CON T R I BU TOR S TH E J U DGING PAN EL
Edeline Lee
Jay Blades
Harriet Wetton
Richard Parr
CanadianBritish fashion designer Edeline Lee founded her eponymous, Londonbased label in 2014 after graduating from Central Saint Martins, and apprenticing in the studios of Alexander McQueen. She has since become known for her performative, immersive shows at London Fashion Week, and her designs have been worn by the likes of Olivia Colman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Helen Mirren, Taylor Swift and Solange Knowles. All of her pieces are designed with an emphasis on tailoring and made in the UK.
Jay Blades MBE is a modern furniture restorer and eco designer devoted to sustainability, social enterprise and inclusion. Best known as an award-winning TV presenter, his enthusiasm for reinvention and regeneration shines through on many of his programmes, most notably BBC One’s The Repair Shop. He is also the founder and director of restoration company Jay & Co, and was awarded an MBE for services to craft in 2021. Through his work, Jay combats throwaway culture.
Harriet Wetton founded Narchie during lockdown, recognising the gap for a social-first community marketplace for homeware products. Now the CEO of the digital platform (coined the ‘Depop of homewares’), Harriet, through Narchie, highlights small, independent designers and decor enthusiasts alike. Harriet has a commitment to, and passion for, slow, sustainable interior solutions – and Narchie is paving the way to a more circular future for homeware products.
Richard Parr is the founder and director of an awardwinning architectural firm. Over his career he has worked on acclaimed projects including The Farmyard Spa at The Newt in Somerset, and People’s Space in Notting Hill, in addition to a bevy of historical revivals and groundbreaking contemporary designs. His firm, founded in 2012, now hosts a 20-something strong team of architects, and Richard divides his time between his Cotswolds studio, and his Holland Park office.
CONTRIBUTORS
Claudia Baillie
Marc Abbott
Emma Love
Favourite colour combo? Baby blue has always been a colour that makes me happy. I’d pair it with a gold turmeric shade and something red – striped fabric, checkerboard tiles or a red chair for a bit of oomph. Go-to celebrity for a collaboration? During lockdown my absolute favourite programme was Grayson’s Art Club, so I’d make a piece of art with Grayson. It would be something that would cheer people up – like watching a video of baby goats or puppies! In some way it would provide an instant hit of serotonin. What makes a room sing? Old things, personal things and things you really love. I truly believe a room can never come alive if everything in it is brand new.
Favourite colour combo? I’m torn between the muddy tones of a Mark Rothko painting and the punchy white of a hawthorn blossom against its pea-green leaves. Go-to celebrity for a collaboration? The urge to collaborate with Phoebe Bridgers on a capsule collection of Gucci furniture is a strong one. Where do you look for inspiration? There’s nowhere more inspirational than nature, whether that’s to give the mind some space to think, or to spark an idea. Dream alternative career? I’ve no doubt I would’ve been a painter. What makes a room sing? Simplicity of function, an innate calmness, and carefully chosen artworks.
Favourite colour combo? I like Scandi-influenced spaces so warm neutrals are my go-to. Where do you look for inspiration? Travel, books, films, art… there are all kinds of places to look for inspiration. I also find creative people, who are passionate about what they do, really inspiring. Dream alternative career? When I was in college, I studied textiles and had a vague idea about wanting to become a costume designer. Years later I was lucky enough to have a backstage tour of the National Theatre for work and everything, from the set department to the wigs, was magical. What makes a room sing? I think the right artwork and textiles can make all the difference, and make a space feel personal.
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Please recycle
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