Windows to the World was the theme for the fourth year event from the to-the-trade showrooms making up the La Cienega Design Quarter in Los Angeles. This design district represents some of the best the design world has to offer. Beautifully appointed showrooms like Michael Smith, Rose Tarlow, Therien, Lee Stanton, and two of my favorites, Downtown and Pat McGann were welcoming the design community with cocktail parties, guest lecturers, US and International design stars, and amazing fabrics, furniture, antiques and more. My time at the event started with the kick-off cocktail party Wednesday evening at the Rose Tarlow Showroom. This elegant showroom was the perfect back drop for the design community to mingle, meet, and reconnect.

An early morning continental breakfast and viewing of the gorgeous Fortuny collection from Venice at the Keith McKoy Showroom was a perfect start for my busy Thursday. The Keith McKoy showroom is packed with amazing fabrics, wallpaper, and lighting and Mr, McKoy was a gracious host full of enthusiasm for the Fortuny gowns on display.


Later, I attended a standing room only discussion at the Therien Showroom. Three power house design stars, Mary McDonald, Madeline Stuart, and Suzanne Kasler, discussed their favorite international design and travel destinations like Morocco, Paris, and Rome. These lively, interesting women detailed their favorite shops, streets, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

I thoroughly enjoyed strolling the design quarter, viewing the intriguing window vignettes created by influential designers and admiring the wonderful merchandise on display in each showroom.


The garden at Lee Stanton Antiques served as the perfect headquarters/registration area for the event. Many other showrooms were host to parties and lunches sponsored by media partners like Veranda Magazine, Traditional Home Magazine, Elle Decor, and Architectural Digest to name a few.