Getting to Know… Kate Fujimoto

I am so excited to have our first interview here at homestilo!

Kate is the founder and creative force behind Kate Fujimoto Event Design in Los Angeles.

As you already know, I have had entertaining on the brain. So, it goes without saying I am beyond excited not only to get to know Kate, but to have her share some of her tips and tricks for event planning at home. Enjoy, and happy weekend!

My interest in events started when I was planning my own wedding in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At the time, I was working at Guess Inc in downtown Los Angeles. However, I had been thinking for a little while about starting a company of my own. I had been reluctant to initiate something in fashion, mostly due to overhead costs. As I planned my wedding, I realized that organizing an event incorporated similar design and production skills that I was using in the fashion industry, and an event business might afford an independence and flexibility that I had been searching for.

After my wedding, I started to put together small events for friends, while still working at my day job. Early on, I was fortunate to meet a magazine editor through a friend, and after I helped to organize a party for her, she encouraged me to jump full force into the realm of events. I took her advice, and within two months, I started my company. That particular client was integral in launching my business, as she referred me to numerous resources and potential clients. Once I started to design and coordinate various parties, word spread from there and here I am five years later.

There are a number of things that I love about designing and coordinating events. Firstly, I am fortunate to have the task of being involved in creating special occasions for people. I get to know my clients on a personal level and help make lasting memories for them. Secondly, I really enjoy the collaboration between myself, the client, and our vendors. Everyone I work with has the same dedication to making a successful event. There isn’t an aspect of competition, which I think is quite prevalent in a corporate setting. I also like the fact that events are project-based. Because a party will eventually come to an end, there is room to start another – which means that there is always the opportunity to imagine and create something fresh.

1.  Make sure that guests are comfortable from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave. Little things can make a world of difference – designating where guests can leave their purses, bags and coats; presenting guests with a beverage upon arrival (even if there is a bar set-up, it’s much nicer to offer a drink); keeping blankets on hand for guests who get cold; arranging a quiet space for elderly guests who may need a break from lively festivities.

2.  Don’t forget about lighting and sound. I’ve been to weddings and other types of parties where the lights are too bright or the music is too low, and it kills the mood. As a host, you are responsible for creating ambiance, and these two elements can enhance the atmosphere and overall experience.

3. Once a party starts, it takes on a life of its own. Don’t fret when things don’t go completely according to plan – sometimes, the most memorable and fun moments are born from the unexpected. Try to relax and enjoy the company of your guests – I’ve found that if the host has a great attitude and is having a wonderful time, the rest of the guests follow suit.

 
I am definitely drawn to the juxtaposition of natural and modern elements, as in the antler tablescape (pictured above & below). For that particular design, I liked the shape of the antler and thought that it was a strong form to start with. I would recommend, when prepping a table at home, to think about a material or an object that makes a statement. It can be as simple as putting pussy willow branches or pheasant feathers in sleek silver vases.

Right now, I would love to use objects or vessels made of horn, rimmed in silver or gold. The colors of horn are essentially neutral, so a floral in any color, from white or pale pink to bright red, would be stunning in a display. There are horn vases, horn cups, horn bowls – any of these would work for an at-home design. Keep things simple, as I believe simplicity radiates elegance. And don’t forget a lighting element – votives are always a perfect addition to a tabletop and there are so many cool ones out there.

I tend to favor feminine, sculptural blooms that can easily stand alone or pair with other florals in beautiful arrangements. I love really big, oversized dahlias or simple tulips, especially the ones with slight color variegation which can be so modern and chic.

 

{all images via kate fujimoto event designs}