Inside Design with Liz Layug

Eddie and Friends

2010-08-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hello, Everyone!

The following is the link to the radio show Eddie and Friends where I had the most amazing time with LA Talk Radio Host Eddie Connor and his co-host Victor Benouin.Just click on the link to listen.

http://www.latalkradio.com/images/Hifreq-080210.mp3

Design and Energy

2010-08-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Look who's on the cover of LA Talk Radio .com

http://www.latalkradio.com/index.shtml
On August 2,2010 at 8P.M. I'll be the guest of Eddie Connor,authorand psychic.Celebrated T.V. and Radio personality speaking on two of my favorite subjects:Energy and Design. Born a natural born sensitive and intuitive I have applied my gifts to my everyday practical life in working with my clients all over the world.

West Week or Better Known as "West Two Days"

2010-04-05T02:41:00.000-07:00

March 24th and 25th is the traditional Los Angeles Market for the Wholesale Furnishings Industry. Vendors for Accessories,lighting,fabric,furniture and various Objet d' Art launch their new Collections or any additions to existing lines in any given showroom and also is the time for "sprucing up" for any showroom. Major renovations,paint,installations are planned well in advance each year and in fact, planning for the next year begins immediately after the last one ends.
Rather then lament the changes from "how it was" to "what it is now" I would choose to look on the positive side of things.
Our Industry has been impacted on an unprecedented scale over the last 15 months due to the Economic downturn. On a positive note, depending on your perspective,you may take some comfort in knowing that it is not only in Los Angeles, or the U.S. that is being affected. This is truly a Global Situation. Traditionally,whenever there is a downturn in the economy our customers are not affected since we deal with the A+ market.This time,we are down about 40% across the board in all markets.Ouch!
Showrooms,vendors,designers,manufacturers and all local industries that support this industry are scrambling to simply exist. Owners and "management teams" are scratching their heads trying to figure out what to do and what went wrong. Personally, never mind what went wrong. At this point we need to go forward and make new choices. It is obvious to me the old constructs do not work and individually and collectively we are being forced to become this "Hybrid" in order to survive.New models need to be created with focus towards success. Our Industry survives but in a new form.
In the mean time, we go on...move forward...take each day at a time and keep doing what we do best...Create. It is important that Market takes place and peple attend
wherever it may be to keep a "Public Presence" that we still are here.Thriving. Creating.Succeeding.
It lets everyone know we are still here.
Collaboration and relationship are more critical than ever before.Seek out your "Old Friends" and find out how they are doing. Tell them how you are and discuss what may be done to help each other.
In this time of emptying design centers and closing showrooms there is a ray of hope-
We are the Ray of Hope-designers,manufacturers,architects,upholsterers,craftsman,tradesman,advertisers,painters,contracters,landscape designers,lighting specialists,clients....and the list continues.

Jamb Limited,London Expands Showroom 2010

2010-03-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

Whenever I am in London one of the first things I do is go to Pimlico Road to see Will Fisher,owner of Jamb Limited. A "must-see" and "definite" destination showroom in London for antiques,lighting, and reproduction line of furniture.
Will has recently renovated and has undertaken a very ambitious move by expanding his existing showroom on Dovewalk off Pimlico Road in London.
Managed by Charlotte Freemantle, his partner in life as well as his business partner.

If ever as a Designer you want to bring your clients shopping in the UK and need a professional,fun,friendly,efficient place to go to shop and for that real "London" experience ...Go see Will. Will,Charlotte and staff have a great deal of experience dealing with the U.S. and shipping is not an issue for them.They will help you maneuver the paperwork minutiae which can be a bit challenging when shopping with your clients abroad.

Please visit or call at:
Jamb Limited
3 Dove Walk
Pimlico
London SW1W 8PS

T + 44 (0) 20 7730 2122
F + 44 (0) 20 7730 2132

Hawker Antiques is the antique side of the business available online as well as 1st Dibs.
Shown in photos are Will Fisher and Victoria Perry from Jamb Ltd. and Liz Layug.

