Roger Thomas and Jobi Blachy at What’s New, What’s Next in New York City.
October 5, 2016
What’s New, What’s Next is one of the most anticipated annual events of the year at the New York Design Center. It hosts over 7,000 attendees and designers who gather together to immerse themselves in and celebrate the future of design ideas, concepts, products, and materials.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Roger Thomas at the Dennis Miller showroom where Roger, Jamie Drake, Elizabeth Fiore, and Suzanne Slesin were featured speakers for a panel discussion on art.
Roger, tell us about your What’s New, What’s Next adventures!
Roger: I met up with ultra-entrepreneur Jobi Blachy, my partner in Quintus, the Los Angeles-based luxury furnishings and lighting company at the Dennis Miller showroom, where Quintus is now featured. We spent the morning shopping, a particularly easy thing to do at 200 Lexington where the finest objects of design are on display.
You were on the panel Artful Living: Passionate Pursuit or Investment – or Both? Can you tell us about that?
Roger: This was an enlightening discussion on the decisions and motivations of procuring an art collection – specifically how to buy, why to buy, and when to buy art for your home.
With all the attendees, did you happen to see any familiar faces in the crowd?
Roger: It was particularly nice to see my dear friend and design legend Vicente Wolf in the crowd. He was on his way to a book signing for his new and very beautiful volume, The Four Elements of Design: Interiors Inspired by Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
Were you able to check out any other panels?
Roger: We rushed to the Christopher Guy showroom for a stimulating panel led by Elle Decor Editor in Chief Michael Boodro, with friends and colleagues Alexandra Champalimaud, Russell Groves, and the always well spoken Adam Tihany. All gave some truly inspired insights into Hospitality Design.
Best take away from the event?
Roger: I loved catching up with old friends, Roger Thomas Collection design partners, and meeting many new friends in this high-energy, high style, and educational event.
With over 80 showrooms participating, a plethora of designer presentations and panel discussions, and the industry’s top names in attendance, What’s New, What’s Next is an event not to be missed.