Lago Air Soft Free Sofa.

CONTEMPORARY OASIS: HOW COUPLES CAN DESIGN A CALMING, LUXURIOUS HOME TOGETHER 

In a world overflowing with stimulation, creating a home that soothes the senses without sacrificing visual impact is a modern luxury. The latest in designer furnishings offers a masterclass in how couples can curate interiors that are serene, sophisticated, and still full of personality. Far from the sterility of minimalism, today’s contemporary spaces embrace calm through intentional design, blending soft lines, rich textures, and artistic accents. Your home should be a sanctuary – one that reflects your shared style, sup-ports your lifestyle, and serves as an oasis in your everyday life. The best way to start is by selecting pieces that are functional, yet offer a high-impact aesthetic that resonates with your collective style.

Designed to take center stage in the living room, the Air Soft Free Sofa by Lago is a floating white statement piece that feels like a cloud. Its modular design and soft silhouette are ideal for open-concept living, offering both comfort and versatility. Couples can also pair it with the Happening Chair, also by Lago, for a designer furniture duo that exudes quiet luxury – perfect for those who love to host.

1 Lago Poltrona Happening Chair. 2 Fornasetti x Poltrona Frau Isidoro Trunk-Bar. 3 Lago HOA Table. 4 Giobagnara x Stéphane Parmentier Lamps. 5 Veronese Alpaga Lighting by House of Veronese.  

For dining or collaborative spaces, the HOA Table by Lago is a sculptural masterpiece. With its minimalist lines and architectural presence, it anchors the room without overwhelming it. Whether enjoying a quiet breakfast together or an elegant dinner party, this table brings a sense of refinement to everyday rituals.

When designing a calming home together, don’t forget to leave room for a touch of whimsy. The Trunk-Bar by Fornasetti x Poltrona Frau is a showstopper with universal appeal. Its butterfly motif adds an artistic flourish to any space, bridging the gap between functional design and collectible art – not to mention, striking the perfect balance between craftsmanship and charm.

Textiles and accessories also play a key role in creating a luxury home. Designer throw pillows in neutral colors by Christian Lacroix Maison bring texture and an understated flashiness to a room. Harking back to the days of wearing designer names and labels like a billboard, having one or two accent pillows is a playful way to incorporate a bit of vintage style without being too over-the-top or kitschy. Th ese finishing touches work wonders to make a house feel like a home, transforming sofas and chairs with a plush accent.

1 & 2 Christian Lacroix Maison Cushions. 3 NV Gallery Chair. 4 Veronese Alpaga by House of Veronese Chandelier. 5 Lago Buffett 36e8.

Suspended above it all, the smoked Murano glass chandelier from the House of Veronese – in collaboration with Alpaga – is the ultimate crown jewel. Th is contemporary lighting fi xture features a steel frame, sanded scrolls, leaves, and flowers that diff uses light beautifully while serving as a luxurious focal point. Th e delicate design also adds movement and elegance without overpowering the space. Th ere are also exquisite variations between the sanded and transparent glass, which adds contrast and depth.

A well-designed home doesn’t have to be loud or overstimulating to make a statement. Instead, the home can become a stylish retreat that reflects the personalities and shared vision of its owners. By mindfully selecting the right pieces, couples can create a luxury home that is both calming and expressive, allowing art and function to harmoniously coexist.

>Written by Lauren Malamala 

1 Koket Naomi Chair in Paris Velvet Cream and Black Lacquered Polished Brass. bykoket.com
2 Bugatti Royale Sofa Upholstered in Soft leather. bugatti.com

3 Luxury Design Companies for Furnishing the Modern Home

Luxury home design encompasses so much more than surface aesthetics – it’s about creating an atmosphere that balances refinement with character and artistry. High-end furnishings transform living spaces into curated expressions of personal style, blending innovation with craftsmanship. Among the most esteemed names in modern luxury design, Fornasetti, KOKET, and Bugatti Home stand out for their distinctive approaches to elegance, offering statement pieces that redefine interiors with boldness and a timeless sense of sophistication. From statement pieces to muted classics, these collections offer some beautiful options for couples furnishing their first home together.

