Reliving Blogfest while putting together this post has made me realise how much of an incredible impression the Kravet team have left me with even weeks after this extravagant event in New York City. Magazines such as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Town & Country, Elle Decor, Veranda, and Architectural Digest were all represented and with every discussion panel, gathering or presentation, we had the chance to really chat with and learn from their choice of speakers. Without Blogfest, I would not have heard their stories.
I’ve come home with their mantras, philosophies and opinions and have found myself, on more than one occasion, thinking about how print magazines work and fight hard to relate to the online world while still remaining true to their original form. It is not easy and they’ve all declare this in their own way. Now that I’ve met the people behind them, I understand their struggles and believe that their passion for their work coupled with their dedicated teams will be what will pull them through.
What we were also privy to during Blogfest‘s intense but highly-structured schedule, was an up close and personal meeting with Barbara Barry, interior designer and creator of several exclusive Kravet collections. Her main discussion revolved around how design and inspiration lives all around us and how travel can let our minds explore and see new things. Being in New York at the time myself, I couldn’t have agreed more.
A special event hosted by Traditional home with Thomas O’Brien, Eric Cohler, Diamond & Baratta, Suzanne Kasler, Suzanne Rheinstein and David Easton all sharing their designs with us within the Heritage Collection by Kravet was also a highlight.
Breakfast at the Condé Nast building followed by a special appearance by Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest, was such a momentous occasion for me. Her stories are nothing but impressive. I am a true admirer of her fearless yet genuine attitude towards her career and her commitment to design.
The Lee Jofa and Kravet offices literally open their doors and let us all in on the design process of their fabrics and rugs. From the inspirations and initial sketches, to the mood boards and test swatches, all the way through to the placement of the final products on their showroom floors across the world, I was captivated the entire time.
My final stop during design week at Blogfest, was to peruse the entire floor of 1stdibs at the New York Design Center. I was elated, excited, inspired and in awe by every square inch of their space. My design mind was definitely tired and overwhelmed but very satisfied by the end of it all. Seeing as though this is the Kravet team’s first year at putting together such a successful conference and tour, I cannot wait to see what next year will bring.
Really lovely post Michelle. Your photo’s are incredible, so thoughtfully taken (which is not a surprise) … So many lovely memories and I feel so blessed to have shared in them all with you!
I have been anxiously awaiting your Blogfest post Michelle and as usual your wrap up did not disappoint. Love your photos and the way you so eloquently tell us what your experiences mean to you. I so enjoyed spending time with you and sharing some of these moments together. xo Nyla
as usual Michelle - amazing job. Your eye and camera make the entire event seem magical! Thanks for sharing and great seeing you again!
great post Michelle…your photos bring back so many great memories!
Great post, very in depth….wish I could have been there!
What a great post. You know, I was telling a group of designers about Blogfest the other day and one of them said, “Gosh, really seems like the Kravets left a good impression on you.” I guess I was telling about the events with too much passion for him. I am always happy to see and hear that I was not the only one blown away by the event.- I attend big events i.e. the super bowl, VMA’s Etc all the time. Those events are always well planned and well executed. What I loved about Blogfest, Is that you could feel the Kravet Team’s excitement in everything that they had planned for us. For a small event with a limited target audience, they pulled off a spectacular event. Great coverage! Amazing pictures!
Your photos are incredible; talk about bringing things alive! You also reminded me of how foggy it really was… we sure did get some lousy weather but the Kravet’s were full of sunshine! Great post!!
Michelle, you really put your heart into this post. You’ve captured the essence, and the spirit of the event with such beauty and grace. Your photographs continue to make life lovely.
Michelle, I wanted to go to Blogfest so badly, but I piddled around and was wait-listed. Your photos and descriptions make me feel like I made it after all. Thanks for sharing them!