Erica Wilson Remembered

In March 09, I wrote about Vladamir Kagan and his wife and partner Erica Wilson. I was honored to meet such an engaging and vibrant pair.

Ms Wilson, who passed away in mid December, was inspirational to those who appreciated needlecraft and paralleled the career of Julia Child and was a forerunner in many ways to Martha Stewart.

Her public television shows, shops and books helped her build a

career as a teacher and one who singlehandedly kept a dying art alive.

Peace

Design Royalty

Sunday, at the AD 20/21 show at Boston's Cyclorama, I had a marvelous conversation with design Royalty charmers, husband and wife Vladimir Kagan and Erica Wilson. She was delighted I recalled her fascinating needlework show on WGBH. We talked about her books, videos and kits. We petted and posed with Bonsai, my buddy/colleague, Peter Levis' (Beyond Gorgeosity's) dachschund. Mr Kagan, vibrant and tanned, graciously dispensed business and design advice as he autographed his catalogue. An inspiring half hour!

The show itself had great exhibitors, including Greg Nanamura, Cara Antiques and Christopher Anthony soon to be relocating to Palm Springs.

Great design is alive and well in spite of this economy and it was great to see such a turn out.

MV