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Vogue Article on New York designer Kim Parker--June 2001

 

IN THE MIDST of Manhattan's flower district, above footpaths filled with blooms, textile designer Kim Parker has created a charming atelier. Here she designs floral prints sought after by fashion and interiors clients, including Anna Sui, Diane von Furstenburg, and the Gap. She attributes her success in part to the loft where she lives and works. With high ceilings and huge windows, the space is flooded with light, while the flower district at her door provides constant inspiration.

For years Parker lived in a tiny rent-controlled apartment, but a noisy neighbor made it impossible for her to work at home. When she finally decided to move, she looked at 60 apartments before finding this loft on the corner of 31st Street and Broadway, with its open living area and kitchen, and upstairs bedroom, bathroom and studio. Although the rent is three times that of her old home, the expense paid off. From the day she moved in the phone hasn't stopped ringing.

Parker has made her apartment a showcase for her designs. Against walls of original brick (the building is a converted Victorian-era hotel), her prints make a delightful counterpoint. Furnishings scoured from the local flea market are covered with her florals and walls are hung with her exuberant abstracts. Upstairs the bedroom is decorated with linen from bedding collections she has designed.

The rest of New York seems to be switching on to Parker's vision of the decorated home. Her fabrics can be found at Barney's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and hip stores such as Anthropologie. Indeed, chances are that on most nights Manhattan's most fashionable people will be tucking themselves into bed with one of Kim Parker's charming prints.

 
Alex Black
   
46 Vogue Apartment Living No.1 2001
Photography: Bradd Nicholls