‘An Evening with Thom Filicia’: book signing, conversation with renowned interior designer

Erica Blust
(315) 443-5891

The School of Art and Design in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and Laura’s List: Books for Women in Skaneateles, N.Y., will present “An Evening with Thom Filicia” Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Anyela’s Vineyards, 2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles. Filicia, a renowned interior designer and 1993 alumnus of VPA, will sign copies of his latest book, “Thom Filicia Style: Inspired Ideas for Creating Rooms You’ll Love” (Atria, 2008).

“An Evening with Thom Filicia” will also feature a conversation with Filicia and a cocktail reception. Tickets are $50 per person, with a portion of the proceeds going to support Positively Pink Packages, a local not-for-profit organization that provides vital resources to breast cancer patients, in honor of Filicia’s mother. Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased in Skaneateles at Bijou Salon, 6 Jordan St., and Creekside Books & Coffee, 25 Fennell St., or at http://www.laurasbooklist.com.

Filicia hosts the Style Network’s “Dress My Nest,” which, under his guidance, offers complete room makeovers inspired by a homeowner’s personal style. He previously served as the interior design expert on Bravo’s Emmy Award-winning “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” In 1998, he established Thom Filicia Inc., an interior design company in New York City. His diverse portfolio includes interiors for celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and W Hotels; dressing rooms for the television show “The View”; windows at Christie’s; and an eco-friendly apartment for Riverhouse, high-performance oxygen green condominiums in Manhattan.

“I received my bachelor of fine arts in interior design at my alma mater, Syracuse University, which provided me the foundation and confidence to build my own interior design business,” says Filicia. “Over 10 years after first opening the company, we now have an international clientele with residential, commercial and hospitality projects around the globe. My philosophy is that great design is achievable by anyone and that the best interiors reflect the personality of the person who lives there. That’s why I am so excited about my book—plus on page 13 it tells all about my Syracuse University experience.”

Filicia was named one of House Beautiful’s Top 100 American Designers and one of House and Garden’s “tastemakers.” He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Art Direction for “Queer Eye,” recognition by Barbara Walters in her “Top 10 Most Fascinating People” show and was selected for OUT 100’s “Most Influential People.”

In 2008, Filicia completed a series of home makeovers for “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” He has appeared on countless other national television programs, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Ellen,” “The Today Show” and “The View.” His projects and expertise have been extensively and regularly featured in Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Us Weekly, People, Entertainment Weekly, O At Home, Domino, Family Circle, Woman’s Day, The New York Times, USA Weekend, InStyle and Teen Vogue.

For more information about the event, contact Susan Tooley, VPA director of alumni relations, at (315) 443-4728 or sktooley@syr.edu, or visit http://www.laurasbooklist.com.

VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. The college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. Learn more at http://vpa.syr.edu.