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Party Like A Blue Blood
In an era of email and texting, many people have come to rely on the internet to invite their friends to parties and to keep in touch. Fearful women of another era lament the waning days of handwritten notes and letters.
In an era of email and texting, many people have come to rely on the internet to invite their friends to parties and to keep in touch. Fearful women of another era lament the waning days of handwritten notes and letters.
Rejoice! The famed calligrapher Bernard Maisner's die-hard fans are steadfastly spreading the joy found in the traditional ways of communication.
Maisner, a rock star in the world of calligraphy, is an elegant gentleman working in a rarified world. The elder statesman of his craft, he sets the standard for the social elite.
When you receive an invitation designed by Maisner, you know it’s not only going to be a great event, but the host has discriminating taste. Considered the premier invitation and stationery calligrapher among New York’s social register, Maisner has also designed for Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Steven Spielberg, Ralph Lauren, designer Zac Posen, Annette and Matt Lauer and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Maisner is not your typical calligrapher. His style is very striking — he can take one simple letter from the alphabet and turn it into a masterpiece. Like Picasso or Salvador Dali—you know his work when you see it. Describing his self-defined creative lettering, Maisner says, “I’ve always wanted to push boundries." He’s been pushing them since 1977.
As a child, Maisner dabbled in drawing, painting and even music. He became interested in the art of lettering while in high school. His father, recognizing his talent, made him practice his craft everyday. Clearly, his obsession with calligraphy started early.
After graduating from The Cooper Union—a prestigious art school in New York, Maisner’s highly developed technical skill caught the attention of a few major advertising agencies. Companies began hiring Maisner to create logos, ad campaigns and even record album covers. His career took off.
Now, the biggest part of Maisner’s business is social stationery. He designs extravagant wedding and party invitations, personal stationery and calling cards.
Maisner says there’s a misconception that his clientele is “upper crust.” In fact, he says, his most devoted customers simply have a love of calligraphy and “posses a sophisticated and artistic sensibility.” He admits his audience is not a big one, simply one that truly appreciates his work. Judging from his burgeoning business and extensive press coverage, the understated Mr. Maisner is more major than he might vocally admit.
Recently, Bernard Maisner launched a retail line, bringing his beautiful work to a very large world of design aficionados and society matrons alike. Maisner’s line can be found at Bergdorf-Goodman, Gump’s and www.BernardMaisner.com.