Kelly Wearstler is a modern woman we admire. She doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to growing her empire, which includes a collection of ready-to-wear, jewelry, furniture, home accessories and numerous collaborations. All of this on top of publishing three books, living a regimented healthy lifestyle, and being a loving wife and doting mom to two little boys.
Known for her signature aesthetic of midcentury glam infused with bold prints and color, the accomplished interior designer’s work includes myriad prominent dwellings as well as the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, Viceroy Miami and Tides of South Beach. Locally, you can get a taste of Wearstler at Tootsies and Neiman Marcus.
Wearstler was in Dallas recently to support the Salvation Army Echelon’s 30M Gala fundraising events and make several appearances. In between engagements, we sat down with the endearing brunette to talk about fashion, interior design and how she juggles family and work.
CM: What inspires you when designing your various lines?
KW: I love color and texture. Slubbing, silks, embroidery — any interesting textures on fabrics, drapery and furniture. The spring collections are titled “Cabinet of Curiosities,” hence the feet, skulls, lips, etc. It all has a sense of humor to it.
CM: I know you collect vintage clothing. Do you have a favorite piece?
KW: I have so much that I love. My mom and grandmother collected silk scarves, and I often wear those and use them for inspiration.
CM: If you could only live in one color, what would it be?
KW: I love all colors, so that is a really hard question. I’d have to say blue.
CM: How do you juggle being a mom, wife and designer of so many lines?
KW: It can be challenging. I just take it day by day. Great planning, an amazing team and my studio, and family support is really important. There are things I miss out on, like my son’s having a presentation at school today, and obviously I can’t be there. [She took a call from her husband during the interview to wish her son luck.]
I take the kids along with me to flea markets. It all makes me a better mom and wife at the end of the day, because I’m very passionate about what I do. It makes me happy. Life goes by so fast; you need to take a little down time. We have “pondering time” at home, where we just sit and reflect.
CM: What’s next?
KW: I’m doing another rug collection for the Rug Company and china for Pickard. We also just launched our wall covering collection with Lee Jofa. It’s available at my flagship store in LA on Melrose.
You should check out my blog, My Vibe My Life; it’s full of design inspirations. I focus on a different theme every week. There are projects, photos, art, fashion and more.
Kelly Wearstler's line is available at Neiman Marcus.
Select runway couture and past collection pieces headline Chloe Dao’s 25-Year Anniversary Clean-Out Event.Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao