Fashion Designer Turned Ceramicist Léa Zana On Style & Inspiration

Athena Calderone, a well-regarded visual storyteller and designer, shares insights into how her personal aesthetic influences both her fashion choices and home decor. Her overall style is characterized by a clean, modernist approach combined with a deep respect for classic and timeless details. In terms of interior design, Calderone advocates for an eclectic mix of vintage and found objects, emphasizing that these items, collected over time, tell stories and reflect personal journeys. She values the legacy of antique pieces, giving them new life and incorporating them into her spaces to add narrative, history, and personality. She believes that, much like one's home, fashion is a deeply personal expression of vision, style, and dynamic self, allowing individuals to convey their most authentic selves. Her husband, Victor, a techno DJ, maintains a minimalist aesthetic, primarily wearing black and favoring narrow silhouettes, slim-cut blazers, and pronounced lapels. His focus is on fit and luxurious, tactile materials, with subtle accessories like a gold watch providing a touch of distinction. In contrast, Athena describes her own fashion sense as more adventurous, playing with romanticism, sophistication, and a touch of edge. This contrast in their personal styles highlights how individual preferences manifest differently. Calderone's personal style directly translates into the design of her Greek Revival townhouse in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. She intentionally curated the home with 99 percent vintage and antique pieces from the 1930s–1970s, predominantly Italian and French. This approach allowed her to blend classic elements that have endured through time with items she could personalize through reupholstery, such as her 1970s Italian Mario Bellini sofa. The sofa's low, loungy profile and plush nude velvet upholstery contribute to a balanced retro yet elevated ambiance. For the architectural aspect of her home, she made the unconventional choice to open up the parlor floor, contrasting with the typical compartmentalized layout of townhouses. Simultaneously, she preserved traditional elements like Greek Revival crown molding, wall paneling, a grand gilt mirror, and a striking black and gold marble fireplace within an otherwise all-white space. Personal touches, such as an elegant green marble head from her childhood, infuse the space with family history and personality. Calderone also uses layering of materials and varying sizes to create visual dynamism within her home. An example is the arrangement of a rustic wood column and an ancient marble fluted pillar in her living room, demonstrating how playing with scale, shape, and placement in decor mirrors accessorizing in fashion. She views both design and fashion as forms of self-expression, where individuals interpret and reflect the world through their unique intuition. She embraces the idea of creating thought-provoking tension by juxtaposing extremes, whether in a highly feminine dress paired with bold boots or a romantic gown contrasted with rugged jewelry. This deliberate interplay of elements is what she believes makes both a space and an outfit smart, intriguing, and balanced, captivating the observer and encouraging contemplation. #AthenaCalderone #HomeDesign #FashionStyle #InteriorDecor #VintageFurniture #EclecticDesign #BrooklynTownhouse #PersonalAesthetic #GucciFashion

The homewares brand Vaisselle, founded by Léa Zana, integrates floral designs into its artistic pieces, reflecting a belief that the world needs more flowers and color. Vaisselle's designs draw inspiration from French tradition and global antiques, including those from India and the Mediterranean, allowing customers to build a unique and playful collection over time. The brand is known for its blooming floral creations, which are skillfully painted onto its products. Léa Zana, originally a fashion designer, transitioned to tableware, bringing a diverse vintage aesthetic to Vaisselle. Her passion for vibrant, mismatched ceramics was cultivated during her childhood, exploring French flea markets with her grandmother. Her background in couture design has contributed to an ornate yet handcrafted approach to her work, emphasizing the intricate details in each piece. She designs each Vaisselle tableware item in London, and these are then handcrafted in Spain by a husband-and-wife artisan team. The designs are meticulously hand-painted onto ceramics, with flowers being a consistent motif across all pieces, symbolizing the artist's appreciation for their deeper meaning. Zana's inspiration for her home decor creations stems from her upbringing in a household of women. She recalls her grandmother's meticulous approach to presentation, including the use of specific cutlery for different meals and tablecloths, representing a sense of care and safety. Léa aims to continue this tradition of attentiveness while modernizing it with a playful touch, especially through the incorporation of floral elements. Her primary influences are nature, flowers, and Roman architecture, evident in every Vaisselle collection, whether it's Goldilocks climbing a lime-washed wall or daisies reminiscent of her late grandmother's garden. Her birthplace in a French town surrounded by Roman ruins has also significantly shaped her creative vision. Vaisselle's creations contribute to making interior spaces brighter and more cheerful through the addition of color and unique table settings. Léa is recognized for her mastery in designing extraordinary table decor. A key aspect of her work is the preservation of ancient techniques in producing small batches of ceramics and glassware, aligning with eco-responsible practices. Each piece is lovingly crafted using local white clay, lead-free paints, and natural pigments, underscoring the brand's commitment to sustainability and quality. The integration of floral art into homewares by Vaisselle showcases a blend of artistic creativity, traditional craftsmanship, and an eco-conscious approach to design. #FloralArt #CeramicArtist #Homewares #HomeDecor #TablewareDesign #HandcraftedCeramics #LéaZana #VaisselleBoutique #InteriorDesign

