20th Century

Women designers have been historically underrepresented in the broader design industry, a result of ingrained social bias and fewer professional opportunities. Yet this ratio is changing. Modern and contemporary women designers are gaining wider recognition and followings, including in the auction market. Billings‘ 2025 spring sale, scheduled for April 5, 2025, will particularly feature modern and contemporary women designers. Here are a few of their innovative works from the auction catalog.

Kelly Wearstler

Available from renowned American designer Kelly Wearstler is a contemporary ‘Crescent’ cabinet composed of lacquered wood, walnut, bronze, and antique mirrored glass (lot #20; estimate: USD 10,000 – $15,000). This piece, which measures approximately 72 inches high, hosts a scattering of amorphous metal and glass pulls on the front. Ivory lacquer provides visual contrast for the piece. Inside are six drawers, two interior shelves, and an antiqued mirror backing.

Kelly Wearstler opened her design firm in the mid-1990s. She initially specialized in furnishing luxury hotels before branching out to design home goods. Wearstler has since built a successful business producing furniture, rugs, wallpaper, couture, and more. A defining feature of her work is a flair for drama, bold c… Read More