Kelly Wearstler for Harper's BAZAAR




One of the highlights of this past year has been the opportunity to not only visit the Beverly Hills home of Kelly Wearstler, but also to meet a living icon of interior design. Walking around the 3650-square-metre estate was a slightly surreal experience - like being on a film set or, quite literally, within the pages of her books Domicilium Decoratus, Modern Glamour or Hue. But, as I wrote in the feature for Australia's Harper's BAZAAR, it still felt like a family home because of how relaxed her boys were playing there. The furniture was not too precious for them to curl up into. The grounds were ripe for playing. They were having a lot of fun... especially when the portraits had been taken and they couldn't wait to jump into the pool. Photographer Kata Varga captured so well their spirit of adventure. (We also managed to sneak in a few photo shoots for Frontliners while in LA, which we'll share in the New Year.)

The feature is in the Jan/Feb 12 issue of Harper's BAZAAR. Here is the Daily Imprint interview with Kelly that ran last year.

Which five words best describe you? [I chose 6!] Creative. Family-oriented. Risk-taker. Ambitious. Free-thinker. Organised!
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I worked as a waitress for years. That job taught me how to multi-task and deal with people.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Opening my design firm over a decade ago. It was always a dream of mine, and I was fortunate enough to make it a reality.
What’s been your best decision? Having a family.
Who inspires you? William de Kooning, Sonia Rykiel, Ettore Sottsass... Each brings something unique to the table in their respective fields, which I respect and admire.
What are you passionate about? Fashion, travel, design, my family...
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Always learn from your mistakes.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love to have an opportunity to meet my children’s children and my great, great grandparents. It would be so intriguing to see my family’s past and future.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Opening my own lifestyle boutique.
What are you reading? My new book, HUE!

images courtesy of harper's bazaar (photography kata varga; styling natalie walton)