3-way textile love at Donghia

We're falling in love with beautiful collections from LULU DK, Armani/Casa and Sacho, new to the Donghia Showroom at the PDC, and you can too. This Thursday the showroom will open its doors for a preview, reception and an opportunity to meet Lulu herself.

We asked Marketing Director Lindsey Morris what her faves were right now in the showroom.

She said she can't get enough of Finland in red by Armani/Casa, a mesmerizing plaid, Donghia’s Wild Night, a perfect combination of plaid and sparkle, and Grizzly, a faux fur by Sacho.

“The collections are reflective of the individual brand heritage allowing us at Donghia to showcase not only the best product but also how they seamlessly work together in a lifestyle setting,” said Lindsey.

Here's a taste of each collection:

LULU DK’s Eden Collection is steeped in the intricacies of nature and the beautiful nuances of what it has to offer. The line features twelve designs: six hand-drawn prints, three woven outdoors, and three solid linens.



Ocean by LULU DK



Faver by Armani/Casa

The theme of Armani/Casa’s collection by Rubelli is an imaginary voyage between east and west, from the occidental approach, to the features of the oriental culture. The inspiration to this collection arises from the influences that the east has given to the west for decades.



Fredonia by Armani/Casa



Leo by Sacho

Sacho’s collection Urban Safari is natural and artful as well. The collection features a sophisticated selection of imitation furs, velvets and other intricate weaves inspired by the uniqueness of nature including stunning imitations of fox, leopard, lynx, Persian lamb and ostrich, with warm and sensual textures and materials.



Grizzly by Sacho

Want to see more? Fall in Love with Textiles will take place at the PDC's Donghia showroom, Suite G196, on Thursday, October 4 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information on the Donghia Showroom and the collections, visit the website. If you're not in LA, stop by the DDB Suite 700 and DCH Suite 1000.

Designers chat about creativity and personality in the 21st century

Creative thoughts flourished at the Soho House last week as The Round Table Creative Media Group (Round Table CMG), in partnership with the DDB, presented Design in the 21st Century: A Creative Minds Salon, panel discussion.

The discussion featured industry leaders Alexis Bittar, Jewelry Designer for the likes of Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama, Winka Dubbeldam, Principal of Archi -Tectonics and Interior Designer Thom Filicia.

The panelists tackled questions including, what is design? How is the past important to the present? And how is the design world ever changing?

Here are some highlights from the talk:

According to Thom, design to him is very much about personal expression.

“I see design as a vehicle for us to really express ourselves,” he said. “For me that’s what design is today — bringing really great ideas and inspiring people at every level.”


Moderator and panelists

Winka described design as an extremely elaborate and personal process and she follows her own unique path when designing as an architect.

“I hate style, can’t stand style,” she said. “Just the idea that you have to be put in a box really irritates me.”

With regard to design in the 21st Century, the panelists agreed that it’s not really about the present and the future, but about the past.

“I’m really inspired by the past,” said Alexis. “You must tap into the past to make something modern.”

Although the world of design is ever changing in many aspects, according to Thom it’s mostly about re-inventing the old.

“I do think that there are fresh new interpretations of design but I don’t really see that there are too many brand new ideas,” he said.

The Creative Minds Salon series, put on by Round Table CMG, are meant to cultivate discussion about the latest industry trends, technology and creative ideas.

For more information on the Round Table CMG and the Creative Minds Salon series, visit their website.

Join Lori Weitzner Thursday at the PDC

If you're lucky enough to know designer Lori Weitzner, you know that she's deeply passionate about her work. So it's fitting that she will be hosting a CEU-accredited presentation on "The Preservation of Passion" on Thursday at the PDC.

Weitzner will talk about her constant quest for new sources of inspiration and the process through which she finds inspiration and carries it through her design process into her finished products.

Her creativity references both the color palette of a single artifact as well as periods of time. Expect her to share tools that can help frustrated or new designers to find success.

“People often think that design is an indulgence – a luxury that is not a necessity.  On the contrary, design, when done holistically, is essential to the growth of our human spirit.”

