Designing | Ali's A-List

Archive: Designing

August 27, 2010

An A-List Interview: Emily Meyer

Emily Meyer, founder of Tea Collection clothing for kids

The Tea Collection’s tagline is “Little Citizens of the World” – and that fits for more than one reason. Their children’s clothing embraces a global aesthetic, and the company’s founder, Emily Meyer, is one of the biggest “little citizens of the world” I know. Her genuine love of world cultures shines through with every new season. Given my mixed-culture background, the way she rejoices in the world’s differences is something I both personally relate to and really respect.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Emily Meyer: “Travel is the best education. Just go there.” “Seeing is believing.” and “The universe is in charge.”

AW: What inspires you?
EM: The mix of colors, patterns, textures and materials of interior design.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
EM: A palette of ocean blue, lime green and charcoal, with a subtle accent of pale taupe metallic is really rocking my world right now.

AW: What are you currently reading?
EM: Design blogs galore on my Google Reader iphone app.

AW: What is your favorite city/location/destination?
EM: Right now, my new [old] home in Palo Alto, CA.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
EM: I’m lovin’ disco & soul music right now (Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross), and singing at the top of my lungs in the car!!

AW: What is your favorite dessert?
EM: Ice cream, always.

The designer with her young son.

AW: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
EM: Having an incredible family – being happy and content with my life, right now, just as it is.

AW: Who are your heroes?
EM: My husband and my mother.

And please complete the following:

The purest sensation of the joys in life…
…make(s) me laugh.

Designing | Partners

August 12, 2010

An A-List Interview: Serena & Lily

Sentimental photo of Serena's grandparents.

Meet the founders of Serena & Lily: Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, and Lily Kanter, a former baby boutique owner and savvy businesswoman. The two joined forces with a shared vision of reinventing the children’s market, and now they’ve brought their talents to the “grown-up” market, as well. This design duo is known for their sophisticated textiles that incorporate dynamic color and pattern combinations, as well as for their room décor and gifts.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Serena Dugan: Do what you love.
Lily Kanter: It’s good to have goals!

Inspirational art.

AW: What inspires you?
SD: True originality.
LK: Good friends and kind people.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
SD: A lipstick-ey shade of magenta.
LK: Sunshine yellow.

AW: What are you currently reading?
SD: Love & Limits by Elizabeth Crary (required reading for my 2-year-old!)
LK: Half the Sky

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
SD: It’s a tie right now between Jodphur, India and Marrakech Morocco
LK: Zanzibar, Africa.

India, one of their fave locales.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
SD: Van Morrison would be my go-to favorite.
LK: 60’s/70s – Elvis Costello, James Taylor, and Carole King.

AW: What is your favorite baby gift you received?
SD: My gifts that were handmade or hand-embellished. So special and thoroughly one of a kind!
LK: A hand knit sweater.

AW: What is the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
SD: Honest answer: the Papasan swing. giggle-friendly answer: Sophie the Giraffe — beloved by both children.
LK: My glider.

And please complete the following:

Serena Mitnick Miller art

…make(s) me laugh.
SD: My son Fisher (age 2)…a nonstop riot.
LK: Some of the things my kids will say!

My proudest moment in parenting was…
SD: When Remy (our 4-month-old girl) finally came home and things were dicey with our 2-year-old. Then, after a couple days Remy cried and Fisher brought Remy a pacifier and his lovey. Very proud moment!
LK: My 2-year-old would not stop kicking the seat on the airplane and I was holding his legs as best as I could and finally the man jumped up and scolded him. “You are not going to kick my seat all the way back to Oakland!” My 2-year-old’s response was “Stupid man!” I think it was the first thing that ever came out of his mouth other than Mommy or Daddy….Oh dear, I’m a fabulous parent.

Designing | Partners | Trends

July 30, 2010

An A-List Interview: Liz Lange

Liz Lange with her son and daughter.

A household name in maternity, Liz Lange needs little introduction. She saved us from maternity smocks and muumuus, and was one of the first designers who showed us that pregnancy could be fashionable.

In addition to being a great designer, Liz is an activist, a role model and a philanthropist. She goes above and beyond in her communities, doing great things for women, children and families. She’s down to earth and a really nice person – Liz is the real deal.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Liz Lange: I have many mottos: “Life is a party — are you dressed for it?” “Until someone does something new, no one thinks its a good idea.” “Life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock!”

