Archive for September, 2010

Fall Market 2010 at the Pacific Design Center

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

The day started at Baker with jazz and mimosas ,( BTW Audrey Hieb a big thank you for sending the Dwell feature on me.) followed by a kick-off,  keynote address discussing the New Face of Affluence. Something I’ve never seen before is Charles Cohen, owner of the PDC, welcoming everyone and introducing the day’s events.  I felt honored, but had to wonder if business is suffering somewhat for him to make an appearance to a less than standing room only crowd.

 Michela O’Conner, Dwell Media President;Frances Anderton, wunderkind reporter KCRW- – P.S. Frances I will not stop bugging you until you interview me on your show;  Jennifer Siegal, Office Of Mobile Design and Funky Williard Ford, Ford and Ching told us all about their experiences with the new affluent.  Basically they love Apple, the environment and will place  Ikea directly next to a rare antique.  MY PEOPLE!  I also got confirmation that my efforts on Facebook were worth the while, as 87% of “them” are using it.  Now, I liken the FB experience to having a phone number.  You’re simply out of touch without one.  Perhaps the most provoking part of the presentation was the comment from a woman in the audience who reminded us not to forget the design loving,  Chinese consumer, attending the EXPO in Shanghai to the tune of 46 million visitors.  Michela O’ Conner wholeheartedly agreed.  I owe a lot to that lady in the audience- my big public relations meeting the following day took on a whole new direction focusing also on China- NI HAO!

When the keynote ended, I was minding my own business when I walked down the hall by the new ASID office.  There sat the  past president, president and president elect who summonsed me in and told me I had been appointed Editor in Chief of LA Design Magazine, the chapters’ Quarterly. WTF?  So, now I’m an editor of a design magazine -pretty cool.  First order of business: CALLING ALL WRITERS: anyone who thinks they have something to contribute- – Hollah Back at me!

Other things at market that inspired me were the exhibit at Mya Stark’s pop up gallery featuring a massive collection of other people’s old photos.  I seriously wish I had a few hours to really look at all of them (there had to be thousands) because they really told a story of American history without saying a word- although some had some did have informative comments written on the back ranging from racy to ridiculous.  Greg Gorman’s A Distinct Vision was also among my favorites with striking, larger than life (literally) photography displayed along glass walls.   Get over there and take a look before they’re gone.

After a day full of informative programs Janus Et Cie threw… yet another fab party with killer appies, a stocked bar and hip deejay.  Unfortunately for them 3/4 of the regular crowd was gone.  Margaret Russell was up on the third floor throwin’ down one hell of a shin dig for Thomas Lavin’s  10th Anniversary. The SoCal Contractorwas VERY impressed with the Scotch selection, not an easy fete for a man who bar-tended in Scotland. I saw people I haven’t seen in ages including Keith Granet and Lloyd Princeton. I’ve known and loved Thomas from way back and was delighted to see all stars aligning for this wonderful man. Congrats TL, you really deserve it.

Thomas and Lori: Back in the Days Before I Needed Botox!

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This Is Why I Live In Southern California

Monday, September 20th, 2010

After coughing in bed for days,  I decided to finally get some fresh air.  All summer long the  beaches have been jam packed, no waves and it’s been a bit chilly- I found other things to do.  Late Sunday afternoon was warm, sunny, the crowds gone, a perfect time to hit Malibu.  I downed the Formula 44 and hoped for the best.

The SoCal Contractor caught some waves, Elle Bell had a sandy chat with the ducks and the salty, ocean air soothed my entire sore body.  September 19th and it feels like July at the beach.  Don’t tell anyone; I’m sneeking out early and going back today.

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Green Surprises in Santa Monica

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Earlier this week I went to an event at Epoxy Green featuring  the latest in  fully electric cars and product displays of materials that rival anything available at Ann Sacks.  Sasha, the owner, has really nailed ”glamorous green”.  My favorite was the collection of pearly laminates that are applied as tile.  It reminded me of the sublime Maya Romanoff wallcover introduced at Donghia a few years back- only it’s eco friendly, made of recycled content.

I also liked the bamboo wall tile, applied horizontally with a chocolately grout,  featuring the material in an entirely new light- mod and sultry. I’ve been weary about using bamboo because it’s become  known as ”a cheap flooring solution” .  Haven’t seen a  comeback this noteworthy since  John Travolta in Pulp Fiction. 

In the “I’m not sure if I like it, but it sure is interesting category” was Richlite’s recycled paper counter tops. 

In a word -unbelievable.  How can paper be durable enough for a counter top.  They claim it can.  Has anyone used it?  I’d love to know.

Also impressive were two of the fully electric cars on the front patio.  Although pretty to see, Tesla models run at about $150,000… not really a solution for most of us.  But there was a BMWish looking model with a $30,000 price tag (after the gov rebate of $10Gs) , evidence that we are getting closer to ending dependence on fossil fuels for transportation.   

Later I headed over to Santa Monica Place to see what ripping off the roof would do to the shopping center.  My first  high school job was in this mall (at the GAP) and it was always dark, dreary and cramped.  Post remodel and sans roof:  I witnessed loads of natural light and an abundance of fresh,  ocean air,  green roof tops, a showcase of recycled fashions from Otis students and plenty of people from the community and beyond enjoying the open air space and comfortable seating next to a fountain in the courtyard.  In a word- wow.

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