How is fashion related to interior design? What are the trends in textiles and where does the inspiration for it come from? How are today’s contemporary spaces created? Trends, ideas and inspiration are just some of the themes that were explored in this powerhouse speakers’ series featuring London-based textile designer William Yeoward, Fashion Brand Anthropologie’s Merchandise Manager, Aaron Hoey; and New York based contemporary designer Brad Ford.

William Yeoward
Creative Director, William Yeoward , London, UK
Presented by

William Yeoward is one of London’s leading creative influencers. A stylemaker, retailer and designer of truly beautiful products for the home ranging from fabric, crystal and lighting to wallpaper, accessories and furniture, Yeoward’s career as a designer/decorator began 25 years ago with the opening of his now famous shop on London’s Kings Road. Still open today, it has since been joined by a second store on Kings Road as well as a showroom on Madison Avenue in New York. In the early nineties William closed the curtains on his decorating career with a final project for Margaret Thatcher and from that point narrowed his focused on luxury product design, specifically crystal. Born of shared passion for beautiful things, Yeoward and crystal designer Timothy Jenkins, realized William Yeoward Crystal in 1996; within two years the collection grew to include fabrics and wallpapers. William Yeoward Crystal was granted British House and Garden Magazine’s “Best New Product” award (1996). The collection was also granted a Royal Warrant of appointment as supplier of crystal glass to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in 2008. William has published several books to date including his most recent “William Yeoward at Home” (2010), which follows “Perfect Tables” (2006), “William Yeoward on Entertaining” (2008) and “William Yeoward The Perfect host” (2009)

Brad Ford
Principal, Brad Ford ID, New York

“We create environments that complement and suit the lifestyle and personality of the client. Whether the room is formal or casual, traditional or modern, accessibility and comfort are a must.” With his understated yet sophisticated style Brad Ford has developed a modern aesthetic with a warm soul. His interiors showcase signature designs that are understated yet sophisticated, straightforward, elegant and functional. After honing his skills under leading New York designers Thad Hayes and the late Jed Johnson, Brad established his New York-based firm, Brad Ford ID over ten years ago and has since been featured as one of “10 New Designers to Watch” in both New York Spaces Magazine and in New York Magazine. Brad has also been named one of America's Top Young Designer's by House Beautiful and Traditional Home. Most recently he was recognized by The International Furnishings & Design Association as one of the Rising Stars of Interior Design. Also known for his business acumen, Ford is the creator of the popular design blog, DesignTherapy.com, Ford is highly aware of the importance of social media and its place in the design world.

Aaron Hoey
General Merchandise Manager of Home, Anthropologie

North American Fashion retailer, Anthropologie is known not only for its contemporary-boho approach to fashion but also for its sensationally creative window displays and funky folkloric merchandising. This can be credited to Anthropologie’s General Merchandise Manager, Aaron Hoey. Hoey has cultivated the high profile brand’s eclectic identity though collaborations with talented artists from around the globe. Hoey joined Anthropologie in 2007 and since that time, has also concentrated on the development of home products. With emphasis on craft and artisanal work, he provides artisans with the freedom to dictate the creative direction of each piece. Hoey has been a driving force behind the company’s consistent growth and success. Not a new-comer to the world of retail, Aaron had his start with the GAP, where he held a variety of roles including Director of 1969 product development, VP of men’s merchandising and Managing Director of Product RED, the infamous program dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Hoey joins IDS for a talk explaining his approach to the design of Anthropologie shops, products and the visitor’s overall shopping experience.

Anthropologie window display & home department