Erica Tanov: Celebrating a Life in Design

Interiors, Nature, and the Art of Collaboration: Join designer Erica Tanov for a lively conversation and illustrated presentation, moderated by acclaimed design writer DIANE DORRANS SAEKS. Together, they will explore the art of creative collaboration for home design — the sources of inspiration, the working relationships, the materials, and the process of building a fully original aesthetic world. Inspired by nature.

For thirty-five years, Erica Tanov has been one of the most quietly inspiring presences in American design — a designer of rare grace, originality, and style whose work across fashion, textiles, and interiors is guided by an unerring instinct for natural beauty. Her clothing and home collections are defined by luxurious fabrics, meticulous craft, and a sensibility entirely her own: restrained, considered, and deeply expressive. Her historic, light-filled Berkeley studio — itself a masterclass in the art of living beautifully — showcases wallpaper, architectural tiles, furniture, bedding, and fabric collections alongside carefully chosen vintage finds. Tanov is now expanding her practice to include interior design consultation and projects.

The evening will unfold in Erica’s beautiful studio, surrounded by her designs, collections, and the objects she loves. Guests will enjoy an illustrated presentation of Erica Tanov interiors — bedrooms, wallpapers in situ, textiles, and artist collaborations — followed by an intimate moderated conversation with Erica Tanov.

Topics will include what natural interior style truly means; fabric and textile collaborations with artists; wallpaper and architectural tile design; bedding collections; antique collecting; and the role of art and artists in shaping an interior point of view.

The evening is moderated by Diane Dorrans Saeks, bestselling author of twenty-six design books including the celebrated Parisian by Design (a bestseller in Paris) and the classic Jean-Louis Deniot Interiors (both Rizzoli). Diane is the longtime Design Editor at PaperCity and a founding editor of C California Style magazine. She is currently at work on new books.

About Erica Tanov: A California native, Erica established her design trajectory at Parsons School of Design before launching her eponymous label in New York in 1990, where her early seamed slips and camisoles helped redefine modern loungewear and quickly gained placement at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Henri Bendel. Her brand evolved organically into a broader lifestyle offering spanning clothing and home, grounded in a philosophy of relaxed luxury shaped by a deep reverence for nature. Returning to the Bay Area in 1994, she opened her first Berkeley store and went on to cultivate a loyal, design-forward community across New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, becoming a defining voice in California’s understated luxury movement. Alongside her commercial work, she has remained deeply engaged with the arts, serving on the board of Creative Growth Art Center, speaking at major design events, and authoring Design By Nature, with her work widely featured in leading publications and worn by figures including Tilda Swinton, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Vera Farmiga, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Wine and refreshments will be served.