Olivia Lopez on Design, Travel, and Creative Recharge

Words Vidula KotianDate 12 May 2025

Olivia Lopez is a Los Angeles–based creative whose work bridges travel, design, and cultural storytelling.

She is the founder of Bon Weekender, a platform exploring travel through the lens of sustainability, art, and design. As the host of The Art of Travel podcast, Olivia delves into how movement and experience spark creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. She is also the author of Lust for Los Angeles—a visual travel diary and reflection on identity, belonging, and creative life in her hometown. Last year, she partnered with Santo Group to open Seco, a hot new wine bar in Silver Lake, further cementing her presence in the cultural and creative landscape of Los Angeles.

As we prepare for our Casa Lawa takeover during Design Week at The Moore’s Lobby, we caught up with Olivia to talk about design weeks around the world—and what makes New York City uniquely stand out. Here, she shares her take on the rising role of performance in design—and the places in New York (and beyond) that continue to recharge and inspire her.

As a regular at art and design fairs, with a distinct way of observing and documenting creative spaces—what kinds of experiences tend to leave a lasting impression on you?

The experiences that leave a lasting impression on me are immersive, experiential exhibitions that integrate storytelling into their narratives. I was recently in Milan for Design Week and was blown away by the theater production that Formafantasma staged with Cassina for the Le Corbusier anniversary. While the collection was beautifully displayed, adding a performance piece brought depth and dimension to the designs. The audience was able to experience the brand’s history through movement and dance.

As NYCxDesign returns, what are you most looking forward to experiencing this year?

I’m looking forward to catching up on the latest exhibitions from my favorite New York City-based design brands and studios—from design galleries and showrooms such as Studio Giancarlo Valle to FuturePerfect and Apparatus Studios.

“Performance and play are emerging as strong themes—transforming a concept or practice into a live experience. I love this shift, as it creates moments that allow viewers to emotionally connect with the work.”

Do you sense any emerging themes or shifts in the way creativity is being expressed this year?

Performance and play are emerging as strong themes—transforming a concept or practice into a live experience. I love this shift, as it creates moments that allow viewers to emotionally connect with the work.

What would you suggest visitors pay attention to beyond the NYCxDesign itinerary?

Don’t miss the West Chelsea gallery district, anchored by heavyweights like David Zwirner, Gagosian, and Hauser & Wirth, along with a fresh crop of design galleries in Tribeca such as Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery and Quarters.

Weather permitting, I love taking a long stroll through Central Park and ending up at Café Sabarsky for an espresso and a Viennese pastry.

Outside of the city, I highly recommend the Noguchi Museum in Astoria—a sprawling compound that captures the multifaceted nature of the artist’s work, from landscape design and large-scale sculpture to lighting and stage sets designed for Martha Graham’s ballet.

What makes NYCxDesign stand out from other design weeks around the world?

New York is a force with its own energy. The cross-pollination of cultures creates a magnetic environment for unbridled creativity and unexpected connections.

In a city that never pauses, where do you go to take a moment to reflect or recharge during a busy week?

I recharge with a visit to McNally Jackson Books to pick up something new, then head to the Elizabeth Street Garden—a rare green oasis in SoHo—to read and reset.

Are there places you always return to—spaces that ground you in the spirit of New York?

I used to live near the South Williamsburg waterfront. My daily walks along the river offered a zoomed-out perspective of the city that always filled me with both nostalgia and excitement. Domino Park is that grounding place where I can, literally and metaphorically, touch grass.

For someone visiting during NYCxDesign, where would you recommend they stay to fully experience the city’s design culture?

The Moore. Located in the heart of Chelsea’s gallery district, it offers immediate access to art and design—from blue-chip galleries to a walk along the High Line surrounded by Manhattan’s impressive skyscraper architecture.

And when the day winds down—where do you like to gather, dine, or simply watch the city move?

I love institutions like Balthazar and The Odeon—classic, bustling restaurants that embody the energy and diversity of Downtown Manhattan. In Midtown, The Grill is a favorite: a refined American steakhouse that captures midcentury modern excellence inside a Mies van der Rohe-designed skyscraper.

If you’re in town for NYCxDesign this year, be sure to stop by at The Moore, where we’ve teamed up with Sicily-based culinary residency, Casa Lawa, to host a vibrant afternoon aperitivo on May 16 & 17 from 5-8pm. 

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