If you are looking for books to add to your summer reading list, The Glam Pad recommends the lovely new release, French Blooms: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Paris and Beyond. Written by Sandra Sigman, award-winning floral designer and owner of Les Fleurs, French Blooms presents arranging flowers in the French style—bouquets that are chic and romantic.
While living in Paris during her twenties, Sarah learned that the French consider each floral arrangement a unique work of art filled with passion, movement, texture, and surprise. In French Blooms, Sarah shares the distinct design principles she learned from her favorite Parisian florist along with tutorials for creating French-inspired arrangements for different areas of the home. Projects include a mantle display in Ironstone gravy boats, compote-style dining room arrangements, powder room posies, and beribboned hand-tied bouquets.
Sandra Sigman
With chapters on choosing the right containers—from vintage stoneware crocks to baskets and white ceramic footed vases—and flower care and tools, along with lush photographs, many taken in Paris, Normandy, and Provence, French Blooms is both inspirational and practical. It’s also a love letter to France—from Parisian sophistication to the simple grace of provincial life.
Photographs by Kindra Clineff, courtesy of Rizzoli.
You can also meet Sandra at the Newport Flower Show in June where she will be giving floral demonstrations and signing her book. Please follow Private Newport for more!
About The Author
In 1989 Sandra Sigman established Les Fleurs, the French-inspired floral, home, and garden shop in Andover, Massachusetts, where she teaches workshops, along with ones in France. Her arrangements have appeared in myriad publications, including Flower and Victoria magazines. Victoria A. Riccardi is a lifestyle journalist and the author of Untangling My Chopsticks: A Culinary Sojourn in Kyoto. Foreword writer Sharon Santoni launched the popular blog and magazine My French Country Home in 2010. She conducts French-lifestyle tours. Kindra Clineff has photographed features for Better Homes and Gardens and collaborated on numerous lifestyle books.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we look at the enchanted spring garden of Spring Tablescapes Showcase, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and Palm Beach Lately for Sail to Sable. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Spring Tablescapes Showcase
The inaugural Spring Tablescapes Showcase, titled “An Enchanted Spring Garden,” made waves this April with a resounding turnout and boundless talent. Bringing together twenty five top designers from Washington, DC, Charlottesville, and Virginia Beach, participates were tasked with creating captivating tables brimming with personality and flowers galore.
In benefit of Little Hands, the event showcased not only sublime talent but the remarkable progress the non-profit has achieved in just four years since its inception. From humble beginnings in a garage, Little Hands now boasts multiple office spaces, an extensive network of partner organizations, and a dedicated team of volunteers, all working tirelessly to provide essential support to young children in Central Virginia.
With the roaring success of the Spring Tablescapes Showcase, preparations for the 2024 event planning is already underway. Mark your calendars for two exquisite events: “An Evening at Tablescapes” on May 2nd and the Tablescapes Luncheon on May 3rd at The Jefferson Hotel of Richmond, VA. Additional information can be found here.
Take a peek at some of our favorite designer tablescapes!
With an unwavering passion for gardens and a deep appreciation for horticulture, The Glam Pad eagerly embraces the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Chelsea Flower Show. Spanning from May 23rd to May 27th, this magnificent exhibition unravels a tapestry of extraordinary botanical marvels and unparalleled landscaping triumphs, crafted by visionary garden designers hailing from all corners of the world.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Originating in 1913 under the name of the Great Spring Show, this grand event underwent a tumultuous journey, weathering the storms of two world wars, economic hardships, and global upheavals. Yet, resilient and triumphant, the Chelsea Flower Show emerged from the shadows, returning in 1947 with a resounding success that catapulted it into the revered global phenomenon it is today.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
This year has been no exception with meaningful displays, magnificent flora, and awards abounding for the best in show. The borough of Chelsea also comes to life with floral displays blooming on street corners, store fronts, and homes. This year’s Plant of the Year is the black and purple striped agapanthus.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Just in time for Summer, Sail to Sable brings us a sun-drenched masterpiece collaboration capsule curated alongside Beth and Danielle of Palm Beach Lately! Envisioned with vibrant summer festivities and idyllic sunny getaways in focus, each meticulously crafted creation carries the weight of adoration for the boundless sea, delicate seashells, blossoming gardens, and the elegance of a tennis court.
