DesignLA Wanderlust 2025: Where Vintage, Travel and Storytelling Collide

Last week, I had the joy of attending DesignLA: Wanderlust for the very first time—and it
completely delivered. 

This wasn’t just another design event.

It was an immersive, energizing celebration of creativity, global influence, and soulful interiors. As someone who’s built a brand around vintage and one-of-a-kind finds, I was thrilled to see how seamlessly antique design was woven into the week’s showrooms, conversations, and panels.

Vintage at the Forefront:

From showroom styling to top-tier panels, vintage and antiques weren’t just on display, they were leading the conversation. It was a powerful reminder that design with history, heart, and soul continues to resonate at every level of the industry.

First Dibs Panel: Cliff Fong and Giampiero Tagliaferri

A true highlight of the week was the First Dibs panel featuring designers Cliff Fong and
Giampiero Tagliaferri. Cliff compared designing a home to getting dressed: "Accessories complete the look and tell the story." Giampiero spoke of Milan’s layered design
history and the importance of looking beyond the obvious—sometimes literally behind the gate—to find meaning and magic. Their dialogue was intentional, smart, and so validating for those who see design as a form of storytelling.

It also happened to be the 25th anniversary of 1stDibs that day, making their panel feel even more special. And as someone who always appreciates a well-thought-out detail, I couldn’t help but love the event’s gift bag—Blackwing pencils and a chic notepad made the perfect takeaway. A little piece of design history tucked in my tote.

Ken Fulk’s Whimsical World

Ken Fulk’s showroom was nothing short of magical—a place where fantasy meets old-world charm. Known for his dramatic, story-driven spaces, Ken layered antique lighting, bold color, and unexpected objects in a way that felt both opulent and grounded. His ability to infuse narrative into every corner of a space continues to inspire me to approach vintage with even more imagination.

And yes—I took home one of his candles, which was the perfect souvenir for a gal who loves a log cabin and a crackling fire. That warm, woodsy scent will be my creative spark well into fall.

Worldly Eyes: Travel, Vintage and the Global Search for Soul

Moderated by Rebecca Howard Birdwell, the Director of DesignLA, this panel featured a
lineup of powerhouse women in design: Palmer Weiss, Barrie Benson, Heidi Caillier, and
Chloe Warner. Each designer shared stories of sourcing from markets across the globe—from Moroccan souks to Parisian brocantes—and how those pieces connect clients
to culture, memory, and meaning. It was a panel that could have gone on for hours, and I
would’ve stayed for every minute.

Design Icons: Michael S. Smith and Matt Tyrnauer

This panel offered a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of design, history, and
cultural influence, with a rich and engaging conversation between Michael S. Smith, AD100 Hall of Famer and Oval Office designer, and filmmaker/journalist Matt Tyrnauer. Michael shared insightful behind-the-scenes stories about designing for the White House, including the now-famous red curtains that President Obama initially resisted, but ultimately embraced. He also recounted the curious case of Mrs. Belzer, whose donkey cart coffee tables and feather-woven curtains prompted plenty of conversation, confusion, and design curiosity. As a storyteller, I found this panel wildly interesting—it sparked further investigation and reminded me just how layered and complex great design truly is.

A Family Affair: Storytelling, Space and the Art of Everyday Glamour

As a journalist and lover of storytelling, this was one of my favorite panels. Nancy Meyers—queen of the cinematic kitchen and beloved mom of so many iconic interiors—took the stage with her daughters, Hallie Meyers-Shyer and Annie Meyers-Shyer, for a beautiful, intimate conversation about the spaces that shape us. They talked about memory, glamour, and the comfort of rooms that feel as lived-in as they are luxurious. It was exactly the kind of heart-meets-style moment I adore. 

DesignLA: Wanderlust reminded me why I do what I do.

Vintage isn’t just a style—it’s a perspective. It’s about valuing the past, honoring the story, and choosing curiosity over convenience. This event was filled with those moments—the ones that invite us to look closer, think deeper, and be bolder. To the panelists, curators, and creatives—thank you for showing us what it looks like to design with heart, humor, and soul. I can’t wait for next year.

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Heidi Androl-Guzman
Founder, Hand-Picked by Heidi
https://handpickedbyheidi.com