Rima Suqi Goes Behind Closed Doors with Ralph, Tommy, Donna, Oscar and Carolina

By Stephen Watson
September 13, 2010

When it comes to analyzing trends in the world of design, look no further than writer, author, photographer, and consultant, Rima Suqi. The renowned shopping expert, who many know as the former longtime "Best Bets" Editor of New York magazine, skilfully and consistently identifies the cream of the shopping crop using her keen eye and enviable taste.

While her expertise runs the gamut, Suqi's particular passion for interior design has led to the penning of three books on subjects including kitchen design, rooms for everyday living and elegant, uncluttered style. Her fourth book, American Fashion Designers at Home [Assouline], offers a sneak peek into the private homes of some of the most renowned fashion designers in the world. With publication timed for Fashion Week, the book is part of the "American Fashion Series" by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). (Check out our recent profile of CFDA Director Steven Kolb.)

Here, Suqi filled us in on how our favorite fashion designers live, as well as the interior design trends she's betting will be big this season.

American Fashion Designers at Home, Betsey Johnson's Home

American Fashion Designers At Home, Betsey Johnson's Home

The Inside Source: For your new book, you had the opportunity to visit famous American fashion designers' homes. Was there any place that came as a surprise? Was there a personal favorite?

RS: There were a few surprises. Lela Rose—that was a big one! If you know her fashion, you think of pretty, feminine designs, yet her loft space is ultramodern, designed by architects that used to work for Rem Koolhaas. It's pretty incredible, and it's a street level place, so before she got curtains, you could look right in from the sidewalk. Isaac Manewitz, owner/designer of costume jewelry line Ben Amun has a large collection of Memphis furniture—that was a surprise, too, as he doesn't live in a particularly modernist house. And while I expected color from Gene Meyer, I was totally floored by how much color, everywhere, and how well it works.

TIS: Which designers have homes that most resemble the look of their clothing brands? Which designers' homes are the most different?

RS: Awards for most different: Lela Rose, Angel Sanchez, Tory Burch, Gary Wolkowitz of Hot Sox, George Sharp (St. John), Bob Mackie, Stephen Dweck, Peter Som. Most Similar: Amy Smilovic of Tibi, Cynthia Rowley, Michelle Smith of Milly, Trina Turk, Josie Natori, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, John Patrick, Natalie Chanin, Jenna Lyons of J. Crew, Francisco Costa, Derek Lam, and of course, Ralph, Tommy, Donna, Oscar and Carolina.

Donna Karan's Home

Donna Karan's Home

TIS: In your line of work, you get to cover various different fields of design. What styles do you see coming our way? Any trends or predictions about what might be next on our radar?

RS: Well, the whole Adirondack/lodge trend is still going strong—antlers, plaids, hunting themes, the works. There's also an aged French/Belgian thing happening—natural linen or burlap-upholstered furniture, pewter and tin accessories, aged wood chandeliers, mercury glass.

TIS: Is there anything or any style that you think an eBay shopper should buy now—that you think will be a valuable collectors' item?

RS: No. I think when it comes to interiors, you're best off investing in classics that appeal to you. Home design is very different than fashion in that the trends in home stick around a lot longer. As well they should—your home should be your sanctuary, a place of stillness and stability. Changing it out four times a year would be a bit extreme.

Issac Manewitz' Home

Issac Manewitz' Home

TIS: In the worlds of both fashion and design, who (or what) do you see as currently being influential?

RS: I think television and the internet are highly influential in terms of dissemination of ideas or trends. Of course, it's all up to interpretation.

TIS: You've just examined the personal and private lives of fashion designers. If you had the opportunity, whose world would you like to peek into next?

RS: Ranchers, safari rangers, people who live in the Townships of South Africa, Museum Curators...

Tory Burch's Home