Thursday, September 20 at Noon in the Blue Conference Room. Light refreshments to follow at Donghia (Suite G196). RSVP to marketing@WeitznerLimited.com

Join the DDB and friends at SoHo House

Purchase your ticket now to spend the evening of Tuesday, September 25 at the SoHo House with the DDB. "Design in the 21st Century" will be a contemporary take on a salon, only more fun! The creative minds salon will feature panelists Thom Filicia, interior designer; Winka Dubbeldam, Principal of Archi-Tectonics; Cliff Kuang, Editor-in-Chief of Co. Design; and Alexis Bittar of the eponymous jewelry line.

The evening kicks off at 7pm with the discussion to start at 8pm. The evening should wrap up by 10pm. Tickets are $65, but you, as friends of the DDB can get yours for $55 by entering code DDB when you purchase them here.

Don't miss out on this special evening, with a great crowd, fascinating panel and terrific location.

Design Loves Art: Sept 19 at the PDC

One highlight to summer drawing to a close: the revving up of the fall events calendar! We can't wait till Wednesday, September 19 at the PDC when Design Loves Art will kick off with opening receptions from 5-9pm for 15 galleries. The second floor of the building will feature works from celebrated graphic designer Paula Scher whose "Global Climate" acrylic silkscreen is pictured above. Scher, whose show runs through November 10, will host a talk on September 20 at 2pm. Serving as the artist's LA debut, an installation by Will Ryman will fill the Blue Lobby, remaining up through February 1, 2013. Here's his 2012 "Signature", digitally photographed at the Paul Kasmin Gallery in NYC, by Mark Markin:


We'll also be toasting the arrival of Wharton + Espinosa (formerly Annie Wharton Los Angeles), Hudson | Linc and LA Print Space to the PDC. They'll join these favorites on the second floor:

Industry Gallery, Isabel O'Neil, Art-Merge, and See Line Gallery.

Larry Laslo at the DDB, July 17

Larry Laslo, decorator extraordinaire and internationally acclaimed artist, will share his latest project: the Artisan Collection for Robert Allen.


Join us Tuesday, July 17 at 11:30am at Robert Allen at the DDB, Suite 301. Laslo will share his design process and the inspiration behind the collection. He's a masterful storyteller so don't miss this!
RSVP to nyevents@robertallendesign.com.

DCOTA's International Design series starts July 12

Starting July 12 and running through August 9, the DCOTA will present a series devoted to "Clever Fixes with Designer Influences" as parts of its International Design celebration. The weekly events, on July 12, 19, 26, August 2 and 9, will share insight from talented designers and industry leaders on subjects ranging from color to custom furnishings. Here's a glimpse of what's in store in the series. Check back soon and we'll give the scoop on the subsequent programs. Here's a peek at what's in store for the first on July 12, devoted to COLOR!

Kicking off at 11am: Two exceptional individuals, David Bromstad from HGTV’s Design Star, and Maria Raco from New Wall, are by no means strangers to using pops of color in their work. The Miami Herald’s managing editor of Indulge Magazine, Betty Cortina Weiss, will delve into the world of these two unique characters as both David and Maria divulge where, what and who gives them their creative inspirations.


Keynote lunch reception at Donghia, Suite C-250. Then join Joy Eber and the staff at Inside Out with delicious desserts provided by Thierry’s, Suite B-216.

1– 3pm, Decorative Crafts, Suite B-218 • Creating Abundance with Feng Shui 1CEU Complimentary Credit
Join guest speaker Michelle Luongo, a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and founder of Balanced Living, Inc., as she walks us through an environment with Feng Shui eyes. Discover how Feng Shui can compliment your designs by bringing awareness to shapes, colors, fabrics and decorative objects. Michelle will focus on the Feng Shui approach to influence designs that reflect a luxurious lifestyle, attract abundance and invite prosperous opportunities. Reception to follow at Decorative Crafts Showroom, Suite B-218.

4– 6pm, Designer’s Plumbing Studio, Suite C-270
A NEW BEGINNING ON HOW WE HAVE MASTERED 25 YEARS OF "It's not just a bathroom, It's a lifestyle"
After 25 years at DCOTA we keep getting bigger and better and want to showcase our new and improved
showroom with more options, more technology, and more of everything that makes your bathroom unique.
Join us for a cocktail reception sponsored by LUXE Magazine.

