Xanabu was once part of the famous estate of Tony Duquette. Tony Duquette (1914-1999) was a renowned American artist, designer, and visionary known for his extravagant and eclectic creations in the fields of interior design, jewelry, costumes, and set design. His unique style blended elements from different cultures, periods, and materials to create opulent and theatrical designs. As a set designer in Hollywood, Duquette designed the props and costumes for movies like The Kismet, Zeigfried Follies, and Yolanda and the Thief. He won a Tony Award for the original Broadway production of Camelot for best costumes. Duquette was the first American artist to have a one-man show at the Louvre.
A photo of Xanabu with Tony Duquette. Duquette transported sets from the 1950’s Hollywood movies to his Malibu ranch. Most of the sets and Duquette’s art were tragically ravaged by the 1993 Green Meadows Fire. Luckily, some of the sets from the 1956 musical King and I were salvageable, and Duquette used those to decorate the property with pavilions and art that still exists today.
Duquette began his career as a set and costume designer in the 1930s, working on Hollywood films and theater productions. His talent for creating lavish and imaginative sets quickly gained attention, leading to collaborations with notable figures in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Duquette gained recognition for his interior designs, which were characterized by bold colors, intricate patterns, and a mix of exotic materials. He often incorporated found objects, natural elements, and antiques into his designs, creating spaces that were rich in texture and visual interest.
Duquette's legacy endured through exhibitions of his work, including retrospectives at prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His influence on design and aesthetics continues to be felt in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and art, inspiring generations of artists and designers to embrace creativity, eclecticism, and luxury in their work.