Thanks to Rebecca June, who passed on her invitation to me, I was able to attend the Elle Decor Women in Design event last night. Margarette Russel, Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, Holly Hunt and Michelle Nussbaumer  all discussing their carreers, design aesthetics, inspirations, client relationships and more….

WOW. First off, these women are brilliant, not just brilliant designers. So many of their comments were insightful, inspired, witty and even funny. Charlotte Moss & Holly Hunt both had successful careers on wall street before turning to design. Charlotte began by rearranging her moms furniture. Kelly began by redecorating a friends dining room. Michelle too started by helping a friend, who then referred her to another… None of the women went to school for interior design, Kelly went to school for graphic design… I’m sure that helped her create the gorgeous graphic patterns that have made her famous!!

One person asked if they ever get into design ruts and Kelly said she does, but then she goes to her library of vintage design books and art galleries, antique shops, vintage shops… Holly Hunt goes for a run.

What is there advice for young designers? Everyone is different, some may need design school and an internship, others may not. When is the best time to start a design business? Charlotte Moss : when you get a client.

On their staffs… Kelly was raving about this new intern who organized her entire office and library in labeled clear plastic drawers. Hire organized people, she says. Michelle takes her new staff members shopping if she doesn’t like their wardrobe. Charlotte thought that was nuts. Oh and she tells them: dress like the client you want to have. Good idea.

What was their worst design mistake ever? Kelly painted a vestibule in 10 different colored stripes. Michelle, at a clients request (she lives in texas and they hunt a lot down there, she explained),  MOUNTED AN ALLIGATOR over a server in a dining room!!!

Is it harder to design for yourself or others? Most of them thought it was much, much harder to design for yourself because as people submerged in design, they love so many things! Narrowing it down for themselves is so much more difficult than for a client. (I hear that!!) Kelly thought it was easier for herself, because her design could evolve more organically and she could take a risk on a couple of bizarre chairs and if they didn’t work she could just put them in storage!

Speaking of design mistakes and clients, they all admitted that when they make a mistake for a client they bite the bullet and eat the expense of correcting it. Charlotte added that if she is working with a client and she pushes them into something and she knows they are a little hesitant about it, and then it turns out they dont love it, she will replace the item without charging her mark up. BUT, its not like we can rip of the wallpaper and return it, she adds. (She also said a few times, that there comes a time where you may have to remind a client why they picked up the phone to hire you. But that sometimes, a client fires you and other times, you must fire a client!)

Now the big news: I asked a question. I asked Margarette Russel “In a time when so many decor magazines are going under, how do you keep Elle Decor alive and current? In this journalism depression whats your plan for the future of Elle Decor?”

Honestly, my heart was pounding out of my chest so I could barely hear what she answered, but I think she said that these are hard times for everyone and they try to keep the magazine as fresh as possible. But that she DOESNT think that the blogs and internet will replace the glossies. DUH. We bloggers want MORE magazines, not less!!! They are the fodder for our infinite discussions!!

All the women looked incredibly chic, especially Margarette Russell. And no, Kelly was not in a ball gown. Very disappointing.

Thanks Rebecca, I really loved it!