"When I enter a space, I want to see the drama," says Kelly Wearstler, one of Hollywood's most sought-after designers. Wearstler, who lives in Beverly Hills, is credited with reviving the Hollywood Regency Style in a way that is elegant and a little bit over the top. (Think tortoiseshell tables on zebra-skin rugs, pink velvet sofas, and Mexican chandeliers.)

The queen of modern glamour is equally adept at designing residential spaces, product lines, and the casually elegant hotels she's known for; her projects include designing the VIP suites of the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas. Citing as her heroes fashion diva Diana Vreeland and designer Bob Mackie, especially for his eye-popping work on the Sonny and Cher Show, Wearstler-who was herself named to Vogue's best-dressed list in 2007-says she sometimes buys a vintage dress that intrigues her and uses it for inspiration in creating fabric. "For hardware or chandeliers I might by influenced by oversized jewelry. The best details are those that don't take themselves so seriously."

We have to admit that when Wearstler declares, "Exaggeration is the only reality," we're not quite sure what she means, but we rather like the sound of it. Look for her new book, HUE, this fall.-Rebecca Christian

Kelly Wearstler's website:
www.kwid.com