New Atlantan Brooks Morrison shares her favorite products and her concept The Design Social.
Caroline Perrott PHOTO BY CHRISTY FASSNACHT
Brooks Morrison

Louisa Parris Nicholson long scarf dress, louisaparris.com
Louisa Parris Nicholson long scarf dress, louisaparris.com

Found by Maja Portieux Vallerysthal opaline coupe glasses, foundbymaja.com
Found by Maja Portieux Vallerysthal opaline coupe glasses, foundbymaja.com

In 2019, Lynchburg, Va., native Brooks Morrison began The Design Social Pop-Up (thedesignsocialpopup.com), an event concept focused on bringing together regional designers and boutique makers who excel at their craft but are often limited by their reach or access. At the time of its inception, Morrison had been working for Virginia-based natural leather company Moores & Giles, trying to develop the brand’s presence in the Southeast, when it dawned on her how underserved the market was. “From the makers’ side, I wanted to give amazing boutique textile brands a platform,” says Morrison. “And for the designers, I aimed to give them access to amazing resources without traveling to a major city center. The Design Social Pop-Up gives both sides of the equation a chance to meet face to face and learn about each other.” With approximately 40 brands per event, you can look forward to seeing Peter Dunham Textiles, Rule of Three Studio, CW Stockwell, Serena Dugan Studio, Erika M. Powell Textiles, Schuyler Samperton Textiles and more. In addition, Morrison launched The Design Social Studio in 2020, the representation arm of the concept focused on a handful of beautifully crafted brands. So, what’s next for the concept? A move to Atlanta! Not only will the The Design Social be popping up in Lexington, Lake Forest, Nashville and Sonoma this year, but Morrison herself will be joining us in Atlanta as a resident, with plans to open The Design Social Studio Showroom in the thriving Westside. “Although I am going to be traveling all around the Southeast, I am so excited to make Atlanta my and The Design Social’s home base,” say Morrison. Here, the soon-to-be Atlantan tells us her must-haves when it comes to her day-to-day mediating, planning and community-building in the design industry.


Moore & Giles leather weekender bag, mooreandgiles.com
Moore & Giles leather weekender bag, mooreandgiles.com

Rebecca Gardner Inside Mother’s Leiber candle, housesandparties.com
Rebecca Gardner Inside Mother’s Leiber candle, housesandparties.com