Kneedler-Fauchere changes Hands-End of an Era

2010-01-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

January 2010 Kneedler-Fauchere is no longer owned by the orignal family members. It was with mixed emotions that I heard from a reliable source that the pioneering showroom Kneedler-Fauchere founded by Dorothy Lawenda had changed hands. I first met Wendy Kneedler and Harry Lawenda at 19years old in San Francisco when my brother-in-law, Budji Layug, had a line of carved giant bamboo furniture distributed by Peter Rocchia, owner of Wicker Works, was represented by Kneedler-Fauchere.The Industry was a lot younger then and our best and brightest had not been ravaged by Aids.
Some of my favorite memories when several years later after being hired by Dorothy Lawenda to work at Kneedler-Fauchere was seeing Dorothy coming in everyday in a theme outfit or in the latest fashons and colors on a daily basis. She would visit each salesperson and employee everyday and take time to speak to and engage each one like family. Indeed, you were family according to Dorothy.
Designers would be greeted by Peggy at the front desk as you entered the showroom.
Dorothy had found Peggy at a beauty salon and every time she paged for a salesperson it sounded like she was calling for a "comb out".
As the day progressed you would hear Helen Miller,executive assistant and Dorothy's very distinct laughter. You just knew another story or joke had just been told.
Many times, Dorothy would ask Gerry Cablao to go shopping with her for the day.
When there was a storm, Dorothy would call from her home and send "the kids" home as she was concerned for their safety because many employees lived far away from the showroom.She would always remember her "boys" and would bear gifts of ties when returning from a trip.
You would see Harry Lawenda,Hugh MaKay,Ann Kneedler, and Wendy Kneedler on a daily basis in and out. All of us grew up with this cast of characters. Each one on their own was important but as a group was a force to be reckoned with and made an impact that shaped the face and thrust of our Industry in ways that we will only see after all are gone.

Don Vickers,Jim Metz,Regina Mirman,Bill Winters,Fritzi Coleman,Kathy Wells,Peggy Dickel,Helen Miller,Sophie Brill,Rikkie Friedman,Frank Austin,Franklin Coligano,Isabelle Hiel,David Repp,Bill Binaisz,Liz Layug,Lucy Morales,Gerry Cablao,Kimberly Sarreal,Corinna Perez,Steve Sparks,Julie De Witt, Bencie Bryant,Sean Gallagher, Mike Osterman,Susan Niece,Rae Cortina,Billy Bragg,Candy McNaughton,Diane Cote,Jesse Slover,Trish Bradley,Tom Schaub,Janelle Johansen,Debbie Renter,Rose Dedinko,Stephanie Despierto,Dominique Daniels,Wendy Kneedler,Ann Kneedler,Christian Kneedler,Wayne Padden,Kent Lawenda,Kevin Lawenda,Philip Younce,Ron Squires,Alex Bernal,Gay Unger,Augustus Higginson,Dan Witherspoon,Frank Zappa, Nick Walker,Mario Grimaldi,Casey Cibroski,Jacques Bouvier,Mark Groeninger,Christie McCrae,Bob Allred,Cliff Schmidt,Angela O'Riordan,Christine Vlachos,Sean McMahon,Jason Flemming,Thomas Lavin,Lee Winterstein,Victor Mendoza,Vanessa Layug,Sandy Torres,Dana Gaddis,Lynda Brenner,Valerie Finlayson,David Elpers,Pat Manginelli,Sal Navarro,Saul Navarro,Alma Berkus,Shane Brown,Dennis Takeda,Jimmy Kitazaki,to name a few have passed into and thru the doors of Kneedler-Fauchere.

Yes, it was a different era.....

