What do Oscar de la Renta, Rose Tarlow, Holly Hunt, and Carolyne Roehm have in common? They, among other notables, served as judges of Veranda's 2010 Art of Design Awards, which recognizes industry leaders whose work is considered innovative and timeless.

The judges selected from more than 100 candidates, who were nominated by leaders in the worlds of decoration and design. 

“The world is craving authenticity right now – things that are thoughtful and well executed,” said Dara Caponigro, editor-in-chief of Veranda. “By looking both backward and forward, the Art of Design award winners prove that good classic design is anything but boring.” 

For Interior Design, Paul Wiseman was recognized for his ingenious sense of balance, his custom work, and how attuned he is to his clients.

In the Fabric Design category, Bernie de Le Cuona was recognized for her obsessive sense of quality.  Her quest to create the perfect cloth has taken her to India and Europe in search of traditional weavers.

Gil Schafer was recognized in Architecture for designing the kinds of houses that appear to have been handed down for generations, though they are often new and adapted to modern life.

Suzanne & Christopher Sharp will receive the award in the Accessories/Furniture category. They started The Rug Company in London to create innovative rugs that break boundaries.  They continue to produce iconic pieces and bring a diverse approach to the field.

In Garden Design, Nancy Goslee Power was noted for her gardens, which were sustainable long before the term became popular. Her work has a lushness often not associated with drought-resistant plants.

Alessio Boschi for Autor, along with with Rosario Autore, founder of the Sydney-based company, will receive the award for Jewelry Design. Boschi has redefined pearls by pairing them with gemstones in dynamic forms.

The winners are showcased in the current (October) issue, and will be honored at an awards gala in New York City on September 29 at the Hearst Tower in New York City. Celebrity event planner Antony Todd will design the space for guests including Bunny Williams, Robert Stern, and David Rockwell.  A portion of ticket sales and silent auction donations will benefit The Alpha Workshops, the decorative arts atelier and school established to train and employ creative people living with HIV.