Ladies and gentlemen, happy Friday and welcome back to another SLG meetup. Today we'll be talking about the interesting world of art and by that we're going to have Laura John, the Gallery Director at the Future Perfect and I like to see that the Future Perfect is considered one of the foremost contemporary design galleries with locations in New York, Los Angeles and I'm going to say that the ones in San Francisco, all over is super unique and that's what we're going to have Laura to tell us all about it and the interesting world that it brings. Laura, what's happening? Hi, how are you?
Can you hear me okay? Can you see me? Perfectly, I knew you even better. How are you?
Beautiful, thank you. I'm doing wonderful and a little exhausted. We opened our exhibition last night but doing great. How was it?
Was it a success? It was definitely a success. You know, with COVID times everything's a little bit weird and I wasn't really sure what to expect because we haven't formally opened an exhibition for a year and a half so I felt a little out of practice but in general it was very successful. We've had a lot of amazing people coming in through the house, collectors, interior designers and just incredible clients as well.
And we can definitely see it behind you. That's from Eric, right? That's the beautiful exhibition from Eric or instead? First of all, thank you because I know what it takes to put something like that together.
I mean, not that I've done it but I can say from your particular conversation with me earlier before that it's a lot of work. So I appreciate you taking the time to be here today and tell us a little bit about it because you obviously are the gallery director, the person that is behind all the magic. Tell us what's going on with the future. Well, I mean to speak specifically about this exhibition, this exhibition was supposed to open in May of 2020 and of course because of COVID we decided to push it off until then the show in person.
So of course this was the first thing we wanted to do but of course it's a lot of reorganizing, a lot of pushing things and then of course the artist had two more years so the work, it's four times the amount of work that the exhibition was initially meant to be. The pedestals and everything were probably our biggest hiccup. We had a lot of trouble in plywood. Logistics is kind of a nightmare right now in the world so those are probably our biggest challenges within this exhibition but you know the work is easy, the work is beautiful.
It sits in front of you and you're just in awe of it so that was a really easy thing for us to open up in place. In terms of how we do everything, the gallery we work with an incredible roster of artists we're always looking for new talent. Wanted to just basically showcase Laura is the magic that is behind this gallery because you have different locations in the country, you are located in Beverly Hills, also in San Francisco and in New York. Obviously this last year has been a little bit complicated when it comes to showcasing this type of galleries with people not able to go.
But you've done a really decent job and I guess I'm very surprised with the amount of engagement that you guys have on social media. So you were able to bring all of that magic towards social media platforms. Well that's a really funny thing to actually speak to. I mean obviously I don't do it alone.
We have one of the most incredible teams of people on the entire planet and I think that we always worked really well together but the team that works with the Future Perfect and David Alphidev, the founder of the gallery, we all sunk up in a new way when it came to quarantine because we all started working together remotely and it used to be that we would travel all the time and we just didn't have to do that anymore because we're always on the same page. We're always communicating properly. We really sunk in in a way that I think has just really worked for us. I find that so fascinating.
And it's a very beautiful way of showcasing all the work because you obviously have established great relationships with some of the most incredible artists, designers, craftmen, and I believe that all that talent needs to be showcased in some way or the other. And right now it's all about adapting ourselves to what we're facing. And social media has obviously opened up the doors to keep exposing everything in a very unique way but also bringing this into the homes. I believe that's very magical that you guys have been doing also very well.
Well I think that the reality is that the final placement of the work that we sell is the home no matter which way you skin the cat, if it's art, if it's design, if it's furniture, if it's collectible, it's always going to land in someone's home. Of course and I like the concept that you guys use. You know they cast a perfect. So it's housed.
Yes, for the perfecto of course. The cast a perfecto. Come on home. I love the concept because look it all comes down what you were saying to your cast out to your home.
You're going to bring the art. You're going to bring all this into your house. This is what's going to represent you, your brand, your feelings. So I feel like it's important to start making that connection from the very beginning because galleries are great to see the product, to experience what the artist is trying to put out there.
But also it's something completely different which is also very unique to have it already in your house and see it in the house directly. Absolutely. And it also allows us to really cater to our clientele in a really special way. We're really inviting you into our home.
This space is probably one of the most especially the New York house of course the LA house is extremely attached to David Al-Hudav. But this house really feels like my home and whenever someone is coming into it I really feel like I'm inviting them over. The same way that you've been building these relationships with these artists and a great designer to build the relationship with your clientele customers at the end of the day is what really will lead to further growth. I think I wanted to talk to you Laura.
It's about what you mentioned about the houses. How important is to keep that connection right between the art and the homes. Have you been doing any collaborations with any property owners or any real estate companies to bring the art to the houses? We have historically done some model units throughout the US and it's always been a really exciting and wonderful thing to do.
