Profile: Kelly Wearstler

It is a true privilege to share with you this profile of Kelly Wearstler. So much has been written about the amazingly beautiful and gifted designer Kelly Wearstler, founder of kwid and the author of Domicilium Decoratus and Modern Glamour, that it is difficult to find new words to describe this incredibly talented icon.

Highly praised for her trendsetting designs and widely celebrated as one of today’s most influential designers, Kelly Wearstler is one extraordinarily busy woman. Design aficionados will of course recognize Kelly as the creative eye and lifestyle muse for the boutique Viceroy resorts in Southern California, Miami, South Beach, Anguilla and Mexico’s Riviera Maya, as well as the imaginative talent behind the transformation of the BG restaurant and lounge at Manhattan’s Bergdorf Goodman.

Kelly, who has described her style “old-world Hollywood with a modern vibe”, has recently teamed again with Bergdorf Goodman to launch a line of exquisite home accessories bearing her name.

What I love about this profile (as well as the many others that I have done) is that Kelly comes across as a well grounded person while managing a huge and fascinating career.

How would you describe your personal style?
Sassy and unexpected.

What were you like as a child?
I was/am basically a shy girl from South Carolina. I am extroverted through my work, my passion. I am drawn to all color, I have no favorites, and, of course, unique and beautiful objects are always singing out to me.

Did you always have an interest in design?
Yes – I was always drawn to interior design. I grew up in a home that was constantly evolving, so I was always surrounded by beautiful and unusual objects, textures and colors. My mother is a closet interior designer. I grew up in an environment where everything was always in a state of flux - I’d come home from school and the dining room would be a totally new color.

Who are you style icons?
Doris Duke

What is your idea of the perfect party?
A casual pool party at my house with my family and close friends is my favorite way to spend a summer afternoon in LA.



What do you love most about your new boutique at Bergdorf Goodman?
It’s so hard to choose just one thing! I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner with Bergdorf Goodman a second time (the first was with the BG Restaurant designed 2 years ago) and offer consumers an array of decorative home accessories that were influenced by vintage pieces from my personal repertoire.

Who would you most like to meet?
Dorothy Draper

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I worked as a waitress for years!

What is the one thing in life you can’t live without?
My family.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
I’ve accomplished so much in my career so far, but one day, I’d love to be invited to design the White House. That would be the ultimate accomplishment.

Profile by Ronda Carman