Chez Peachy Exclusive Interview with Julia Knight! Julia Chats with Peachy Deegan about Style...
Born in Chicago, raised in New York, schooled in Providence and Paris, nourished by her global travels, Julia Knight was born to make things happen. It just took a while to find her muse. Whom You Know has previously recommended Julia Knight:
First she spent countless hours behind the cosmetic counter at Bloomingdale’s, then marketing stints at Revlon and Estee Lauder International (where she, at least, got to travel a lot to Paris and Italy), then executive positions at salon product companies in Minneapolis, then the remarkable launch of an industry-changing frozen baby food company, Growing Healthy, then a side trip to raise her kids, and finally (drum roll, please), a fateful road trip from Minneapolis to Minturn, Colorado which lead, ultimately, to discovering a cowhide covered drink holders that resulted in these fateful, and now infamous, words: “I think I can make that.”
Originally founded under the brand name Stampede in 2001, Julia proved that she could, in fact, “make that” by designing and manufacturing western and southwestern influenced housewares. Then the ‘eureka’ moment, Julia discovered the possibilities of color-embossed leathers and the company morphed from cowhides to fun entertaining gifts in brilliant colors that captured the imaginations of buyers and consumers alike (her Perfectly Pink leather-covered cocktail shaker was included in the 2005 Academy Awards celebrity goodie bag).
It was the colors that captivated Julia, too, but she was driven to design serveware and entertaining accessories –her real passion. Her search led her to India, to aluminum and to a rarely used process of fusing colored enamels to the aluminum.
Stampede became Julia Knight, Inc. in 2005. Leather disappeared from the line and in its place were the most inspired beautiful, original, colorful designs the tableware industry had seen in years.
And the company took off. So much so, that today, just a few short years since it was re-launched, Julia is considered by many as one of the hottest designers in tabletop and serveware today.
Based in Minneapolis, Julia Knight now designs and markets serveware, entertaining accessories and gifts hand-crafted by artisans in India (featuring signature enamel and mother-of-pearl finishes), and glassware -- hand-blown in Italy -- featuring an explosion of brilliant colors and silver particles.
Knight’s inspired designs have become coveted, copied and collected. Her company, as a result, has grown significantly. The Julia Knight Collection is now sold in more than 500 specialty stores nationwide, including selected Saks and Bloomingdale’s stores, and has been featured on TV and national magazines.
When not on the road at store signing events or design shows, Julia can be found in Minneapolis with her husband and their two teenage children. Or in Minturn, the place where much of this incredible story really began and where, if one looked, there still might be a leather and hide covered tissue box. Peachy Deegan interviewed Julia Knight for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What are the hottest holiday trends this year in home decor?
Julia Knight: Color, Color, Color –oh and texture too!
What do you think will be popular in 2011 in this regard?
A sea of shimmering neutrals with a pop of color as a dramatic accent.
We love your barware what will you be doing next in this realm?
Barware is forever! As a longtime martini drinker (gin of course), I am planning a limited edition collection with jewels!
Since you worked in beauty, what are your favorite products and why?
Estee Lauder. That’s where I started my career and I’ve worked in the R&D facility. They can afford the good stuff.
[Peachy: Julia, we hope you saw Evelyn as a Mover and Shaker:
Do you watch hockey in Minnesota?
We love hockey.
brrrr! Too cold. I’m a soccer mom.What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
One of my dreams, of creating dinnerware is close to coming true. I’d like to do a “Five Minutes to Fabulous” TV series on easy entertaining.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
With my NY friends. I’m from NY originally and need my fix on a regular basis. Second favorite place to be is window shopping.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
I love the GrownBeans atelier for truly original shearling and fur creations. An easy purchase to justify multiples of since I live in Minnesota. (www.grownbeans.com)
What is your favorite drink?
Bombay Sapphire Gibson straight up –very cold.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
It changes every time I got out in NYC. My latest favorite is Fishtail by David Burke.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I put as much energy as I can into being truly present as a mom. My kids are my greatest gift. Also, I donate time and expertise to other female entrepreneurs who are trying to grow their businesses.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Most underrated –New York humor, most overrated New York humor
Other than Chez Peachy of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
I like Product Alert because that is where you review Estee Lauder Products.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I am a snow ski fanatic and have to have a minimum of 30 days on Vail mountain a year. Also, I love to go camping but only if I have rack of lamb on the campfire and a martini on dry ice. And I’m always up for a last minute get-together with friends.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
We love to get emails (juliaknight@juliaknight.net) or comments on our Facebook site (Join Julia Knight on Facebook