The Flaming Queen-Singapore

2010-01-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

Entrepeneur, Judy Millar a familiar face around Singapore's artistic circles with Husband celebrity photographer and published author, Russel Wong have opened a fabulous candle and aromatics shop in Singapore recently. Besides their own line of unique scents called "The Flaming Queen" they also carry other popular and fabulous scents from Europe and the U.S.
located on the second floor of the prestigious Mandarin Hotel. You are sure to find what you need for any gifts or better yet, for yourself. Pampering is the new "Black".
The Flaming Queen
390 Orchard Rd.,#b1
12 Palais Rennaisance
Singapore
238871 6235 3918
Website www.flamingqueen.com/about.html

MCM Ltd. - A Special Mention

2008-11-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

James Wright is the owner and founder of MCM Ltd in based in the UK. He's really amazing. MCM Ltd makes cost effective modular housing up to 9 stories tall. It's all built in their factory in the UK. Green,Cost Effective, Efficient...A designer and architect's dream. Look at his website- you'll be pleased you did.

website:www.mcmethods.com
Modern Construction Methods Ltd.
212 Hornsey Road
London N7 7LL
United Kingdom

Christmas in London

2008-11-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

I was finally getting ready to leave London after so much activity and meetings. I took a few hours with my partner, Kristina Stehling and her son Max to walk the streets of London and look at the decorations. They were great. Definitely made you feel the Xmas Mood. Cold not snowy, but bearable. People rushing about with their packages and just looking at all the sights on the street and the decorations each retail establishment and the City of London threw up for the entertainment of the public. Loved it....

Obama Celebration Party:London Democrats Abroad

2008-11-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2008 Democrats Abroad held an amazing celebration party at the Texas, Embassy in London,UK. EFA European Director, Kristina Stehling was part of the preparation Party. I have never seen more Americans in one place in London ever.
It was absolutely Jammin' with wall to wall people just showing what its like to have witnessed and been part of an historic event. Everyone in London was celebrating with us. Besides the Texas,Embassy the Democrats Abroad had set up two other overflow venues to take care of all the people and make sure evryone was having a brilliant time. Evelyn Fujimoto from Gensler,London was in attendance.
What an incredible night!

www.democratsabroad.org
www.democratsabroad.org/user/registration

Michael S Smith Book Signing: Houses at HollyHock

2008-11-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

I had a pleasant surprise when I stopped at HollyHock owned by Suzanne Rheinstein who was hosting the booksigning for Michael S Smith's second book published by Rizzoli.

If you have ever ventured outside of the PDC to shop-HollyHock located at 817 Hilldale Ave in West Hollywood has become a destination showroom for unusual and unique items. They also showcase several colections of fabric,lighting , and furniture that you will not find at the PDC.

Robert Kime Fabrics,John Rosselli Furniture & Lighting Collection, and William Yeoward Crystal to name a few.

The original Hollyhock was opened 17yrs ago in Larchmont. Designer Connie McCreight was there to show her support as well as all the Jasper Contingent from Michael S Smith. Frank Mastronuzzi, CFO for Michael S Smith, was holding court with friends.

Hospitality Design Icon, Betty Garber, Vince Jellineo, Kneedler Faucher Alumni with his designer partner,Ed were present to grace the event.

Michael S Smith as Dapper as ever was signing his new book:Houses. This is Michael's second book published by Rizzoli. If you have ever been to a Michael S Smith book signing, it really is an event. Michael is great. He is very approachable and is very excited about telling you about his Jasper furniture and fabric collections represented in showrooms across the U.S. To the Trade.

http://www.michaelssmithinc.com/

http://www.hollyhockinc.com/

New London Hotel is Hot!

2008-10-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

After traveling so much over the last two years for business, I missed my friends. I am sure they thought I had fallen off the face of the earth but they had not given up on me. Bob Allred,V.P. Michael S. Smith for Jasper,Valerie Finlayson,Outside Sales Nancy Corzine, and Tim, life partner of Bob Allred, an IT Expert for Verizon."He is very smart,articulate and we like him,Bob."We had a great time just catching up.

We all met at the New London Hotel on San Vicente for cocktails at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant and Bar. The former Bel Age, it's renovation and interior design was done by David Collins, a London designer. Go! As quickly as you can....it's great. Interesting nuances in different design elements used by the designer. Waterworks collaborated with David Collins Studio and custom designed the fixtures, soaking tubs, and luxury bath linens. All world class. It reminded me of 5 star hotels I have seen in Asia. From the tiles,lighting,softgoods, and casegoods...a good experience and well worth the price of valet parking.

