“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”- Oscar Wilde

3 days & 30 events…To give a sense of the incredibly content packed schedule at LCDQ’s LEGENDS event, I thought it would be fun to take you through one of the 16 hour days to see just how much creative energy you can absorb at this spectacular event. The logistics behind this event are mind boggling…not only do the organizers recruit and manage multiple speakers at various venues throughout the week, but they also throw amazing parties, each with their own distinct atmosphere.  Designers are by nature a very tough crowd to impress and the LCDQ hosts never disappoint.

The La Cinega Design Quarter was founded in 2007 to promote the burgeoning antiques and design neighborhood on one of LA’s oldest thouroughfares. Since the 1950s, it has been the design destination for legends such as Billy Haines, Elsie de Wolfe, Tony Duquette, and Frances Elkins. These creative spirits seem to permeate the atmosphere…especially during LEGENDS.

Scott Meachum Wood, Me, Denise McGaha, Tami Ramsay, Will Taylor, Jennifer Mehditash

Our first official day began at the beautiful Renaissance Tile showroom for the Blogger Breakfast sponsored by Luxe Magazine. Knowing most of the crowd had very late nights, I was pleasantly surprised to see everyone bright eyed early in the morning to greet us.

With fellow ambassadors Jennifer Boles & Paloma Contreras

The first keynote speech was sponsored by Veranda at the Jonas Showroom. Entitled “Page Turners,” editor-in-chief Clinton Smith led a panel with designers turned authors and the highs of lows of publishing. Discussing the creative and business sides of publishing their monographs, they elaborated on how they translated their individual points of view onto the printed page.

Clinton Smith, Markham Roberts, Winddor Smith, Brian McCarthy

Next keynote, “Not Your Mother’s Traditional sponsored by Traditional Home at George Smith. Senior Design and Lifestyle Editor Jenny Bradley discussed the new meaning of “traditional” with entertaining panelists Elizabeth Dinkel, Madeline Stewart and Thomas Callaway.

The Elle Decor Power Lunch at the stunning Compas Showroom is always one of the most elegant events.  The courtyard setting beautifully adorned with abundant flowers is breathtaking every year.

Robert Rufino, Michael Boodroo and Guest

Catherine Connelly, Celerie Kemble, Roxanne Hanna, Joe Lucas and Rebecca Dane

The Egg and Dart Showroom hosted “Branding Beyond the Candle” with interior and product designer Christopher Kennedy, photographer turned fashion designer Jonathan Skow (aka Mr. Turk) and moderated by the delightful Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly. They shared their secrets of building a brand that appeals to a broad audience while staying true to their creative visions.

Matching ensembles with Mr. Turk

Complete with live mermen, the Tufenkian windows were some of the most visited during LCDQ. They hosted “Makers as Muse” moderated by Pamela Jaccarino, Editor in Chief of Luxe Magazine. She lead a conversation with Molly Luetkemeyer, Joe Lucas and Betsy Burnham on the artisans and craftsmen that serve and inspire them and what fuels them to keep their designs fresh and forward thinking.

The final keynote of the day  “The Art of Upcycling” was held at the gorgeous Woven Accents showroom. Led by Domaine’s creative director Mat Sanders, actress and Honest Company founder Jessica Alba, Ginna Christensen of Woven Accents, Chairish.com’s Anna Brockaway discussed innovations in green living and the perks of up-cycling in interior design today.

Next up the parties! House Beautiful and the Stark family hosted a cocktail party welcoming Sophie Donelson, the new Editor in Chief in the stunning stark showroom. The gorgeous rugs provided a beautiful backdrop for another insanely attractive crowd!

Lovely Sophie Donelson taking center stage

Sophie Donelson with Nate Berkus

With Tony Buccola, Holly Phillips and Shaun Smith

The Sherle Wagner showroom hosted the Tributes party complete with live jazz, crafted cocktails and hilarious scenarios for photo ops with their products.

Victoira Larson, Amy Meier, Tami Ramsay and Patrick Dragonette

Danielle Rollins and Bill Ingram

Kerry Joyce, Michael Boodroo and Chuck Comeau hosted the official LEGENDS After Party at the exquisite Therian showroom.  Knowing that the crowd had experienced and overload of visual stimulation during the day, they made sure to come up with some imaginative and exciting entertainment to capture everyone’s attention.

Fire eating performers…

Dueling musicians perched above the crowd….

And the grand finale…Cirque du Soleil inspired performance artists to cap off an epic day.

And was just the first day!  Be sure to check back to read about the final day of LCDQ which was equally as inspiring and entertaining.  For more of my design musings, be sure to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.  Thanks for reading and please come back again!

Photography by JL Photography unless otherwise noted.