Inside the Stylish Launch of Wendy Goodman’s New Interiors Book

On Tuesday, October 2, the echo of agreement throughout the packed room at Roman and Williams Guild was that, when Wendy Goodman sends out an invite, the design community comes out in full force. Goodman, New York magazine’s preeminent design editor, was celebrating the launch of her new book, May I Come In? (Abrams), which documents her career-long work of visiting and writing about the spectacular homes of artists, society and cultural leaders, interior designers, and celebrities. And some 350 friends, family members, colleagues, and admirers moved about the impeccably designed décor-showroom-slash-café in support, merrily clinking goblets of sparkling wine and double-kissing industry friends.

When Goodman took to an ad hoc (yet still impossibly elegant) stage fashioned from a platform bed usually on display at the refined furnishings store, the crowd turned warmly toward the woman of the hour. Goodman took the chance to express joy and gratitude for her opportunities over the course of her storied career, along with the chance to meet so many creative personalities. Additionally, she thanked and commended the evening’s sponsor, Delta® Faucet, for the brand’s partnership on the Cut’s Design Beyond™ Fellowship, through which she’s been able to foster young design talent — one of her greatest passions. It wasn’t long before the gracious host turned her peers’ attention to the venue’s founders, Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, whom she thanked for their friendship and briefly engaged in conversation about their own creative vision and careers.

It’s clear that Goodman’s nature is to champion the accomplishments and talents of others — and now all of them had shown up to toast to her. The guest list included the design world’s biggest VIPs, along with writers, actors, and all manner of artists — dressed as stylishly and creatively as you’d expect. (Naturally, even the glassware and passed hors d’oeuvres were exquisite.) Amid the swirl of conversation and fashionable prints, Martha Stewart, Isaac Mizrahi, Fran Lebowitz, and Julianne Moore socialized, as our own Adam Moss and Jerry Saltz joined in praising Goodman’s success. See more by clicking through photos of the event below.