Michael Bloomberg made an important political move at Interior Design magazine's Hall of Fame awards at the Waldorf=Astoria—not by doing his job as mayor, but by making glowing introductory remarks. After all, Bloomberg's interior designer, Jamie Drake, was being inducted. And when you compete for design time with the likes of Madonna (another Drake client), as Bloomberg does, it's a wise move to pay public homage.
In fact, about 1,200 designers and architects paid homage to the four inductees at the black-tie affair. (In addition to Drake, they included architect John Pawson, architectural photographer Julius Shulman and designer Stephen Apking.) Among the better-known guests were Cynthia Rowley and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Thom Filicia.
As the guests checked in, they were treated to displays that honored their profession: Mosaic tiled lightboxes illuminated the tables, which were covered with antique brocade fabrics. The use of fabric was extended to the V.I.P. reception area, where it covered the cocktail tables. And the mosaic theme was also in the grand ballroom, in the form of a specially designed mosaic podium that was created by designers Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown of Bisazza.
Inside the ballroom, the décor was surprisingly simple, with a subtle holiday feel. Christmas-y swags of greens and metallic ribbons hung from the balconies, while table centerpieces resembled gift boxes. Sung Jung of Doro's Annex created the floral cubes with echeveria, chrysanthemums and several different kinds of orchids.
In fact, the blend of understated celebration fit the tone of the event, which honored substance over sparkle, and long-term contributions to the industry over flash-in-the-pan trends. Standing in the V.I.P. reception, Queer Eye's Filicia gave us his take on the line separating interior design and event design: "An event is about living a moment; an event is about stepping over the line of design," he said. "A successful event planner brings people into an environment that takes people to a different place, whereas for the home, it's a reflection of who you are—your interests and ideas. Those things should be real, livable and approachable." With that approach, maybe he'll be back next year as an inductee himself.
—Erika Rasmusson Janes
In fact, about 1,200 designers and architects paid homage to the four inductees at the black-tie affair. (In addition to Drake, they included architect John Pawson, architectural photographer Julius Shulman and designer Stephen Apking.) Among the better-known guests were Cynthia Rowley and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Thom Filicia.
As the guests checked in, they were treated to displays that honored their profession: Mosaic tiled lightboxes illuminated the tables, which were covered with antique brocade fabrics. The use of fabric was extended to the V.I.P. reception area, where it covered the cocktail tables. And the mosaic theme was also in the grand ballroom, in the form of a specially designed mosaic podium that was created by designers Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown of Bisazza.
Inside the ballroom, the décor was surprisingly simple, with a subtle holiday feel. Christmas-y swags of greens and metallic ribbons hung from the balconies, while table centerpieces resembled gift boxes. Sung Jung of Doro's Annex created the floral cubes with echeveria, chrysanthemums and several different kinds of orchids.
In fact, the blend of understated celebration fit the tone of the event, which honored substance over sparkle, and long-term contributions to the industry over flash-in-the-pan trends. Standing in the V.I.P. reception, Queer Eye's Filicia gave us his take on the line separating interior design and event design: "An event is about living a moment; an event is about stepping over the line of design," he said. "A successful event planner brings people into an environment that takes people to a different place, whereas for the home, it's a reflection of who you are—your interests and ideas. Those things should be real, livable and approachable." With that approach, maybe he'll be back next year as an inductee himself.
—Erika Rasmusson Janes
Christmas-y swags of greens and metallic ribbons hung from the balconies inside the Waldorf=Astoria's grand ballroom for Interior Design magazine's Hall of Fame awards.
Sung Jung of Doro's Annex created the floral cubes with echeveria, chrysanthemums and several different kinds of orchids for centerpieces.
Mosaic tiled lightboxes illuminated the tables, which were covered with antique brocade fabrics.
Winners were announced at a specially designed mosaic podium created by designers Calvin Tsao and Zack McKown of Bisazza.
