Profile: Wendy Goodman

What a wonderful and fascinating life Wendy Goodman must lead. As one of the authors of the upcoming Tony Duquette book Wendy had access to thousands of photos, letters, and documents from Tony Duquette's personal archives. What a fun and most certainly overwhelming privilege!

In addition to working on the book Wendy serves as Design Director for House & Garden. Prior to her post with House & Garden she was the Interior Design Editor of New York magazine for 10 years, Contributing Style Editor of Departures magazine, and a Contributing Editor at Elle Decor.

How did you get your start in design journalism?
I have always loved to write and I started my career in fashion as a stylist and editor. I studied acting earning my BFA in theatre arts at New York University School of the Arts. I am so fascinated by how people live and how they express themselves that I changed, or sort of evolved my interests to end up producing and writing about people's lives rather than what they are wearing in that life.

Who would you most like to meet?
Who would I like most to meet? That is a tough one! So many people…I always wished I could have met Alberto Giacometti and spent time in his studio. Also I would love to have met Gerald and Sara Murphy.

What are your most prized possessions?
A ring from Tony Duquette, my father and mother's paintings, a sculpture of a fan by Christopher Hewat and all my books.

Who is your style icon?
Jacqueline Kennedy is my style icon, for her grace as much as her mystical beauty.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Doing what I love as my job.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Lately, finishing the Tony Duquette book!

Mid 1960's drawing room at the Ducommon residence designed by Tony Duquette around the owners' collection of modern masters. Over the fireplace is a painting by Braque and on the hearth stands a miniature Calder.