The ladies of Sail to Sable and Palm Beach Lately have designed each piece to whisk you away and transcend your current coordinates. From the Palm Beach pink hues, ruffles, and lightweight materials, we are certainly eyeing up this collection to add to our wardrobes. The full collaboration can be shopped here. Take a look!
For those of us who love old homes but for one reason or another cannot find the right one, today’s home tour is an excellent example of how newer construction can be given a makeover inspired by the past. Enter designer Edith-Anne Duncan, her clients, and their circa 2008 Blacksburg, Virginia home. The couple’s last home had been a 1930s Tudor loaded with historic character, and they wanted their new home to be infused with an “aged-over-time” charm. “They wanted to give it bones and character—and I said, ‘I can do that!’” Duncan told Southern Home magazine.
Dated columns were removed, floors were stained, canned lights were eliminated, knobs and fixtures were replaced, and elegant trim and millwork was added. A pantry was relocated to connect the dining room with the kitchen (which was completely renovated), bathrooms were all renovated, and a sunroom/reading room was added on. Beautiful wallpapers add color and texture such as the Schumacher scenic paper in the dining room with Phillip Jeffries grasscloth ceiling. Bold paint colors and accents throughout add a touch of whimsy to the classic design.
Let’s take a look inside with photography by Dustin Peck.
Such a gorgeous home, we cannot get enough of the fabulous color and charm! For a glimpse behind the scenes of this remarkable transformation, please click here and follow @edithanneduncan on Instagram. You can also read more at Southern Home.
ABOUT EDITH-ANNE DUNCAN DESIGN:
Creating a sophisticated but casual approach to today’s lifestyles is the focus of Edith-Anne Duncan’s interiors and what she does best. Meticulous attention to detail is the trademark that elevates her creations to a higher level.
The expertise and talent that Edith-Anne draws upon comes from a multi-layered approach to each project. Education, experience and life have created a strong design palette and portfolio, utilizing history, travel, fashion, art, color and technology to incorporate each client’s wishes.
With clients from Maryland to Florida, Edith-Anne ensures that each project reflects the unique space needs, personality, and lifestyle of the individual client.
Imbued with an astute discernment for excellence, an impeccable sense of style, and an unwavering dedication to her clients, Charlotte Lekakos has undeniably established herself as a visionary designer.
With a foundation rooted in classical training, enriched by her Southern heritage and infused with a captivating European allure, Charlotte’s reputation is built upon her refreshing and accessible approach to interior design. Merging her adoration for crafting splendid abodes with an empathetic grasp of her clients’ way of life, she consistently delivers exceptional projects that feel grounded in tradition yet revitalized and uncomplicated.
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of South Carolina, Charlotte embarked on her design journey by founding Willard and Palmer in 1996, following a stint alongside esteemed luminaries of the Washington design scene. Her diverse portfolio showcases a remarkable array of residential sanctuaries, esteemed museums, revered academic institutions, and prestigious corporate spaces across the Washington region and beyond.
Today, The Glam Pad is delighted to share a glimpse inside her portfolio!
To see more of Willard and Palmer Design, visit the firm’s beautiful site here and follow Charlotte Lekakos on Instagram for additional inspiration.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we look at Schumacher’s “New Old-Fashioned” collection, The Dinner Bell by Stuffy Muffy, and Laura Ashley’s latest collaboration with Batsheva. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Schumacher’s New Old-Fashioned
In response to a resurgence of traditional decor, Schumacher has released a remarkable assemblage of fabrics, wallpapers, trims, and pillows known as the “New Old-Fashioned” collection. Within its essence lies a delightful fusion of comfort and familiarity, intertwined with an alluring touch of novelty. By infusing vintage patterns such as florals, lace, and ruffles, with a renewed perspective, this collection undoubtedly fulfills our yearning for a tastefully nostalgic and elegantly aged aesthetic.