But in general I do feel like it's always, and partnership is the best. It brings another cook in the kitchen and it really just creates like this. It's nice to have someone else's vision lead you in a new direction. I mean Los Angeles has some of the best architecture in my opinion because it's beautiful.
We've done multiple mid-century homes and we always kind of look at the architecture first but also we want to move from different types of architecture because it really allows us to alter our vision. As I said it's beautiful for everything to keep inspiring us and we're very inspired by the spaces that we enter and obviously we have this incredible opportunity to also flip these houses from top to bottom every six months if that makes sense. Because if you look at it honestly on a six week rotation I'm changing something in the house and it's so fun and I can literally be like this week I'm going to do everything super sleek and super Italian and then the following week I'm going to go for a more rustic vibe and bring in Pete Heinig from I know Van and just do all reclaimed woods. I get to live every single fantasy for the same room.
You have a great job Kamala. I'll tell you that what we were talking about collaborations how important are those because we all are looking into the lifestyle as a whole. Those that are art lovers they also have some kind of similar lifestyle when it comes to the houses that they live in also the type of life they have. So collaborating with the brands or the companies that fall into the lifestyle it's a key element.
That's why I think that also working with different architects, developers, real estate brokers, all these different elements is key. Bring it on. I mean you're saying it to me. Bring me something.
Laura what's happening with Miami? I see New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles. Where's Miami? We've been in a bit of a pandemic but all I'm saying is if you have a space for me I'm there tomorrow.
Let's do it. Yeah of course. We go to Miami every year for Design Miami. It's always the most enriching, incredible experience.
Showing in Miami has done so much for us, for our brand, for our artists. It's a dreamscape down there. A Wonderland. So much fun and there's nothing like the architecture in Miami.
New old whatever. It's the sleekest and we'd love to be there. That's right. Let's do it.
Laura tell me what's happening with the upcoming projects. What's future perfect vision? Well, I mean I think that in so many capacities we're doing a lot of things. We're working on our own in-house brand but we're also really working to amplify our artists.
Bringing them into new contexts we have an incredible exhibition from Chris Wollstone opening in Los Angeles in October. Chris is kind of, I mean he's one of my most covetous in the collection but he's also probably one of the most fun. He's super Miami. All of his work is made in Medellin Colombia where he has worked to do his Fulbright and super colorful.
It's very tropical. It's anodized aluminum baton, waving armchairs, super super fun and he's going to have a whole new set of outdoor lounge chairs which we're super super excited about. Wow that's very exciting and we can't wait to see what's going on in there. By the way everybody that is tuning in today or are going to be watching this later, please make sure to follow the future.
I want to make sure that they'll follow you with the company. Yeah, that's the future perfect. That's the camera account so please make sure everybody follows that account. Make sure to follow them.
It's amazing what you're doing. And by the way that's what I was saying at the beginning of the conversation. Creating that engagement through different platforms and different channels. It's one of the most important things nowadays and you've been doing a tremendous job with your team obviously but I encourage to continue doing that because it's very refreshing to see this type of art you know.
Thanks so much. That means a lot. Thank you. Of course and as we said we have Miami waiting for you whatever we can do as well.
I can't wait. There is one thing that I need to ask you because this is what we do every time that we have a new guest on our SLDB apps and it's about luxury. What does luxury mean to you? Opulence everywhere.
I think that for me luxury is high quality materials, exquisite execution, perfection. Things that when you touch them make you feel good. That's luxury. But in addition, luxury is love.
Luxury is looking at something and having it make you feel good. Wow. Very great answer. I really like that one.
I'm going to grab that piece of answer and have it everywhere because you really put it at the point. So Laura you are a very special individual that understands art. I really enjoy the conversation and I'm sure that everybody that is tuning into this conversation and is also checking what you guys are doing at the Art Gallery is going to really understand why I'm saying this because it's not easy to transmit what the artists or top designers are trying to put together and you guys are doing it in a very concise and great way. So keep up the great work.
Before we wrap this conversation up I wanted to ask you if there is anything else that you would like to share that we have. I mean I just you know I did want everyone to see this exhibition. If you'd like to come see the exhibition in New York please go to our website and you can book an appointment to come into any of our classes anytime. We would just love to see you.
So there we go. We love you. Hi. By the way, save me some of those vegan tigers of the salad.
I'll be going there. Okay beautiful. Well thank you so much for taking time to visit us today and I hope to see you again soon. Absolutely Laura thanks again for your time.
I'm looking forward to seeing you soon. Bye. And thanks again for everybody tuning in today. We hope you enjoyed it.
And remember embrace it's beautiful success in life. My name is Alvaro and I'll see you next time.