Fornasetti: Surrealism Meets Classic Elegance

Fornasetti, the legendary Italian design house, is synonymous with surrealism and whimsy. Founded by Piero Fornasetti in the mid-20th century and continued by his son Barnaba, the brand seamlessly merges fine art with functional design. Known for its playful yet sophisticated use of classical imagery – most famously, the face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri – Fornasetti’s furniture, décor, and accessories are instantly recognizable.

What makes Fornasetti a staple in luxury interiors is its ability to blend tradition with fantasy. Each piece, whether a hand-painted cabinet, a silk-screened chair, or a dramatic wallpaper, carries an air of mystery and storytelling. For those furnishing a modern luxury home, Fornasetti offers an opportunity to introduce a touch of eccentricity without compromising on sophistication. The brand’s timeless designs ensure that each piece remains a conversation starter, a fusion of classic Italian craftsmanship with an avant-garde spirit.

1 Tidal Audio and Bugatti Home Furnishing and Tidal Audio Speakers. bugatti.com, tidalaudio.com

KOKET: Seduction and Drama in Luxury Design

For those who resonate with opulence and a daring edge, KOKET specializes in home furnishings that embody sensuality and bold femininity. Founded by Janet Morais, the brand is known for its dramatic, statement-making furniture that embraces rich materials, intricate detailing, and an unapologetic sense of glamour. KOKET’s designs often incorporate velvet, gold leaf, exotic woods, and semi-precious stones, creating furniture and décor that feel more like art pieces than conventional furnishings.

One of KOKET’s defining characteristics is its imaginative use of form and texture. The Divine Peacock Feather Armoire, for example, is a double door pagoda top armoire covered in individually placed natural feathers. A glamorous metal ribbon opens the doors, and the top and base features hand-applied metallic leaf. KOKET’s designs transform interiors into luxurious, seductive spaces that captivate the senses, making a couple’s home feel like the ultimate sanctuary. 

1 Fornasetti “Conchiglie” Vase with Shells Engraved on Blue Glass. fornasetti.com
2 Fornasetti “Mani e Farfalle” Vase with Enamel Depictions of Hand and Butterflies on Glass. fornasetti.com
3 Koket Divine Peacock Feather Armoire Black Lacquer with Gold Leaf Iridescent Peacock Feathers. bykoket.com
4 & 5 Fornasetti Riflesso di Architettura Trumeau Handcrafted with Engraving on Silvered Glass. fornasetti.com

Bugatti Home: Automotive Luxury in Interior Design

Bugatti is a name most closely associated with speed, innovation, and unrivaled luxury. While primarily known for its high-performance hypercars, Bugatti’s venture into home furnishings under Bugatti Home brings the same meticulous craftsmanship and forward-thinking design to interior spaces. Created in collaboration with Luxury Living Group, Bugatti Home’s furniture collection embodies the sleek, aerodynamic forms and refined materials that define its automotive legacy.

The furniture is a seamless extension of Bugatti’s design DNA – clean lines, carbon fiber elements, and sumptuous leather upholstery reminiscent of a supercar’s interior. The Chiron Armchair, inspired by the curves of the Bugatti Chiron, and the Royale Sofa, a nod to the elegance of the classic Type 41 Royale, demonstrate the brand’s commitment to merging performance with luxury. Bugatti Home is perfect for those who appreciate precision engineering, offering furniture that exudes power, elegance, and exclusivity.

An Expression of Luxury Living

Fornasetti, KOKET, and Bugatti Home each bring a unique vision to modern homes and interiors. Whether it’s Fornasetti’s artistic surrealism, KOKET’s seductive glamour, or Bugatti’s high-performance elegance, these brands continue to set the standard for luxury living.

The Art of Living Well – David Beckham and Iglucraft Saunas

David Beckham has mastered the art of living well, combining sophistication and tranquility in every aspect of his life. The latest addition to his countryside retreat is a striking statement of relaxation and design: the Iglucraft Sauna.

The Iglucraft sauna is in a league of its own, blending a centuries-old shingling technique with modern ingenuity. Beckham has taken to social media to share glimpses of his sauna in action, with steam rising into the sky and the curved silhouette of the sauna’s design melding seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Beyond showcasing a peek into his lifestyle, Beckham demonstrates the elegance of a design and practice that celebrates tradition, craftsmanship, and the restorative benefits of setting aside time for rest.

Iglucraft saunas are handcrafted in Scandinavia by master artisans. Each sauna is a singular creation, blending precise craftsmanship with timeless aesthetic appeal. The arched roof and distinctive wooden shingles are shaped and installed entirely by hand, ensuring every detail is unique to its owner. These saunas are not just another luxury add-on for the home – they are thoughtful and intentional works of art that promote wellness in everyday living.

The choice of materials reflects Iglucraft's philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The exterior shingling, crafted from locally sourced timber, weathers gracefully over time, enhancing its organic beauty. Inside, the warm, tactile wood finishes evoke a sense of grounding and calm. These elements come together to create a space that is as functional as it is visually stunning.

"I believe in honoring traditional techniques while integrating them with the comfort and sensibility of today," says Iglucraft founder, Priit Kallas.

Beckham’s particular Iglucraft sauna is the 10^th anniversary model, which embodies the brand’s pursuit of perfection. Gracefully contoured benches flow seamlessly, and soft, integrated lighting creates a serene, calming atmosphere. Whether resting in Beckham's backyard or yours, it represents a unique way to reconnect with yourself, your environment, and the beauty of handcrafted design.

Visit iglucraft.com for more information.

Statement Furniture for the Modern Home

For many couples, the wedding planning process also coincides with another milestone event – setting up their first home together. Even for those who have been cohabiting before their engagement, a wedding marks a new chapter in a couple’s life; and it’s the perfect time to refresh the home with statement furniture for a modern look.

Modern Home Décor Trends

After years of stark minimalism having its time in the spotlight, modern home décor trends are now shifting in favor of maximalism. Rather than sterile surfaces and monochrome looks, designers are embracing various textures, mixed metals, and unique pieces that reflect craftsmanship and eco-consciousness.

For those who prefer a “happy medium” between the minimalist and maximalist aesthetic, the Japandi approach may be more apropos when it comes to designing the home. As a fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian influences, a Japandi-style home is comfortable and approachable while still showcasing splashes of character and artistry. Think neutral walls and a designer dining tables, paired with a sumptuous, oversized sofa.

Designer Statement Furniture

This season, one of our favorite chairs comes from Laabmilano – a creative studio specializing in renovations, the manufacturing of Raku ceramics, and designing a highly artistic level of statement furniture for the modern home. The Compass chair is an exceptional work of art. As an ode to the mind of an architect, the chair is a static image of a vertical compass, which serves both as decoration and support. It’s a stunning accent piece for any dining area, living room, or office corner.

For sofas and dining tables, Ghidini1961 offers an incredible selection of designer collaborations that feature curved lines, plush volume, beautiful shapes, and colors that fit seamlessly into a variety of interior décor styles.

Two gorgeous sofas, designed by Lorenza Bozzoli, are as opulent in design as they are decadent in comfort. The Mambo sofa was designed as a celebration of movement, with its fluidity and curves alluding to the signature Caribbean dance. Its richly colored velvet is an ode to the “energy and fertility of the tropical land,” providing a dramatic focal point to a living room whether a couple chooses a maximalist or more Japandi décor scheme.

As a more luxurious expression of mid-20^th century Brazilian design, Bozzoli’s Flo sofa is the picture of metalworking excellence and modern sophistication with its black velvet covering.

Couples who prefer a muted interior design scheme, without sacrificing style or warmth, will love the Tasca sofa and armchair designed by Robert Stadler. The name “Tasca” refers to the cushion’s elegant leather pockets, where the sofa structure is housed. Both the pockets and the metal fixtures were inspired by equestrian accessories.

For the dining room, Lorenza Bozzoli’s Tria Table is a stunning piece, evoking the fluidity and harmony of nature. Selected for its exceptional quality and color, Portuguese pink marble displays delicate veins with nuances that add a unique touch. The irregularly shaped top is also supported by zoomorphic sculptured bases made of the same material.

Finally, the Artù table designed by Paolo Rizzatto is a strong statement piece with a large circular top and a solid base formed by a combination of metal and stone in precious-colored marbles. Its well-constructed design is intended to reflect stability, security, and nobility – not unlike a table where King Arthur and the “Knights of the Round Table” would have gathered.

THE PERFECT TECH GADGET FOR YOUR WEDDING PLANNING PROCESS

The Wacom Intuos wireless pen tablet has been designed for those who are getting started drawing, painting or photo editing with their Mac, PC, Chromebook or select Android smartphones/tablets. For those of you planning a wedding or dabbling in event design, this innovative system can assist in bringing your ideas and vision to life. Enjoy the convenience of wireless creating with built-in Bluetooth, or connect the graphics tablet directly to your computer with the included USB cable.

Whether it’s the pressure-sensitive pen, the stylish design, the included software, or online tutorials, Wacom Intuos is all you need to get creative digitally. Wacom Intuos can also be used to easily write, edit or convey ideas to in education or remote work settings.

This product works with devices capable of running the latest version of Chrome OS and has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Google is not responsible for the operation of this product or its compliance with safety requirements. Chromebook, Android, and the Works With Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC.

The first thing you’ll notice when using Wacom Intuos is how natural it feels. Thanks to EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology, the battery free pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity provides a natural drawing experience that can keep going as long as you do. Whilst its ergonomic design and light weight make it sit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to experience both precision and control.

Wacom Intuos is as slim as a smartphone and light enough to take anywhere (only 250g). And while its sleek and stylish design takes up very little desk space, it’s still as durable and robust as ever. Plus, no matter your décor, the Wacom Intuos comes in black and pistachio colors that suit any surrounding.

The tablet’s features include a dynamic built-in pen tray that stops the pen from rolling off the tablet and four customizable short-cut ExpressKeys.

The pen has:

• 4,096 pen pressure sensitivity

• +/- 0.25 mm digital tolerance in accuracy

• 7 mm reading height

• No batteries or recharging

Features:

• This product is tested and certified as Works With Chromebook, which means it meets Google’s compatibility standards and is compatible with your Chromebook.

• Control and precision thanks to the pen’s 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

• EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) technology means the battery–free pen is light and comfortable to use.

• 100 lines per mm recognition lets the tablet know exactly where your pen is.

• Just 8.8mm thin, the tablet is as slim and sleek as a smartphone.

• 2 pen buttons for quick access shortcuts.

• 4 customizable ExpressKeys for faster, efficient shortcuts.

• Wireless connectivity thanks to Bluetooth 4.2.

• 7-inch active tablet area on small model. 10-inch active area for medium models.

What’s Included:

• Pen tablet small with Bluetooth

• Pressure-sensitive, battery-free Wacom Pen 4K

• PVC-free USB cable with cable tidy and L-shaped connector

• 3 extra standard nibs (located inside pen)

• Nib removal tool on end of pen

• Quick start guide

• Regulation sheet

• Online User Guide and Important product information found in Wacom Desktop Center

It also comes with complimentary limited-time software:

• Corel® Painter® Essentials 8

• Corel® Aftershot 3

• BorisFX Optics

• Clip Studio Paint Pro

• Skylum Luminar Neo

• Skillshare

Bundled Apps

Gain 3 months complimentary access to great bundled apps specially tailored for education: Collaboard, Explain Everything, KamiApp, Limnu, Pear Deck. All apps enable teachers and students to collaborate and share ideas just as easily as in the classroom.

• 3 months complimentary access to the apps

• Web-based application accessible via browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera)

• Valid for Chrome OS, Windows 10, macOS 10.13 or later and Android

• Wacom ID and product registration required

1 & 2 Ottiu Simone Sofa and Armchair.  

FOR THE HOME - LOVE

1 William Yeoward Crystal Flavia Glassware. 2 Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Pitcher 1052. 3 Raynaud Cristobal Émeraude Dinnerware. 4 Raynaud Cristobal, Marine Dinnerware. 5 William Yeoward Crystal Fern Glassware. 6 William Yeoward Crystal Tara Decanter.  

1 Ottiu Romy Sofa. 2 McLaren and TUMI Aero Rolling Trunk. 3 McLaren and TUMI Aero Extended Trip Packing Case. 4 Fragrance Du Bois London Spice. 5 Ottiu Simone Armchair.  

Baccarat “Eye Fir” Crystal Tree, Herend Reserve Horse in Hand Painted Porcelain and Sterling Silver Column Bar Cufflinks in Royal Blue with Sapphires.  scullyandscully.com

A SEASON OF STYLE – THE 2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This holiday season, give the gift of style with little luxuries that cater to everyone on your list. From the skincare aficionados, to the interior design enthusiasts, to the globetrotters, the eco-conscious, and the brides-to-be – our 2023 holiday gift guide has you covered with unique gifts everyone will love. Many of these products have been personally tested and loved by our very own Wedding Style magazine team, so we’re excited to pass along the details for a season of style.

Radiance Diamond Stud Earrings set in Platinum and Gold, Bloom Rubies and Diamond Earrings set in Gold and Emeralds and Diamonds Love Suite Necklace and Earrings set in White Gold. beauvince.com
Lalique Bacchantes Green Vase. scullyandscully.com

For Those Who Sparkle

Scully & Scully is a one stop shop for luxury gifts filled with character. Pieces for the home like the Baccarat “Eye Fir” Crystal Tree, the Herend Reserve Horse in Hand Painted Porcelain, and the Lalique Bacchantes Green Vase are unique pieces that instantly caught our eye.

Skincare and Complexion Brush. milamoursi.com

For those who love a little bling for the holidays, sapphire cufflinks are a luxe gift for him. If diamonds are on her wish list, then Beauvince has some exquisite earrings and a diamond necklace that are absolute showstoppers.

Hydrate & Soothe, Decongest & Clarify, Brighten & Smooth Beauty Collections. opulusbeautylabs.com

For the Skincare Devotees

Mila Moursi has long been a favorite skincare brand of Wedding Style, with her products being an innovative and highly advanced combination of skincare technology and nature. Many of the moisturizers are deeply hydrating, making them perfect for winter; and we simply cannot live without the Mila Moursi Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.

3-Step Skin Recovery System with Restoring Eye Serum. sapeloskincare.com

One of our best skincare discoveries in 2023 was OPULUS Beauty Labs, which highlights capsules made of only cosmetic ingredients. If the skincare devotee in your life has a techy side, then they’ll love receiving the OPULUS activator, along with a set of their moisturizing concentrates.

Luxury Bridal, Signature and Custom Hangers. louhansell.com

By placing two squares of the concentrate into the activator with a spoonful of water, they can blend up their own freshly whipped batch of serum and moisturizer at its peak potency.

Benchley Mini and Grace Micro Bag. markcross.com

“I took the OPULUS activator and Vitamin B concentrates with me on a two-week dive trip this summer, and my skin looked like I had been at a spa the entire time when I came home,” says Managing Editor, Mala. “I also love that the products are completely plastic-free.”

Dakota Black Feather Sandal, Deven Silver Mule and Aurora Red Bootie. femmessanspeur.com

Rounding out our top three luxury skincare picks for the season is Sapelo, which features the most beautiful packaging with a vintage, Old World flair.

Millefoglie J Red Calfskin Clutch, Millefoglie J Bag in Silver Calfskin featuring Tiger's Eye Gemstone and Spinosa Miserere Clutch Bag. gaboguzz0.com

“I love how the 3-Step Skin Recovery System with Restoring Eye Serum by Sapelo leaves my skin supple, moisturized, and glowing,” shares Paula, our Special Projects Editor, “especially for my dry skin, without a greasy or heavy residue. The eye serum is magnificent for combatting the appearance of fine lines.”

Sacha Walckhoff Equus Collection. walckhoff.com

For the Bride-To-Be

Without question, Lou Hansell luxury hangers are an absolute must-have for the bride-to-be. Wedding detail photos are standard these days, and photographers always take a shot of the wedding dress hanging up. Lou Hansell luxury hangers are specifically designed not only to protect bridal couture, but to look beautiful when being photographed as well. If you know someone who is getting married in 2024, they will certainly appreciate a set of Lou Hansell hangers this holiday season.

Vista Alegre x Bordallo Pinheiro the Meaning Collection Tableware in Blue. vistaalegre.com and us.bordallopinheiro.com

For the Accessory Queen

Mark Cross was one of our favorite handbag designers this year, with several styles that make for the perfect bridal bag. We especially love the Benchley Mini and Grace Micro Bag.

Vista Alegre x Bordallo Pinheiro the Meaning Collection Cake Plate and the Meaning Collection Tableware in Red . vistaalegre.com and us.bordallopinheiro.com
 

Shoes by Femmes Sans Peur were featured in our fashion shoot at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC this year, so we’re confident that the shoe collector in your life will love their fashion-forward styles. If you want to spring for a bag that will complement high-fashion footwear, then a clutch by Gabo Guzzo is the perfect match. We love how this brand intentionally merges jewelry and fashion with art.

Hans Christian Andersen and Nikola Tesla Collections. davidoscarson.com

For the Luxury Lifestyle

Infusing a little luxury into one’s life is the perfect way to shake up any mundane moments throughout the year – or at least, make “the little things” feel that much more special. When it comes to the home, taste is very personal; but for a season of style, you may consider pieces by designer Sacha Walckhoff, or tableware collections by Vista Alegre x Bordallo Pinheiro.

Christian Lacroix Maison x Vista Alegre Fetê Vos Jeux Coffee Cups and Saucers, Dessert Plate and Dominos. christianlacroix.com and vistaalegre.com

Writing instruments are an incredibly stylish and timeless gift for almost anyone, and David Oscarson has some of the most artful pen collections available. The Nikola Tesla pens would make excellent Christmas gifts for him, and we instantly fell in love with the Hans Christian Anderson collection. It couldn’t be more apropos for the bibliophile in your life.

The Wellbeing Collection. teaforte.com

A set of coffee cups, saucers, and dessert plates from Christian Lacroix Maison are a whimsical addition to one’s daily coffee ritual; and for the tea drinkers in your life, a beautifully presented set of teas by Tea Forte is a welcome holiday gift. “I adore Tea Forte's Moroccan mint and chamomile citron teas,” Paula adds, “and the design is iconic.”

Vista Alegre x Bordallo Pinheiro the Meaning Collection Winter Garden Barware. vistaalegre.com and us.bordallopinheiro.com

Does your giftee prefer a stiffer drink? Barware sets by Vista Alegre x Bordallo Pinheiro and LIITON are ultra-stylish without being too fussy.

Peaks Barware Set. liiton.com

A beautiful vanity from Scully & Scully is a thoughtful gift for jewelry collectors (bonus points if it includes a gorgeous bracelet inside), and then there’s the crème de la crème for containing one’s belongings – a luggage set from SteamLine. We adore the bold Entrepreneur Lip Print Collection, with its red shade and coquettish print.

Vanity Jewelry Box in Olive Shagreen. Exclusively at scullyandscully.com
18 Yellow Gold Open Big Five Cuff Bracelet. scullyandscully.com
Pocket Square Textiles Collection. vistaalegre.com

Do you know someone whose hair is “their thing?” The iQ Perfetto hair dryers by Gama are far from the average styling tool. Advanced technologies and innovations have led to a design that dries hair in record time, while improving overall hair health and achieving a salon-quality blowout.

The Entrepreneur Lip Print Collection. steamlineluggage.com

Finally – haven’t you heard? Sustainability is the new luxury. We love the tradition of brides and grooms gifting each other watches on their wedding day, and the WAVE Collection by Armitron is the perfect watch to drop into everyone’s stocking. These watches are crafted from upcycled plastic that has been recovered from the ocean, so wearers can look stylish while also supporting an important cause.

Professional iQ Perfetto Hair Dryers in Rose Gold, Black and Silver. gamaprofessional.com/en

“As a self-proclaimed ocean guardian,” says Mala, “I love what Armitron is doing with ocean-bound plastics. The watches look effortlessly chic, yet they’re very durable – you can feel the quality of each piece when you put it on, and I don’t have to worry about ruining it when I’m running around the beach. I gifted one to my best friend this holiday season, and she’s been wearing it nonstop.”

Ocean Plastics Watch Collection. armitron.com

The Wedding Style team wishes all our readers a wonderful holiday season of style and love!

When Marc Friedland and Matthew David Hopkins come together for an event, there’s a unique synergy and unparalleled level of creativity that can only stem from an 18-year friendship. 

As Marc puts it, the celebrations they create represent “the power of collaboration and good friends,” and how the two industry professionals complement each other in the work they do.

After deciding on the concept of “Surreal at Sixty” for a client’s birthday celebration—an event that would involve cocktails, dinner and an afterparty— Marc brought Matthew of 360 Design Events onboard as the Executive Producer. From décor curation to costuming, there were countless moving parts to manage and he knew he needed a trusted partner. 

Matthew brings art into production,” Marc states. “The partnership and collaboration was so great, because he understood what I was trying to achieve creatively and was able to do the production exquisitely from a technical and artful perspective.”

Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, the dynamic duo approached this event with the intention of creating a fully immersive experience for guests. “It’s about finding what the story is, what we want the client to feel and how to deliver beyond the materials to create an overarching, integrated experience from the beginning,” Matthew describes.

“We’ve all been to enough parties and celebrations,” adds Marc. “It’s really important to look at these events as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you want to gift your guests who come out to celebrate. 

Most people don’t approach their parties that way. It’s usually about how lavish it is. Regardless of how much was spent on this event, not one person there thought it was over the top. The currency here was measured by the degree of thoughtfulness and joy.”

The idea behind the party’s design was heavily guided by surrealism and the goal of transporting guests into another world where they could “expect the unexpected.” Invitations were presented on canvas with a Salvador Dali-inspired painting of the guest of honor, which alluded to Marc and Matthew’s process of bringing a surreal experience to life.

“We looked at this as a performance art piece that was done as an event,” says Marc. “Think of it as a painting, and all these elements were paints on the canvas. It wasn’t an event for event’s sake. It really became about how all these pieces fit together like an orchestra.”

Choreographing the night so each moment transitioned smoothly into the next was a production masterpiece in and of itself. For dinner, Marc brought in “ballet service,” which involved a line of costumed waiters filing into the room, surrounding the tables, and placing the course before each guest at the same time. 

There was also a full waitstaff to monitor the mise en place, water and wine; and Matthew was tasked with timing everything down to the minute, so the aisles were clear when the ballet servers were ready to bring the next course.

“We created this whole thing as if the entire venue was the stage, and the guests were onstage with all the performers,” he says. “The guests became a character in the show, and that’s the exciting part that truly makes a difference.”

As a three-course dinner was served over a span of two hours, guests were treated to one incredible form of entertainment after another.

For each course—or “movement”—the waiters’ costumes, live performers and visuals were coordinated to match the storyline that was unfolding. Even the famous Rockettes appeared in lobster costumes for a showstopping performance during the “Nautical New Wave” dinner movement, which was lobster served in a watermelon. To conclude the meal, a synchronized confetti blast by the 40 waiters took place around all 160 guests.

By venturing away from the idea of “this is how it’s supposed to be,” Marc and Matthew designed and produced a wildly creative event. Whether they were hanging pasta from hands or hiring four actors to be nuns who sat and played poker all night, their imaginations were truly limitless.

> Written by Lauren Malamala

Known for her ability to capture birds in their purest, most beautiful state, Leila Jeffreys produces portraits that are so much more than aesthetic showstoppers. Her artwork represents a deep respect for nature, a commitment to conservation and an all-encompassing concept of love—themes which make for a perfect wedding gift and an incredible addition to any couple’s home.

Born in Papua New Guinea to a multicultural family, Leila credits her parents for igniting her passion for wildlife and the wilderness. The family traveled often, and her father was a novice photographer as well. Today, Leila lives in Australia and continues to explore the globe with her portable studio, collecting exquisite portraits of her feathered friends.

“I didn’t ever expect to exhibit my work,” she shares, explaining how she took on birdwatching as a hobby during her 20s and 30s. “I became obsessed with the idea of doing a portrait of a bird back in 2008; and that was just for myself. If you look through binoculars, you can see all the details and expressions.”

Leila has developed a signature style of photographing her subjects against a blank slate, without the interference of scenery or background elements. Unlike other nature photographers and photojournalists, her process focuses solely on the birds and coaxes out their individual personalities over time.

“I can take two to four years to complete an exhibition,” she says. “It involves working with birds until they’re happy and comfortable to work with me. Sometimes, I’ll go and visit with one bird for a year before I get a portrait. It’s a slow, slow process but I think that’s what gets the results. You form a relationship with them.”

That level of dedication and genuine adoration for birds has resulted in Leila attracting a worldwide following, and her portraits are owned by celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Hugh Jackman and Elizabeth Hurley. Most recently, her collection of parakeet portraits is on exhibit at Olsen Gruin in New York City through January 19, 2020. This particular exhibition, aptly named “High Society,” includes a flock of 300 birds and three-panel video art.

“I spent my career focusing on the individual birds,” she explains, “but there’s also a society of birds. You see couples, singles and groups. Think of them as a different form of society.”

On a personal level, there’s a more significant meaning and reason behind these portraits. Leila’s passion for conservation is one of the greatest factors in her photography, and she aims to share the importance of conservation in a positive way rather than focusing on the “doom and gloom” of the planet.

“What I like to do is connect people by their hearts,” she states. “I think it’s important to talk about all the good things that are happening, because they don’t get the publicity they should. Lots of people are out there solving problems. It’s a life ambition of mine to leave the world in a better place while I’m here. It’s about meeting the bird and being a voice for them. It’s what drives me and that’s what I get excited about.”

“It connects to love,” she continues. “What’s really beautiful about it is you see these other species; and I hope I photograph them in a way that we see ourselves. It’s celebrating the beauty of wildlife, it’s celebrating all species on earth; and it supports me, which goes back to supporting these conservation organizations.” Her book of portraits, Bird Love, is also available for those who’d like to add a touch of art to their coffee table.

Leila recently traveled to Iceland to photograph puffins for her next collection, which she hopes to complete in 2021. The project will be focusing on seabirds; so, naturally, she is currently awaiting her opportunity to photograph the iconic albatross.

Learn more at leilajeffreys.com

> Written by Lauren Malamala