We are particularly fond of the crochet and Ric Rac tapes. A perfect nod to the 1970s and a beloved sewing box staple, these tapes bring such allure to upholstery, pillows, and window treatments with an immediate burst of irresistible charm. Playful and cheery, Ric Rac can be used alone or skillfully layered with other trims. Take a look!
The full collection can be viewed here. And for more old school inspiration from Schumacher, please be sure to check out their newly released book, Charm School.
The Dinner Bell by Stuffy Muffy
We are delighted to introduce The Dinner Bell, an exciting series by Emily of Stuffy Muffy, a dear friend of The Glam Pad. A harmonious blend of delectable recipes and exquisite taste, The Dinner Bell is a digital old-fashioned cookbook, reminiscent of the Junior League comb binding style from days of yore.
Emily will unveil a new recipe each week, carefully curated from the kitchens of influential tastemakers. Prepare to be inspired by their unparalleled style and charm, as their culinary creations transport you to a realm of gastronomic delight. Cherished traditions will meet contemporary flavors and new skills will certainly be learned along the way. And stay tuned over the coming weeks for a special TGP recipe!
Emily’s first edition of The Dinner Bell includes a delightful confection of meringue cake! Inspired by her years in Bogotá as a child, this summery treat is a must. The Dinner Bell full post can be found here.
Images courtesy of Mary Catherine Brownfield.
Laura Ashley for Batsheva
In a splendid union of creative forces, the year 2021 witnessed the remarkable collaboration between Batsheva Hay and Laura Ashley, resulting in their inaugural collection of captivating ready-to-wear garments adorned with vivid, archival Laura Ashley prints. This partnership was truly fated, as Hay’s very own namesake brand sprang forth from a vintage Laura Ashley dress that she held dear, wearing with love until it became an integral part of her personal brand.
As we commemorate Laura Ashley’s momentous 70th anniversary, a moment The Glam Pad began to celebrate in March, this extraordinary duo unveils their fourth exclusive limited-edition collection: Laura Ashley x Batsheva. Prepare to be enraptured by the whimsical allure of a Coney Island Beach, where Batsheva radiantly embodies the essence of playfulness and femininity. Captured through the lens of her talented husband, Alexei, these photographs transport you to a bygone era of the famed boardwalk. Take a peek at the collection and be sure to check out the full range here!
One of the best-selling books released this spring is AshleyGilbreath‘s debut, The Joy of Home, published by Gibbs Smith. Our favorite featured home is a traditional beauty with loads of chinoiserie accents, elegant antiques, treasured family heirlooms, fabulous pops of color, and exquisite architecture designed by C. Brandon Ingram.
“The vibrant coral hue throughout the home is used to create cohesion while also injecting a bit of levity and nonchalance into the classical architecture,” Ashley explains in her book. “Proper color usage allows for natural progression through interior spaces and provides segues to outdoor living areas.”
The Joy of Home by Ashley Gilbreath with Foreword by James T. Farmer III
If you loved this beautiful house, you will want to pick up a copy of The Joy of Home to see more of Ashley’s work!
ASHLEY GILBREATH is a Southern-based, award-winning, interior designer who studied at Auburn University and the New York School of Interior Design. She is a winner of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s coveted Shutze Award and has been nominated for Southeast Designer of the Year by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Ashley’s fresh take on interiors has been seen in Southern Living, House Beautiful, Luxe, Coastal Living, Southern Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and in homes from Florida to New York. She is renowned for creating casual, elegant spaces where the family can gather to discover their own joy of home.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we look at the Coronation of King Charles III, Holly Holden’s Equestrian Collection, and La Cienega Legends windows. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
The Coronation of King Charles III and A Look Back At Coronation History
In a splendid display of regal grandeur, the majestic ceremony unfolded within the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey. Marking an illustrious moment in history, King Charles III assumed his rightful place as the 40th distinguished monarch to be anointed in this venerable cathedral since 1066.
