Ali's A-List

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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!

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

May 11, 2010

Balboa Brings Style to Nursing

We’ve all admired the practicality of nursing covers that hang around your neck and protect your privacy. And who can argue with the inherent wisdom of a nursing pillow specially designed to hold your baby in the proper position?

Many such accessories, however, are designed to appeal to children instead of moms, with cutesy patterns that ignore mom’s style and that the baby’s too young too appreciate anyway. (And can someone explain that to me, please?)

At long last — finally! — we’re starting to see things change. One of my favorite companies leading the way is Balboa. They make truly beautiful nursing accessory products. I love some of their materials and prints so much that they may end up inspiring room décor!

Products | 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 27, 2010

First Set of Wheels

Part scooter, part bicycle — all fun! Nothing beats the Early Rider Lite for the perfect first bike. It doesn’t have pedals and has a scooter-like style, which means little ones as young as 20 months can use it.

When my son was two, I absolutely loved watching him scooting around Manhattan on his pedal-free bike. Not only are they pretty adorable, these bikes also help kids develop balance and motor skills that come in really handy when they get their first big-kid bike. It’s also a smart alternative to having your little one in a stroller when you have the opportunity for them to be active!

I’m particularly excited for the Early Rider Lite for its great price. Traditionally, these awesome, craftsman-style bicycles have cost several hundred dollars. But the Early Rider is only $160. Considering you’ll get 2-3 years use out of it, it really is a great value!

P.S. For the dad cyclists out there, you’ll also be impressed by the quality of the pneumatic tires with aluminum rims.

Child Development | 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.

AW: What’s the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
KL: Baby Bjorn carrier.

AW: What makes you laugh?
KL: Tickling my daughter.

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
KL: When my kids tell me I’m the best mommy in the whole world!

Celebrities | Designing

April 12, 2010

Recycling Comes Full Circle!

There’s more to love about this bag from Fleurville than just its fashion-forward style. It’s also made from recycled water bottles! The innovative fabric is PVC-free and Teflon-free, and each bag keeps six water bottles out of the landfill.

It’s also well designed and has the function you need. Just a few of its great features include an adjustable shoulder strap, multiple zipped pockets, an included changing pad, and D-rings that let you attach it to any stroller.

It’s practical, responsible, and it even comes in orange — and anyone who knows me knows that that’s totally my cup of tea!

Green Living | Products

April 5, 2010

An A-List Interview: Dan Zanes

Transcending the children’s music genre, Dan Zanes prides himself on making music for everyone, everywhere. His collaborations with a wide range of artists have led to several great music collections that are loved by parents and children alike. (Needless to say, we’re fans, too!) He’s cool, creative, fun, and accessible, so who better to include as one of our A-List interviewees!

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Dan Zanes: I have a lot of mottos — I like to sing them.

AW: What inspires you?
DZ: The people around me.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
DZ: Preserved lemon

AW: What are you currently reading?
DZ: The Known World, The African-American Heritage Hymnal, Why Manners Matter

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
DZ: Tucson? Peru? Morocco? New Paltz? Washington Heights?

AW: What is your favorite dessert?
DZ: The one I had for breakfast. A selection of Middle Eastern pastries!

AW: Of the baby gifts you received, what was your favorite?
DZ: A blanket.

AW: What is the baby product you can’t/couldn’t live without?
DZ: Diapers

AW: What makes you laugh?
DZ: Dancing

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
DZ: Too many to choose from. Going into the playground with my daughter for the first time was one of them.

Celebrities | Partners

March 18, 2010

An A-List Interview: Lorena Siminovich

This week, I’m talking to Lorena Siminovich of Petit Collage, the artist behind our Safari Friends room décor and illustrator of one of our favorite lines of board books (among other things!). I love Lorena’s modern-meets-vintage style, and apparently lots of other people do, too, as evidenced by the wide array of products with her designs. Lorena’s work is definitely on my “A” List, so I’m excited to find out what’s on her mind.

Ali Wing: What is your motto?
Lorena Siminovich: Since becoming a mother, my motto is “Take one day at a time!”

Siminovich and her baby daughter.

AW: What inspires you?
LS: Mid-century design, children books, and blogs!

AW: What color are you loving right now?
LS: Yellow

AW: What are you currently reading?
LS: Milk magazine and The E-Myth

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/ destination?
LS: London and New York for inspiration, Spain and Mexico for relaxing, and Buenos Aires for friends and family!

AW: Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite music genre?
LS: Ella Fitzgerald

AW: Of the baby gifts you received, what was your favorite?
LS: A handmade doll and a handmade pillow two dear friends made.

AW: What is the baby product(s) you can’t/couldn’t live without?
LS: Kangaroo sling, Natursutten pacifier

AW: What makes you laugh?
LS: My 1-year-old daughter throwing kisses to random people in restaurants makes me laugh.

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
LS: Flying back from Buenos Aires for 20 hours alone with my then 10-month-old daughter — and no meltdowns!

Mom and daughter.

Celebrities | Designing | Parenting | Partners

March 11, 2010

An A-List Interview: Alex Marshall

I love the balance of unique asymmetry and clean lines in every Alex Marshall piece – something refreshingly uncommon in the world of baby products. Maybe it’s her “New York City meets California” that translates to such beautiful practicality. I, for one, am an Alex Marshall fan, and am thrilled to share my A-List interview with you for a behind-the-scenes with the artist herself.

Ali Wing: What inspires you?
Alex Marshall: I’m inspired by everything. From living and working on an olive orchard in northern California to interacting with my 2-year-old daughter. From watching my 2-year-old play with others, to talking and working with my husband/business partner and talking with store owners, buyers, friends and family. If you listen, people will tell you what they need and my inspiration comes from trying to fill those needs with a functional item that literally fulfills a function, preferably multiple functions while adding an artistic element to people’s lives.

AW: What color are you loving right now?
AM: Orange. I’ve been trying to develop an orange glaze for our baby & kids’ line for awhile now and it’s proving more difficult than I had hoped so I notice orange in everything. Every orange I see I say, maybe I can create an orange glaze similar to that or maybe similar to that or I really like that orange, maybe that one! It’s become a preoccupation but I’m starting to feel I’m heading in the right direction.

AW: What’s your favorite city/location/destination?
AM: New York City. I grew up 30 minutes outside NYC in New Jersey and lived in NYC for many years but have lived in California for 15 years so I’m considered a Californian by pretty much everyone. Every time I step into Manhattan though it feels like coming home. It’s a city that changes constantly but yet still manages to stay the same.

Marshall's daughter's nursery.

AW: Of the baby gifts you received, what was your favorite?
AM: Our crib, the Oeuf classic crib. My sister bought us our nursery furniture and we still absolutely love our crib. It was so easy to put together and adjust the height as our daughter grew. It is also really easy to put our daughter in because it is so low and easy to lean over the side. And not to mention it is really simple and beautiful.

AW: What makes you laugh?
AM: When my daughter makes her “mean face”. It takes her some time to put it together, she starts with getting her eyebrows furrowed just right then makes a funny smirk, and then says “mean face”.

AW: What’s your proudest moment in parenting?
AM: We enrolled our daughter in daycare/preschool when she was 17 months old and on her second day she walked into her classroom turned and said, “bye, bye, mommy” and sat on her teacher’s lap.

Celebrities | Designing | Parenting | Partners

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