Men’s Vogue hosts a book signing for Joel Gray at Lacoste

Last night I attended a party at Lacoste in Beverly Hills. The event was sponsored by one of my favorite new magazines, Men’s Vogue. I can remember when Lacoste was called Izod and I would beg my mom for a shirt with a green alligator on it. That was back when I was in the 5th grade. Amazing how everything old is new again.

The event was for Joel Grey’s new book, Looking Hard at Unexamined Things - an amazing collection of his photography.

Joel Grey to the left of Larry Hagman (He was playing J.R. Ewing on Dallas back when I was wearing IZOD’s the first time)

Kara Rosen, Men’s Vogue Event Director, with me at the book launch

Fall Weather, College Football and Family

I ended up flying to Northwest Arkansas on Friday for a quick meeting. The meeting went very well and it was nice to experience some chilly Fall weather. Living in Los Angeles, I forget how amazing it is to see the leaves change on the tress and feel the brisk cold air on your face.

Saturday morning I was up early to catch a flight back to Los Angeles. As we drove to the airport through the countryside, I saw all the Arkansas Razorback College football fans heading into the city for early tailgating. Flags were flying from their cars as they raced by to spend a Fall Saturday afernoon with friends and family. I was a bit jealous because I remember when I would do the same thing with my family and friends on a Saturday in Baton Rouge.

LSU football was always a big part of my life and I remember those Saturdays very well. My Dad would start cooking 2 days before the game (he’s famous for his potato salad). My brother Phil, his wife Becky and my 3 nephews Landon, Payton, and Austin would get all excited and paint their faces with purple and gold tigers. My little sister Amanda was head cheerleader for LSU and my Mom always had the best sweet ice tea for everyone that came by our tailgating party. My family’s tailgating party was always a hit and those memories will always make me smile.

One thing I realized this weekend; no matter where life takes you and how busy you are with work, it’s nice to slow down and remember the times that make you smile.

As soon as I arrived home in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon, I turned on the TV to find the LSU vs. Tennessee game. So… Oliver, Benson and I had our own little tailgating party on my sofa. It was one of those “edge of your seat” games as LSU won in the last 6 seconds.

Although the weather outside may have been a hot 89 degrees in Los Angeles, inside it felt like Fall college football weather with my family.

My little sister Amanda My nephews Payton, Landon & Austin

Here’s some answers and black wallpaper for Dan’s wife

This week has been very busy. I was hoping to write more in my journal but found the time slipping away and it’s almost Friday! So I thought I would answer some questions that some of you have sent in:

Susan from Oklahoma City asked: What’s your favorite TV show (other than your own)? - I really like the new show Hero’s. I also like shows like Modern Marvels, and Extreme Engineering - learning how things work really amaze me.

Kelsey from Cleveland asked: I read that you have 2 dogs, what kind are they and what are their names? I have 2 Dachshunds named Oliver and Benson. Here’s a recent photo

Kevin from Miami asked: Do you ever stop working and if you do, what do you do in your free time? When I manage some free time, I drive 2 hours outside of Los Angeles to my house in Palm Springs. It is one of the only places where my brain stops running 90 miles an hour (it doesn’t hurt that my cell phone doesn’t get a signal there either). Oliver and Benson also like it because I have a big backyard for them to play. Because it’s in the desert, the weather is always nice and hot. I can lay in the pool and stare at the amazing view of the mountains for hours - see below

Carol from the East Coast: When do you plan to put out your book? I get this question more than any other. Writing a book is a long process. I want it to be a series unlike anything out there. So I carefully edit and re-write and sketch to create something that everyone can learn from and be inspired by. Having said that, I’d like to have it out by the end of 2007. I’ll share one of the cover concepts for the Kitchen and Bath series - see below

Dan from Atlanta asked: I recently saw one of your shows where you installed black grasscloth on the walls and I really like it for my home office. However, my wife (who did not see the show) thinks I’m crazy - do you have a photo of the room so I can show her? Dan - thanks for watching the show - I hope this picture helps convince your wife that you’re not crazy.

80’s Party at my place

Saturday night was a flash back to the 80’s. I hosted a pre-halloween themed party at my loft. It was quite the scene with everyone decked out in their best 80’s get-up. Big hair, 80’s rockers, solid gold dancers, and of course great 80’s music added to the flavor of the night. DJ Angie was spinning everything from Prince to Duran Duran - it was like my high school prom all over again -

I put my living room furniture in storage to make room for the 175 guests. Nothing like having a loft with flexible use of space

(above) Stacey and Adam gear up for the dance floor - 80’s style (You may recognize Stacey from my show - she’s one of my design assistants. Adam works in my office as the PR go-to)