Meet Darra Baker | Creative Editor-at-Large & Yoga Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darra Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darra, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing outsiders are probably unaware of is the super schleppy-ness and physical labor of styling a photo shoot. I often joke we are glorified house-keepers, and furniture movers, as there can be some on-the-spot glass cleaning, and major furniture re-arranging to make a room work for the two-dimensional camera’s view, (vs. 3-D real life). A second thing they may not be aware of are the years, weeks, and days of preparation and true editing it takes to bring a space into that realm of timelessness so that the picture has no expiration date; so it won’t look dated in a couple years. Seeing an evolution of design, colors and what works for a picture, and what does not, or what may date a photo can inform what appears to be very simple “easy” choices, like what flowers, greens, art, accessories and toss cushions to use, or, more importantly, what not to use. They may be unaware of the huge amount of trust required to complete a project—trust that we all know doesn’t happen overnight—especially from the homeowners who let us strangers into their space; diplomacy and relationship building required to get best possible images to support an editorial story, or a narrative for the architect and/or designer’s own website and portfolio. It sounds cliche but it’s 100% collaborative with a little magic thrown in, and every team member has to trust eachother and be open to that on-the-spot magic, too. It’s the long-standing relationships that are the real “behind the scenes” workhorses which allow the end results to land on covers of magazines that sell out on the newsstands. And it takes decades to develop trust among partners in the industry: top photographers, designers, shop-keepers, flower and plant growers, workers in every aspect of the business. Treating everyone with dignity, operating from a place of integrity, using best practices of discretion, keeping one’s word, and not being affected by the celebrity of anyone here in Los Angeles all are part of getting great results. Whelp, that was way more than one thing—but the point is, editorially producing and styling an interiors story is far from those quickie, “styling” reels we see today on Instagram. That’s like the last 10%. About 90% of it happens years, months and weeks before we’re on set–if you want access to, and to make stories and pictures that are ageless. For teaching yoga, non-teachers, “outsiders” (so not a yogic term…haha), even experienced practitioners may not be aware of how student-centered teaching requires the opposite side of your brain to be articulate and clear, than the brain required for practicing yoga. That’s where the 500-hours of teaching required for a proper 500-hr certification helps us teachers articulate with a sense of calm confidence, because we got our reps in. Outsiders may not also be aware off the time it takes to prepare a proper sequence, and the energy required to hold space so that students may relax.

Alright, so let’s move on to what sets your work apart from others?
Hmmm, well, I like to bring a sense of freshness, immediacy, intimacy and spontaneity to my art and collaborations with my clients. I would hope my work has a sense of timelessness, soul and joy baked in, with a dash of something personal and unexpected. Whether it’s in the photographs I make, or in my producing/writing/styling for magazines; my work is about a story, color, possibility, and the beauty of real life with real people, real flowers, plants, food; and sometimes museum quality rarified first edition books and accessories. I remove all fakes. That being said, I love playing make-believe, too. Both things can be true at the same time, no? What sets my styling work apart from others is that as an editor/writer, my work starts with a narrative. Where I create an imaginary theme, scenario, and characters for the project. This sometimes made-up story serves as the through-line for all of the photography for the project. My example I used in Joe’s podcast was styling the Beverly Hills Hotel. I said the rooms were “nothing,” (wrong word, sorry BHH!), they are a blank slate. So I imagined this room we were photographing was the setting for a British business man traveling with family at home. So from there I could leave little sketches of my kids art on the desk as reminders of his home life, put the pink FT on the desk…just subtle hints of what’s going on in the room without making it too hokey or obvious. As if he just left the room. It puts an energy in place on which everyone can build and have fun. Being like a kid and creating a whole imaginary setting, even if it doesn’t show up overtly makes the process more engaging for everyone. The photographer, lighting techs, the whole crew get’s on board with co-creating an imaginary story. Giving furniture names, goofing off with all the stuff, yet taking the pristine results of a beautiful and fascinating final image seriously. So having the experience and confidence in my taste and clear decision making skills to make the labor-intensive process fun with some humor and levity, also sets me apart.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career and where their any obstacles you had to overcome?
I’m most proud of my relationships. And my kids. My daughter Helena, who is an artist herself, and my son, Henry, who is also wildly creative and an artist in his own right. I know that isn’t directly related to writing/styling/photographing or yoga teaching, but to me it is. Expanding one’s life to include the future generations and to be open to learning from them and being inspired by them is a source of great pride and joy. I’m also proud of winning the New York Art Directors award on a story that I wrote and co-produced that NO ONE wanted to touch. It was a story on toilets. We took a “reject” topic and made it spectacular. We photographed them as pieces of sculptural art in a NYC studio in black and white. My boss, at the time, Deborah Smith-Sugarman, and I worked tirelessly making it happen. We wanted to title it “Royal Flush” because the toilet images came back draped like royalty. That was too cheeky, so it was titled, “Portraits in Porcelain.” I wrote it, because no one else would, but it ended up being a blast going deep into the history of the toilet. So I’m proud of being part of making something beautiful & interesting out of something no one wanted. I’m also proud of the other unsolicited MAGGIE awards for my editorial styling when I was in the outdoor industry. I didn’t submit my stories to either of those organizations; the Art Directors did; so it was a great surprise to know I had won those awards without necessarily seeking them out. Most recently I’m proud of all the unsolicited kind and generous reviews my students have given me online over the years for my evening yoga classes.

