Interview: Television Host Lisa Roberts Finds Antiques Of The Future

By Stacey Gualandi

Twitter: @mydesignlife
Facebook: mydesignlife

Some people have it, some people don’t.  I, of course, fall into the “don’t” column.  I’m talking about an “eye for design.”  But Lisa Roberts, a former architect -turned-product designer, has what it takes to find unique products that gain value as they age. Her own collection of over 300 items is the subject of her first book  “Antiques of the Future.”

“Good design improves the quality of our lives…”  Lisa Roberts

Her expertise has landed her as host of a new television show called “My Design Life” on the Ovation Network, produced by Nancy Glass Productions. The ten episode marathon is coming up Sept. 28, 8PM EST and again on Oct. 1 at 12PM EST.

Part travel show, part “In Search Of”, this design doyenne travels the country in hot pursuit of the best new and old products.  What she finds will be in her next book: “Design Pop.”

So what makes a product museum-worthy? Lisa took time out from her travels to talk tv, her own designs, and just what exactly a Juicy Salif is…

Interview: Diane Meier On The Season Of Second Chances

By Pamela Burke

Twitter: dianemeiernyc

If you’re looking for a person who understands style and self-expression, look no further than Diane Meier, author of the recently-released paperback “The Season of Second Chances.”  Diane is the founder (at age 29) and Creative Director of MEIER, an award-winning NYC marketing firm.

“We only have the shortest time on earth–only the tiniest bit of time–and shame on us if we don’t make our mark.”   Diane Meier

Her experience at the beginning of her career at top companies like Avon, Revlon, and Elizabeth Arden paved the way for her to launch her own marketing empire.  As winner of many of the industry’s top honors, articles about MEIER have been published in magazines and graphic design books all over the world.

Diane’s first novel is about the renovation of a house and a soul and seemed fascinating fodder for me and readers of TWE who cherish the opportunity to review and renew.  Getting the chance to talk with Diane about the wonders of the “eye” and much more was indeed a pleasure…

Interview: Heatherjean MacNeil On Creating Ethical Proxy Apparel

By Stacey Gualandi

Twitter: @Proxy_Apparel
Facebook: proxyapparel

Heatherjean MacNeil says she’s on a fashion mission.   This 30-year-old former pre-med student could have started with a simple idea.  But no.   She created Proxy Apparel, an ethical clothing line whose cause is to employ and empower women throughout the world thus the name Proxy.  In Spanish it means one who is empowered!

“I always envisioned that I would either start a non-profit or run a business that focused on women.” Heatherjean

Models in Proxy Apparel

While Heatherjean is new to the fashion scene, she sees a sweatshop-free, fair trade world in her future.   Her Boston-based accessories and apparel line launched online last year, and she is already making a name for herself among the social entrepreneur set.

Proxy partners with existing women-owned “cooperatives” in developing  countries to help create pieces in the collection.  Visitors at last month’s SXSW/Style X got a sneak peek at her Spring “Peacock” Collection.

The entire line will be on display at Proxy’s  Earth Day Gala and Ethical Fashion Show April 21st in Boston.

Heatherjean sums it up simply: “Wear the change you seek in the world”!  I wanted to find out what this “change” was all about and caught up with her right after Proxy’s successful debut in Austin, Texas… 

Guest Blog: Sandy Foster’s Special Holiday Message

I asked Sandy Foster if she’d like to be the first EYE guest blogger.  The interview about her tiny retreat earlier this year triggered a warm response from readers who admired her creative spirit.  Her website is a must visit.

Sandy starts decorating her 9×14 foot studio in the Catskills  in late October and leaves everything up until February, dismantling it as weather permits. The slope to the cabin is steep and snowy so she says she has to ford the stream in her “pink wellies” to get there.

Her dream is to publish a book featuring romantic holiday decor from bloggers worldwide.  Creating Vintage Charm Magazine currently features Sandy’s little sanctuary with her beautiful tree on the cover.

Here is Sandy’s message along with photos of her enchanting Christmas cottage and upcycled ornaments…  

Interview: Elizabeth Murray On Her Passion For Monet’s Garden And Sacred Spaces

Elizabeth Murray is a professional gardener and artist to name but a few of her many talents.  This modern day Renaissance woman has just updated and republished her fascinating book  “Monet’s Passion: Ideas, Inspiration, & Insights from the Painter’s Gardens.”

In 1984 Elizabeth up and quit her job to live and work at one of the most beautiful places in the world,  Monet’s Giverny.   She  returns each year with pencil and camera to recapture the garden’s splendor.   Her photographs are breathtaking.

“Something led me to Monet and to be at Giverny.  I needed to learn, to contribute, to try to make the gardens even more spectacular.”  Elizabeth

Giverny is one of my most favorite places on earth.  After I heard Elizabeth speak about her adventures at Monet’s home, I needed to learn more about his incredible garden and the unique relationship she has with it.

How she ended up there was a tale I had to hear her tell…