Todd Bowles, Style Influencer

Signature Designer for the Carousel Collection for De Leo Textiles

Todd Bowles, the signature designer for the Carousel Collection from luxury brand De Leo Textiles, is a man who has found his “design voice.”

“Over the years, I’ve worked hard on refining that voice,” Bowles says. “Once you know what your design voice is, you have set your intention, and once your intention is clear, the law of attraction takes over and things always have a way of falling into place.”

His advice for young, up and coming designers? “Work on your design ‘voice.’ Refine it. Know your skills. Know your power. Get used to it. Feel it. Own it. It will make it easier on you, especially over time.”

The textile design maven known for trend-savvy colorways and patterns also has favorite sources of inspiration. Calling himself a “well-preserved relic of the 80s’ who still lives for a good fashion magazine,” Bowles says there’s “something so exciting about getting an issue of Vogue. I like to read it backwards on a Sunday morning in the tub with tons of bubbles, hot tea and my space heater cranked up!”

Months ago on just such a Sunday morning, he poured over an article called ‘Souk It Up” that inspired this season’s fabric assortment. “The collection is based on inspiration from the spice souks and grand bazaars – I love it!” The cultures, food, artisanal influences and rich and vibrant colors of these markets all come together in the new collection, he says.

This season’s color schemes also take inspiration from the Souk marketplaces. “I am channeling color families like silver sage and ivory (soothing herbaceous colors), a color family called Umber (sexy, deep, rich, masculine colors of dark chocolate mixing with gold and copper), and a color group called Batik, (vibrant varying shades of chambray, turquoise and Baltic blue). You can find out more on my Instagram page, @toddbowlesltd.”

What are your favorite sources of inspiration?

I love fashion. I grew up in fashion, so I always find inspiration from clothing and jewelry. I was also inspired by Ralph Lauren this season. He not only inspires me from a creative perspective but also as a merchant. First and foremost, he is a storyteller, and he is always thinking, “How will this garment work for her or him?” He thinks about the audience first. His mindset is always: “Will they like it? Will it provide some sort of solution for the person that will buy this? Will it make them feel like they are a part of ‘the story’? Will it make them feel sexy?” I love that. I try to do that too. There is a spectacular documentary on HBO about Ralph. Every creative mind who works in the home furnishings or apparel industry should watch it. He is a genius.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and what name would you have?

My crayon is called “Sexy.” I have a phrase I like to use (I have a lot of phrases it seems - LOL!): “If it isn’t sexy, it isn’t Carousel.” My crayon color is a taupe color that squirts out deep vibrant color here and there. It’s masculine and rich and luxe, but friendly, and it goes with everything. “Sexy” is not sexual. “Sexy” is sensual. What’s the difference? Sensual “Sexy” is classic and rooted in elegance but familiar and cozy. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel proud and happy to entertain people. It is never vulgar or boorish.

What are your favorite colors or color combinations?

People love blue and grey. I am channeling tinted ne utrals these days. My absolute favorite color in the world is yellow, but it’s out of fashion these days. I love to throw together black and white and grey and throw in a splash of some vibrant color.

What is your favorite quote/words of wisdom?

• When someone tells you who they are, believe them.” Maya Angelou

• “The eye has to travel.” Diana Vreeland

• “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.” Ralph Lauren

Do you prefer book or kindle?

Books ... please. Again, I am child of the 80’s!!

What is your dream project or collaboration?

I already live my dream collaboration ... I work alongside Katie Atwater Williams, the Creative Director at De Leo. We have so much fun collaborating. She and I work so well together. I would love to design a collection of fabrics with Anthropologie. I saw their corporate offices last year, and they are doing an amazing job! Love those people. Love their energy.

What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow?

I will say that I love Chubbies. I love their stuff. As merchants, they’re so smart. It is basically a line of swimwear for “husky athletic” guys like me who want to aspire to ... a lifestyle, a sensibility – they have a fantastic sense of humor. For Instagram, they have their “voice” down cold.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Palm Springs. I want to live there one day.

Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book?

Ralph Lauren. Duh.

Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support?

Yes!! It is called Upcycled for Hope! De Leo is making and selling tote bags and gorgeous accessory bags and a large percentage of the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation. The bags are upcycled from fabric we would otherwise throw away into landfills. Go to @upcycledforhope on Instagram to find out more!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“When someone laughs at you, laugh with them.”– my Mom. As a person with a big personality and a certain, ahem, “joie de vivre,” I get made fun of a lot. Laugh with people when they laugh at you! It’s good for you to learn how to accept your quirks and join in on the fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously ... plus, people will love you for it!