Martha Stewart, the renowned lifestyle icon, entertained an audience with her wit and charm during a conversation with Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate, at 92NY in New York City on Friday, 18th September. The discussions primarily centred around Christiansen’s latest publication, *Flamingo Estate Pleasure Principles: An Almanac from the Garden*.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Martha-Stewart-92NY-091926-2cf5e4ff2d704323a3b0ce0cfd3a6408.jpg)
At the event, the 85-year-old entrepreneur showcased her enduring status in the lifestyle sector by playfully asserting that she always aims to “keep ahead” of her contemporaries. Known for her remarkable ability to blend business acumen with a flair for design, Stewart underscored her commitment to maintaining her position at the forefront of the industry, quipping, “I’m the boss.”
Stewart’s passion for gardening is palpable, exemplified by her extensive rose gardens at her estate in Maine. Among the blooms, she has cultivated a variety uniquely named after her—the Martha Stewart Rose. Describing this hybrid tea rose, she stated, “It’s a sturdy rose,” highlighting its fragrant nature and impressive five-inch blooms, which feature an intricate arrangement of 100 to 150 ballet pink and apricot petals.
“I particularly like this one for the complexity of the petals,” Stewart elaborated, explaining that the rose exhibits various shades, moving from a vibrant orange-pink at its centre to a delicate pink along the edges. Her enthusiasm was matched by Christiansen, who noted that he has a full bed of the Martha Stewart Rose outside his kitchen window, greeting it every morning with his coffee.
The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Stewart and Christiansen playfully compared her to a wisteria plant, a choice that reflects her tenacity and growth. Christiansen shared that in one of his previous books, he had linked Stewart’s dynamic personality with the characteristics of the wisteria, illustrating how both, in their own ways, are unstoppable forces of nature. Stewart, with her characteristic humour, embraced the comparison, declaring, “I’m a wisteria.”
During a recent interview with PEOPLE for a cover story, Stewart conveyed her unyielding ambition, asserting that she has no intention of stepping back from her pursuits. “My goal is to keep learning about everything,” she expressed. Her priorities, she explained, revolve around creating beautiful gardens and fostering meaningful relationships, rather than seeking wealth or fame. Although she did add with a sly smile, “I would like a yacht — a big yacht. I don’t have that yet.”
The event at 92NY not only highlighted Christiansen’s new book but also reinforced Stewart’s enduring influence in the lifestyle realm. Her ability to captivate audiences, whether through television, publishing, or her gardening expertise, continues to inspire many.
As she actively manages her expansive properties and engages in new creative ventures, Stewart embodies a unique combination of ambition and authenticity. She exudes a sense of vitality that suggests her journey in the world of lifestyle branding is far from over.
With a continued emphasis on growth and renewal, both Stewart and Christiansen resonate with themes of nurturing one’s passions and celebrating the art of living beautifully. As the world of lifestyle and design evolves, Martha Stewart remains a prominent figure and an iconic source of inspiration for many aspiring creators and enthusiasts alike.