Anya Larkin discusses her wallpapers, inspiration

During DDB's Spring Market last week, Stark hosted a presentation by Anya Larkin, who spoke about the inspiration of her wallcoverings and the creative process. Larkin worked in film and fashion, including a decade with Mary McFadden. "I really loved being a part of the making process," she says. "While working with Mary I developed a line of textiles, when a client asked me to do wall coverings. I searched the DDB and I didn't find anything that I would want in my own home. It all felt too commercial. So I went to the art stores, and I played around with rice paper and different textures, and then I learned how to back it." Her line of wallcoverings, all handmade by her team of artisans, is represented at Stark. Here's a recap of what she shared with the audience of bloggers and designers.

"I always go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for design inspiration. Just to be in the temple of art and to feel the great artists and be inspired. I look at ceramic glazes, Japanese armor. Not to copy but to plant the seed of inspiration. My prints are all classically derived. A fleur de lis has been drawn thousands of times, so why do I need to try to reinvent it? I'll change the color, scale, but always start from a classical point. A non-print starts with an inspiration from a glaze, for its colors or textures. I contemporize something that was centuries old and I try to make it refreshed. I never learned how to make a repeat in art school, so I hand draw it all, which might be crazy, but it makes for patterns that reveal subtle differences.


This design [pictured below] was inspired by an origami box we did for a client gift, which when I disassembled it, was so beautiful.




We have a factory in Long Island City, we just moved from 28th Street. Quality and craftsmanship are critical to me: I hire textile people, who are used to doing the same thing over and over again. Artists want to do everything different each time. Everyone with me has assisted for at least a year before doing any sort of production. We examine everything personally before it goes out. I don't want my name attached to anything that isn't done right.



On Color: In the 70s and 80s I was with Mary McFadden when she was doing brights. I had to work to refine my palette, but at first I couldn't seen the subtleties. I looked at white for a while. I'm interested in colors that flip between two colors--greens-blues-greys. I use full spectrum colors (yellow, red, green) to make my beiges. Once we spent two weeks making a beige. I don't like clear bright colors. We have big windows with north light. Sometimes in the winter we go out onto the street to look at colors. Size and scale is incredibly important. The negative space is as important as the positive space. Many different techniques are involved, many with multiple techniques per final product."

Nancy Berry exhibit this weekend at the PDC

Nancy Berry came to photography just about five years ago, after retiring as Vice Chairman of Virgin Music Group Worldwide. She is entirely self-taught, and works in a variety of formats, including digital, film, polaroid and digital infrared. She does no computer manipulation, instead applying effects when shooting. All of her pictures are self-portraits in some way--she never works with a model. This weekend she will have an exhibition, entitled "For the dance of the light" at the PDC, open today till 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 10-5, in suite B315. Stop by and see the work of this talented "new" artist.

Lecture tomorrow at the PDC

Tomorrow at 11am, join James Caughman at the PDC for a presentation on The Modern Woman: Style & Taste in Early 20th Century France. The former executive director of the Washington Design Center who is now the Senior Marketing Executive for the Kohler Interiors Group, Caughman will discuss such influential figures as Coco Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli, Charlotte Perriand and Eileen Gray and the changing role of women in art and society during this transformative period. Blue Conference Center, Suite B259. As always, the PDC Design Lecture Series are free, but please RSVP to marketing@pacificdesigncenter.com.

April Events at the DDB

Tuesday, April 17, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM in Astra Cafe, Floor 14. Cost: $50.
CEU329  Design Fairs 101:  How to Tackle and Shop the Fairs like a Pro.
Instructor: Brook S. Mason, US Correspondent, The Art Newspaper.
Design Miami, Design Basel and the key fairs at the Park Avenue Armory can be glamorous, but intimidating for the novice and experience designer alike.  Students will learn how to tackle and shop the art, antiques and design fairs like a pro.  With art fairs now emblematic of millennium culture and literally popping up in profusion internationally, find out which fairs are mandatory for the design trade. Discover what not to miss, who the key dealers are, and which areas of art, antiques and design are a great buy now. Reception to follow.
To register, call 212.472.1500 ext 209 or visit www.nysid.edu
Tuesday, April 24 at 11:00 AM, at Creation Baumann, Suite 1522.