This article celebrates Suzanne Tick's induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, highlighting her multifaceted career as a material innovator, textile designer, and artist. Tick's work is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, integrating sustainability, advanced technologies like 3D knitting, and concepts of transparency and digitalism into woven surfaces for commercial interiors. Her textile brand, Luum, for instance, launched its 'Fabric of Space' collection with patterns inspired by celestial phenomena, coincidentally aligning with the public release of images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout her four-decade career, Tick has collaborated with prominent brands such as Tarkett, Tandus Centiva, 3form, and Skyline Design, creating a diverse range of products including upholstery, drapery fabrics, high-performance carpeting, broadloom, cement-tile, LVT flooring, and etched glass panels. Beyond her commercial endeavors, she maintains an active fine-art practice, producing tapestries and experimental handweavings for clients like the Gates Foundation and BlackRock. Before establishing her independent studio and Luum, Tick served as an in-house design lead for Knoll Textiles, Unika Vaev, and Brickel Associates. However, she values the autonomy and risk-taking opportunities afforded by her entrepreneurial path. This independence has enabled her to innovate, as seen in Luum's pioneering contract industry fabrics made from postconsumer-recycled biodegradable polyester and discarded garment waste. Her journey began in the early 1980s after earning textile design degrees, where she quickly sought to understand the entire production process, learning everything from fiber sourcing to pattern implementation, an experience that shaped her holistic approach. Sustainability has been a cornerstone of Tick's philosophy, encompassing raw material development, structural innovation, and manufacturing method revitalization. At Luum, the focus is on developing new fibers and constructions, resulting in distinct fabrics. Her handweavings also incorporate novel and salvaged materials, such as dry-cleaning hangers, shredded ledgers, and cut-up paint sample discards. Tick attributes her salvage mindset to her upbringing, influenced by her father's scrap-metal business and her mother's creative pursuits and Eastern philosophy interests. Meditation has also profoundly influenced Tick's creative process and studio culture. After a period of personal dissatisfaction, she embraced Vedic meditation seven years ago and now teaches it, crediting it with enhancing collective creativity and clarity within her design teams. This practice has also reinforced her commitment to social responsibility, leading to free weaving workshops and involvement with The Light Inside, an organization teaching meditation to prison inmates. Tick's dedication extends to environmental stewardship, evidenced by her role in creating Resolution, the first solution-dyed panel fabric for Knoll Textiles, and her studio's textile waste recycling efforts. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, merging technology, craft, and human ingenuity to promote circularity in design. #SuzanneTick #InteriorDesignHallOfFame #TextileDesign #MaterialInnovation #Sustainability #LuumTextiles #KnollTextiles #SkylineDesign #VedicMeditation #ArtInstallation

In this installment of the "What I Love" series, San Francisco–based designer Noz Nozawa shares the inspirations behind her vibrant interiors, which she describes as an “earth-toned rainbow” of brick reds, burnt oranges, and turquoise blues, infused with bold graphic prints. Nozawa's design philosophy is heavily influenced by jewelry, particularly statement-making shapes and earthy gemstone hues. This inspiration is evident not only in her general design work but also specifically in her debut lighting line for Corbett Lighting, where gold chains and antique jewelry styles played a significant role in her flat lay and product designs. Nozawa emphasizes a palette that feels both "buzzy and electrically cheerful" yet "mellow and vibrationally chill," driven by a high density of earth-toned colors. She details 14 specific items that embody her current aesthetic and creative process. These include the improvisational color combinations of Dirk Van Der Kooij's Meltingpot table, a piece she personally owns as a dining table. Her selection of ceramic tiles from Fireclay Tile in Vintage Leather, Bryce Canyon, and Huckleberry demonstrates her appreciation for saturated yet grounded color palettes. She is drawn to textiles like Métaphores' Hamac fabric in Epice, a "sexy see-through gingham" that she admires for its contradictory nature and wishes to incorporate into clothing. For material depth, Nozawa highlights Nakamoto Forestry's Suyaki Wood with black tung oil, admiring the natural pest and fire resistance achieved through the traditional Japanese Yakisugi (shou sugi ban) process, along with its aesthetic appeal. Her sensory preferences extend to fragrances, with Flamingo Estate's Roma Heirloom Tomato candle being a favorite for its unique, non-floral, and non-cloying scent. Jewelry remains a core inspiration, exemplified by Marla Aaron's Turquoise Rondelle Strand and Stoned Chubbylock with Turquoise, reflecting her childhood love for turquoise and appreciation for mechanical yet luxurious jewelry. She also finds inspiration in rug samples, such as the Busra rug from Safar Rugs, particularly admiring its neutral base complemented by earthy brick-red tassels. Her own creative process is represented by sketches of the Bezel and Daith sconces for Corbett Lighting, which are directly inspired by her cherished antique Victorian flush-set ring and a coveted Georgian-era stick pin. Textile choices further illustrate her eclectic taste, with Voutsa's Tartan Sea wool fabric offering a refreshing take on plaid with its unique color palette and 100 percent wool composition. Ralph Lauren's Sartorial fabric in Loden at Designers Guild, a houndstooth pattern with a hunter green tweed character, appeals to her husband's aesthetic and adds a cozy, handsome element. The Riviere chandelier sample for Corbett Lighting, featuring gold-leaf oversize mariner links, reflects her favorite chain style. Wallpaper selections like Kate Capone at Supply's Nookshelf wallpaper in Sail Away present a delightful riff on checkerboard patterns in colors she envisions for a powder room. Her collection of vintage items, such as a Japanese tin Daruma toy found in Paris, speaks to her consistent habit of acquiring Japanese antiques in Paris and French antiques in Tokyo, highlighting an idiosyncratic approach to sourcing. Finally, Gastón y Daniela's Santa Fe fabric in Rojo/Azul, with its folk pattern mixed with checkerboard and high-contrast colorways, perfectly encapsulates her "earthy play on primary colors" vibe, rounding out her "earth-toned rainbow" aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #DesignInspiration #ColorPalette #TextileDesign #LightingDesign #JewelryInfluence #HomeDecor #NozNozawa #MaterialSelection