The London West Hollywood

1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard

West Hollywood, Ca 90069

Hotel Information 310.854.1111

www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

London is so Cool

2008-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

London is great and so are the British. I recently came back from a trip to London and had a great time. You can actually feel "important decisions are made here"- interesting. Will Fisher, owner of Jamb Ltd. , an antique and reproduction showroom on Dove Walk near Pimlico Road, brought my London partner and me to "Decorex".The London version of their Wholesale Interior Design Market. I thought it had a different" spin"in comparison to Market in Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco-much smaller but if you have never been-definitely go and check it out.

They have exhibitors from all over Europe and you will recognize some of the name brands being distributed in the States wholesale showrooms.

I took the tube and bus all over the city. Loved it. Not only was it cost effective but fun and easy.

In fact, it really is the only way to get around the city unless you walk. It felt very similar to New York.

Singapore is Amazing!

2008-10-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places in Asia is Singapore. It has an International flavor without being overbearing. If you've never been to Asia, I would suggest Singapore. Its a place where for the last two years I go to "regenerate" if I am in Asia for an extended period of time for work.

Don't be surprised if you see "expats" from every where working and living in Singapore.

A former British Colony, it is a treasure trove of

amazing architectural buildings.

The Fullerton Hotel, a former postal office, renovated and designed by Hirsch Bedner& Associates is something that should not be missed. I had lunch with Russel and Judy Wong. Russel is a photographer of world renown who's work is represented at Christie's and art galleries in other major cities of the globe. Russel had lived and worked in Los Angeles.

www.russelwongphoto.com

Look for Judy Wong who was featured on an episode of "Anthony Bourdain" recently.

Just before I left Russel drove me around the Formula 1 car race pathway that just occurred in the streets of the city. We also went to an art exhibit installed and shown at the old Judicial buildings.

FYI-Singapore is a major hub for Contract and Hospitality design with some of the best Hotel designers in the world taking residence.

One office to really look into is Silver Fox Studios,headed by world class hotel and award winning designer,Patrick James Waring.

Patrick James Waring,former Deputy Managing Director for Wilson & Associates, has opened his own firm in partnership with another alumni from Wilson's, Susan Heng,former Creative Director. Patrick's creative genius manifest's itself in projects executed all over the globe. Patrick James Waring was pivotal in building Wilson's in Singapore from 4 people in 1992 to 180 strong by 2007. Silver Fox Studios http://www.silverfoxstudios.com.sg/.

Back To La Land - For Real

2008-09-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Leaving for LA Land today and am so glad to get back home. There is truth to the fact it is good to be around your "stuff" and just "being". Off again to London for two weeks for work then home again....Yay! More later.......

Gay Polo League

2008-08-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

Interior Designer Tom Landry

2008-08-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

Gay Polo League

2008-08-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Two years ago Chip McKenney founded the Gay Polo League recognizing a need for a vehicle to meet other gay men and women in a positive venue. Interior Designer, Tom Landry joined the Gay Polo League and has never looked back. If ever you want to see "Hot Men On Horseback" take a drive to the California Polo Club as I did. Seriously, I was pleasantly surprised. It was GPL's practice session and it was amazing. These men are serious about their polo. The following are photos in a magazine article in "Refresh"U.K. that came out about Polo and specifically about the Gay Polo League. It is significant that it is the only League of it's kind in the world.If you would like to join or contact the Gay Polo League please email gaypolola@yahoo.com.

