24 Hours at the San Fransisco Fall Show 2024

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the San Francisco Fall Show, the premier international art, antiques, and design fair on the West Coast. The show offered an exquisite array of events, including captivating lectures, rare and unique decor, furniture, and art pieces from over 40 world-renowned dealers. The festivities kicked off with an Opening Night Gala, setting the stage for a weekend filled with creativity and inspiration. Since its founding in 1982, the San Francisco Fall Show has marked the start of the social season for insiders, with exhibitors showcasing their collections and leading designers hosting talks, gatherings, and celebrations that capture the vibrant essence of San Francisco.

A special thank you to my talented and long-time friend, Nicholas Proietti, for the invitation to this unforgettable weekend as a scholar with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA). Nicholas, a San Francisco-based designer, is the principal and creative director of Nicholas Vincent Designs. He was one of my first interns at Donna Livingston Design, and I had the pleasure of working with him for seven years. It has been a true joy to watch his success and see him featured as a top designer in Architectural Digest.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was a lecture hosted by the ICAA of Northern California, honoring the legendary interior designer Bunny Williams and renowned architect Gil Schafer III. This event, which supported ICAA’s educational and scholarship programs, was filled with insightful wisdom that highlighted the timeless appeal of their work. The key takeaway? Trust your interior designer and architect. Their collaboration brings ideas together in ways that create both harmony and beauty. Decorating is the key to creating comfort, and color is essential for warmth. And, of course, a skilled designer can transform a classical house to feel contemporary, and vice versa.

One of the most enriching aspects of attending shows like the San Francisco Fall Show is the opportunity to connect with like-minded designers who bring fresh perspectives and diverse design styles. The panels offered a fantastic platform to ask questions, deepen our shared passion for design, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. A particular highlight was Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s booth, which featured stunning de Gournay fabric wall coverings and exquisite antiques from one of my favorite Los Angeles showrooms, Antonio Bella Casa.

Amidst the growing trend towards contemporary interior design, it was incredibly refreshing to see antiques displayed with such character. One of my personal favorites from the show was a breathtaking 19th-century Silver Screen featuring a Pine Tree motif—a dramatic and striking centerpiece perfect for adding flair to any room. As someone whose classical style is deeply influenced by ethnographic art, I was continually drawn to these exceptional and sophisticated pieces. Whether it was a playful, psychedelic Edward Fields rug or luxurious black silk hand-embroidered wall coverings, the San Francisco Fall Show never fails to inspire. I’m already looking forward to next year’s showcase of creativity and design.