On display at the launch party are a few of the most elaborate (but silent) designs, framed on the wall as works of art, including the "hands" bikini.

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His office is framed from floor to ceiling in glass, with modern art on nearly every wall.

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Throughout the house, Ms. Emerson brought in brightly colored, interesting rugs, chandeliers and furniture, like a bookshelf with different colored framed boxes and a granny chair upholstered in fabric painted in a pop art style.

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In 1947 the Lefevre Gallery in London hung a framed series of these scarves on its walls, and their success as works of art as well as instantly recognisable fashion accessories was assured.

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