DDB Spring Market Buzz: Andrew Martin Kick-Off Party (cont.)

Martin Waller, Managing Director of Andrew Martin got the DDB Spring Market started on the right foot, discussing how the showroom translates crafts and cultural traditions found on Martin's world travels into stylish and contemporary creations.

Marketing Associate Millie Massa and Design Professional Jason Lowe chatted with us after the speech and gave us their thoughts on Martin's wild takes.

"Martin Waller is the explorer, the world traveler, the treasure hunter and the designer," said Millie. "He is very Indiana Jones, except the dig is for a fabulous couch instead of the fountain of youth!"

"If you ever have the opportunity to see Martin Waller speak about his extensive world travels, do not miss it," Jason said. "He has been to every faraway place that any of us have ever wanted to visit, and his stories give you direct insight into the aesthetic direction he has taken his company."

Following Martin's speech, the music was turned up and guests relaxed amongst the Andrew Martin collections with a clearer vision of the stories behind them. Martin didn't finish his speech, however, without ensuring us, "exotic lands aren't the only places to shop and find product, but they do define our Company and the source of our inspiration."

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Andrew Martin Kick-Off Party

The Andrew Martin showroom got the DDB Spring Market off to a running start with high style and a presentation as fabulous and fearless as any Andrew Martin product, given by none other than Managing Director Martin Waller. Discussing how he translates crafts and cultural traditions found on his world travels into stylish and contemporary creations, we couldn't help but be completely captivated and increasingly excited for Spring Market.

"When I was a little boy, I got sick while I was away at boarding school," Martin explained. "My mother sent me a Reader's Digest about travel, and it was filled with faraway places, exotic creatures, beautiful people and magnificent fabrics and furniture! Ever since, I've wanted to claim that world and way of living for myself. I wanted to share it with everyone."

Martin told his audience some of his most vibrant and humorous tales of travel, teasing the crowd with his English humor and charm from one story to the next.

"When I was on the Niger River in Africa, I fell in love with a dark-haired beauty, but she clearly belonged to another man. I knew she was interested in me because she let me stroke her hair and whisper in her ear. I'm not proud to say that when we reached shore, some money was exchanged—about $35—and she was mine. The only problem that every befell her and I after that moment were the immediate questions following the transaction of whether I would sacrifice her, for she was a goat."

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo later today for more on the Andrew Martin kick-off party for the DDB Spring Market.

Event Spotlight: BritWeek at Pacific Design Center

In the wake of the Royal wedding, what better way to celebrate British design than at the PDC's BritWeek! The day-long series of events celebrates the rich connections between Britain and Southern California.

Lee Jofa (Suite B639) from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. hosts afternoon tea, a presentation by top British designers, and a showcase of UK-inspired products.

Martin Waller, President of Andrew Martin International, will moderate a keynote panel with British tastemakers in the worlds of design, art, fashion and entertainment who will discuss the cross pollinations of cultures. Event takes place from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Blue Conference Center.

Immediately following the panel discussion, don't miss the Rock n' Roll reception in the Andrew Martin Showroom (Suite B292) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The party starts with bon vivant Brit wit Anthony Haden-Guest telling tales and sharing inspirations from his new book of cartoons and dark light verse, In The Mean Time: The Other Ends of the World. Afterward, old school British invasion rock n' roll meets the latest designs from London for an internationally famous Andrew Martin party, sponsored by LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine and Grey Goose.

For more information on BritWeek, visit http://www.pacificdesigncenter.com/#/programs-events/.

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Receives the 2010 International Interior Designer of the Year Award

A star-filled night at Pacific Design Center as Martyn Lawrence-Bullard was presented with the 2010 International Interior Designer of the Year Award on October 18, 2010.

Kelly Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne helped Martin Waller present the award during a ceremony that included performances by pop diva Taylor Dayne. Ellen Pompeo, Downtown Julie Brown, Cheryl Tiegs, Niecy Nash, Shannon Dougherty, Lisa VanderPump, Camille Grammer, Lance Bass, Michelle Hicks, Ioan Gruffudd, Kathyrn Ireland, Vidal Sassoon all toasted Martyn. The celebration included a reveal of the new Andrew Martin showroom in the Green Building of PDC.

Since 1996, Andrew Martin has sponsored the International Interior Designer of the Year Award. Winners have included Kelly Hoppen, Jamie Drake, Axel Vervoordt and Thomas Pheasant. The award is known as the Oscars of Interior Design.
(above, L-R: Martin Waller, Kelly Osbourne, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Sharon Osbourne) Photo: Evans Vestal Ward/Pacific Design Center