AW: What inspires you?
LL: My children inspire me. They are so kind, funny and smart and my daughter already has her own sense of style.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
LL: I am loving all shades of blue.

AW: What are you currently reading?
LL: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and I can’t put it down!

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
LL: NYC – where I grew up and am now raising my children is my favorite city in the world and it’s my home. But I love Rome, Capri and Paris to visit.

Beautiful Capri, one of Liz Lange's fave vacation spots.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
LL: I love all types of music from opera, classical to top 40. I am a huge Verdi and Tchaikovsky fan, but then again I adore Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas!

AW: What was your most favorite baby gift you received?
LL: Personalized Burp cloths with my children’s names on them (my daughter is 9 and she still likes to sleep with hers!).

AW: What was the baby product you couldn’t live without?
LL: Wipes! I used them on my children when they were babies, and we still use them.

And please complete the following:

…make(s) me laugh.
My children make me laugh (they are so funny), but so do Alec Baldwin, Martin Short, Steve Carell and Tina Fey.

My proudest moment in parenting was…
When other parents tell me how polite my children are when they are over (it’s also my most shocked moment!).

Celebrities | Designing | Trends

July 7, 2010

Trend Watch – One Word: “Soft”

Having just come out of the spring furniture shows and wrapped up our buys for fall 2010 and winter 2011, it’s clear that a new design trend has emerged. In a word, it’s a universal “softening” — from design lines and edges to colors and fabrics.

Furniture lines are rounded instead of squared off. What used to be black is grey or navy. And what was painted is now natural. There are a ton of woods. A reflection of the times? With the chaos of the world the past couple of years, who can blame us for craving increased simplicity? As I walked the shows, I felt a clear desire for more breathing room, increased quiet time, and almost a yearning to go back to basics.

Among my favorite examples of this trend was this Private Cloud for grownups that says, “I never want to grow up or get out of bed.” Nostalgically reaching back, this bed’s rounded lines, rocking frame, and soft, wooden style epitomizes the trend.

There was also this lovely bassinet with round edges and simple lines that comes in warm colors of orange and yellow. Not only is it softer, it was also pretty innovative: it converts to a rocking chair for middle-of-the-night feedings. Brilliant!

Designing | Partners | Trends

June 30, 2010

An A-List Interview: Lucy Sykes Rellie

This week we’re talking to Lucy Sykes Rellie. Lucy is well known both for her fashion pedigree and for being a fixture on the New York social scene. (You also might know her as the TJ Maxx “Maxxinista.”) But it’s not just her astute fashion sense that got our attention. Lucy is also the mother of two young boys and has been a designer of high-end children’s clothes that embrace “sensibility with an American twist.” We’re excited to pick Lucy’s brain about what inspires her the most!

Lucy, her husband and two boys.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Lucy Sykes Rellie:

Fake it until you make it. That means have fun, don’t be held back, never assume that you can’t do anything or achieve anything, and when you’re out of your depth, act the part and you’ll normally be fine.

AW: What inspires you?
LSR: The view from my bedroom window in our beach cottage in Water Mill, NY. The trees are just starting to turn green again.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
LSR: Magenta, which is lovely when it’s paired with black & white. I love the cheekiness of the Liberty of London for Target collection. It’s old meets new meets now. Those florals have got me thinking again.

AW: What are you currently reading?
LSR: Vicky Ward’s Jackie-Collins-meets-investigative-journalist book, The Devil’s Casino, and Derek Blasberg’s popcorn confection, Classy.

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
LSR: I just came back from our latest trip to County Carlow in Ireland with my husband Euan Rellie and our boys Heathcliff and Titus. Everyone should go to stay in the Lisnavagh Cottages in Rathvilly. They’re something out of the 1940s, surrounded by evocative rolling fields. (info@lisnavagh.com)

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
LSR: Tchaikovsky’s ballets, especially Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.

AW: What is your most favorite baby gift you received?
LSR: The simple white, striped towelling in which the nurses wrapped both my boys after they were born at St Vincent’s Hospital in the West Village, NYC. Tragically, the hospital is closing this month despite our efforts to keep it open.

AW: What is the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
LSR: Pyjamas from the Poppy Store, Brentwood Country Mart. I’m so inspired by Heather Whitney, the co-owner and designer.

