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Behind the
Designs
A Peek
into the Creative Mind of One of the World's Top Designers
Story by Debra Kronowitz
In an ongoing series,
Design District
Magazine sits down with top creative
designers to get a glimpse into the creative mindset.
In this issue we spoke with design entrepreneur
Holly Hunt.
Based in
Chicago, Hunt has established a national
reputation for discovering emerging design talent and successfully
marketing a premier selection of furniture and textiles to the
interior design trade.
Since you were a child you dreamt of being a
fashion designer. Did you always imagine yourself a clothing
designer? |
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Photo by Barb Levant |
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Yes, I loved clothes. I cut pattern and made
clothes through junior high and high school. This design drive was
my impetus to go into retailing after college
– which I quickly discovered was much less design than
business, but retail taught me a lot.
What made you decide to buy your first interior design showroom at
Chicago’s Merchandise Mart?
An impending divorce was motivation to buy the small Chicago showroom. I needed a new job and a new
focus. I was also a client of that showroom when doing my own
apartments and houses – and that
showroom needed help!
Explain the process you go through when you begin the creation of a
new product for your Studio H Line.
I ask what is not out there
that clients will want and can use, what works with style and
quality. Ideas come from a million areas of experience and visual
connects.
Do your ideas usually come swiftly, or do they grow
slowly over time?
Both – creative thinking or design is an ever-evolving dynamic
process. Some of the best things come unexpectedly out of that
process. The more one explores or looks beyond immediate
environment, the more ideas brew. Then edit and detail become the
real work of good design.
What inspires you to create a new product or design
a new product?
Opportunity, need and a
desire to be doing the new thing. Our showroom should not look like
anyone else’s and our showroom and product should be best-of-class.
Your new president has been quoted as saying you
will be introducing new lines under HOLLY HUNT. Can you give us a
sneak peak?
There
will be a new rugs collection and a new outdoor furniture
collection. Look for lots of new product by 2008 year-end from all
corners. Our new Linden
chair won first prize in Interior Design’s product competition in
December.
What do you love most about what you do?
The work! Creative vitality and variety, product design and quality.
Producing best-of-class showrooms and product. The people, the
industry itself – are very open to the ‘new.’ The business is
fashion-driven, but within a livable rhythm.
When you were a child were
there signs that you would be involved in some type of design?
I always wanted
to create, to make things; sewing, making art, leather work. It’s
interesting to me how a person’s early interests frequently become a
part of their life’s work. Do what you love to do whenever possible!
If one is fortunate enough to make one’s avocation one’s vocation
and support oneself doing the things one loves, life is good.
What other designers/architects/artists/artisans
have inspired you?
Interior designer Christian
Liaigre. Also, architect Tadeo Ando, Halston, Armani and Tom Ford. I
believe architect Frank Gehry and artist Frank Stella are breaking
boundaries.
What would you want the readers to know about you?
Only the truth: I work too
hard! I’m very open to ideas and new things. I feel very fortunate
to have had the luxury of being able to support myself doing things
I love.
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