Today, we take a look back at coronation regalia and pantry throughout history. At the heart of this hallowed ceremony lies a collection of revered treasures, lovingly referred to as the coronation regalia, each holding a profound significance. These sacred artifacts form an extraordinary collection of the Sovereign’s Orb, Sovereign’s Scepter, Coronation Spoon, St. Edward’s Crown, and Imperial State Crown.
King Charles III, The Royal HouseholdTheir Majesties and the Working Royal Family, The Royal Household
All weave together the grandeur of the past and the promise of the future, with some of these illustrious items tracing their origins back nearly a millennium. While much of the ceremony has remained unchanged for generations, with each coronation provides an opportunity for each monarch add their own signifiers giving way for iconic moments. Let’s take a peek at coronation moments throughout history!
Queen Elizabeth II, National Portrait GalleryCoronation of King George VI, 1937Coronation of King George VI, 1937Coronation of King George V, 1911Queen Alexandra, 1902, Royal Collection TrustCoronation of King Edward VII, 1902
Holly Holden’s Equestrian Collection
If Saturday was not enough pomp and circumstance, the 149th annual Kentucky Derby took place at the storied Churchill Downs with Mage taking the crown. From the dazzling finery, refreshing mint juleps, exquisite hats, and race enthusiasts singing the beloved anthem ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’ the derby transcends tradition. Remarkably, this equestrian spectacle holds the distinction of being the longest-running sporting event in the United States, dating back to 1875.
A grand celebration of southern culture, the spectacular event is an iconic symbol of Americana that has The Glam Pad inspired to embrace equestrian style. Holly Holden, a long-time TGP favorite, has just the collection to capture our fascination.
The Equestrian Collection, a magnificent ensemble of five opulent porcelain pieces crafted to embody the very essence of elegance and daring contemporary panache. In unparalleled Holden style, this exquisite collection caters to the discerning taste of every devoted Equestrian Aficionado. The full collection is available here!
LCDQ Legends Windows 2023
In last week’s edition of Tidbits we were patiently awaiting the grand beginning of LCDQ Legends and now the famed windows have been revealed! As the window displays of the esteemed showrooms belonging to the illustrious members of the LCDQ take center stage, becoming the crown jewels of Legends. Joining forces with the incomparable Mr. Fulk and the extraordinary Ms. Hampton, a gathering of immensely talented designers has pledged their unwavering dedication to curating this year’s captivating windows.
Among these visionaries are the likes of Jake Arnold, Paloma Contreras, David Frazier, Amy Meier, Breegan Jane, Noz Nozawa, and Studio Heimat, forming an illustrious constellation of creative brilliance. Take a look at some of our favorites!
Photos courtesy of LCDQ LA; Photographer: Peter Vale @pcv_ps.
At the heart of this Legends edition lies a thematic directive, fashion reigning supreme in its profound influence over home design, designers, and even architecture itself. Embodying this ethos flawlessly is the extraordinary plan of Eric Hughes, the renowned interior designer who works closely with his client Sarah Jessica Parker. Hughes envisions an awe-inspiring imagining of an exquisite Parker dressing room, a magnificent tableau gracing the window of Mecox, leaving all who behold it in awe of its splendor.
If you are looking for the perfect place to spend your summer vacation, look no further than the acclaimed resort hotels Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Blackberry Farm is a luxury hotel and resort situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, and it is one of the most celebrated small luxury resorts in the world. We are delighted to welcome Proprietor, Mary Celeste Beall to The Glam Pad Today!
