Bonjour! We are excited to share the next installment of our ongoing series, The LC Conversation!
Creative collaboration, meaningful conversation, explorative travel, and driving curiosity with a thirst for learning have long been hallmarks of Laurence’s lifestyle and now extend into the LC team values as a whole. The LC Conversation gives us an opportunity to connect with people in a new way, and share these connections with our audience.
This series features a diverse array of tastemakers, visionaries, and thought-leaders from an assortment of creative fields, as they answer the same set of questions to give us insight into their philosophy, experience, style, and artistic view.
Without further ado… let’s welcome this week’s guest, Jane Dagmi!
Jane Dagmi is editor-in-chief of the trade publication Designers Today, host of the brand’s SAID podcast, and an avid participant in industry events and panels. She has a B.A. in American Studies from Tufts and an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons and has created editorial content for 28 years for various media platforms.
What is your present state of mind in 2021?
Grateful, inspired, and trying to catch my breath.
How do you think recent events are affecting consumer trends with respect to design, architecture, and interiors?
The pandemic has boosted the idea of flexible living spaces and multifunctioning furniture, so a home can expand as necessary and spaces can morph from lounge to classroom to office. Also, cleanability is important in materials and surfaces. Also, greater visibility for Black makers and designers means greater diversity of points of view with regards to design and architecture, a new and much-needed awareness and respect for design originating from the Black diaspora rather than European.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices in your business?
Our foundation is a print magazine. We try to create something of value so that designers will hang onto them for a good while and we sometimes feature stories that are about sustainability in our pages in the hopes of amplifying the message. Because of fewer in-person appointments and travel, we’ve cut back on magazines for in-house use, so a little less waste there. Also, before I take another catalog, I think about whether I really need it or not and find myself taking less.
How do you interpret the meaning of “Circular Economy” with regard to sustainability?
When I worked for Country Living magazine and would go to tons of antique shows I discovered the make-do pin cushion. The base was an upcycled piece of glass or china, like a candlestick or stem of a cake plate, and the cushy part was fashioned from remnants of clothing or blankets or quilts. I love that the viable parts were adopted, respected, and reimagined – like discarded fabric being shredded and used to stuff car seats – I think that is something being done now. I know it’s a lot deeper and more involved than keeping things out of landfills, but that’s one way that I interpret circular economy.
What practices do you regularly engage in to support your health and wellness?
I eat pretty well, mostly veg, I connect with people regularly in conversations of substance, am in love, and try to keep my inner saboteur at bay.
What is your design motto or favorite quote?
This one is from Dorothy Draper about being true to yourself especially when decorating – “As far as we’re concerned, all the Jones in the world have moved away and nobody has to keep up with them anymore.”
Who is your artistic muse or icon (from past or present)?
Rene Magritte and Tom Wesselmann are two of my favorite dead artists. As for living artists, I’d love to own a piece by Mickalene Thomas. There is so much talent out there.
Where do you feel most inspired and alive?
I feel filled with possibility when I am driving on a back road, windows open, music up loud. I feel most inspired wherever I am at the moment and anywhere I find beauty, courage, and love.
What is one item you cannot live without?
Paper.
What is your favorite fabric?
Linen and velvet.
What color consistently draws you in?
Green
Which collection will you never forget?
Not a fair question for a Libra editor! I usually fall for pieces rather than whole collections – like a new album (is that an outdated word?) – there are a few favorites and the others are just fine. If I have to play by the rules and pick one, probably Windsor Smith for Century – it was a combination of aesthetic, form, and presentation in the showroom.
What book have you read recently that made a tremendous impression on you?
The Bald Mermaid by Sheila Bridges. I admire Sheila’s authenticity in exposing her emotions and experiences.
What music brings you to life?
My musical tastes are all over the map. I love show tunes, rock, and soul. A few tunes that perk me up: Les Mis’ “One Day More,” “The Wolf” by Mumford & Sons, Counting Crows’ “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby,” and “Cold Little Heart,” the theme song from Big Little Lies.
What would be your daily uniform if you had to choose just one?
Loose-fitting bell bottoms or sweats, tank top, flip flops or slippers, and an optional plush sweater for when there is a chill in the air.
If you could tell your younger self (when you were just starting out) one thing, what would it be?
You are enough.
Follow Jane on social @jdagmi and @designerstoday