And please complete the following:

…make(s) me laugh.
LSR: “Jersey Shore”. Have you seen the Vitamin Water ad starring Mike “The Situation” and David Wright of the Mets? Watch it on YouTube.

My proudest moment in parenting was…
LSR: Titus Rellie singing the alphabet to me in the park yesterday. He was even prouder than me though.

Celebrities | Designing | Partners | Trends

June 22, 2010

The New Modern

When it comes to furniture, “modern” doesn’t always have to mean 90-degree angles. From the father of the modern nursery comes the latest in modern nursery design. Giving a nod to 18th-century France, the Louis Collection from David Netto has rounded edges and softer lines that bring romance to the modern nursery in a brand new way.

Like every NettoCollection piece, the Louis Crib and Changer are built to last forever – which is a very Netto approach to nursery design. But these new pieces come with a welcome twist: heirloom quality that’s also budget friendly. For the first time, this NettoCollection Crib debuts below $1,000 — making the best of modern more accessible than ever.

Designing | Partners | Products

June 15, 2010

An A-List Interview: Jennifer DeLonge

Jennifer DeLonge is a designer who is right up my alley. Not just in regards to giggle, but in regards to my personal style, as well. I think of her as a Bohemian modernist who manages to keep her designs both fun and beautiful at the same time, combining classic style with her own brand of rocker cool. So I was excited to hear a little more about what inspires Jennifer the most…

Ali Wing: What inspires you?
Jennifer DeLonge: My influences are always changing and I am often inspired at moments when I don’t think there is a spark left to ignite a concept! Traveling is always a big factor whether it’s a new boutique hotel in NYC or a remote beach in the Caribbean that inspires a color palette. As a designer, I have to get out of the office! I am constantly inspired by the greats of mid-century design and love to discover unknown designers as well. Vintage has a huge influence on my design aesthetic when it comes to translating products into modern pieces that families will love. Textiles are so important – handmade items from Thailand and Peru as well as tactile, recycled items that give a room a textured feeling currently inspire me. I am focused on ways to infuse beautiful, original handmade items into the line.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
JD: Turquoise with canary yellow, Moroccan blue with tangerine and classic black and white with a pop of green. We just purchased a beach house for weekends and the summer and I am excited to get to work on new color palettes for the home! A new project always teaches you to push the limit on color…to change up the mix.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
JD: I have to be a little biased here and say my husband’s music, especially when he is at home and playing acoustic guitar in our living room. It’s very impromptu and quite beautiful.

AW: What is the most favorite baby gift you received?
JD: At my shower for Jonas my friends created the most amazing handmade collage as a piece of art on a framed canvas . With champagne flowing (none for me of course!) the girls created an ode to Jonas that had a picture of each of the girls as a baby. They then wrote the funniest quotes next to each baby face like…”be sure to ask your sister before trying to kiss her friends”.

AW: What is the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
JD: Hands down the Luxe glider in my line and the Skip Hop Pronto Changer.

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
JD: One of my proudest moments in parenting was when my daughter Ava started preschool at 3 years old. She had such confidence walking into the classroom ready to start a new adventure that I felt like I did my job of nurturing a secure, confident little being. She said “See you later, mom” and took off for the playground. I roughly remember being in tears all day, but she was fine!

Celebrities | Designing | Trends

May 13, 2010

An A-List Interview: Ellen Diamant

This week I’d like to introduce someone who’s both a smart businesswoman and a good friend, Ellen Diamant of Skip Hop. She and her husband, Michael, possess the unique ability to identify missed opportunities in the juvenile market and create products with spot-on function. She and I are kindred spirits, both living in New York, both the mom of one son, and both dedicating our lives to designing better solutions for parents!

Bali, one of Ellen's favorite destinations.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Ellen Diamant: Striving for excellence no matter what, following your dreams.

AW: What inspires you?
ED: I am a blog-oholic so I am always scanning design and baby blogs from all over the world – I don’t care if they are in Japanese! I love checking out new experimental artists too. I just went to a bunch of Spring art fairs in New York City – PULSE NYC, The Armory Show, etc. So inspiring!

AW: What color are you loving right now?
ED: Loving the color soft plum as an alternative to pink. Organic, fun, colorful prints are huge now.

AW: What are you currently reading?
ED: I am watching…! Right now, I am obsessed with Mad Men on DVD. They do an amazing job capturing that time period.