For more than a decade, Mary Celeste has lived and worked on the family-owned properties. She first joined her late husband Sam as he led the transformation of Blackberry Farm into a renowned food, wine and wellness destination. As Proprietor, Mary Celeste, alongside her father-in-law, Sandy, and the Blackberry team, drove the creation and opening of Blackberry Mountain as it evolved into a haven for preservation and personal exploration in relaxation, wellness and adventure. She led creative direction for launching the brand’s print magazine, Blackberry Magazine. She continues to share her vision for the expansion of the Blackberry brand, continuing a longstanding reputation for renowned hospitality and celebrated wine and food.
Over the years, the Blackberry brand has garnered industry praise, including Blackberry Farm’s three James Beard Awards for Best Chef—Southeast, Outstanding Wine Program and Outstanding Service. Blackberry Farm was also named Bon Appetit’s No. 1 Hotel for Food Lovers. Blackberry Mountain is adding to the brand’s awards with recognitions including ELLE Décor Travel A-List – Best New Hotel, Hideaway Report – Hideaway of the Year, and inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s It List for best new hotels in the world.
Welcome, Mary Celeste!
Mary Celeste Beall, Proprietor of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain
Q: Please tell us a little about the history of Blackberry Farm… How it began, your involvement, and how it has grown over the years.
A: In 1976 my in-laws, Kreis and Sandy Beall, moved to Walland to make Blackberry Farm their family’s home. They recognized how special this place was and wanted to share it with others so they opened to the public as a six-room country inn. The Beall family began creating a tradition of Southern hospitality, notable cuisine and cherished experiences that still exists in everything we do today. Kreis and Sandy’s son, Sam Beall, took over in 1998, and he ushered in a new era of the Blackberry legacy, guided by his passion for food, wine, adventure and living a full life. With Sam as proprietor, Blackberry expanded its foundation into much of how the property is experienced today. The property has evolved so much over the years, always driven by our family and what we enjoy. The farmstead and culinary became a heightened focus and the wine cellar expanded with the opening of The Barn at Blackberry Farm. Blackberry Farm Brewery was created and the Blackberry Farm Foundation was launched.
I have always been involved in the property, supporting Sam and the Blackberry team in different ways, as well as raising our family. When Sam died in 2016, I stepped into the role of Proprietor. Today, we continue the tradition of hospitality, service and providing unimaginable opportunities and memories for each guest. We opened Blackberry Mountain in 2019, inviting even more opportunity for guests to fall in love with the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and continue our mission to help protect the land we love.
No matter the evolution of the property, Blackberry continues to welcome guests from the far reaches of the globe, as well as nearby neighbors, with the genuine Southern hospitality and personal attention that have become the estate’s hallmark.
Q: Blackberry Farm has received countless awards over the years including recognition for best food, best wine, best hospitality, best hideaway… What do you think keeps your customers coming back year after year?
A: I believe it all comes back to our authentic hospitality. Everything the team does is executed with a genuine desire to create memorable, beautiful experiences. Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and I think our guests can feel that. We want Blackberry to feel like home. We want guests to not only feel welcome but to immediately feel comfortable when they visit us. I think they can feel that too.
Q: What are some of your personal favorite activities on the farm?
A: That’s a tough question! It depends on the season, but I absolutely love any time I can spend exploring outside. Getting out on our miles of hiking trails makes for such a great day. Seeing the evolution of the forest through each season is fascinating to me – especially watching as the bare trees and dormant flowers come back to life in the spring.
Q: How would you describe the design aesthetic and signature look of Blackberry Farm? Did you work with an interior designer to decorate the all of the rooms, cottages, and houses within the property?
A: Warm, welcoming, classic but fresh. We are fortunate to work with talented architects who help us create spaces with amazing light, finishes and scale where our guests always feel a sense of place.
