When the New York Design Center debuted its Women in Design day last spring, Alix Lerman, chief marketing officer at 200 Lex, wasn’t sure what to expect. Contrary to the reach of the building’s tentpole What’s New, What’s Next event in the fall, the target for this gathering was more regional, with those who could commute into Manhattan top of mind. The concept, too, was intentionally intimate, hosting a select number of panels around a midday pause for showroom shopping and breakout sessions. That it fell in the middle of Women’s History Month helped shape its gender-specific focus.
As it happened, the introductory conference spoke directly to a segment of the industry that, while far from a niche audience, had been missing a forum to address the many issues it faced. “The first Women in Design was one of the most well-received thematic events we’ve done in the 19-plus years I’ve been at 200 Lex,” says Lerman. “We have so many female-owned and female-run brands within the building—Konekt, Merida and Wexler Gallery, to name just a few—and there are so many interior designers and makers. To not only celebrate female talent but also talk about relevant topics really resonated.”
Bolstered by the success of its first iteration, Women in Design returns on March 12 with an even more curated and nuanced programming schedule. Panels include an exploration of the inimitable chemistry that occurs when women collaborate; a discussion of positive ways to push boundaries; and a strategy session about how to achieve the elusive yet crucial work-life balance. “We’re an industry that’s so intertwined with the personal that it’s easy to lose sight of where to draw the line,” observes Lerman. Recognizing the positive side of such connectivity and the profound bonds that can form between colleagues, the entire day is dedicated to the late Amy Lau—“an extraordinary designer and beloved member of the 200 Lex family,” she says.
Bridging the day’s agenda is digital and video content like profiles of industry notables Dara Caponigro, Young Huh, Sara Kravet, Jennifer Manners and Business of Home founder Julia Noran Johnston, among others, via 200 Lex’s newsletter and social media. Visitors to the center can take a tour of women-designed products all month long. “We’re excited to build on what we started last year in a way that’s interesting and different,” says Lerman. To plan your day, consider the following sneak peek at the panels—and visit the website for details about the 12:30 p.m. lunch and breakout sessions: an open house with Rosemary Hallgarten; a look back at visionaries like Elsie de Wolfe and Dorothy Draper; and a workshop about weaving.
10 a.m. | Brilliant Collaborations: How Women in Design Shine Together
Hosted by Visual Comfort & Co., Suite 101
Cattiness is such a cliché. In fact, a special creative synergy often exists among female designers, resulting in shared projects that incorporate the best skills and styles of each participant. In this energizing discussion moderated by Elle Decor executive editor Ingrid Abramovitch, Alexa Hampton, Celia Rogge and Jan Showers highlight the inspired partnerships and insightful perspectives shaping the design landscape today.
11:30 a.m. | Wellness for Women in Design: Balancing Work, Life and Self-Care to Lead With Strength
Hosted by Verellen, Suite 801
While the importance of a healthy work-life balance can no longer be dismissed or denied, it continues to be so difficult to achieve. Bella Zakarian Mancini of Bella Mancini Design, Slán NYC founder Dr. Molly McBride, Lifted founder Holly Rilinger, and Sarah Wragge, founder and CEO of Sarah Wragge Wellness, present their experiences and strategies for confronting this challenge, detailing how prioritizing health and well-being can directly impact professional success and personal satisfaction for women at all stages of their careers.
2 p.m. | Women’s Work Part 2: Finding Power in Our Voices
Hosted by Made Goods, Suite 1600
The design industry is far from immune to double standards, so it’s understandable that women are still conflicted about the most effective way to make their voices heard. Respected for their ability to state their opinions and break boundaries, the four powerhouses on this panel have figured it out. Join Luxe Interiors + Design editor in chief Jill Cohen and designers Susana Simonpietri of Chango, Keita Turner of Keita Turner Design, and Suzanne Lovell of Suzanne Lovell Inc. for a dynamic discussion about how to be a leader who expresses herself authentically in a way that’s positive, uplifting, inclusive and supportive.
3:30 p.m. | Living Artfully: How to Empower Clients to Build a Personal Collection
Hosted by Royal Botania, Belgian Outdoor Luxury Furniture, Suite 808
A fabulous art collection can turn an already stylish home into an absolutely spectacular one, but encouraging a client to make that investment can be tricky. In conversation with executive director of Salon Art + Design Nicky Dessources, Kasmin Gallery executive director Edith Dicconson, and Sara Story Design founder Sara Story, Galerie editor in chief Jacqueline Terrebone addresses how to approach the conversation, explains ways to navigate galleries and fairs with a critical eye, and defines how to build the foundation for an extraordinary assortment of artworks.
5 p.m. | Blueprint for Success: Breaking into Architecture and Construction
Hosted by Baker / McGuire, Suite 300
Traditionally, architecture and construction have been male-dominated fields, but these four intrepid female pioneers are changing that, fast. How did they break through, blaze their own trails, and make an impact? LC Three founder Linda Cirigliano, Palomino Interiors founding principal Kate Ferguson, Reis Contracting executive director Lauren Kelsey, and Kligerman Architecture & Design partner Margie Lavender tell all to Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen, including the individual paths they carved to leadership positions, what it takes to challenge the status quo on job sites, and why their unique points of view help transform projects for the better.
This story is a paid promotion and was created in partnership with New York Design Center. For more information and to RSVP, visit Women in Design.
Homepage image: Amy Meier, Young Huh and Kesha Franklin participate as panelists at last year’s inaugural Women in Design conference | Middle Grey Studios for Business of Home
