WESTWEEK 2011 at the Pacific Design Center

This week, LA’s Pacific Design Center was home to the forums and showrooms of WESTWEEK 2011 (March 22-26), one of the leading events for design professionals.

The Secret Agents managed to squeeze into the PDC’s packed SilverScreen Theater on Tuesday (it was so full, latecomers had to stand for an entire hour) to hear a keynote panel discussion from professionals in the design editorial world. Editors-in-Chief Michael Boodro (ELLE Decor), Newell Turner (House Beautiful), Ann Omvig Maine (Traditional Home), and Dara Caponigro (Veranda) imparted their morsels of wisdom and experience to a diverse crowd, ranging from seasoned, old-school designers to eager, new-school bloggers.

Discussion topics covered everything from the use of social media as a business platform for designers, to how someone could get their work into one of the editors-in-chief’s publications.  It was great to hear the panel’s perspective on these subjects, especially from magazines that have managed to stay afloat despite the harsh conditions of today’s economy.  (Especially loved Michael Boodro’s witty quips and frank responses during the Q&A portion with the audience!)

The WESTWEEK 2011 schedule was chock full of receptions, opening parties, forums, and products to see.  In between events, we had our own fun looking at various installations throughout the PDC (like artist Olek’s cozy crocheted bedroom, in the low-quality photo above – courtesy of my phone), and dining at Wolfgang Puck’s contemporary restaurant, red | seven.

The Secret Agents ended our night at an opening party for the new James Perse furniture showroom.  Sleek lines and simple design evoked the casual, timeless philosophy embodied in the brand’s clothing line.

With so many things to see, it’s not too late to check out WESTWEEK 2011 – head over to the Pacific Design Center tomorrow, Saturday March 26, for the last of the WESTWEEK festivities!