Transcending Boundaries

Early yesterday morning, I drove pedal to the metal with such enthusiasm to get to DCOTA. I was really looking forward to the day of events that comprised their celebrated Fall Market day at the immense design center. I started my morning at the Jeffrey Michaels Showroom to listen to the illustrious product and textile designer, Lillian August speak about her new fabric line for Fabricut. Aside from discussing fabrics, she expressed some of her personal design philosophies and interpretations of what the public wants and needs. She did say that the public still relies on Interior Designers and we are still in demand for expert guidance! I hope she's right! I feel the public is getting much more savvy with design and there is more available in the way of furniture and accessories that are more accessible via internet and design stores. However, just because it's available, doesn't mean it's being placed, or incorporated successfully. Mrs. August has five gorgeous furniture and accessory stores in Connecticut that also provide design services. She says that designers are still her main client and that she designs for the designer.
Among some of the things she expressed yesterday morning, she did say that "color is what we respond to first" and she has assembled her fabric books into two colorways: Neutral Palette: soft taupes, chocolates, golds and off white linen tones; Colour Palette: Greens, soft blues, rusty oranges and some reds. Another point she expressed was the importance of proportion, scale, color drama and NO HEAVY DRAPERY! She really believes that in this economy, people are opting for lighter fabrics, simple adornments, and trying to the "let the light in" literally...but I also think figuratively.

Lillian August with her two sons whom she started her business.

Lillian August also designs a furniture line for Hickory White.

http://www.lillianaugust.com/

Lillian August and me.

The main attraction of the morning was the panel discussion among top designers: (from right) Hutton Wilkinson (moderator), Trina Turk, Miles Redd, Vladimir Kagan, and Ralph Pucci. As many already know, Hutton used to work alongside Tony Duquette before he passed in 1999. Duquette is known for his over the top interiors, stage sets and window displays, as well as statement jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones. Hutton has taken over the brand and currently designs in the vernacular of Mr. Duquette. Trina Turk is a women's sportswear designer and has collaborated with F.Schumacher and created indoor/outdoor printed fabrics. Miles Redd is a New York based designer with Southern roots. His design career started early in his life, having worked for Bunny Williams as well as John Rosselli before going on his own. Vladimir Kagan has the longest career on the panel and has a multi-faceted career as being an interior designer, contemporary furniture designer and sculptor. Finally, Ralph Pucci is surprisingly not a designer nor artist but a mannequin and business visionary. Sounds odd, but he's amazingly brilliant. Mr. Pucci (not to be confused with the fashion label) is the eye behind all the talent that is represented under the Ralph Pucci furniture label. I was definitely excited to hear what the panelists had to say! Here's a snippet....

Hutton Wilkinson asked where do the designers begin when they have a new project:

(Hutton injects his own answers into the questions as well)

HW: The flooring! Parquet....carpet... As with jewelry - it begins with the stones. The stones tell the story.

TT: Start with an idea, a color story, or a pattern/print.

MR: Floors and walls! Once you get that right, you can put anything in the room. Find a theme, build off of that.

VK: Listen to the customer! Furniture should be comfortable, functional and practical.

RP: Timelessness is key to environment. Unique ideas and sculpture are also key.

From left: Ralph Pucci and Vladimir Kagan

Miles Redd

Trina Turk (left) and Hutton Wilkinson

What is the definition of luxury?

HW: Something one of a kind!

TT: Free time to do nothing!

MR: Space and time ("space" is a luxury when you live in NYC); custom made good for a person.

VK: Quality, individuality, something created for you and not found at Ikea.

RP: Quality, uniqueness, timelessness.

In so many words, they pretty much all agreed that luxury is something created just for you, that it is something nobody has and is personalized to some degree. Luxury need not be expensive, it just needs to be uniquely you. I couldn't agree more!

How do fashion and interiors inspire each other?

HW: Chandeliers and hardware are the jewelry to a room.

TT: Textiles, prints can carry over but scale is adjusted; colors are inspired but muted for interiors as opposed to the brightness of her clothing.

MR: It's a romance language. They are similar but have their own discipline.

VK: Look at a woman's closet for inspiration! [For interiors]...design more permanent products...fashion is out in six months, design lasts longer.

RP: Interiors and art....creating newness and putting together successfully

The discussion went on for a little bit longer and I walked away deeply inspired. I got a shout out from Hutton and Miles for being the pretty girl in the front row with a necklace on that inspired THEM! I'll be keeping my eye out for trims and drapery tiebacks that resemble my fabric and sequin collar necklace!

The highlight of my afternoon: book signing of "More is More" and chit chat with famed Hutton Wilkinson!

Photos by Brandie Herbst; second and third pictures from http://www.lillianaugust.com/