Obstacles…Ironically my internship coordinator in college, was one of my biggest obstacles. He tried to stop me from applying for a HOME magazine internship because my communications emphasis was in advertising. I basically blew him off, and went for it anyway since I knew in my bones it was a natural fit. Just bull-headed determination, courage to persevere, tons of hard work and a lucky natural talent helped me overcome those obstacles. In my trend forecasting years, jumping through the New York and Paris office’s hoops, and getting a good international legal agreement in place were interesting obstacles, but I overcame them with a ton of patience, and the help of my father-in-law who acted as my de facto international attorney/advisor, (he’s not a lawyer), but we figured it out. The patience paid off and Paris and I stayed together for over 12-years. I’m proud of the letter I received from the French founder/owner of Promostyl, Sebastien de Diebach when I left to focus on my health, family, and creative business, he said, “we are proud to have you represent us, and our doors will always be open to you,” and they were as they invited me back a couple more times over the years, but I stayed my course back into creating, again.
In yoga, I’m proud that I completed a rigorous 500-hour certification often compared to a masters degree in yoga, through Yoga Works and actually became teacher when I wasn’t planning to. I thought I only wanted to take the training to “deepen my practice.” My obstacle was never really believing I was “ready enough” to start teaching, until a studio owner insisted I try. The next obstacle was actually audition-teaching a 20-student-packed yoga class with 100-degree heat, mirrors on two walls, and audible music–all things I was kind of trained “against.” So when the owner of the studio said I must use all three, I first freaked out, and then asked for help. My daughter taught me how to create a playlist, and I practiced in the SGV 100-degree heat outside with my daughter, her high-school water polo team, my niece, and son in our backyard until I was somewhat comfortable. There were definitely tears shed, and I almost gave up; but when your kids are watching, you persevere and step way past your comfort zone. And I’m so glad I did. Teaching restorative yoga and meditation is a great community service that is so needed, and so satisfying.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I’d have them make time for Huntington Gardens here in the SGV. A whole day. Another day for Norton Simon, The Broad, LACMA. Then The Hammer with lunch at Alice Water’s Lulu. Then OG Getty villa, Malibu farm on pier for lunch. If they can drink/eat Nobu Malibu, do it. If they can stay at the Nobu Ryokan Malibu next door, definitely do it. I know, all the usual suspects, but LA art and all of Malibu is INSPIRING. I also love Hauser & Wirth Downtown, and their restaurant, Manuela. Can’t miss those supermodel chickens in the garden. If they were into yoga then we’d take a class at Center for Yoga on Larchmont. Then, we’d eat at Lingua Franca on the Los Angeles River and enjoy the beautiful Mt. Washington pottery dishes and light fixtures that Beth Katz makes. We’d catch a show at The Greek (if TTB returns, then them!), and then walk a long way down the street to Bistro Figaro and grab a late, authentic French bite. I’d take them hiking on Mt. Wilson trail here in the SGV. I’d take them to Newport Beach for clean water and great waves. Then to R & D kitchen in Fashion Island for their ahi Mediterranean salad, and icy Prosecco or something alcohol free. I’d definitely walk the Silverlake reservoir and grab a bite & iced tea at LaMill and/or Botanica. I worked with the owners of The Ivy restaurant on Robertson, Ivy at the Shore, in Santa Monica, Dolce Isola, by Hamilton High in Beverlywood on Robertson, and Indigo Seas shop on Robertson and I love their classic, trend-resistant, super home-y food and that it’s still independently owned by the same couple and their daughter since the late 80’s. We self-published all of their large scale scrap-books together starting in 2006. I learned so much from them on how to run a successful business here in Southern California and have great respect for their pristine white tablecloths, white Levi’s, Liberty of London ties, just cool, classic touches that really never go out of style. I’d recommend their kumquat jalapeño margaritas, pizza, crab cakes, corn chowder, carne asada, honestly, anything. We’d go to Union in Pasadena, Yoga House in Pasadena, Cookbook on Larchmont, and definitely go to Dolce Isola near Hamilton High for a nice