Meet Jeanine Hays, the Creative Director & Founder of AphroChic!
AphroChic is "a lifestyle brand that synthesizes high-end design and ethnic culture to create a sustainable line of pillows and apparel dedicated to the company’s mantra of, 'modern soulful style'.” You may remember my post about her amazing pillow collection, which absolutely delivers on the promise of her mantra. Jeanine also has her own design blog, one of my personal favorite daily reads, where she dishes on design trends. Jeanine has amazing personal style and an inspiring vision for her brand, which is why I had to find out what makes her tick! See for yourself...
Q. What is your favorite design blog? You don’t have to name just one!
A. At the moment I have a few favorites. Mrs. Lilien is an absolute trove of visual delights. Makeunder My Life is full of inspiration. And The Bright Side Project really is my daily dose of sunshine.
Q. Who is your favorite interior designer?
A. I love the work of Ilse Crawford. She finds a way to make spaces beautiful, luxurious and personal all at once. I find her ability to blend style and comfort truly amazing. I’ve also recently fallen in love with the work of L.A. designer Kishani Perera. If I had a design soulmate, it would be Kishani. Her ability to blend color and pattern is impressive.
Q. Who is your favorite fashion designer?
A. While she’s not a fashion designer, I am a huge fan of Jenna Lyons, Creative Director at J. Crew. Jenna has made clothing for women special again, and completely accessible. Each season I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the new catalog.
Q. What current design trend do you love right now?
A. There was a recent article in the New York Times, Designing to an Afro Beat. It was a wonderful article on the growing importance of African and style in Western design. African textiles and patterns are becoming integrated into American design in a way that is no longer about trendy zebra prints, but really about bringing a sense of culture home.
Q. Where do you look for inspiration?
A. Everywhere. Lately I have been inspired by the city, and some of the amazing things you see in the architecture of everyday buildings - the design in a wrought-iron gate, the pattern on a door, the way that tiles are laid – I’m completely intrigued by my environment. I think it’s knowing that someone had to come up with a design for the things that we take for granted, like a gate. And when you really look closely at the details, you can discover something truly beautiful.
Q. What music inspires you?
A. I’m an R&B and neo-soul type of girl. I love tradition with a twist, which is why I am still enamored with Raphael Saadiq’s latest album. I love how he took old-school style and added a modern twist to it. I’m also listening to new music from Maxwell, and my favorite UK artist Corinne Bailey Rae.
Q. What was your favorite splurge for your home?
A. Hmmm…there are so many! Right now I am really happy with the rosewood dining table I bought a few years ago. It was pricey, but it grows more beautiful with age.
Q. What was your best frugal find?
A. A Louis XVI chair I found on Craigslist. I got it for less than a $100, and the woman who was selling it delivered it right to my door. Best frugal find ever and I didn’t even have to pick it up.
Q. Do you have a design pet peeve?
A. Matching. Even if it does come back in style, I love for spaces to feel and be organic. Designs should come naturally, and a space should be filled with items you love over time. Matching just feels so forced, and like you’re creating a display space rather than a real lived-in home.
Q. What is your color of choice right now?
A. Right now at AphroChic we are taking a close look at Fall color palettes for our 2010 collection. I am loving an exotic blend of colors like coral, teal and lavender.
Q. Where is your favorite place to read a good book or catch up on your blog reads?
A. Definitely my sofa. It’s the other item I’m so glad I splurged on. It has a wonderful chaise lounge just perfect for me, with a view to the garden and an arm that my cat can sit on. I love to sit here, drink a cup of tea and catch up on my favorite design mags and blogs.
Q. What is your favorite home furnishings shop?
A. ABC Carpet & Home in New York. It is a designer’s Shangri-La. The amazing furniture, accessories and textiles at ABC are unparalleled. I have admittedly spent a whole day just exploring everything in the store. And I also love that you can get a bite to eat there as well.
Q. Describe your personal style.
A. I would say it’s eclectic. I like to mix modern and traditional style. In my home you’ll find Louis XV chairs next to acrylic versions, a rustic wood table and a modular sofa, and classic lamps atop IKEA side tables. I bring everything together with my own personal sense of cultural style – ethnic patterns, bold prints, and lots and lots of art. It’s all about what appeals to me.
Thanks so much for sharing your inspirations, Jeanine!
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loved this interview:-)
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