Blackberry Farm was originally my in-laws’ home, decorated with antiques and with a classic English country house feel. Over the years, the aesthetic has continued to evolve, but we always maintain the goal of Blackberry Farm feeling like home. And often, t’s about the details – from the fresh-cut flowers on the tables to the linen napkins and sterling silver at dinner. For years my mother-in-law, Kreis, led the interior design. She created Blackberry’s own design team and hired friends along the way to help with different projects until 2017 when we expanded our team and hired design director Jason Bell to lead Blackberry Farm Design. As a hotel, we are constantly evaluating and updating our rooms, cottages and common spaces, so having a local team dedicated to maintaining the beauty, look and feel of Blackberry is critical for us.
Q: I understand you now have your own in-house interior design team, Blackberry Farm Design. How did this group come about, and are the designers available for projects nationwide?
A: I feel so fortunate to have our own talented team dedicated to maintaining the beauty, look and function of Blackberry Farm. Yes, they work on homes and projects across the country.
Q: What are five things you would recommend for fans who want to bring a little taste of Blackberry Farm into their own home?
A: Don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Give family treasures a spark of freshness with a new finish or a modern piece paired with it.
Prioritize lighting. Candles, dimmable lamps and beautiful natural light are a magical combination.
The most welcoming spaces are comfortable. Use throws, plump pillows and a mix of seating.
Find great art. Work with artists you admire to create pieces that tell your story.
Bring the outside in. Take advantage of the views and find inspiration outside!
Q: You have spoken openly about the adversity you experienced through the loss of your husband at such a young age. What is your advice to others who are going through painful times… How do you pick up the pieces and not just survive, but thrive?
A: We will all go through trials – personal struggles, difficulties in relationships, health challenges or loss. However, all of our journeys are unique, and how we are affected by our painful times depends on so many factors, from how we were raised to who we surround ourselves with. Because I didn’t know any other young widows, and our immediate community hadn’t experienced a loss like ours, I quickly realized it wasn’t just me who didn’t know what to do when Sam died. Our friends, my children’s friends, my family – none of us knew exactly what to do. I found it very helpful to tell myself that there were no rules for grieving and handling our loss. I realized that what applied to one family may not be applicable to us, which freed me in so many ways to follow my gut and do my best every day to make the next decision.
I also knew Sam would want us to keep living, which meant showing up at my children’s sports events even when I wanted to crawl under my covers and cry. I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable and not let some tears and anxiety over missing their dad or doing something alone prevent me from being the best mother I could be. And yes, it means, even to this day, having difficult conversations and putting myself out there to lead my family when I wish their dad was here. I follow my gut and take each situation as it comes. One thing I know is, we cannot predict the future. All we can do is make the best out of each day we are given!
Q: Tell us a fun (or funny!) fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know!
A: I grew up on a dead-end street in Alabama. It was a charming, close-knit community but not the highest traffic area for a lemonade stand. My best friend, Chris, and I loved attempting our own store – sometimes lemonade but on a few occasions, we took it to another level and sold “treasures” from our houses. We collected a few things from each of our homes and sold them. Our store didn’t last long. One of our neighbors called Chris’s mom to say, “Hey, I just bought your favorite candy dish for $2. I’ll bring it over later.” For Christmas that year, my mother had a “storefront” made for Chris and me, but it was gifted with the promise that we would not use her living room accessories as our inventory!
Q: What does the future hold for Blackberry Farm?
A: Blackberry Farm will be celebrating 50 years in 2026! We are so fortunate to be stewards of this beautiful land adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Our future is all about continuing to create welcoming spaces for our guests and homeowners to relax and escape their everyday. To me, there is nothing more important than connection, and we want to continue being a place that fosters that – connection to self, to others and to nature.
