Kristen Stewart, Amy AstleyPhoto by: Krista Schlueter
Architectural Digest brought its highly-anticipated L.A. issue to life at the West Hollywood EDITION on Tuesday for an evening titled Design Making a Difference, where portraits of the city’s creative forces anchored a room filled with design and entertainment industry insiders. From the moment guests stepped inside, the five-star luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard had been transformed into an extension of the magazine itself. Screens looping videos from the magazine greeted people upon arrival, while large-scale images of each featured Angeleno were installed throughout the chic space, turning the moment into something closer to an immersive gallery than a typical cocktail bash.
West Coast editor Mayer Rus opened the evening before introducing Architectural Digest’s global editorial director and U.S. editor-in-chief Amy Astley, who described the pages as a love letter to the city. Reflecting on last year’s devastating fires and the publication’s response, Astley told the room, “We knew immediately we couldn’t look away. This isn’t a one-off for us. We’re in it for the long haul.” Astley also highlighted AD’s ongoing partnerships with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and The Foothill Catalog Foundation to help families in Altadena rebuild their homes which were lost in the Eaton fire.
After her remarks, Astley made her way through the room, chatting with designers, longtime friends of the brand, and many of the issue’s featured guests. Kristen Stewart, the new cover star, drew particular attention, especially after Astley highlighted the actor and director’s renovation of the Highland Park Theater for community use. Lucy Hale, Lana Condor, Meghan Trainor, Noah Wyle, Melora Hardin, Winnie Harlow, and Scout Willis also caught up throughout the dining room at Ardor, the hotel’s upscale plant-based restaurant, during the evening. Emma Chamberlain moved effortlessly between conversations, while Sophia Bush and Bobby Berk were spotted deep in discussion near the bar.
Passed bites struck the right balance between elevated and relaxed. Steak skewers, salmon sashimi, and bruschetta on Japanese milk bread made steady rounds as martinis, Old Fashioneds, margaritas, and Champagne kept the crowd well supplied.
Guests lingered late, revisiting the portrait installations and pausing to watch the videos again before collecting goodie bags—with keepsakes from La Mer, Zip Water, California Closets, and James Hardie included, tying the event back to AD’s broader focus on world-class innovation.
For a publication known for chronicling beautiful interiors, the celebration made clear that Architectural Digest’s focus in Los Angeles right now extends beyond aesthetics and a high gloss surface. It’s about community, resilience, and the creative spirit that continues to define the city.
The L.A issue (March) is on newsstands now.