History and holistic intention align on March 11 at the third annual—and 100th anniversary edition of—Women in Design. Comprising a curated itinerary of four keynote panels, paired with plenty of open houses and instructive workshops, the daylong get-together takes place where it all began, among the many glittering showrooms of the at-capacity 200 Lex, which is celebrating its centennial throughout 2026. And in an evolution of last year’s emphasis on self-care, this spring’s expanded focus considers what place a career in design should take within the bigger picture of a well-balanced life.
“The topic of women in design continues to resonate in a way that’s so amazing,” says Alix Lerman, chief marketing officer at the New York Design Center. “It’s proof that we matter.” Encouraging members from all sectors of the industry to speak with surprising candor about their successes and struggles, the gathering gets real right away: In the first panel of the morning, hosted by Business of Home, four leading ladies from different realms of design discuss the impact of mentors on their careers. “Tying into the 100th anniversary, it looks at the past, present and future of women in the field,” says Lerman. Other subjects throughout the day’s programming include how creative interests—even those that have nothing to do with design—can spark inspiration; the alchemy that occurs between interior designers and fine artists when curating unique pieces for a project; and the personal sacrifices made to attain professional power. (For more details, see below.) “These are issues relevant to women that we don’t always get to talk about,” Lerman continues. “We want to push the boundaries and provoke ongoing conversations that make a difference.”
The discussions promise to be profound, but it wouldn’t be Women in Design without lots of luscious product previews and shopping opportunities in between the panels. Some of 200 Lex’s newest women-led showrooms, including Natural Curiosities (Suite 432), Maya Romanoff (Suite 429) and Vica (Suite 420), will host soft openings. And to cap off the day, in partnership with the Female Design Council, the center is hosting a reception where all can congregate for a closing toast. “Come for the programming, stay for the shopping, share special experiences, and have fun” is how Lerman sums it up. “What’s so wonderful about Women in Design is that you walk away from 200 Lex feeling inspired, supported, and like a valued part of the community.”
While the day itself is the apex of the activities, the New York Design Center will celebrate the spirit of women in design for the entirety of March in recognition of Women’s History Month. The 200 Lex weekly newsletter will feature profiles of, and editorials by, WID in the building, as well as a timeline spotlighting prominent female figures from the past century. A new video series, teased via clicky snippets on Instagram, connects two industry talents for a casual but informative talk—among them Lerman herself, who chats with public relations strategist Elizabeth Blitzer.
Centennial festivities will unfurl throughout the year, with the New York Design Center and 200 Lex president and CEO Jim Druckman honored at the Kips Bay President’s Dinner on April 9; events during NYCxDesign in May; What’s New, What’s Next—the center’s benchmark event—in September; and seasonally themed showroom shopping days every month. “There’s buzz and energy and excitement throughout the entire building,” says Lerman. “It’s a special time for 200 Lex to turn 100.”
9:30 a.m. | Inspired By: The Women Who Defined Our Direction
Hosted by The Gallery, 10th Floor
Behind every great woman is, well, another great woman! Several, in fact: trailblazers and trendsetters who served as emboldening examples to today’s design leaders. In this lively and enlightening conversation, a power quartet of accomplished creatives—architect Annabelle Selldorf, interior designer Sheila Bridges, New York Magazine design editor Wendy Goodman and product designer Emma Finch of Hector Finch—draw on decades of experience to discuss the mentors and role models who paved the way. Moderated by Business of Home’s Dennis Scully, the panel will investigate what it takes to start, scale and sustain success on your own terms—without ever losing sight of the icons who inspired you in the first place.
11 a.m. | All Work and No Play? Why Hobbies Matter for Women in Design
Hosted by Verellen, Suite 801
While it may seem like your business demands every minute of your day, all work and no play makes for dull designs indeed. Entrepreneurs Emma MacTaggart, founder of What’s the Stitch and the craftsperson behind the viral needlepoint Fendi bag, Kate McGuire of Converted Closet, and Beth Nicely, famed personal trainer and founder of The Limit, explore how creative outlets—including and maybe especially those that have nothing to do with your day-to-day—help manage stress, spark your imagination, build community, and broaden your perspective. Consider this your permission slip to carve out time for joy.
