The LA Design Festival Block Party at ROW DTLA was a festive and fun evening. The event was the official public kick-off art party to celebrate the opening of the annual festival, which spotlights the Los Angeles design community in architecture, furniture, interiors as well as graphic, industrial, fashion, jewelry, set, costume and experiential design. It was a great turnout with an interesting people watching crowd.

Outside Row DTLA photo by Barbara Kosoff

I loved exploring the exhibitions, installations, galleries, pop-up bookstores and outdoor lounges while sipping drinks and listening to the music by dublab, who played an atmospheric blend of eclectic beats and mellow rhythms. Dublab is a non-profit, radio station dedicated to the growth of music, arts, and culture.

One of my favorite installations was by Resource Furniture who have showrooms in West Hollywood and Los Angeles. Their clever design, modern fixtures, and built in Murphy beds were among the space saving features that transformed a small space into a lavish unit with hardwood floors, beautiful shelving, bookcases and other amenities like pillows, bedding and linens.

I also enjoyed A+R Design, another pop-up that also featured modern design interiors and furniture. I really liked the stainless steel cloud-like mirrors that felt very dimensional. Their other works were also unique and playful. Thursday night was the launch of Diagonal, a streamlined pool table by Yonoh for RS Barcelona. Very simple and elegant. Guests were encouraged to play pool while savoring a vodka tonic or glass of wine. 

An interesting outdoor installation was completely interactive where guests could a write or draw on hanging squares of paper. Another one, presented by Dreamland Creative Projects was humorous and featured an outdoor shower with a sign that read “spaces for spontaneous singing” where guests were encouraged to sing.

Outdoor Installation presented by Dreamland Creative Projects; photo by Barbara Kosoff

It was a very fun night…a place to see and be seen. LA Design Festival‘s Block Party event provided a wonderful platform to showcase the interdisciplinary design world of Los Angeles. I’m looking forward to next year.