Jamb Ltd. Favorite London Vendor

2008-07-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

I have never wanted to go to England since I was young. For whatever reason, it was never a priority to me until about 2 1/2yrs ago. I just woke up one morning "feeling" England. Never been. Two months ago, I had business in London and was determined to check it all out. I love doing the research and attention to detail is a "no brainer" for me. While working for Michael Smith,I made friends with an antique dealer in London, Will Fisher. His showroom, Jamb Ltd., is located off of Pimlico on 3 Dove Walk in a very charming alleyway reminiscent of Charles Dickens.
Once you ring the bell, you hear someone very politely asking who it is and then letting you in to the showroom. Be prepared. It is fabulous. Will keeps his showroom interesting and well appointed. Included in his antique collections, he has furniture and lighting reproduction line that is amazing. The wonderful thing about Will and his staff, if you have an installation in London or if you are just doing a search for antiques (authentique) for your installation anywhere, Will and his staff are knowledgable,competent,capable,and very good. They get back to you(what a concept!)when you have an inquiry. Shipping is not a problem to any continent.
Charlotte Feemantle manages and keeps everything all together at the showroom.
A major part of their business is antique mantels and reproduction mantels. Keep in mind they also have a large collection of antique garden accessories.
Will has been in the Antique business for a very long time with an excellent reputation in the Trade. FYI-if you want to see Will for a "one on one" consultation-call for an appointment.
Did I say that Will's staff is so funny and smart.That's a plus. Our business is stressful enough as it is. It doesn't help when showroom's make it hard to work and interface with them...We are all in it together. It's the same in that respect on every continent.

Jamb
3 Dove walk
Pimlico, London SW1W 8PS
United Kingdom
t+44(0)20 7730 2122
f+44(0)20 7730 2132
www.jamblimited.com
Contact:charlotte@jamblimited.com
Director: Will Fisher

2008-07-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

Party at Exquisite Surfaces

2008-07-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

You know-I really did not want to go out of my house last night but I was invited
out of my house by Stephen Stone, Builder and Lanscape Designer Extraordinaire and was very pleasantly surprised by the new showroom for Exquisite Surfaces on Robertson Blvd. It was the Old Masonic building. Very cool! I had not been in the country for a while and it was nice seeing old friends. Monty(Real estate maven), John Cole(designer), Scott Hunt(Panache),and Bill Maxwell(Finestra). I've been to a lot of openings and this one was really fun. "No Drama!"
I love designers - what can I say? Plus who doesn't enjoy being around a lot of hot men. Albeit they don't want me but hey -"Beauty is Beauty." Our business is all about "Pretty" anyway.
I literally ran into my dear friend,Frank Mastronuzzi, CFO of Michael S Smith. Looking "hot" Frank- Michael and Frank had just come from the "Good-Bye" party for Rose Tarlow. It was great seeing Michael and Kim Alexandriuk -both who I haven't seen since I left the country over a year ago.

Gary Gibson Interior Designer Interview Prt 2

2008-07-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

OMG Gary Gibson

2008-07-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

Oh My God, Gary! Finally, We're on....It took two years but as you know-I always keep my word. One of the most creative and artistic designers in Los Angeles with a wicked sense of humor. Look for his Atelier on Beverly Blvd filled with high end furniture to order,unusual objet d'art, Larsen Fabric,and amazing artists that Gary helps showcase their work. He's always been one to recognize talent. If you're looking for something exceptional - go to Gary Gibson.
The address is : Gary Gibson
7350 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90036

He's right across the street from fellow interior designer, Michael Berman. We have to add also - we noticed that you're awfully close to El Coyote...Hmmmmmmm

To The Trade Interior Design Files

2008-07-17T00:16:00.000-07:00

This is a trailer for a show I worked on a couple of years ago dedicated to the interior design industry produced and directed by Vanessa Layug & Malcolm Goodwin. For more info about the show log onto www.meanduproductions.com

Beginning From where You Are At.....

2008-07-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

In order to establish a forum where I can talk about the Wholesale Design Industry I love so well... I wanted to begin this Blog. Where do I begin except where I am now....After spending a great deal of my life in the Industry and traveling a great deal in the last 16 months I realize that our Industry is changing irrevocably. I will be giving my observations and opinions about what I see is going on in the Industry. As well as introducing designers,friends,vendors,mfr's who I believe are amazing at home as well as abroad.