You have become an ambassador for The Campaign for Wool ; tell us about that …
About two years ago I was asked to join a group of British designers as the American liaison to learn more about the Campaign for Wool . The interior design community is one of the largest stakeholders in wool products because wall coverings , carpets , textiles , furniture and insulation account for a vast portion of the wool portfolio . Ever since my trip to Wimpole Farm in 2010 ; where The Prince spoke about wool and its sustainable properties , I ’ ve become an international advocate for the campaign . I ’ ve become extremely passionate about the simplicity yet durability of the fiber .
Do you think creating a fashion trend for wool is enough or do you think education is more important ?
The Prince is not just thinking about wool but the bigger picture such as how sheep grazing keeps the landscape balanced . If you were to make a “ big picture ” decision that would influence others to preserve our environment , what would it be ?
Many of us live in cities ; in fact , for the first time in history , 51 percent of the world ’ s population lives in cities . Our lives are urban ; we forget about the importance of the countryside , the land — the ecosystems at work . I love the idea of urban farming , of the open air markets and artisan crafts . We have to make room for them and acknowledge their importance as the world ’ s cities race toward the future . That ’ s why I ’ m passionate about The Campaign for Wool ’ s New York launch — it ’ s a day of teaching and learning that allows us to step back and reflect .
I love education . “ Unseen beauty ” is the ability to understand the attributes of a material beyond its aesthetics . The more programs we launch and festivals we create the more people will share their knowledge . That ’ s what communities do today — they share ideas and learnings . I ’ m part of the wool community and I would like to see it grow .
Wool is a sustainable resource . Is sustainability seen as an important issue in design today ?
Sustainability is incredibly important today . We consume so many resources in the design industry . My clients are asking for ecological design solutions , they ’ re concerned about the lifecycle of materials . Design Culture is transforming to a culture of stewardship . To be a good designer , understanding the impact of your work is pivotal .
You have been involved in designing the event for The Campaign in New York . Please tell us more .
The Campaign for Wool will be a spectacular day in New York City . The setting is one of New York ’ s most beautiful urban parks , Bryant Park , known as “ New York ’ s living room .” Here sheep will graze in the backyard of the historic public library amidst the tallest skyscrapers in the world . Park chairs will be covered in wool slips and the paths and steps will be layered in rich wool carpets and textiles . Artists , weavers and craftsman will be presenting the wool story throughout the day — live . A rural moment in urban New York ! �
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