Designer Serena Confalonieri, known for her graphic, colorful, and emotional aesthetic, has introduced a new project called Zdora. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Very Simple Kitchen and La Pietra Compattata, reinterprets traditional Italian culinary elements into contemporary kitchen design. The name "Zdora" is derived from a dialectal term in Emilia Romagna, Italy, referring to women who hand-prepare pasta dough, often on traditional checkered tablecloths. This textile pattern is central to the project's design philosophy, being translated onto kitchen walls, table surfaces, and seating. The project leverages the unique material expertise of La Pietra Compattata, which produces surfaces from natural raw materials such as porphyry, quartz, and granite. These materials are recycled from processed stones, ground, and compacted to form durable surfaces. Confalonieri meticulously selected color palettes that complement Very Simple Kitchen's offerings, ensuring a cohesive and vibrant aesthetic throughout the Zdora concept. The integration of these materials and color schemes creates a distinctive visual language that is both modern and rooted in Italian heritage. Zdora's design application is versatile. For tables, the checkered pattern is ingeniously applied to mimic a traditional tablecloth, extending over the edges on the shorter sides. Seating surfaces also feature this pattern, maintaining continuity with the overall theme. In the kitchen area, the pattern extends from the surfaces upwards, serving either as a subtle backsplash or expanding into a more prominent full wall mural. This adaptable application allows for varying degrees of visual impact, from understated accents to bold statements. The overarching goal of Zdora is to offer a modern interpretation of the colorful, Italian-inspired kitchen. By integrating the iconic checkered pattern into durable, natural material surfaces, the project eliminates the practical need for physical tablecloths and backsplashes while retaining their aesthetic charm. This approach marries functionality with a strong design narrative, providing a kitchen environment that is both visually engaging and easy to maintain. The collaboration highlights a blend of traditional inspiration and contemporary design execution, appealing to those who appreciate a unique and characterful kitchen space. The visual outcome demonstrates a harmonious combination of texture, color, and cultural reference, transforming a utilitarian space into an artistic statement. #KitchenDesign #SerenaConfalonieri #ItalianDesign #ColorfulKitchens #MaterialInnovation #InteriorDesign #ZdoraProject #ModernInterpretation #TextileInspired

Rebecca Constable, an interior designer known for creating timeless and inviting homes that also accommodate daily life, recently launched Room by Room Interiors. This new venture offers ready-to-go design schemes, providing an accessible and affordable alternative for individuals seeking design assistance without the commitment of hiring a full-time designer. These schemes include comprehensive guidance, from key design principles to specific recommendations for paint colors, furniture, and accessories. Constable's design journey began after transitioning from a career in management consulting and project management at John Lewis. Following the birth of her children, she sought a more flexible profession, initially redesigning her own home and then assisting friends and family, which organically led to the growth of her interior design practice. She notes the significant overlap between project management and interior design, highlighting the organizational aspects crucial to both fields. Her personal home is characterized by a vibrant and layered approach, incorporating color, pattern, and various textures. Each room is distinct, and Constable frequently uses different fabrics to achieve this variety. She also emphasizes the use of natural materials such as oak floorboards, marble tiles, and quartzite counters, embracing the natural wear and tear these materials exhibit over time. Her favorite room is her and her husband's bathroom, which she describes as a calm and luxurious space for relaxation. Constable's design philosophy is deeply influenced by her Swiss grandmother, whose home featured a rich collection of antiques, self-painted oil paintings, and hand-decorated furniture. This eclectic mix of old and new, combined with a love for color and pattern, defines Constable's style. Her own home reflects this sensibility, blending antique pieces with more modern elements. Regarding her latest endeavor, Room by Room Interiors, Constable explains that the platform addresses the challenge many people face in finding the right design elements for their homes. By curating complete design schemes, the service aims to simplify the decorating process for those who lack the time or inclination to research extensively. This initiative makes professional interior design principles and product selections available to a wider audience. Constable also shared a wish list of ten items that align with her design aesthetic and current preferences. These items include a versatile sofa bed from The House Upstairs, a Folia Scalloped Natural Linen Wall Light from Lights & Lamps for architectural detailing, and a Wilmington Reeded Bedside Table from Alfred Newall, valued for its curves and the timeless quality of limed oak. Other items comprise a Frill Pouffe from Six The Residence for bedrooms or dressing rooms, a Dunes Rug from Pelican House x Lucy Williams, praised for its brown and blue color combination, and an Exton Mirror from Vaughan, considered a timeless piece suitable for various spaces. The list also features Marton Side Tables from The White Company for their utility in small spaces, a Ma Ma Lay Rattan Tray from Kalinko for desk or bedside organization, Brass Wiggle Handles from Bias Editions for a fun and luxurious touch, and a Rosemary Willow Diffuser from Bamford, appreciated for its fresh scent and aesthetic appeal. These selections collectively showcase Constable's commitment to functionality, natural materials, and a balanced blend of classic and contemporary elements. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RoomByRoomInteriors #RebeccaConstable #DesignInspiration #Furniture #HomeAccessories #TimelessDesign #NaturalMaterials

