We support the first digital project of our colleagues from L&#39;OFFICIEL Ukraine, who have now published their first digital cover story since the beginning of the war on their country. It&#39;s the start of the #StandWithUkraine series. Cover model Kelly Wearstler, who is a successful and well-known interior designer, talks about her design career and shows the favorite creations of Ukrainian fashion designers.

Dress by Anna October, earrings by Lake Studio

To what extent does decorating depend on education? Or is it more about talent? Is it possible to style a taste for beauty? I believe design is all about finding your own voice. This can seem daunting at first, but it is a constant journey - continuously carved and reshaped as you explore new people, places, narratives, design eras, the list goes on. I always say don&#39;t be afraid to take risks, sometimes the most beautiful decor comes from the most unexpected pairings. We now all have access to such a wide range of voices and ideas, but we still see the world through our own unique lens, and interpret these various sources of inspiration differently. If you take the time to meaningfully absorb your surroundings, you will be able to carve out your unique taste and voice. What is the priority: the designer sets the trend or implements the trends in projects? How are trends in interiors formed ? I don&#39;t tend to be led by trends, but I do pull inspiration from a variety of sources - from photography, art, architecture, fashion, and nature, the list goes on. I find the most interesting projects are the ones that take risks - experimenting with different hues, patterns, textures and design eras.

In what environment did you grow up? What influenced the choice of profession and vocation? I&#39;ve always been drawn to the arts; my mother was a creative with a keen sense of fashion and design. She was always taking me to art fairs and vintage shops, educating my eye from a young age. She also collected tons of fashion magazines which sparked my interest in graphic design and love of the arts. How do you feel about responsible consumption? I have an opinion that the more expensive items and the smaller its circulation, the less harm it does to the environment. I always try to make mindful and meaningful purchases - to me, responsible consumption is about cherishing a piece and using it to its full potential. Buying vintage designs is a great way to shop responsibly. I always infuse a mélange of vintage pieces with contemporary works into my projects - I love to &#39;rescue&#39; and renew existing silhouettes and materials, I think their rich history offers a soulful sensibility to a space. Another great way to shop responsibly is by supporting local artists and makers. I love discovering emerging artists by exploring local galleries and vendors, or visiting studios directly. It&#39;s so great to support the local creative community; and buying furniture from local talent brings a truly authentic feel to a project. &nbsp;

What were you guided by when creating your line of furniture and interior items? Design is all about storytelling; every piece and space has a unique and inspired narrative to tell. I am guided by a curiosity regarding materiality, colour, and form - I am always seeking unexpected pairings of contemporary and vintage, architectural and organic, graphic and industrial. I want to create something unexpected and outside the norm of traditional design guidelines. For my latest collection, which launched this Spring Summer, I was largely inspired by 1970s designs. In particular, I leaned into the low profiles often seen within mid-century modern Japanese designs, whilst adding a modern twist with subtle design details such as spherical oak feet. Meanwhile, I turned to the curvaceous silhouettes prominent in French and Italian 1970s furniture, and created designs in a range of juxtaposing soft and solid textures. This led me to shape a new family of designs, my Morro collection.

What assessment of the work is most important to you: internal or external? Who is your main censor? With every project - be it residential or commercial - I look to stay true to the design vision created together with my client. The key objective I keep in mind is to create a space that offers comfort and practicality without compromising on design, style, and personality. If you had two lives, what would you spend the second one on? If I could start everything from the beginning, I would choose the same life as a designer – I truly am living my dream! What interiors or objects have amazed you during your life? I love discovering emerging and local artists. I&#39;ve collaborated with such a diverse range of talented creatives for my interior projects, which was the impetus for my online gallery featuring special commissions by emerging artists and designers as well as unique finds sourced globally. Is there a dream object that you would like to decorate? With virtual design more accessible, I plan to continue pushing the envelope of design and explore creativity beyond the confines of the physical world. I have previously conceptualized a virtual garage for the electric Hummer EV and an ultramodern kitchen concept for JennAir. I&#39;d love to explore the metaverse further and create futuristic environments. The possibilities are endless.

Let&#39;s talk about the rotation of things in the house. Not everyone lives their whole life in the same interior. And again, about conscious consumption and the second life of old things: how to deal with what you no longer need? Perhaps to give to those who have lost everything? In addition to other sustainability-focused organizations, I donate vintage furniture I&#39;ve curated over the years to a Sense of Home, an incredible organization that strives to prevent homelessness by designing first-ever homes with donated furniture for youth aging out of foster care . You decorated hotels a lot. How to make life beautiful in temporary housing or with frequent moves? Two summers ago, I transformed a 1950s beachfront cottage in Southern California into a cozy retreat for my family. To achieve a multi-layered sensory experience, I infused the interiors with an amalgam of natural materials, tactile textures and organic details through a juxtaposition of vintage and contemporary designs that echo the local surroundings. I also partnered with local nursery Inner Gardens to transform the dining room into a plant-filled solarium and incorporated works by emerging local talents to bring a fresh eclecticism into the house. Personal emotions and upheavals affect the creative process. How to replenish resources for creativity? How to concentrate in conditions of great stress? On a typical day, I work out the first thing in the morning and again in the afternoon. When things get really busy, it helps keep me focused and stress free for the busy day ahead.

Model: Kelly Wearstler
Photography: Yana Yatsuk
Project curator and fashion director: Olga Yanul
Hair: Leland Ferrel
Makeup: Sasha Borax
Production: OTM Creative; Diana Melnikova
Custom backdrop: Schmidli backdrops
Photographer assistance: Alyson Aliano, Wells Brown

Kelly Wearstler in the original interview with L'OFFICIEL Ukraine

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