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
ED: My hometown, New York City, of course! I also love Bali and Hong Kong.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
ED: Love Radiohead. Just saw Vampire Weekend in concert – amazing show!

AW: What is the most favorite baby gift you received?
ED: An activity gym – our inspiration to make a great designer one!

AW: What’s the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
ED: You can never have enough soft, cozy swaddling blankets. And of course, the Skip Hop Pronto is a must-have!

AW: What makes you laugh?
ED: My son’s 3rd grade humor – the delivery is priceless!

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
ED: Every day is a proud moment for me.

Colorful art by Sarah Morris - one of Ellen's inspirations.

Celebrities | Designing | Parenting | Trends

April 29, 2010

An A-List Interview: Christiane Lemieux

New on the scene less than a decade ago, today DwellStudio is almost synonymous with “modern baby.” This week we’re talking to the woman behind the designs, Christiane Lemieux. I love the way she uses color, geometric shapes, and symmetry to create iconic designs that are simple and sophisticated, seamlessly blending vintage and modern design. And as someone who loves to travel and balances multiple roles of mom, designer, and company co-founder, Christiane is exactly the kind of modern mom her products are designed for!

Christiane in India.

Ali Wing: What inspires you?
Christiane Lemieux: I am really inspired when I travel – with the internet it’s possible to see what is going on all over the world but it’s not the same as actually being there. I just came back from a trip to London and Paris with my family – it was so inspiring. From the design of the hotels to the amazing architecture I was sketching like a mad person. I was also moved by how much my children absorbed. It’s amazing to see the Eiffel Tower again for the first time through your child’s eye.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
CL: I am loving gray – gray is the new chocolate.

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
CL: I am a gypsy at heart – give me a plane ticket and I will go. It turns out that my kids and husband are the same – so far as a family we are loving Paris for all the amazing family activities. The French are stupendous with kids. What could be better then trampolines in the middle of the Tuilleries gardens? Personally – I am in love with India – the colors, the people, the culture. It’s my favorite and hands down the most inspiring place I have been. I hope to take my kids soon but I am terrified by the 15 hour fight. We just conquered Europe!

Christiane and her son.

AW: What is the most favorite baby gift you received?
CL: I think I was a pretty difficult person to buy a baby gift for! Jennifer Chused, my partner, got me the Seimi Bassinet from Netto and I love it. I have since lent it to several friends and colleagues and they have all loved it too. I will keep it as an heirloom for my kids. It’s literally perfect.

AW: What is the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
CL: Since I am still totally in this – three things – Born Free bottles, Aquaphor for diaper rash and Nuk pacifiers – In addition to my DwellStudio hooded towels and Owls nursery!

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
CL: I think it’s safe to say that there are amazing moments everyday – amazing can go both ways with parenting – you can be amazed how well something goes or inversely you can be amazed at how something can backfire…I think I am most proud at my ability to get a sleep schedule going and keeping it – thanks again Dr. Weissbluth. I think this has given my kids a framework and consistency and allowed them to thrive. When your kids are well-slept – the world is a better place.

Christiane and her daughter under the Eiffel Tower.

Celebrities | Designing | Parenting | Partners | Products

April 20, 2010

An A-List Interview: Kerri Lee

When it comes to artists who make beautiful baby gifts, Kerri Lee is one of my favorites. She brings a handmade nostalgia and heirloom quality to every piece she makes, while still keeping her designs up-to-date enough for today’s parent. Her products ooze American craftsmanship that’s true to her own “small town” Catskills life, making every Tree by Kerri Lee gift one to cherish. Let’s find out what she has to say!

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Kerri Lee: Listen to your heart, use your head, and work hard.

A few Kerri inspirations: A print from Helen Dardik, part of an old cash register drawer, and some mixed-media owls.

AW: What inspires you?
KL: Vintage objects of all types — toys, books, housewares, clothing, industrial pieces.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
KL: Raspberry.

AW: What are you currently reading?
KL: A bunch of 5th grade level books! One of my production artisans convinced me to join the Parent Team of our kids’ school’s “Battle of the Books” Challenge, which is a game show — type of contest about the books. We hope we don’t get beaten too badly by 11 year olds.

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
KL: Montreal.

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
KL: Modern rock and Broadway show tunes.

AW: Of the baby gifts you received, what was your favorite?
KL: A baby journal from my sister.