Tiers of Joy

I've been spending a good deal of time with my bookcases today, reorganizing and restocking them. 

That activity reminded me of a favourite photo from a past T magazine: it's the decorating issue that features the Chicago home of Jean and Steven Goldberg.

My favourite room, perhaps not surprisingly, is the library.  The bookcase is magnificient enough, with its carefully bowed shelves (done for effect, not naturally from years of heavy reading), but I couldn't stop looking at the fantastic curtains, designed by Ms. Goldberg. 

With their tied tiers, creating a drapey-pouf effect, these curtains wouldn't be out of place walking the steps of the Met at its annual ball.

They reminded me of some of Charles James's designs, such as these:

And a post-postmodern version might be the inimitable Lady Gaga, who wore this tri-tier gown at the Brit Awards, back in 2010:

Then there are those upstart garments, as worn by Anne Hathaway:

Florence Welch:

and Daphne Guinness: