The Crowd: Lecture series continues with interior design maven
Highly touted L.A.-based design star Suzanne Rheinstein, often described as America’s collector of “elegant civility,” recently charmed the Orange Coast crowd on behalf of the Decorative Arts Society (DARTS).
Given the current interior design trend of less is less, with throw-away furnishings, cheap graphic framed “art” and an abundance of boring furniture upholstered in white cotton duck, Rheinstein’s style remains highly artistic and individualistic. She collects beautiful objects of the past and present with a decided bent toward rich textiles and details small and large, and she joins fine antique pieces with modern creations.
In short, she is the classic definition of a fine interior designer. Her address to the local members of DARTS focused on “Rooms For Today: Easy Living With Antiques.” More than 200 local design devotees filled the theater at Fashion Island’s Big Newport for the Rheinstein presentation Nov. 8, welcoming fellow Newport designers Ann Dennis, John Benecke, Marion Hartwich, and DARTS President Maureen Madigan.
Also front and center were Sharon Henwood, Glenys Slavik, Shelley Belling, Linda and Denny Campbell, Jim Henwood, Diane Cannon, Kim Donahue and Andy Nott.
The evening before the Rheinstein lecture, guests had gathered in DARTS tradition for a cocktail supper mingling with their speaker. The palatial Newport Coast residence of Cindy and Ron McMackin was opened for the reception. The crowd toured the nearly 20,000-square-foot home, examining décor and architectural detail.
Part of the DARTS tradition is to feature the catering of Fork, Knife + Spoon, one of Newport’s finest local kitchens for hire. Spotted in the crowd sampling the delicacies were Cathi Bledsoe, Christy Fischbeck, Tammi Cluck, Shelby Rigg, Ann Schroeder, Natalie Graham, Laura Cox, Big Canyon’s elegant June Donovan, and super-dedicated DARTS member Hyla Bertea of Corona del Mar.
The Rheinstein address was the second in the 2016-17 DARTS series. Previously, Gwen Stauffer, executive director of Lotusland, shared her design theory with the local crowd.
Coming up on Feb. 14, Richard Shapiro will talk on the “Evolution of an Esthete.” Artist Michael Stehr comes to Newport on March 14 to speak on “Painting with Flowers: Monet’s Gardens at Giverny.” Finally, April 11, Cameron Silver, fashion director at H by Halston and H Halston, will discuss “A Century of Fashion.”
Major support of the DARTS series comes from South Coast Plaza, SoCo and OC Mix, as well as from individual donors Randa Phair, Barbara Roberts, Hyla Bertea, Janet Curci, Judy Dickson, Marion Grant, Melinda Moiso, Pam Muzzy, Marilyn Robbins, and James and Glenys Slavik.
Funds raised are donated annually to deserving O.C. nonprofits. The 2016-17 grant recipients include Blind Children’s Learning Center, Breast Cancer Solutions, Families Forward, Fristers, Laura’s House, Project Hope Alliance, Providence Speech and Hearing Center, Serving People In Need (SPIN), Taller San Jose, Women helping Women, Women’s Transitional Living Center, and Youth Employment Service.
B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
