From Rooms to the Runway

American interior designer Kelly Wearstler wowed the world of luxury living with her unique aesthetic taste. Having a passion for art and design, it was only a matter of time before she segued into the world of fashion. However, this designer is no stranger to the industry — she was named one of Vogue’s Best Dressed back in 2007. Now, four years later, she translates her talent from rooms to the runway. Kelly has made her debut as a fashion designer with her fall 2011 ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

She often explains in her blog that her inspiration for design stems from the materials she works with, which is especially visible in her jewelry collection. Whether she uses brass, pyrite, lapis, or quartz, she maintains a clear grasp of the elements. Her finished products are a result of playful yet thoughtful experimentation. She's a master at constructing organic pieces that are unexpectedly glamorous — they're wearable equivalents of sculptures you'd find in a gallery.

One of Kelly's most admirable traits as a designer is the relationship that she has with her work. Her passion shines in every piece she creates. By way of design, she encourages us to seek out inspiration and find beauty in raw materials, and she reminds us that jewelry is, in fact, art.

The Kelly Wearstler flagship boutique opens in L.A. this fall. But, for all of you East Coasters, her collections are always available at the official Kelly Wearstler site, or just visit Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.


Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Kelly Wearstler

Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson has it all the clothes, the perfume, the bags, the bedding, the bridal, even the wallpaper and now, finally, not a moment too soon, the book. Not only this, but to coincide with the books release a exhibition has recently opened at London Somerset House which will display various aspects of this book through photography, quotes and video. The courtyard rooms of Somerset house will be brightened up this winter, with Williamson's vivid colors, embellishments and designs. Since graduating in 1994 from central St Martins his career has been watched and applauded by many of the industries key players, such as Anna Wintour. For an insight into the astonishing success of the Matthew Williamson brand or just the opportunity to view the archive up close and personal, running until January 2010 there is no excuses accepted.

Text Katriona Flynn

Want To Make Change?

Here is something mind-expanding to read today: Massive Change, by Bruce Mau and the Institute Without Boundaries. Mau is a Canadian designer who has held a diverse range of jobs, from college professor to studio owner to creative director of I.D. magazine, and in this book he manages to synthesize the work of a host of disciplines in order to create a kind of manifesto about the way the world might work in the future.

Massive Change discusses everything from transportation to housing to sustainable business to the possibilities of the Internet. Experts from dozens of fields weigh in on the way our lives can be improved, whether from building high speed cross-country Maglev train lines, manipulating global economic policies, or simply planting more bamboo. It's an exhilarating read, if only because it presents an almost infinite scope of what the future of Planet Earth might be - and it's surprisingly optimistic. If nothing else, check out Massive Change for its gorgeous design; somehow it manages to present huge ideas in a very readable way. Look at Bruce Mau's website here.

Text Molly O'Brien