Le Salon at DFH - "Partners in Design: Estelle and Erwine Laverne"

Le Salon is Detroit’s new gathering for curious minds and spirited conversation. Each month, we invite local professors, artists, and community leaders to share fresh perspectives in a relaxed, after-hours setting in our new Borgman Room just off of the Apparatus Room.

Arrive early, grab a cocktail (or your drink of choice), and settle in for a 35–40 minute talk that’s as thought-provoking as it is approachable. Whether you’re a regular or just dropping by, Le Salon is your place to connect, unwind, and discover something new—no tickets, no pressure, just great ideas and good company.

Lecture title: "Partners in Design: Estelle and Erwine Laverne"

About the lecture: Explore the story of designers Estelle and Erwine Laverne, a married couple who together designed textiles, furniture, interiors, and more for their self-run business, Laverne Originals. The Lavernes are one of many mid-century design couples, but their story -- winding and eccentric -- stands out amongst others in this history.

About the Lecturer: Bridget Bartal is a recent graduate of Bard Graduate Center in Manhattan where she recieved a Master of Arts in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture. At the BGC, her research primarily centered on 20th-century design, and architectural histories, and her qualifying paper, " (Mis)fitting Taliesin: The Women of Frank Llyod Wright's Taliesin Fellowship," explored the social history of women's emergence into the field of architectureduring the early 1930's.

During the fellowship, in partnership with Millerknoll, Bartel worked closely with Director Andrew Blauvelt, Chief Curator Laura Mott, and archivists at MillerKnoll.

Agenda:

- 6:30 PM – Doors open: find a seat (open seating), order food & drinks, and expect a bar line—arriving early is key. - 6:55 PM – Host introduction- 7:00 PM – Lecture begins- 7:45 PM – Audience Q&A

- 8:00 PM – 1:1 time with the speaker, mingle with fellow guests, and order another round

-8:30PM–Wrap up

Host or Publisher Detroit Foundation Hotel