Houston Design Center Always Pulls in Big Names to Inspire
Houston Design Center always pulls in big names to inspire local designers and architects at its biannual market — and the most recent event was no exception. Two Architectural Digest AD 100 members spoke and signed their latest books: New Orleans-bred Suzanne Rheinstein, in from California, along with legendary Vicente Wolf, in from New York. Rheinstein and Wolf discussed and shared trade secrets with moderator Robin Mueck, chairman/CEO of Heritage Texas Properties, in the expansive Alkusari Stone showroom. Rheinstein’s style is often described as elegant civility, and her L.A. shop Hollyhock is a beloved resource for designers nationwide, as is her fabric/rug collection for Lee Jofa. Vicente Wolf’s impressive international portfolio spans projects from residential to hotels and restaurants; he also partners with numerous luxury brands to design products and heads up his two companies, VW Home by Vicente Wolf and Vicente Wolf Associates, out of his light-filled NYC loft.
‘Twas The Evening Before PaperCity Design Awards
Designers and those who love them welcomed interior luminaries Vicente Wolf, in from New York, and Suzanne Rheinstein, in from California, on the evening before a busy day: The pair were to present the Houston PaperCity Design Awards the following evening and were two of the four judges for
the awards. Nothing heightens the mood like anticipation.
Prior to their presentation of the awards, their day jobs included speaking and signing volumes at The Houston Design Center Market. Houston designer Laura Umansky hosted the fête in a spectacular home off River Oaks Boulevard, which she had recently completed. Only the finest champagne for the sparkling crowd: Krug was served, courtesy Moët Hennessy USA.
Charlotte Moss
Interior Design | New York, NY
Recently honored with the New York School of Interior Design’s Centennial Medal, this year Charlotte Moss celebrates 32 years in the design business. In addition to her residential interior projects, Moss’s work includes licensed collections of furniture, fabrics/trims, carpet, china, and framed art. Moss is a prolific author, having published nine books to date with her 10th book, Charlotte Moss Entertains, scheduled for release in the spring of 2018. In addition to writing books, she is also a contributor for several publications. Moss lectures widely and considers philanthropy some of her most important work.
Gil Schafer
Architect | New York, NY
Award-winning architect Gil Schafer III is one of the world’s leading experts on contemporary classical architecture. Schafer is a member of the Yale School of Architecture Dean’s Council, is a trustee of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and served as president and then chairman of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art for over a decade. He holds a master’s in architecture from the Yale School of Architecture and is the author of the best-selling book The Great American House and the newly released A Place to Call Home.
India Hicks
Lifestyle Entrepreneur | London – Harbour Island
Best-selling author, former model, current lifestyle entrepreneur, and mother of five, India Hicks was born in London, England, and comes from both British and design royalty. Her father was famed interior decorator David Hicks, and her mother is Lady Pamela Hicks, whose father was the last Viceroy of lndia, hence her name. In 2015, after a decade of designing collections in partnership with well-known global companies, Hicks launched her eponymous lifestyle brand. Her exclusive collections of handbags, accessories, beauty, and fine fragrances are sold through entrepreneurial women at home and online. She has also produced three lifestyle books. Her latest book, India Hicks: A Slice of England, will be released in the spring of 2018.
Remco Van Vliet
Floral Design | New York, NY
Remco van Vliet and Cas Trap worked for their father’s event design company in the Netherlands before moving to America, designing many events throughout Europe for clients including the Dutch Royal Family. Van Vliet moved to New York City in 1994 and spent six years working with Chris Giftos, event pioneer at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, before being given the prestigious opportunity to become his successor. Along with being the decorator for in-house events, Van Vliet & Trap creates the stunning colossal urn arrangements and bouquets in the museum’s Great Hall. Today, Van Vliet & Trap is the preferred event design company for some of the most prestigious Institutions of the Arts in New York City.
About The Houston Design Center
Located at 7026 Old Katy Road, The Houston Design Center is the city’s preferred destination for the best in luxury residential and commercial furnishings and products. With more than 45 showrooms and design firms, the center provides design professionals and the design-inspired unique services and solutions that are second to none. The Houston Design Center is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM. For individual showroom times and additional information, visit thehoustondesigncenter.com.