Thank you so much, Mary Celeste, for joining us today! What a breathtaking property, beautiful decor, and such an inspiring story! To learn more, please visit Blackberry Farm and follow @blackberry.mountain on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
Mother’s Day is Sunday May 14, and it is time to find the perfect gift for the special ladies in your life. Below is a comprehensive list of gift ideas we have curated at every price point and divided into categories – Jet Setter, Fitness Guru, Home Enthusiast, Mama to Be, and What to Wear. You may even find a few treasures for yourself. Happy shopping!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we look at the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, La Cienega Legends, and the Mrs. Alice Coronation Collection. Written by Natalie Aldridge
Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens
For almost four decades, the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens has flourished as a highly anticipated occasion within the Chicago design scene, becomming one of the most prestigious showhouses in the country. This year’s outstanding lineup of designers includes Alexandra Kaehler, Sarah Vaile, and Evan Millard, eager to partake in the metamorphosis of this year’s property, a beautiful red brick Georgian-style house. Originally built by the legendary architect William Frazier in the late 1960s, the home will be transformed into a breathtaking exhibition of unparalleled artistry.
On May 8th, the showhouse’s Honorary Chairs and A-list interior designers Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon, will be joining Emma Bazilian, content director of Frederic and author of Charm School, for an intriguing lecture and light lunch. Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased here.
The dining room, by Alexandra KaehlerAlexandra Kaehler
Not only is the occasion a splendid gathering, but it also serves a dual purpose as a fundraising effort for the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Throughout the years, this remarkable event has succeeded in generating a staggering sum of over $5 million and continues to accumulate more. Running from May 6th to June 4th, tickets to attend can be purchased here.
La Cienega Legends
Back in the 1950s, the La Cienega Design Quarter rose to fame as the go-to destination for interior designers seeking inspiration and exquisite finds. These gifted artists and visionaries resided above their design studios in the luxurious apartments lining La Cienega Boulevard, including notable figures such as William Haines, Elsie de Wolfe, Frances Elkins, Tony Duquette, and Michael Taylor. Today, many of those charming buildings have been impeccably preserved and house an array of antique shops and design showrooms, attracting designers in search of the rare and distinctive.
Each year the famed quarter hosts La Cienega Legends, and this year it is back with a regal twist – “The Fashion of Home” will be the theme, paying homage to the kings and queens of fashion. Adding to the excitement, the prestigious Living Legend Awards by LCDQ will be bestowed upon renowned designers Ken Fulk and Alexa Hampton. The event promises to be a visual treat, with a partial recreation of Sarah Jessica Parker’s lavish dressing room showcased at Mecox, curated by her talented designer Eric Hughes.
Mary McDonald window vignette for Dragonette, LCDQ 2013Alessandra Branca window vignette for Serena & Lily, LCDQ 2022
Luxury showrooms, awe-inspiring window vignettes crafted by design maestros like Jake Arnold, Paloma Contreras, Noz Nozawa, and Studio Heimat, as well as engaging keynote panels and glamorous cocktail parties will all be part of this sensational affair. If you are in Los Angeles, do not miss out on this unique event! Taking place May 9 to the 11th, more information and tickets can be found here.
Mrs. Alice Coronation Collection
In honor of His Majesty’s coronation, Mrs. Alice has launched the Coronation Collection, a commemorative series celebrating King Charles III’s ascension to the throne.
The anticipation is building as the coronation of King Charles III is set to take place May 6th, promising to be a remarkable event that will captivate the world’s attention. As the ceremony unfolds, we can expect to witness a breathtaking display of royal regalia, magnificent robes, and glittering jewels, as King Charles III is crowned in Westminster Abbey.
In true British fashion, celebrations of the occasion will be big and bold making this collection perfect for Coronation soirees. With classic prints, colors, and commemorative motifs, the collection is also a collectible piece of history.
The world will be watching, as the coronation of King Charles III marks a new chapter in the history of the British monarchy, a symbol of continuity, stability, and strength.
At the heart of this Legends edition lies a thematic directive, fashion reigning supreme in its profound influence over home design, designers, and even architecture itself. Embodying this ethos flawlessly is the extraordinary plan of Eric Hughes, the renowned interior designer who works closely with his client 
