Following several successful years curating a boutique textile line, Lolita Garcia Textiles is ready to release its inaugural wallpaper collection. Featuring three graphic patterns, Vista is a natural progression and tie-in with the brand’s textile collection.
Founder and Creative Director, Lolita Garcia, joins us this week to discuss the design process.
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start developing this new collection?
Lolita Garcia: I began developing this new collection approximately two years ago. My visit to Europe last year provided additional inspiration that I’ve incorporated into these new pieces.
RPS: What was the overall timeline from conception to final design?
LG: Given that this is my first wallpaper collection, I deliberately took my time over these past two years to design unique patterns that could also seamlessly translate into fabric.
RPS: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
LG: This collection is a continuation of my textile collection, The Beach, drawing inspiration from European architectural windows, motifs, and natural elements found in the original textile line. My design ideas primarily stem from my travels, and my color palettes are often inspired by nature.
RPS: Describe your overall creative and design process.
LG: Having been a working designer for many years, I’ve always sought unique designs that seamlessly complement other patterns. My design process typically starts with a burst of inspiration from my travels, as I’m constantly observing my surroundings and sketching what truly catches my eye.
I also actively consider the needs of the marketplace by listening to what designers are looking for and identifying effective colorways.
RPS: Did you have a specific audience or theme in mind?
LG: When designing, I always envision the inhabitants of a space and how they live in it. I strive to offer diverse colorways that designers can easily pair across patterns for their projects. A sales representative once described a collection he represented as “affordable luxury,” a concept that resonated deeply with me. This is why I selected specific grounds and printing methods to achieve an affordable luxury feel for this collection.
RPS: What methods, tools, and materials did you use to develop and prototype this design?
LG: My design process typically begins with a traditional sketch in the same brand of sketching pad I’ve used since university. These initial concepts are then translated into Adobe Illustrator, where I meticulously refine the repeats, adjust sizes, and develop various colorways. Additionally, I curate extensive mood boards on Pinterest, which are filled with diverse design styles and an endless array of inspirational imagery.
RPS: Did you use any new techniques or technologies to conceptualize or create this product?
LG: One particular pattern, Lu, presented a challenge. I was determined to achieve a half-drop repeat but struggled to achieve the final version. Fortunately, I received invaluable assistance from a talented designer, Emily, who was introduced to me by a mutual colleague. I learned a great deal from her on how to successfully create this pattern.
RPS: Were there any challenges that influenced or changed the final design?
LG: The original ground material I selected became unavailable. Due to time constraints and the looming launch deadline, I had to trust my printer with a new ground without seeing a sample first. This experience underscored the importance of having a reliable and trusting printing partner.
RPS: Describe your brand’s overall DNA and ethos.
LG: My lifelong experience with various allergies has led me to prioritize sustainable practices, such as carefully selecting grounds and printing inks, in my work. My brand has been described by several designers as a perfect mix of beautiful, modern, and playful, all within classic palettes. I believe this interpretation accurately captures the essence of my brand.
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