Feminine Intuition and Creative Design
Embracing the Power of Women and Female Leadership in Luxury Design, Interior Decorating, and Architecture at the Pacific Design Center’s Empowered Design Summit
Dressed to Impress
Luxury Lindsey celebrates the Power of Women during Women’s Herstory Month, a moment to honor the creative contributions of Women in leadership roles within Interior Design, Architecture, Media, and Entertainment.
The Future is Female!
On what could have been any other day in beautiful sunny California, quickly became a celebratory moment in time celebrating International Women’s Day IWD 2024. Joined by my girl Gabbie @GabbiesHappy, we hit the road for an exciting day, making our way over to the heart of the West Hollywood Design District where the intersections of fashion, art, design, and creativity set the trends of tomorrow.
Organized by Women in Luxury Design (WILD) creator Jennifer Convy and co-sponsored by California Homes magazine and the Pacific Design Center, the summit gathered creative industry leaders who've paved the way for female entrepreneurs in art, architecture, and design.
Jennifer kicked off the event with a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the critical importance of women’s empowerment and collaboration in the luxury design industry. She spoke passionately about WILD's mission to expand connections and opportunities for its members, drawing from her own journey as a celebrity Interior Designer and Entrepreneur.
Designing Women
Convey then welcomed California Homes Editor in Chief Susan McFadden to the stage to share her legacy of empowering women led design through her periodical magazine.
Susan's fresh perspectives on modern spaces and timeless charm have made her a leading voice in interior design, championing young innovators and their creative visions while developing sustainable impacts that have shifted the collective industry towards a more inclusive future. (Photo Credit: California Homes)
As the summit kicked into high gear, Jennifer first sat down COO/President of Kneedler Fauchère and Déco Off co-founder Gina DeWitt, who shared her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and mentor in the luxury design business. Gina's collaboration with Rocky LaFleur led to the creation of Paris Déco Off, an annual gathering of international interior decorators.
Joined by Lissette Meza, a recipient of the Rocky LaFleur UCLA Design Student Scholarship Foundation, Gina underscored the importance of mentorship in nurturing emerging talent. Lissette shared her experiences designing a custom Parisian apartment in collaboration with Déco Off, highlighting the transformative power of mentorship.
Design Stars
In a moment of vibrant exchange, design luminary Breegan Jane and Maria Hughes, Director of Digital Marketing at Pacific Design Center, celebrate the creative energy of women in design.
In addition to hosting her own HGTV series, Dream Home, Breegan is also an author, philanthropist, and devoted mother of two, serving as a beacon of inspiration to global audiences and her two beautiful boys.
Teamed with Maria Hughes, she personifies resilience and empowerment, illustrating the boundless creative potential that arises from the intersection of passion, talent, and purpose within the realm of design and beyond. (Photo Credit: California Homes)
The summit also explored the future of sustainable luxury with Kathryn Soter, Executive Director and founder of the Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), making waves and creating change at the intersection of sustainable action and luxury design. Her work in design has unveiled the alarming impact of waste on our landfills, prompting her to advocate for actionable steps towards protecting our precious ecosystems. Through her compelling presentation, Kathryn inspired attendees to rethink their approach to design, urging them to prioritize sustainability as a fundamental pillar of their creative endeavors. With her visionary leadership, Kathryn continues to pave the way for a more environmentally conscious future in the luxury design landscape.
Forces of Nature
Contributing her own insights on seamless design, visionary landscape designer Jessica Viola further emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in their respective fields.
As the founder of Viola Gardens, Jessica specializes in crafting stunning outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate with interior design concepts. Her dedication to creating environments that balance beauty and functionality aligns perfectly with Kathryn's vision for sustainable luxury.
(Photo Credit: California Homes)
Amidst the relaxed ambiance of the luncheon hosted by Baker | McGuire Interiors Group, we had the pleasure of connecting with Jamie Nusser from J Designs, whose passion for crafting personalized spaces deeply resonated with us. Originating from Denver, Colorado, Jamie's Venice Beach-based firm is renowned for its elegant and timeless designs that effortlessly capture the essence of California living. As we engaged in lively conversation, Lisa Huh, Showroom Manager at Baker Interiors Group, joined our discussion, expressing her admiration for our improvisational strategy jam session over sandwiches. It was a moment of camaraderie and connection, underscoring the collaborative spirit and creativity that permeated throughout the event.
Healing Muse
After a fulfilling luncheon, we indulged in a soulful sound rejuvenation session with Roxie Sarhangi, the creative force behind Roxie Sound Healing.
Beyond her talents in sound healing, Roxie is also a skilled PR mastermind, orchestrating transformative experiences and community well-being initiatives through the power of sound.
Her dedication to hosting remarkable events in West Hollywood reflects her commitment to nurturing individual and collective wellness while also generating good vibes, buzz, and hype in the heart of the entertainment capital of the world.
(Photo Credit: California Homes)
Through engaging networking sessions that connected us to a growing community of Phenomenal Women in leadership, design, and creative industries, I came away feeling not only deeply empowered but also inspired to chart my own journey as an emerging writer, artist, and designer in the field of luxury, media, and entertainment.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Jennifer Convy at WILD for hosting this incredible event, providing a platform for women to come together, celebrate our accomplishments while learning from our challenges, and uplift the next generation of creatives in the field of interior design and beyond.
Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to Susan McFadden with California Homes for her role in creating a supportive environment where women could thrive and collaborate. Together, these leaders have cultivated a space where empowerment, creativity, and innovation flourish, inspiring us all to reach new heights in our respective fields.
Thank you for joining Luxury Lindsey on International Women’s Day to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience and creativity of Women in Luxury Design. We encourage everyone to do their part and then some to lift up and empower the next generation of girls who aspire to lead alongside their male counterparts without being diminished simply because of their gender.
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