You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: Leanne Armstrong, Founder, Black Ivy Design

Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of Leanne Armstrong, Founder of Black Ivy Design to explore her ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced her as a designer.

Leanne could have kept things intimate with just six guests, but given the incredible scope of cultural influence on her career, she decided to supersize the occasion – bringing together 11 extraordinary individuals for one unforgettable night.

Leanne introduces her dinner party by saying:

“Planning your own dinner party is something of a novelty; a rare indulgence for those of us who dedicate our craft to orchestrating memorable experiences for others. With this gathering, I sought elegance in simplicity, distilling the essence of thoughtful design to cultivate an atmosphere that was warm, inviting and effortlessly refined – trimming the fat, if you like. This pursuit mirrors the ethos we uphold in our hospitality projects at Black Ivy Design: an unwavering commitment to spaces that feel both curated and deeply lived in.

As for my guests, I envisioned a table graced by pioneers – not solely from the realm of design but from the worlds of fashion, literature and cinema. Each one, a visionary in their own rights, would bring a richness of thought and perspective that would make the evening not just a feast, but a confluence of ideas and inspiration.”

My Party setup

Venue

The setting for my evening would be a candle-light dinner in the middle of Westminster Abbey – understated, I know.

Menu

Traditional Spanish tapas inspired by one of my favourite cities, Palma in Mallorca. Small sharing plates lead to large conversations and relationships.

Entertainment

Against the backdrop of Westminster Abby, I want to create a harmonious juxtaposition with chilled vibes to start; a DJ set, perhaps, by Giles Peterson on low so the conversation and wine can free-flow. After dinner, Annie Mac (why not?) arrives and delivers a set so spectacular that the grandeur of the venue fades into the night, replaced by the pulse of rhythm and revelry. Under the soft glow of historic spires, the evening transforms from an intimate gathering into a celebration of sound, soul and spontaneity, proving that even in the most storied settings, there is always room for the unexpected.

My Guest List

Coco Channel

Her journey, from poverty to becoming the most influential female fashion designer of her time, is a testament to resilience and vision. She revolutionised women’s fashion, daring to break convention by introducing trousers and suits and empowering women with a sense of elegance and autonomy. In a world dominated by men, she carved out her own success, defying societal norms with unwavering determination.

A woman in her 60’s told me recently that ‘back in her day’ women were bound by limitations and how today’s generation has the freedom to pursue anything. Instantly, I thought of Chanel and the barriers she shattered. Despite every challenge, she forged ahead. And that, to me, is the ultimate lesson: with perseverance and an unyielding spirit, anyone can transcend expectations and redefine their own path, no matter the era or industry.

Oscar Wilde

I would have so many questions, and he, in return, would have so many stories! I would love an insight into his life and adventures. Not to mention his charm and wit, and I would relish the opportunity to witness his magnetic presence and sharp intellect first hand.

Ray and Charles Eames

Ray and Charles are the epitome of collaboration. Together, they profoundly influenced my design journey. Their work effortlessly blends form and function, leaving an indelible mark on the design world. The way they pushed boundaries with simple yet elegant solutions has been a constant source of inspiration for me, shaping how I approach design from the very beginning.

But beyond their remarkable professional legacy, I would be equally curious about the dynamics of their relationship on a personal level. If they were to accept my invitation, I would want to know how their unique partnership shaped their creative process and influence the depth of their work. But I would also want to get to know them both as individuals.

Walter Gropius

I would invite Walter Gropius, quite plainly, because of his profound influence on modern architecture and design. As the founder of the Bauhaus school, Gropius revolutionised the way we think about the relationship between art, design and industrial production. His approach to architecture and design, emphasising functionality, simplicity, and the integration of technology, changed the course of design history.

I would be eager to hear his thoughts on how he navigated the intersection of art and industry and how his experiences shaped the evolution of modernist architecture.

Ian Schrager

Ian Schrager is a design legend, and while his profound influence on hospitality and modern design speaks volumes, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my main reason for the invite would be to experience Studio 54 firsthand. Imagine rubbing shoulders with icons like Liza Minnelli, Holston, Grace Jones and Andy Warhol. And of course, I’d bring Annie Mac along for the ride! The stories, the energy, the sheer cultural electricity – what a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would be.

Leonardo da Vinci

I would invite Leonardo da Vinci because he is the ultimate embodiment of a creative who embraced science and art. As a polymath, his genius spanned across countless fields – painting, anatomy, engineering, architecture and even aerodynamics – blurring the lines between creativity and logic in ways that still resonate today.

Marilyn Monroe

Where do I start with Marilyn Monroe? I would invite Monroe because her life was a captivating blend of beauty, complexity and vulnerability that continues to fascinate the world. Beyond the public persona, there’s so much more to her story – her struggles, her triumphs, and the way she navigated the complexities of fame.

Al Capone

Al Capone would be my wildcard. As one of the most notorious gangsters in American history, Capone, both feared and admired, helped shape the Prohibition era. I’d love to hear first hand about the rise of his criminal empire, his influence on Chicago’s underworld and how he navigated the complex world of politics, the law and business.

Zaha Hadid

If there was anyone who could keep Al Capone on his toes, it’s Zaha Hadid. Renowned for her bold, no-nonsense approach to democracy and design, Hadid was a force of nature in the architecture world. With her futuristic creations and fearless vision, she broke all the rules and redefined what’s possible in design and architecture. I can imagine her fearlessly challenging Capone’s world, not just with her ground breaking ideas but with her uncompromising spirit and drive. Maybe something would blossom from that…

Marie Antoniette

With a life marked by both opulence and downfall, I would invite Marie Antoinette explore the fascinating mix of luxury, controversy and tragedy. As the last queen of France before the Revolution, she became an emblem of excess and indulgence, yet there’s so much more to her story than the iconic image of “Let them eat cake.” I would love to hear about her experiences navigating the complex political landscape of Versailles, the pressures of being in the public eye, and how she dealt with the tension between her personal desires and the expectations placed upon her as queen.

Es Devlin

Completing my guest list would be Es Devlin, a set designer and artist who transcends traditional boundaries. Her ability to craft spaces that transform the way we experience music, theatre, and even large-scale events is nothing short of genius. I would be fascinated to hear about her creative process, how she collaborates with artists, and the challenges of bringing her visionary concepts to life on such grand scales.

Leanne Armstrong, Founder of Black Ivy Design

Leanne Armstrong, the Founder of Black Ivy Design, is an interior designer with more than 18 years of experience in creating transformative spaces in both the residential and commercial arena.

Inspired by her daughter Ivy and the empowering ethos of the Black Ivy League movement – to strive for high-performing excellence – Leanne established Black Ivy Design during the lockdown period, channelling her passion for elevating interiors into a studio that stands for innovation and individuality.

Armstrong’s design philosophy combines modern aesthetics with functional design, allowing the studio to craft environments that are both beautiful and purposeful. The designer’s impressive portfolio includes notable projects such as The Cream Store, Hush private members club, the Jacobean Hotel, Spire Bar, Sky Blue Tavern and The Green Dragon, each reflecting her meticulous attention to detail and creative flair.

Since launching the studio in 2020, Leanne has gained recognition in design press for her approach to design, understanding of materials and the projects the studio has completed. Currently, she is spearheading exciting ventures, including a new bar and café in Canada Water, London.