The article features an interview with Leo Cesareo, an interior designer, discussing his journey, artistic influences, and personal recommendations for exploring Los Angeles. Cesareo recounts his decision to start his own business after years of working for other designers. He describes a pivotal moment at his last firm, where a negative interaction with a junior designer led him to quit on the spot and establish Leo Cesareo Design seven years ago. This experience highlighted his desire to focus on design rather than office politics and bureaucracy. He notes that this decision was a positive one, as he has not encountered similar issues with his own clients. Cesareo attributes his artistic inclination to his family background. His grandfather was an illustrator and 'Ad Man' in Buenos Aires during the 1950s and 60s, creating hand-drawn advertisements for magazines like Time and Life. His father was an architect and contractor, and Cesareo credits learning to draw by observing his father's work at a drafting table. He humorously mentions learning three-point perspective by kindergarten, much to his elementary teacher's surprise. His artistic education continued at the Visual Arts program at LACHSA and then at RISD, where he studied Film and Art History. During his film studies, he developed an interest in set design, focusing on 'world-building' and the psychology behind characters and their environments, which ultimately led him to transition into interior design. At Leo Cesareo Design, his firm aims to create unique, tailor-made interiors for contemporary individuals and households, drawing on his visual arts background to influence spatial composition and light. When asked about local spots in Los Angeles, Cesareo, a native, emphasizes approaching the city through its individual neighborhoods due to its spread-out nature. He suggests that framing LA in this way makes visitors more open to experiencing different areas, even if it involves traffic. He highly recommends The Cara Hotel, praising its transformation from a 1950s motel into a chic, European-feeling establishment with elegant rooms and a stylish courtyard. Its central location is also a plus for accessing both the East and West Sides of the city. For shopping, he points to Departamento in Downtown LA, highlighting the area's growth into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with interesting shops and cafes. His favorite Korean BBQ spot is Dan Sung Sa, valued for its unique interior design with cubby booths and graffitied walls, which contributes to its 'frenzied cool' atmosphere, making the long wait worthwhile. For an authentic LA experience, he recommends late-night taco trucks, particularly those on Sunset in Echo Park, and diners like Norms and the iconic Johnie’s Broiler (now a Bob’s Big Boy), noting the historical significance of Googie Architecture and fast food in LA's development. For nightlife, he suggests El Cid, Akbar, and underground or gay bars, describing a quintessential LA experience involving secret passwords and unexpected celebrity sightings in unusual locations. Cesareo concludes by giving credit to his alma maters, the LA County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He emphasizes that these institutions provided him with the foundational experiences, work ethic, and community that have supported him since he was 15 years old. The article also provides contact information for Leo Cesareo Design, including his website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook profiles. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #LosAngeles #ArtisticInfluence #CreativeJourney #BusinessStartUp #LocalCulture #DesignPhilosophy #RISDEducation

Laetitia Rouget, a ceramicist known for her distinctive and playful pieces, shares insights into her artistic journey and creative philosophy. Having transitioned from fashion design after studying at Central Saint Martins, she has since explored various mediums including print, textiles, and paint, before focusing on ceramics. Her work is characterized by a blend of British humor and eccentricity with a touch of French 'je ne sais quoi', infused with the light and sunshine of Lisbon, where she currently resides. Rouget's artistic development began at a young age, with a natural inclination towards drawing and a fascination with bold and vibrant colors. She honed her unique style around the age of 18, particularly through her passion for depicting the human body and creating original characters. Throughout her career, she has found inspiration in various sources, with a significant impact from artist Hylton Nel, whom she met during a trip to South Africa. This encounter directly influenced her decision to delve into ceramics upon her return. Beyond specific artists, Rouget emphasizes that her primary sources of inspiration are the people she encounters daily, the natural world, and the experience of traveling. She believes that visiting countries with diverse cultures opens the mind to unexpected ideas. She highlights that inspiration is fundamentally a state of mind, requiring curiosity, a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone, and an openness to subtle cues. Sometimes, even a minor detail can spark a new project or shift in direction. Her career shift from fashion design to selling her paintings and ceramics was initially a temporary exploration, but it quickly evolved into a full-time pursuit as she realized she could sustain herself through her artistic passion. Rouget cherishes memories and views objects as their vessels. She enjoys collecting pieces that tell a story, whether through interactions with artisans worldwide or by acquiring and refurbishing old furniture and items from second-hand markets. Her most extensive collection is ceramics, reflecting her passion for the medium and her support for fellow ceramicists, with each piece serving as a reminder of a specific period in her life. Rouget's personal preferences also contribute to her creative environment and perspective. She finds solace and motivation in music, particularly genres from South Africa and South America known for their happiness and energy, which she listens to while painting or drawing. She expresses a fondness for the energy and landscape of Menorca, particularly small towns where architectural details and tiles offer unexpected inspiration. Her literary tastes include _The Zebra_ by Alexandre Jardin, valued for its character's freedom and reality-creation, and _Journey to the Centre of the Earth_ by Jules Verne, which she plans to revisit with a fresh perspective. Culinary preferences lean towards French comfort food, such as gratin dauphinois with entrecôte, and a signature passion fruit and mango crumble. She enjoys dining at Mazi, a Greek restaurant in Notting Hill, and appreciates the unique experience of theatre, alongside a broader enjoyment of films and documentaries. Beyond Hylton Nel, she admires David Shrigley for his drawings and Grayson Perry for his tapestries and ceramics. #LaetitiaRouget #Ceramics #ArtisticInspiration #InteriorDesign #CreativeJourney #FashionToArt #ArtistProfile #HomeDecor #CulturalInfluence

