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.
As an interior designer, I am often asked to create serene havens for my clients where they can relax and leave their daily stress behind. They request casual yet luxurious spaces that reflect their personalities where they can enjoy their family and friends. I was delighted to be sponsored for High Point Market this spring by Lexington Home Brands and see the debut of the Oyster Bay Collection that perfectly embodies this lifestyle.
“Given the immense pace of life for today’s professionals, it’s hardly a surprise that comfort and relaxation are at the top of the list when shopping for home furnishings. At the same time, these consumers want to showcase their success and personal style, while creating a fashionable space that serves as an invitation for entertaining. In designing Oyster Bay, we drew inspiration from the Hamptons, which embodies sophisticated living at its best, while retaining a casual vibe and comfortable relaxed demeanor.”- Phil Haney, President and CEO of Lexington Home Brands.
Two of my favorite pieces are shown above. The curvilinear lines of the Hempstead Mirror are accentuated with a small nailhead detail. The stencilled pattern on the Brookhaven Hall Chest makes it an ideal focal point for any space.
Lighter wood tones, natural textures, and a palette of ivory, taupe and grey are used throughout the collection to evoke a laid back sophisticated vibe. This “luxe transitional” style blends classic elements such as button tufting and turned legs with more contemporary features like burnished stainless steel tops and geometric metal bases. The Seaford Chair pictured above is an example of mixing a contemporary water hyacinth frame and a classicwing chair silhouette. The Deerwood Side Table adds an industrial feel to give the collection a bit of edge.
The new textiles include geometrics, stripes, menswear-inspired fabrics, and luxurious textures such as rich oyster grey leather. The fabrics along with the various furniture styles are equally at home at the shore or in the city. The geometric shapes of the Saddlebrook Cocktail and End Table provide a pleasing juxtaposition to the more traditional diamond-tufted Greenport Sofa.
Custom hardware in antique pewter pairs beautifully with the lightly distressed wood base and stainless steel top of the Hidden Lake Bistro Table. Merrick Swivel Stools combine rush seats with metal and wood. The versatility of the collection merges the best elements of luxe traditional and casual transitional.
Lexington Home Brands is a global leader in the design, sourcing, manufacturing and lifestyle marketing of upscale home furnishings. The Company’s award-winning product line of wood, upholstery and outdoor living designs encompass the industry’s most diverse range of styling, featuring recognized consumer brands like Lexington®, Tommy Bahama Home®, Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living® and Sligh®.
With a history dating back to 1903, the company’s expansive product line includes wood and upholstered furniture across a wide range of styles. Residential products are distributed in the U.S. and internationally through a network of independent furniture retailers, interior designers and design firms, trade showrooms and select Internet retailers. The Company also produces home furnishings for contract, hospitality and commercial use. Headquartered in High Point, NC, the company has showrooms in High Point, New York, Denver, and Las Vegas. The Company is privately held by Sun Capital Partners, based in Boca Raton, FL.
During High Point Market, a shuttle runs frequently from the Lexington Reception Studio in downtown High Point at the corner of Commerce and Wrenn, directly across from the IHFC.
To learn more about the new introductions, be sure to follow Lexington’s Inspired Design Blog and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Houzz.
To see what captures my eye at High Point market, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter….Thanks for reading and please visit again!