On the heels of this year’s Modernism Week in Palm Springs, Beth Haley is daydreaming about midcentury modern interiors, art, and fashion. Twice a year, the event draws design lovers to South California for more than 250 events, including home tours, garden tours, gallery visits, and engaging lectures. As always, this year’s 11-day event explored the art, architecture, and design that makes the desert town a hotspot of modern influence. Today, we roundup three influences that inspire Beth Haley to embrace a modern, contemporary approach to designing homes. Let us introduce you to Architect Albert Frey, Designer Emilio Pucci, and Artist Jim Isermann. 

Albert Frey

Lucky tour-goers got an up-close look at Frey House II during Modernism Week. The house is a hillside, midcentury architectural gem designed by architect Albert Frey. The designer completed the house in 1964 as his personal residence, and he said of the design that “the contrast between the natural rock and the high tech materials is rather exciting.” Lovers of midcentury modern design immediately recognize his name and his work. With over 200 buildings, including the Palm Springs City Hall, under his belt, he became known as the “father of desert modernism.” For those who can’t snag a visit to Frey House II, a trip to Palm Springs City Hall is well worth your time. Frey worked with a team of Palm Spring architects on the design of the iconic building. It is a must-see. 

Emilio Pucci 

Always Inspired by Emilio Pucci / Image: aeworld

Image from aeworld

“Through the Looking Glass,” A Fashion Retrospective on the Runway was another raved-about event in this year’s stellar lineup. Vintage apparel by Emilio Pucci, Givenchy, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Halston were on display during Modernism Week at Temple Isaiah, a fitting midcentury setting for the collection. Guests enjoyed a runway show of the finest vintage apparel. Beth gravitates to the colorful, iconic designs of Pucci for inspiration in her midcentury modern designs. Thankfully, the fashion brand expanded into the world of interior design, so fashion lovers and homeowners alike can shop the collection. Don’t be afraid to try the daring designs in your home. If you have a vintage scarf, frame it and hang it like a piece of art. 

Jim Isermann

Daydreaming: Palm Springs + Modernism / Image: Palm Springs Art Museum

Image from Palm Springs Art Museum (Jason Schmidt, Jim Isermann in his Palm Springs, California, studio 2018)

Jim Isermann is a contemporary artist crafting bright, playful, patterned works in various mediums (painting, drawing, sculpture, and product design). He takes a bold approach to art that is inarguably a celebration of midcentury design. Gushing about his work, Beth Haley credits his ability to delight the eye with works of fine art. At the end of January, an exhibition that has transformed “Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center into an exuberant immersive environment” opened to showcase paintings and sculptures from the artist’s 1985–86 Flower series as well as a new vibrant series of paintings. This is an exhibition that the entire Beth Haley Design team is daydreaming about. 

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Learn more about Modernism Week (and what you missed) here. Maybe we will see you there next year. Until then, we will keep daydreaming about Palm Springs and the many midcentury influences it holds. Let us know your favorite influences when it comes to fashion, art, and design. 

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