The One Club in New York City recently hosted an exclusive Women & Design dinner, bringing together 27 designers, editors, and creative leaders to celebrate the contributions of women in the design world. The event was co-hosted by Managing director Mélanie Leroy and U.S. Ambassador Nina Magon and featured a private tour of Printemps, followed by a seated dinner and a Q&A session. Discussions centered on creative leadership, international collaboration, and the evolving mission to spotlight emerging talent and purpose-driven design.

The dinner aimed to create a space for celebrating and amplifying women in design, recognizing their unique contributions and impact. “By creating opportunities for dialogue and support, we help build a stronger, more balanced design industry,” added Magon. She also noted that the initiative might potentially be replicated in other major design capitals to foster a more interconnected community of female creatives. Magon emphasized that “Maison&Objet seeks emerging artists who are not only technically skilled but who demonstrate a clear voice, a commitment to innovation, and a design ethos rooted in meaning,” adding that purpose-driven design “responds to social, cultural, or environmental needs and contributes to shaping a more thoughtful and inclusive future.”

magon’s selection as U.S. ambassador reflects her dedication to pushing design boundaries,her collaborations with international brands,and her commitment to diversity. “As the U.S. ambassador, my role is to represent Maison&Objet’s values to the American design community, build bridges between U.S. and international talent, and help amplify emerging voices, particularly those of women and underrepresented creatives,” she explained. She also observed that “Emerging designers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, cultural authenticity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration,” stressing the need for mentorship, visibility, and funding, “especially for female creatives whose voices have historically been underrepresented.”

“By creating opportunities for dialogue and support, we help build a stronger, more balanced design industry.”
– Nina Magon

Panel discussions explored female leadership in design, highlighting intentionality, resilience, and collaboration. Authenticity, portrayal, and leading with purpose were also key themes. Interior designer Joy Moyler and BB Italia’s designer director,Orane Abezis,were honored as 2025 Women in Design Award nominees.”This year’s recipients are visionaries who embody the spirit of purpose-driven design,” said Magon. “Each has contributed meaningful work that reflects not only innovation and craftsmanship but a deeper mission, whether that be sustainability, cultural storytelling, or community uplift. Their selection celebrates both their talent and their impact.”

The dinner previewed the upcoming September edition in paris, which will focus on emerging designers and curated experiences. Magon aims to foster dialogue between U.S. and international design communities, spotlight underrepresented talent, and champion the next generation of women in design.