This article introduces Shadé Akanbi, a Brooklyn-based freelance pattern designer and the Creative Director and Designer behind Printed Pattern People. Akanbi's design philosophy is rooted in her multicultural upbringing, which has instilled in her a passion for creating global fusion lifestyle and brands. Her work involves translating traditional ethnic patterns and textiles into contemporary interpretations suitable for everyday use. Akanbi's creative process often begins with identifying a specific motif or detail from traditional textiles. This chosen element then serves as the central inspiration, around which she constructs new patterns using fresh colors and additional details. She is prolific in her output, creating between one to six prints daily, drawing inspiration from personal collections, client ideas, or a combination of both. Akanbi is known for her collaborations with various brands, in addition to maintaining her extensive collection of global textiles. Her first major collaboration was with Anthropologie in early 2020, where her artwork was featured in an accessories and sleepwear collection. Since then, she has partnered with notable brands such as Intermix, Zuri, S'well, Chasing Paper, Netflix, and Target. Her most recent collaboration at the time of the article's publication was with Bounty Paper Towels, as part of their Inclusive Artists Project initiative. This partnership involved her artwork being featured on the Bounty Prints collection paper towels and her image appearing on the packaging, an experience she described as surreal due to the widespread nature of the household item. The article highlights Akanbi's ambition and future aspirations. As an avid traveler, she expresses a desire to collaborate with airlines and boutique hotel brands, specifically mentioning Delta, Jetblue, Kimpton, and Hyatt, envisioning these as platforms to showcase diverse art mediums. Her interest extends to athletic footwear brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Vans, reflecting her passion as a sneaker collector. Furthermore, her background as a collegiate basketball player and a fan of the NBA/WNBA drives her dream to work with her favorite sports teams. Ultimately, Akanbi seeks to partner with brands with which she shares strong personal connections, aiming to utilize these collaborations as unique avenues for artistic expression. Her personal history significantly influences her artistic vision. Akanbi recounts how her upbringing, from her mother's styling choices to her father's Nigerian cooking, and her early travels, particularly her first trip to Nigeria, profoundly shaped her as an artist. These diverse experiences, encompassing sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and emotions, have cumulatively impacted her design sensibility. Her ability to blend cultural influences and her innovative approach to pattern design underscore her unique position in the design world. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore more of Shadé Akanbi's work via her Instagram and mentions a past collaboration where she provided a Designer Desktop wallpaper for Design Milk. #PatternDesign #ShadeAkanbi #TextileArt #CulturalFusion #BrandCollaborations #ArtisticProcess #DesignInspiration #GlobalTextiles #CreativeDirector

Laura Kirar, an internationally acclaimed American-born, Mexico-based interior and product designer, shares insights into her unique style, diverse inspirations, and creative process. Her design philosophy emphasizes the combination of raw materials with her deep understanding of art, architecture, fashion, and music. Kirar’s early influences stem from her upbringing in Chicago, where she was exposed to significant art and architectural collections, including works by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Brancusi, Georgia O’Keeffe, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí. These foundational experiences shaped her perspective, leading her to view furniture as sculptural objects and spaces as canvases for human experience. Kirar's passion for both art and architecture guided her career choice. She describes her approach as abstract, knowing when to adhere to design principles and when to innovate. The ability to create environments where lives unfold is a powerful motivator for her. Her current inspirations include contemporary artists, fashion designers, and musicians such as Peter Zumthor, David Wiseman, Milena Muzquiz, Monica Rezman, and Marcela Diaz. She expresses a particular fondness for coral pink in all its hues, describing it as luminous and soothing, suitable for various applications from walls to textiles. Travel plays a significant role in Kirar's inspiration, leading her to discover unique shops worldwide. In Mexico City, she frequents Trouve for vintage items. New York offers Les Atelier Courbet, The Future Perfect, and Artemest. In London, she highlights The Carpenters Workshop Gallery at Ladbroke Hall, and in Paris, Pierre Frey for textiles, along with various antique and vintage markets like Marche Biron. Mexico itself is a profound source of inspiration, influencing her sense of color, scale, and textures, and fostering her appreciation for traditional crafts found in its mountains, valleys, and cities like Oaxaca and the Yucatan. Kirar is also a passionate collector, believing that artists benefit from surrounding themselves with inspiring objects. Her collections include vintage chairs, ceramics, pottery, art books, hand-woven textiles, vintage cowboy boots, and silver Navajo accessories, all chosen for their stories. She recently acquired her fourth art piece by Cisco Jimenez, suggesting a new collection in the making. Her personal art collection includes a Cindy Sherman photograph, which has inspired the palette for an entire room. Beyond visual arts, Kirar finds inspiration in film, particularly through MUBI, enjoying classic films, film noir, thrillers, and sci-fi. She also has eclectic musical tastes, ranging from The Cure to opera, classical, rock, punk, and jazz, appreciating the intimacy of live performances. Among her extensive product designs, which number over a thousand, she favors the Mar floor lamp and Vargueno chair from her collection with Arteriors. Her Vir Stil and Paletta bath collections for Kallista have been bestsellers for two decades, and her Caviar chandelier for Arteriors has consistently topped its bestseller list since 2010. Kirar also enjoys cooking, drawing on her Italian heritage to create dishes like pici al limone with sautéed radicchio. She also puts a contemporary spin on traditional Mexican chiles rellenos. Her philosophy is that cooking can be spontaneous and creative, often improvising with available ingredients. This reflects her broader approach to design and life – a blend of diverse influences, personal passion, and creative adaptation. #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign #LauraKirar #CreativeProcess #ArchitecturalInfluence #ArtInspiration #MexicanCrafts #DesignPhilosophy #GlobalTravel