12 p.m. | Workshops, Book Signings and Open Houses
Hosted by various showrooms
Peruse the many showrooms of 200 Lex and indulge your creative side at the workshop of your choosing during the midday break. In partnership with Benjamin Moore, Pooky Lighting (Suite 411) invites visitors to paint a lampshade. Palecek (Suite 706) shines a spotlight on the women of its production design team. Between light bites and beverages, Thibaut (Suite 809–811) previews new offerings, including an exclusive first look at fabrics and wallcoverings by Anna French. Collaborating with Kaia Editions (Suite 424), Pauline Leprince presents a series of sculptural pieces that combine the textured durability of burnt metal with the fragile transparency of glass. Leftbank Art (Suite 610) celebrates visionary designers Nikki Chu, Catherine Freshley and Mary Elizabeth Marvin. At John Pomp Studios (Suite 1202), sip some bubbly while admiring the softer side of lighting embodied by its new Slumped line. Alongside the AAPIDA, Jiun Ho (Suite 1208) presents a capsule collection from Lala Curio. “Ladies Who Build” take a bow at Collier Webb (Suite 511), while Sossego (Suite 1301) stages an interactive vignette by Brazilian artist Carin Kulb Dangot. Formerly of Hermès, Astrid Elineau makes her stateside debut as the new design director at Schumacher (Suite 1516) with a collection that marries French excellence with American craftsmanship. The esprit de France continues at Visual Comfort (Suite 101), where Frederic style director Eugenia Santiesteban Soto will be signing her new book, Arbiters of Style: The New Wave of French Interior Design. For more midday showroom happenings, visit the Women in Design homepage.
2:30 p.m. | Redefining Power: Women at the Helm
Hosted by Made Goods, Suite 1600
Success is the destination, but how do you get there? As these three powerhouse pioneers prove, there’s more than one direction to take. Veronica Schnitzius, president of American Leather, drew on the determination she forged during a challenging childhood in Colombia. Helen Cho, senior director of marketing for SKS and LG Pro Builder, developed an expertise in global brand-building. Jill Cohen, editor in chief of Luxe Interiors + Design, funneled her publishing talents into the founding of her eponymous book consultancy business. Each has confronted different challenges and made singular choices to achieve leadership status, and they’re here to share the lessons they’ve learned. From navigating career pivots and combating sexism to fostering values-driven corporate cultures and prioritizing family, they address the many speed bumps and detours on the road to their individual definitions of success.
4 p.m. | The Artful Eye: An Inside Look at How Artists and Designers Collaborate
Hosted by Vaughan, Suite 607
Artists in their own right, interior designers know that nothing elevates a scheme and centers a room quite like a one-of-a-kind painting, photograph or sculpture. Jacqueline Terrebonne, editor in chief of Galerie, hosts a “palette” of colorful panelists—Alessandra Branca of Casa Branca, Nancy Lorenz of Nancy Lorenz Studio, and Emma O’Neill of Studio Sofield—in a spirited exchange about this special partnership. Choosing the right medium, determining whether the artwork should reinforce a theme or impactfully contrast with it, calibrating where to position and how to light the piece: These are just some of the details they debate when it comes to selecting the unique creations that will serve as the aesthetic soul of very special homes.
5:15 p.m. | Cocktails with the Female Design Council
Hosted by Baker, Suite 300
Applaud empowered women and a day well done at this celebratory cocktail hour hosted by the New York Design Center in partnership with the Female Design Council, the preeminent professional network for women in design careers. It’s a happy ending to the many conversations and a chance to raise a glass and say “hip hip hooray!” to 100 years of 200 Lex.
This story is a paid promotion and was created in partnership with the New York Design Center. For more information and to RSVP, visit Women in Design.
Homepage image: Three cheers for the 100th anniversary of 200 Lex! | Middle Grey Studios for Business of Home
