Week No. 252
Guest Curator: Meghan McNeer
We love turning to our friends for recommendations—the people with a perspective, an expertise, and something to say. The ones who always know the best new spot, the hidden gem, or the thing worth trying. So, we’re opening up their recs to the world.
You know those people with an effortless eye for design—the ones who can put things together in such a visually creative way that you stop and think, I could literally never do that? That’s Meghan McNeer for me. We first met through our mutual close friend Maeve Nicholson at a dinner party in her old SoHo loft, and from there, our friendship has spanned many adventures—including a press trip across the pond during my Soho House days. Meghan has an innate coolness I’ve always admired, and when it comes to the latest restaurants, hotels, and shop finds, we can go back and forth for days. This month, she’s our guest curator, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to share their impeccable taste with you.
Hi, I’m meghan mcneer—a creative director, photographer, and editor based between New York and Los Angeles (originally from Oklahoma, so yes, I still say “y’all” unironically). I’m the co-founder of LA Design Weekend and the kind of person who loves nothing more than making a moodboard or a restaurant rec. I’ve worked across interiors, advertising and brand storytelling, always chasing that sweet spot where voice, visuals, and vibes meet. I believe in good lighting, strong fonts, and the transformative power of a well-set table. I also never show up empty-handed (sometimes that means a confetti cannon). I recently launched my Substack, Electric Max—all about design musings, tablescape dreams, and the occasional color palette appreciation post.
Stay of the Week
You know that feeling when you walk into a place in a new city and it just clicks—like your brain suddenly exhales? That’s Hotel St. Peter & Paul in New Orleans for me. Maximalist print-on-print. Trompe l’oeil armoires. Historic charm dialed up with a modern color palette. The team behind that gem, ASH, is now at it again with a new opening: Shenandoah Mansions in Richmond. While the city isn’t exactly on my usual circuit, it’s just over an hour from my sister’s place—so I’m officially manifesting a girl’s road trip in 2025, with a stop here, obviously. Bookmark it: For when you need a design-forward detour.
News of the Week
Shameless self-promo? Sure. But also, breaking news. I’m the creative director and co-founder of LA Design Weekend, and we just announced our 2025 dates: September 26–29.
We’re back with our signature three-day lineup of progressive parties, studio visits, and happenings all across LA. If you came last year, you already know the vibe: good design, great people, and a city-wide celebration of creativity that actually feels fun. Less panel fatigue, more dance party energy.
LADW is our love letter to the design scene here—part exhibition, part hangout, and entirely driven by the people and places that make this city tick. Whether you’re a local or just design-curious, consider this your save-the-date.
Visit www.ladesignweekend.com and sign up for our newsletter.
Shop of the Week
I’m from the generation that treated the mall like a social club. We'd walk in circles for hours, spend nary a nickel, and somehow leave richer in social credit (the only kind that mattered). With mall culture mostly gone—traded for URL tabs and next-day delivery—I still crave that slow, aimless kind of shopping. The kind where you talk, touch, try, and linger.
A couple weeks ago, a friend and I went uptown to Tiffany’s (a far cry from Spencer’s, but same spirit), sipped cappuccinos, admired the sparkle, and left totally recharged. Which is why I’m thrilled that Printemps has officially arrived stateside. The Parisian department store is bringing back IRL retail in a big, beautiful way—with interiors by Laura Gonzalez and all the maximalist magic you could hope for. Go, browse, linger. You don’t even have to buy anything (but you probably will).