British architect Zaha Hadid has collaborated with the French crystal manufacturer Lalique to produce a new line of vases known as the Crystal Architecture collection. This collection features two distinct vase designs: Manifesto and Viso. Manifesto is characterized by its curved and ridged form, emphasizing texture, while Viso presents a slender, fluid, and aqueous tower-like structure. These contemporary designs are offered as signed and numbered limited edition pieces and are available in both clear and black crystal. Both vases showcase fluid lines and a polished finish, reflecting Hadid's signature architectural style. Zaha Hadid expressed her long-standing passion for glass and crystal, a fascination that began in her early life as she collected pieces of various shapes, sizes, and colors. She noted that the architectural language developed for this collection serves as a manifesto of her firm's continuous experimentation and research into the concepts of fluidity and transparency. Hadid is widely recognized for her deconstructivist approach to architecture, often incorporating organic and natural forms into her designs, which is evident in the dynamic and unconventional shapes of the Lalique vases. Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, highlighted the significance of collaborating with new artists like Hadid. He explained that such partnerships allow Lalique's exceptional craftsmanship and know-how to be reinterpreted through fresh perspectives and innovative creative inspirations. This collaboration underscores Lalique's commitment to blending its traditional expertise in crystal manufacturing with modern design sensibilities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in luxury crystalware. The Zaha Hadid Manifesto and Viso vases are scheduled to be released for purchase in April, exclusively available at Lalique stores. The collection positions itself in the high-end luxury market, with prices for these unique crystal pieces starting at €12,000, equivalent to approximately $16,400. This collaboration brings together a renowned architectural visionary and a prestigious crystal house, offering collectors and design enthusiasts a fusion of art, architecture, and luxury craftsmanship. #ZahaHadid #Lalique #CrystalVases #LuxuryDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor #LimitedEdition #ContemporaryDesign #FluidArchitecture

Momina Watton, the visionary founder of Atelier278, shares insights into her creative journey and the philosophy behind her furniture designs, which emphasize modern aesthetics, natural materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Watton's design philosophy is characterized by a "classic with a twist" approach, evident in her personal style and the interiors of her apartment, which combine luxurious materials like marble, linens, and velvets with contemporary chrome and stainless-steel accents, creating unexpected yet harmonious pairings. This consistent aesthetic has been a part of her life since childhood, with her interiors brand, Atelier278, solidifying these long-held inspirations. Her creativity, though not formally studied in art or design, manifested in everyday activities from a young age, such as elaborately setting tables for Saturday morning breakfasts. This innate creative drive eventually led to her career in furniture design. A significant source of inspiration for Watton is Roman architecture, particularly its enduring use of natural stone. The timeless appeal of marble columns and travertine buildings serves as a constant reminder that classic design and natural materials possess lasting relevance. This appreciation for the historical use of stone informs her contemporary pieces, ensuring they feel both ancient and modern. Watton's transition into furniture design was unexpected. Formerly working in beauty PR, the pandemic provided her with an opportunity to explore her passion for interiors. She began by sharing her interior finds on Instagram, which led to sourcing vintage marble furniture for notable figures like Bettina Looney and Suki Waterhouse. This experience eventually spurred her to design and create her own pieces. A memorable acquisition was a vintage marble coffee table, discovered in a reclamation yard, which now resides in the home of Vogue Commerce Director, Naomi Smart. This find underscores Watton's ability to see potential in overlooked objects and her talent for transforming them. Her mother's strong, independent sense of style significantly influenced Watton, teaching her the importance of authenticity in personal expression. When it comes to color, Watton expresses a deep affection for green, from vibrant matcha to earthy olive tones, valuing its versatility and pleasing aesthetic in interiors. Green onyx, in particular, is a favored material for her accessories due to its natural texture and rich color. Travel, especially to Copenhagen, also provides rich inspiration. She admires brands like FRAMA and Yonobi Studio for their immersive experiences that extend beyond mere shopping, fostering a sense of community. Collecting glassware is another passion, as Watton believes the vessel can enhance the drinking experience. Her collection spans diverse origins, from Marrakech mint tea glasses to Parisian wine glasses and cut crystal tumblers for negronis, necessitating a dedicated cabinet in her kitchen. In terms of media, she is drawn to films with exceptional art direction and escapist qualities, citing "Call Me By Your Name," "The Talented Mr Ripley," and "A Single Man" for their incredible interiors and settings. Music also plays a crucial role in her creative process, with playlists featuring artists like Arooj Aftab, Sufjan Stevens, The Cure, Mazzy Star, and The Cranberries. Cooking is another creative outlet, with her signature dish being a sea bass recipe inspired by a restaurant in the south of France. Watton holds admiration for fellow designers, particularly the team at Banda, whose interior designs she finds consistently beautiful. The work of the Bille Brahe family, including Frederik's restaurants and Sophie's jewelry, also serves as inspiration. Among her own creations at Atelier278, the Ellipse Dining Table in Unfilled Romano Travertine, designed for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, stands out for its organic finish and statement presence. The Octavia Console is also highly popular, largely due to the demand for custom-sized console tables that are often difficult to find. Her accessories, such as coasters, are celebrated for their blend of functionality and style. #FurnitureDesign #InteriorStyle #NaturalStone #Atelier278 #DesignInspiration #MominaWatton #ClassicWithATwist #RomanArchitecture #HomeDecor

African design is increasingly gaining global recognition for its unique magnetism and rich heritage, shifting from a previously overlooked status on the international stage. This burgeoning movement is championed by a new generation of designers who are skillfully blending traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, bringing a fresh perspective to furniture, textiles, and art. Among these prominent figures is Chrissa Amuah, founder of Amwa Designs, a London-based studio that creates textiles, furniture, and art inspired by Ghanaian sensibilities. Her 'Asanka' table, for instance, incorporates a jesmonite interpretation of a traditional West African grinding bowl under a glass top, with its wooden base drawing from the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol Adinkrahene, representing authority and leadership. Amuah's designs often feature vibrant color combinations and off-center silhouettes, embodying a balance of strength and vulnerability. Another notable presence is Altin Studio, founded by Mehdi Kebaier and Yasmine Sfar in Tunisia. This studio celebrates local design by utilizing native materials like sea rush, clay, and palm wood. They reinterpret age-old techniques through a contemporary lens, evident in pieces like the 'Ganymede' cabinet, which contrasts woven sea-rush panels with earth-red metal, referencing satellite patterns. Their 'Petite Ourse' seat, hand-carved from palm wood, also draws inspiration from celestial themes, alluding to the 'Little Bear' constellation. From Lagos, Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello leads Nmbello Studio with an ethos rooted in empathy and respect for people and places. His work, developed over the past decade, has garnered several awards, including the Hublot Design Prize and the Curator’s Choice: Design for Good Award. His 'Oríkì' series, particularly 'Act 1: Friction Ridge', explores materiality and form through bronze sculptural benches, named after the Yoruba practice of praise poetry, and launched with an immersive installation featuring a soundscape of his mother reciting his personalized oríkì. In Johannesburg, Thabisa Mjo, the creative force behind Mash.T Studio, produces furniture, lighting, and homeware that celebrate South Africa's diverse cultural tapestry. Collaborating with artisan communities, she incorporates materials such as colored beadwork and repurposed telecommunication wire, traditionally used by Zulu watchmen, into pieces like her 'Bright Light' pendant and '4Kona Light'. Her recent lighting collections honor Xhosa customs and circular architectural forms found in rural areas, employing vibrant palettes that signify abundance and festivity, thereby promoting local crafts globally. Rich Mnisi, a Johannesburg-born designer, initially made his mark in fashion before venturing into collectible furniture. His work bridges the gap between function and art, drawing inspiration from the women in his life, queerness, and heritage. Pieces like the 'Nwa-Mulamula' chaise, displayed at Southern Guild’s ‘Mother Tongues’ exhibition, reflect the reclining body of his great-grandmother, showcasing a striking fluidity and organic elegance. His new work, ‘Vutlhari (Wisdom)’, a light crafted from bronze and resin, also features sweeping silhouettes. Zimbabwean artist Xanthe Somers draws on her homeland's customs for her hand-built ceramic sculptures, often functional as lighting and vases. Her 'In Bad Taste' collection challenges the political aspects of design, critiquing Western overconsumption and the impact of eco-racist practices on the global South. Her work, displayed in prestigious venues like London’s V&A; Museum, features vivacious colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and thought-provoking narratives. Don Tanani, a contemporary Egyptian brand, aims to redefine Egyptian design and showcase local talent. Collaborating with designers like Lina Alorabi, whose work has been exhibited internationally, the brand focuses on reclaiming Egyptian identity through sophisticated pieces. Alorabi’s 'Moruna' collection features a conversation chair, a curvaceous sun lounger, and coffee tables with tile patterns, reflecting the dynamism of Cairo and collaboration with craft experts. Finally, South African ceramicist Chuma Maweni began his journey crafting vessels using a pit-firing technique intrinsic to the Nguni people, developing a distinctive aesthetic of dark, porous surfaces and hand-formed sculptural outlines. After opening his Cape Town studio in 2016, his work, including the 'Imbizo' dining table and stools, has been exhibited globally and acquired by institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, continually celebrating traditional craft through a fresh, contemporary lens. #AfricanDesign #Craftsmanship #ContemporaryDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #CeramicArt #CulturalHeritage #EmergingDesigners #GlobalDesign

Following his appointment as creative director at Celine, Hedi Slimane has swiftly implemented his vision, significantly transforming the luxury brand. His initiatives include removing the accent from the brand's 'e', introducing menswear lines, and reshaping womenswear. A cornerstone of this transformation is the global rollout of his new retail concept, driven by Celine's CEO Séverine Merle's strategy to expand the brand's footprint with larger flagship stores capable of showcasing the broadened menswear and womenswear collections. This expansion began in March with a 5,000 sq ft New York flagship and two new addresses in Paris: a remodelled two-storey space on rue de Grenelle for both menswear and womenswear, and the brand’s first dedicated menswear flagship on rue François 1er. By mid-April, new boutiques had opened in major cities including Tokyo, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, and London, with a Beijing store slated for later in the year. Each store, designed in collaboration with Celine’s in-house team, possesses a unique character while adhering to common design principles. A strong emphasis is placed on natural stone and bold materials, with massive, richly veined slabs of marble, granite, and travertine adorning walls, shelves, and columns. Basaltina lava stone covers the floors. These materials, with their contrasting patterns, are reflected in large mirrors and steel surfaces, creating a visually dynamic environment. Reclaimed oak, alongside wood and leather furniture, introduces warm brown accents that complement the sleek black-and-white palette. Many surfaces, such as the creamy Bianco Raffaello marble and ginger-veined black granite, are noted for their smooth, tactile qualities, inviting touch and offering a departure from the typical coldness associated with stone. Slimane's architectural style is characterized by rigorous lines, evident in the intersecting seams of concrete floors, parallel shelving, and rectangular metal displays. Despite this precision, the designs maintain a sense of weightlessness; display cases and shelves appear to hover, and materials, like brushed steel and Grande Antique marble, are positioned in close proximity without directly touching. This creates an effect of suspension and delicate interaction between elements. The stores also feature a new collection of furniture designed by Slimane, alongside vintage 1960s and 1970s pieces that highlight French woodworking. Slimane’s furniture, primarily made from light or dark plywood, is minimalist and evokes the simplicity of children's building blocks or primitive thrones, with future plans for retail. A significant aspect of the new concept is the Celine Art Project, which integrates contemporary artworks by established and emerging artists. These pieces, either acquired or commissioned, add another layer of sensory engagement; examples include Rindon Johnson’s yellowed rawhide cube wrapped in rope and Shawn Kuruneru’s ink-and-acrylic paintings that echo the marble patterns. The rue de Grenelle store's centerpiece is a site-specific installation by Oscar Tuazon, reflecting Slimane's commitment to combining global brand strategy with a passion for supporting young talent in music, art, and creativity. #HediSlimane #Celine #RetailDesign #LuxuryFashion #StoreArchitecture #InteriorDesign #MaterialSelection #ArtIntegration #FurnitureDesign

Stockholm-based designer Monica Förster has collaborated with the Bosnian company Zanat to create a new collection of wooden furniture and accessories. This collection integrates Bosnian hand-carving traditions with Scandinavian design principles, a fusion described by Förster as a multidisciplinary approach. The range, which includes a dining chair, a modular shelving and cabinet system, and a series of decorative bowls, was unveiled at Stockholm Design Week 2015 as part of the “Sarajevo Sessions: Scandinavian Designers Discover Bosnian Handicraft” exhibition, held at Stockholms Auktionsverk. The core of this collection lies in Zanat’s unique hand-carving technique, which involves using a specialized set of knives and chisels to create intricate patterns on wood. This traditional craft is currently being considered for inclusion in the 2015 UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List, highlighting its cultural significance and the urgent need for its preservation. Förster's designs deliberately feature visible indentations and patterns, serving to showcase and celebrate this artisanal method. The materials used for the furniture pieces are diverse, encompassing oak, maple, ash, cherry, walnut, and elm, emphasizing the natural beauty and versatility of wood. The design philosophy behind the collection aimed to imbue solid wood pieces with a sense of lightness. This was achieved through the incorporation of thin edges and slender structures, contributing to a modern aesthetic while respecting the traditional craftsmanship. The carved motifs found throughout the collection are inspired by the fluid movement of water, a theme that also influenced the naming of the furniture items after Bosnian rivers. This thematic consistency adds a poetic layer to the functional objects. One of the notable pieces, the Unna dining chair, features optional scallop-shaped carvings on its backrest. It is available in natural or stained finishes and can be complemented with a moulded leather cushion, offering customization options. The Tara storage system, another key component, is designed to be highly versatile. It consists of freestanding shelves and cabinets of varying heights that can be used individually or combined to form larger storage solutions. This modular system can function against a wall or as a room divider, and each cabinet can be personalized with abstract hand-carved patterns, further emphasizing Zanat’s signature craft. The circular bowls within the collection are distinguished by their rounded stands, which feature repeating, improvised patterns created by Zanat’s skilled wood carvers. These bowls are available in different heights and widths, making them adaptable for various decorative or functional purposes. The entire project underscores a commitment to preserving and revitalizing traditional handicraft by integrating it into contemporary design, thereby giving it new relevance and visibility on a global stage while honoring its heritage. #MonicaFörster #Zanat #StockholmDesignWeek #FurnitureDesign #WoodCarving #ScandinavianDesign #BosnianHandicraft #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign

Krysti Lyn, a whole home designer, discusses her career journey, design philosophy, and personal experiences. She reveals that her career in design began at the young age of seven, identifying it as an innate gift for "seeing in scale." This ability allows her to visualize how objects fit within a room beyond their aesthetic contribution, a skill she considers a designer's superpower. Despite not actively choosing this path, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill her purpose daily, serving clients who benefit from her unique perspective. Lyn specializes in a transitional design aesthetic, which involves blending and merging various design styles and periods. She emphasizes her versatility and ability to select appropriate materials for her clients, attributing her success to this client-centric approach. Her professional journey, however, has not been without challenges. She openly shares that her personal and work life was significantly impacted by domestic violence. This experience, while difficult, ultimately strengthened her resolve, teaching her the importance of self-advocacy and re-focusing on her future. She highlights that this period of adversity made her more determined and taught her to establish boundaries, including learning to say "no." Her professional goals include maintaining her status as an authority on design options, continuously integrating new products, tools, and styles into her practice. She prides herself on creating timeless designs for her clients, understanding that her work involves a significant degree of responsibility and trust. These two elements, she notes, are fundamental to her profession. She considers the ability to build and maintain trust with clients as paramount to her success. When asked about her recommendations for a friend visiting Los Angeles, Lyn outlines a personalized itinerary. This includes a casual meal at In-N-Out Burger, followed by a three-day staycation at her home in Palm Desert, complete with a hot tub, private massages, charcuterie, and Malbec red wine. The trip would also feature a short visit to Las Vegas for a show and a stay at a luxury hotel, interspersed with visits to quaint local spots for improv or murder mystery dinners. A morning drive to Malibu for breakfast to enjoy the scenic views is also on the list. For those interested in Hollywood, she mentions a visit to a famous celebrity cemetery. Significantly, she emphasizes introducing her friend, Kathy, to as many clients as possible, revealing Kathy's integral role as a faithful assistant, confidante, and source of support throughout her career. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of personal relationships in her professional life. Lyn also touches upon the role of mentorship in her career, stating that she did not have a traditional mentor. Instead, she navigated her early career through prayer and faith. She acknowledges one instructor from Harrington design college who authored a notable Modern Furniture Resource Book, and expresses that being recognized by Harpo Studios for her participation in "The Ugliest Room Contest" was a pivotal moment, making her feel understood and appreciated early in her career. This recognition served as a validation of her unique talent and approach to design. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TransitionalDesign #DesignPhilosophy #Entrepreneurship #PersonalJourney #CreativeProfession #ClientRelationships #LosAngeles