DDB Design File |  Sustainably Chic : Rethinking Green Design
Instructor: Arlene Angard, Sustainable Expert and Interior Designer

Join Sustainable Expert and Interior Designer Arlene Angard, pictured above, at Creation Baumann for an engaging discussion that navigates the way through sustainable design. Disregard the misconception that green is grunge and granola, but sophisticated, bold, and beautiful.  Learn of the variety of resources, the certifications from factory and production practices to final product, and how to filter through the green noise that exists in the marketplace today.

Arlene will highlight some of her favorite eco-chic projects, products, and resources, as well as share important knowledge to keep in mind when sourcing and designing for sustainable spaces. Arlene will also present the holistically sustainable philosophy and progressive approach of Creation Baumann, a leader in the world of socially and ecologically aware luxury design.

Lunch Reception to Immediately Follow. Sponsored by New York Spaces. RSVP@ddbuilding.com or 212.759.2969.
About Arlene Angard
Arlene Angard, a native of Venezuela, is one New York’s top Interior Designers. Her Latin roots influence her design concepts, and her vibrant personality and take-charge attitude are inspiring. She is motivated by travel and encouraged by beauty in design. She shows her creative thought process and sensibility to Mother Earth by the widest possible use of sustainable products in her design.

Arlene is a modernist at heart. She is stylish and elegant as are her interiors.“My transitional spaces include plenty of classic silhouettes. They are a great way to bring comfort and provide instant upgrades to any room. Complemented by carefully selected textures and patterns, I like to mix something old with something new. Never be afraid to add some flair with colors, details and accessories. I bring my Venezuelan roots to my Interiors, which is where I believe my magical love for colors comes from. I love to make bold statements even in small areas. Many clients and friends can initially be reluctant to such bold statements, but eventually, they simply fall in love with the idea and the spaces I design for them.”

Sign up for interior design camp

Calling aspiring interior designers of all ages! Sign up now for Interior Design Camp, one for teenagers (up to age 19) and one for adults (age 20 and up).


Thanks to HauteLiving for the write up!


Participants will have exclusive opportunities to go behind the scenes to the two main trade buildings, including the DDB. The program will include face-time with interior designers, showroom personnel, magazine editors and members of the industry.

INTERIOR DESIGN CAMP is the brainchild of two New York-based interior designers, Evelyn Benatar and Susan Morrow. Benatar trained at The New York School of Interior Design and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Susan Morrow holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Syracuse University, an M.A. in Education from New York University, and a New York City teaching license in High School Art.

The Teen Program is formatted as an open classroom with one-on-one instruction to encourage individual development of style and overall understanding of the basic elements that makes a room “work.”  Two 5-day camp sessions; Session 1, August 13 – August 17, 2012 and Session 2, August 20 – August 24, 2012.

The Adult Program offers a similar experience to the Teen Program, but will culminate with a “Design Run.” Participants in the adult program will walk through the trade buildings and be able to purchase items in the showrooms at net wholesale prices.

Photo: Courtesy of Interior Design Camp.

WESTWEEK Recap - Stars of Design Awards

A perennial highlight of the Pacific Design Center's WESTWEEK is Stars of Design, which this year included the addition of Stars on the Rise. Established over a decade ago at the PDC, the Stars of Design Awards recognize the contributions and achievements of professionals in various fields of design. Stars on the Rise calls attention to new talent and identifies them as ones to watch in the future. The evening was hosted by Charles Cohen, who presented the awards on behalf of the PDC and himself.





This year's honorees were:

Stars of Design:


Luc Leestemaker ART


Regina Rubino GRAPHIC DESIGN


Roger Davies PHOTOGRAPHY


Molly Wood URBAN DESIGN


Donna Livingston INTERIOR DESIGN


Neil M. Denari ARCHITECTURE


Waldo Fernandez LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Stars on the Rise:


Natasha Baradaran


Tracie Butler


Alexandra von Furstenberg

Wolfgang Puck's Red 7 was the venue for the by-invitation-only dinner for seventy attendees, who enjoyed a three-course dinner of salad, chicken and mushroom risotto and a Meyer lemon tart. A private viewing of "The Total Look: The Creative Collaboration Between Rudi Gernreich, Peggy Moffitt and William Claxton" at the MOCA Pacific Design Center served as the icing on the cake.


von Furstenberg and Fernandez



Livingston and Marc Appleton



John van Hamersveld, Alida Post and Fernandez



Butler and Jason Hoehn



Dinner at Red 7


To see more images from the night, check out the PDC on Facebook.

