On May 14, Rizzoli Bookstore welcomed a warm and spirited crowd to celebrate the launch of Beauty All Around, the debut book by acclaimed San Francisco–based designer Kendall Wilkinson. The event hummed with cheerful energy as family, friends, fellow designers, editors and brand partners gathered to honor Wilkinson’s career of nearly 33 years.

The evening featured a thoughtful conversation and Q&A moderated by design journalist and Wilkinson’s longtime friend Michael Boodro. Together, they explored the deeply personal and creative process behind the making of the book—from selecting projects and refining the visual narrative to choosing the cover image and uncovering stories that had been quietly waiting within Wilkinson’s archive. In collaboration with publisher Pointed Leaf Press and writer Tracey Pruzan, Wilkinson unearthed a well of memories, emotions and revelations to craft the narrative. As she shared, the process helped her see her own work with fresh eyes—realizing that while she may have lived with these images for years, to the reader, they would feel entirely new. 

“Celebrating the launch of Beauty All Around at Rizzoli’s iconic store was truly a dream come true,” said Wilkinson. “Despite the rain, the room was filled with so much warmth, love and support—it was incredibly moving to be surrounded by dear friends, long-term collaborators and new faces alike. Having my family here made it all the more meaningful. The energy of the night was unforgettable, and I’m fired up for the rest of the book tour!”

The guest list reflected Wilkinson’s wide-ranging impact on the design world and beyond. A robust crowd of more than 65 filled the space, including Miriam Verga and Hillary Kaplan of Mimi & Hill, interior photographer Rayon Richards, Tiffany Young, Matt Quinn of Iatesta, Margaret Schwartz, K.A. Murphy Interiors, Sophia Koutsiaftis of Galerie magazine and Anna Last from Homes & Gardens. Also present were David Calligeros of Remains, Michael Freedman of Parete, Kate Verner of KVA Associates, and from Pointed Leaf Press, Suzanne Slesin, Frederico Farina and Julian Cosma. Rizzoli’s own PR director, Jessica Napp, was also in attendance. Wilkinson’s mother, former designer and inspiration Alice Wiley, joined the festivities, as did her stepfather Peter Hall, husband Brooks, and daughters Anna and Caroline. The evening closed with happy chats, book signings and heartfelt connections—an authentic celebration of beauty, legacy and love.