Vicente Wolf

I’ve been asked to be an advisor for the Parsons student group involved in this year’s Diffa Dining by Design event. I went to their concept presentation today where we discussed three ideas that they had come up with. It’s wonderful to work with students and see how they view design. Of course the hardest part for me is forcing myself to keep my big mouth shut and not tell them how to do things, rather allowing them to experience the creative process, figuring it out as they go along. My only advice was to push the envelope, to think of the fact that we’re working for a charity – spend less so more money ends up in the pockets of the charity – and to think of our times…what is going to make the strongest impact? I will see on March 6th how my advice was taken and will keep you posted.

Another charity initiative I was involved with had me sold for the price of a dinner with three lovely ladies and a husband from Houston, TX. We had a lively political discussion, a homecooked meal, many, many bottles of wine and champagne and I took them with me today to hear the presentation at Parsons. Renea is an interior designer in Houston and they had a great time browsing in VW Home. They’ve also asked me to sign them on to come to Thailand with me in September (more about this on Monday!) – it must have been the wine!

Yesterday I presented photographs of Jerome Abel Seguin’s beautiful home in Bali that I photographed for Interior Design. It’s so satisfying to see my work laid out in front of an established editor-in-chief, discussing it from a professional point of view and feeling satisfied that what I presented was up to par with the magazine’s standards. I’ll be sure to share some images with you here once it’s been published.

Next week Tuesday I’ll be attending the Orchid Dinner at The Rainbow Room. I was asked by Veranda magazine to design a table top to benefit the New York Botanical Garden. While I was in Hong Kong I felt really inspired about this project and visited a store that sold lanterns and celebratory things for the Chinese New Year. For ten bucks I was able to buy paper baskets, lanterns, fake money and tons of other paper decorations to use in the table setting. The staff and I put their heads together this afternoon, used some masking tape and a broom handle and created the basic setting, which will be spruced up with my favorite flower (orchids, naturally) on Tuesday in time for the cocktail at 7pm.

The word on everyone’s lips today is Sunday’s Oscars! I was invited to attend a party hosted by Cindy Allen, honoring David Rockwell. It’s going to be fun to enjoy the Awards with 50 like-minded folk, all drinking good wine and enjoying popcorn in a great Rockwell-designed setting. For best wardrobe I’m rooting for The Duchess, which was produced by a friend of mine. Who’s on your ballot form! Let me know.

I know you’re wondering if I ever work for a living, or is it all about travel and special events! Trust me, these are the things that bring a sense of creativity and spontaneity into the office, which to me are very important. It’s great to deal with some fantasy while one deals with the harsh realities of life.