Save the Date: World Colors—Inspiration & Description at DCH

Sherwin-Williams and Robert Allen | Beacon Hill host “World Colors—Inspiration & Description,” presented by Mark Woodman, of Color Marketing Group.
Just where do colors come from and how are they changing? From ancient to modern times, color has come from many—sometimes surprising—sources, and they refine their meanings as well as their applications. Woodman takes designers on a journey of hues through historical and contemporary reference to experience the key directions colors are taking!
The event takes place Wednesday, April 4. Breakfast and registration open at 9 a.m. at the Robert Allen | Beacon Hill showroom in Suite 141 at DCH. The lecture begins at 10 a.m. RSVP by April 1 to Nubia Heinz at nubia.heinz@sherwin.com or 713-629-1616.

Design Files: Outdoor Design with New York Spaces

The DDB Design Files Series features insightful and entertaining lectures, presented by experts in the world of design, art, and culture. Each segment explores creative movements and trends within the context of high design and luxury living.

Sponsored by New York Spaces, this Design Files lecture is bringing the indoors out. Design experts John Danzer, the “exterior designer” and founder of Munder-Skiles; Philipe Roche, principal of Plant Specialists; Scot Bodenner, designer of Chella; Kevin Woodard of B&B Italia Outdoor; and Nicholas Condos, director of Harbour Outdoor, combine their distinct backgrounds and expertise for a dynamic discussion on luxury outdoor living.

From urban terraces and rooftop gardens to country estates and beach homes, learn about inspiration and the design process, overcoming environmental challenges, new trends and technologies in product development, and how to transition a space from the indoors out.

The event takes place Tuesday, March 27, at 11 a.m. at the DDB's Walters Wicker showroom in Suite 538. A luncheon will immediately follow. For speaker information and reservations, visit the D&D Building online or call 212-759-2969.

Event Spotlight: Donghia Shares Spring 2012 Textile Collections at WESTWEEK

If the Pacific Design Center's WESTWEEK Market isn't already enough to get you excited, Donghia is adding to the excitement. Andrea Rubelli, Donghia/Rubelli CEO and Carolyn Reed, Donghia Vice President of residential sales invite you to an exclusive preview of the Spring 2012 Collections from Donghia, Rubelli and Sahco.

The event takes place today, from 1-2 p.m. at the PDC's Donghia showroom in Suite G196. A reception in the showroom will follow. For more information and reservations, email Lwinterstein@Donghia.com.

Save the Date: de Le Cuona Shares 2012 Accessories Collection

de Le Cuona's DDB showroom is hosting an all-day open house this week to show off its newly unveiled 2012 Accessories collection. You won't want to miss this day of shop talk if you're in New York City!

Join CEO and founder of de Le Cuona, Bernie de Le Cuona, throughout the day. Bernie will walk people through her inspirations behind the designs and show how the new Accessories collection can be used with the existing fabric collections in the showroom.

de Le Cuona's open house takes place tomorrow, Wednesday March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Suite 914 at the DDB. For more information, call 212-702-0800.

Event Spotlight: Innovations Showroom Celebrates Grand Opening

The Innovations showroom is celebrating the grand opening of its new showroom at the D&D Building in Suite 1717. Innovations will preview its 2012 collections upon appointment. Refreshments will be served.

The open house is taking place today and tomorrow, March 15-16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the DDB in Suite 1717. For an appointment, contact showroom manager Rachel Smislogg by emailing rsmisloff@innovationsusa.com.

In the News: Holland & Sherry Hosts Clothing Trunk Sale

If you love Holland & Sherry as much as we do, it's possible that you've wondered if you could not only dress your home in their product, but yourself as well. Fortunately, we are all in luck because the interiors and apparel showroom is hosting a trunk show this week.

Barware, scarves, ties and belts are included in the trunk show, and for your personally styled Holland & Sherry custom clothing, schedule an appointment for a fitting.

The trunk show will be held this Thursday and Friday, March 8-9, during the DDB's building hours in the Holland & Sherry showroom. Contact Will Sofrin for more information and to make your appointment.

DCOTA Fall Market 2011 Shares Highlights

Check out DCOTA's fantastic Fall 2011 Market to see how this design center shows off its fabulous showrooms, designers and product.