big breakfast or lunch. Back in the SGV, we’d go to San Marino Cafe & Marketplace, owned by an amazing woman entrepreneur Linda, who honestly helped keep my Mom eating during her final years with her delicious red lentil soup. It’s so delicious and soothing. I would send them to Julienne, also in San Marino, for classic California Francophile food in a charming tree-lined non “LA” setting. We’d then go across the street to Seraphina and see Marina and the crew for great fashion. Back in Silverlake we’d hit the OG Clare V. store on Sunset and visit my favorite sunglasses human, Johnny at Durrant Sessions a couple doors down. He’s the coolest, and tells the truth like a homie. This is a stream-of-consciousness list, because I’ve ancestors here. My grandfather, Olyand Damon Burnham owned his own “Ace Ornamental Iron Shop” and did so much beautiful wrought iron here in Los Angeles, including the famous Paramount Picture gates, Disneyland’s New Orleans wrought iron, Nat King Cole’s, so many star’s houses in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. So, we may drive by a couple of his gorgeous pieces, like his iconic gates of Paramount Pictures on Melrose. OK, back to design, the La Cienega shops worth mentioning, of course are Peter Dunham’s Hollywood at Home, and Joe Lucas’s Harbinger. The newest star on the block is Plain English, the English cupboard company, and Vanessa is a dear friend, talent and artist in her own right. Also on La Cienega, COMEDY at the LARGO at the CORONET. So many brilliant stars, Fred Armison, Ellen, Sarah Silverman and surprise “friends” and you’re “workshopping” their material with them. It’s super low-key, no photos, and first come first served. Honestly my favorite date night place to go with my husband mid-week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, I lost my Mom almost exactly a year ago, and to use John Quincy Adams words, “All that I am my mother made me.” So, yeah, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my Mom, Lenora Lee, a true SGV-born artist, stylist, decorator, fashion designer, maker…my OG “influencer.” I watched and absorbed her from birth until kindergarten, (no preschool here, lucky me), turn our simple ranch house in Arcadia into a magazine-worthy beautiful house and garden–on a shoestring, but with so much joy and creativity. I was her little sidekick and design/fashion assistant while my siblings were in school. While we’re in Arcadia, another nod goes to Holly Avenue Elementary School’s, 6th grade teachers for inspiring us little 11-year olds with their powerful “predictions” book. I couldn’t believe it when I read next to my name, “Editor-in-Chief of a major women’s international fashion magazine.” That power of suggestion fueled the rest of my education, and, honestly, it may have been a dream I couldn’t have imagined for myself at that young age. Another shoutout goes to my first boss, Joe Ruggierro, then, Editor-in-Chief of HOME magazine. He always believed in my talent and once introduced Editorial-Assistant me to a colleague at an industry event with, “I’d like you to meet ‘the next Martha Stewart of the West!’” I was so shocked, my jaw almost dropped as I smiled and shook hands. That public vote of confidence and big power-of-suggestion meant the world to me. And now, thirty four years later, I’m not close to Martha’s empire, but Joe’s still supporting his HOME Editors. He just hosted me on his podcast, “Inspired.” The chat is fun, short, sweet and worth a listen, “Creating Beauty & Joy” on Apple, Spotify, or where’ve you listen to podcasts. For yoga and Urban Zen teaching, the list of mentors is long, since my first class yoga class was in college 1984 ! But the super short list of shoutouts goes to Mikki Siegel, Karin O’Bannon, Nona Chiang, Jillian Pransky, Hazel Patterson, Kayla Stra and Sonya Perry. All these family, friends and colleagues in editorial, trend-forecasting, design and wellness (and so many more!) have nudged me along, even when my mojo has run low. So big love and thanks to all.

Website: https://darrabaker.com

Instagram: @darra.b.well

Youtube: https://youtu.be/gpBa0-nvl4Q?si=npUbr7x7cGvJ6T9n

Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joe-ruggiero-inspired/id1719355346?i=1000650834052
My guest appearance on former boss, Joe Ruggierro’s podcast

Image Credits
Luxe Cover photo: Joe Schmelzer, Marylyn Monroe’s pool: Darra Baker; Traditional Home dining room photo: Dominique Vorillon; George Cukor garden roses: Darra Baker; Dolce Isola cafe: Darra Baker; Traditional Home Spread: Victoria Pearson; Milieu Spread: Karyn Millet; Dolce Isola desserts: Darra Baker