How a Social Media Follow Grew Into an IRL Fabric Collaboration Between Two Design Legends
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It started as so many collaborations do these days—with an Instagram follow. Interior designer Kerry Joyce was drawn to the artistic collages posted by @gustthepoodle: natural elements like hand-pressed leaves layered over bits of cork and rocks. After doing some homework, he discovered that they were by none other than Marian McEvoy,
former editor in chief of ELLE DECOR and House Beautiful and a former editor of Women’s Wear Daily and W. A visit to her home and studio in Wappingers Falls, New York, ensued.
“I am always drawn to people with undeterred creative energy, and when I first saw Marian’s designs, I knew they should be turned into fabric,” says Joyce. He and McEvoy decided to translate five of her black-and-white botanical watercolors onto printed linen in 10 colorways. Dotted leaves, whimsical vines, and striped florals abound throughout the collection, all borne of McEvoy’s vivid imagination.
“I spent a lot of time in the studio with couturiers like Yves Saint Laurent, who taught me about color, style, and quality,” says McEvoy, attributing her talent to her experiences as an editor, particularly her 17 years in Paris. “Now that I’m 73, I can put some of it to use in my own creative practice. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much interest in my work as I do now, which is very gratifying.”
A second collection with Joyce is already on deck for 2022. “It’s a wonderful thing when somebody sees your work, appreciates it, and puts words into action.”
This story originally appeared in the September 2021 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE
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