palm springs modernism week
Palm Spring’s Modernism week is a celebration of mid-century architecture and design. It’s a rare chance to tour iconic homes, attend a cocktail party as the sun sets on the San Jacinto Mountains, shop for treasures at the Modernism Show and let the desert vibe entrance you. It transports you to the past and future simultaneously with its exotic mix of design, nature, fashion, art and freedom. On our list this year:
Shop for Vintage: The local boutiques are curated with astute eyes. After brunch shop the locally owned boutiques that make Palm Springs special. My favorites are Trina Turk, Michelle Boudart Design, Interior Illusions, A la Mod, Market Market, The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, The Flippery…. too many to count!
Visit the Parker Hotel for Brunch: Kelly Wearstler was my gateway to my love of interior design. The first time I saw one of her rooms I was floored that the balance of colors, form and composition could command my complete emotional and intellectual attention. It was a room completely owning itself, unlike any other. It was high art. It had never occurred to me the layered depth and presence of mind it takes to make rooms like hers that evoke such a presence of color, material, historical reference and pure imagination. Any excuse to eat in rooms she created is high on my list of To Do’s when in Palm Springs. The Parker Hotel is designed by Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler and is a great spot for brunch and design eye candy.
Go to the Museum of Modern Art: The large iconic Marilyn outside beckons you in to this treasure trove of modern art. It is nice break from the pool and desert heat and has an impressive range of exhibits to hone your eye better for the Palm Springs Experience
Photo-Hike through Joshua Tree: The desert scape is haunting and formidable in Joshua Tree National Park. The absence of life and the buzzing of hidden life all at once. Every picture you take delivers in Joshua Tree, and you are sure to come home with some real treasures.
Take an Architecture Tour : Tours abound this week by bike, foot or double decker bus! Many are led by Palm Springs historical society and are very educational and awe-inspiring. There is something so divinely special about seeing the homes of the master mid-century icons, many fully untouched. The tours sell out soon (as the groups are small to preserve the home integrity), so its best to reserve in advance.
Eat Brunch at The Farm: With two kids under 10 in tow dining is not really on our radar this trip. But brunch at The Farm that I found on a girls trip last year (best brunch of my life) was definitely going to happen. It has a quaint European courtyard feel and farm to table freshness that can’t be beat.
