. Lighter. Wiser. And still standing.
This is a moment I’ll CHAIRISH forever!
.
.
.
What a night! I’m still floating from the incredible opening of The Chairish Emporium at Bergdorf Goodman, and I just want to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate! Seeing so many friendly faces and meeting fellow design lovers made it all the more special.
@annabrockway & @greggbrockway thank you for including me in this INCREADABLE moment. Your passion for antiques and design is truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve built.
A heartfelt thank you to my Modern Antiquarian team—I truly couldn’t have done this without you. @bykellymaguire & Manny, you both helped bring my vision for this booth to life in the most beautiful way. @susana.ines , your incredible eye captured every piece so perfectly.
And to @tiffanybethnyc (@digitalthreadconsulting ) & @andersonsomerselle , along with your amazing teams, thank you for helping us spread the word and document this monumental career moment. I am so grateful for you all!
A massive shoutout to the amazing dealers who made this space what it is:
@nateberkus@megbraffdesigns@showponypalmbeach@eerdmansnewyork@thomasprestoninteriors@torijonesstudio
Your collections are beyond inspiring, and I’m honored to be alongside you.
A special thank you to @chairishco incredible social media team and the talent @clint_spaulding for capturing every moment of the night so beautifully! Molly(@notallbeige ) & @juliamennone my rockstar account managers—you two are the absolute best!
I still can’t believe this is real, but The Chairish Emporium at Bergdorf Goodman is open through May 5th!
If you’re in NYC, please go visit, soak it all in, and maybe find that perfect piece that feels meant for you.
This is a moment I’ll CHAIRISH forever—thank you all for being part of it! 💛
#ChairishEmporium #BergdorfGoodman #ModernAntiquarian #Antiques #VintageDecor #designlovers
🚨PROUD FRIEND ALERT 🚨
.
.
By now, y’all should have heard the news, but if not—let me be the one to scream it from the rooftops: @modernantiquarian is now part of the @chairishco Emporium inside the legendary @bergdorfs !!! AHHHHH!!!
This is a HUGE moment for Margaret Schwartz, founder and head curator of Modern Antiquarian (and one of my inner circle besties ♥️). Seeing her work at Bergdorfs—an institution that defines timeless style—is just surreal.
I can’t even put into words how PROUD I am of her. The hustle, the vision, the sheer determination—she built this moment, and she earned every bit of it.
If you’re in NYC, go see it in person and show her some love! (LOVE YOU @moderndayantiquarian )
HUGE shoutout to @auxabris for providing the STUNNING wallpaper!
#ModernAntiquarian #ChairishxBergdorfs #ProudFriendMoment
Oops, WE DID IT AGAIN! 🎉
.
.
A huge round of applause to my incredible Young Collectors Night co-chairs for making this another record-breaking year in support of @eastsidehouseinc 💫
To everyone who purchased tickets, donated, and helped spread the word—this victory is yours. Your generosity and enthusiasm made all the difference! 💙✨
@helenallensmith & @dantanzilli —thank you for the honor of serving as co-chair once again. It’s been a privilege to stand alongside you both for such a meaningful cause. 🙏🏾
And a massive shoutout to @adamcharlaphyman & @adameli for bringing your star power and helping us amplify awareness for @thewintershownyc and @eastsidehouseinc . Your support was invaluable! 🌟
Until next year… but first, let’s celebrate! 🥂 #YoungCollectorsNight #TheWinterShow #eastsidehouse
In the midst of all the chaos happening in America, being surrounded by brilliant Black individuals thriving in their industries filled me with hope and reaffirmed the unshakable resilience that defines our community. We will be okay. We will rise above. And this time, our focus is solely on us.
Thank you, @digitalthreadconsulting , @badaraofficial , and @thecalifornien , for including me in such an inspiring and affirming evening. Let’s continue to celebrate, empower, support, and uplift one another—because our success is not just our strength; it’s our legacy.
