Robin Baron, of Robin Baron Design, joins us to discuss the design process in creating the Ovalique Hardware Collection for Hamilton Sinkler.
Raymond Paul Schneider: When did you first start to develop this new collection?
Robin Baron: The initial conversations started with Hamilton Sinkler before the pandemic in Fall 2019. First meeting HS at a trade event, I have always admired their work and luxury designs, which led to us connecting after the event at their New York offices. It was at this meeting that we decided to start the collaboration with a licensed collection.
Raymond: What was the overall timeline from conception to achieving the final design?
Robin: Two years, from design to debut, was all it took to bring my sleek & chic designs to market. I am so impressed that we were able to design, develop and finish production in such a short time! Even with COVID complications, we only experienced a short interruption in our official debut. Attributing our successful collaboration to working directly with Hamilton Sinkler’s COO, Rob Suri and his exceptional marketing and product development teams. This entire process is a testament to why Hamilton Sinkler is celebrating their 20th year in business and how they continue to lead the luxury hardware industry in design and innovation.
Raymond: What was your initial inspiration, and where did the idea(s) come from?
Robin: I have always loved hardware, I feel that it’s the jewelry that dresses the room and helps to punctuate the overall design. Designers across the country know me for my Robin Baron Signature Hardware Collection.,which I first launched in the 2018 luxury market. I wanted to expand my audience with new designs that I created and am thrilled with adding Door Hardware in this new collection.
Due to COVID complications, Hamilton Sinkler selected one of my collections, to launch as a capsule collection, with designs that reflect clean lines, sleek and modern shapes in seven distinctive finishes, called The Ovalique Collection.
Raymond: Please describe your overall creative and design process.
Robin: “I never know where and when inspiration will strike.” Sometimes I find inspiration in the middle of night, or when a design comes to me so I always keep a sketch pad and take notes on my phone.
Raymond: Did you have a specific audience or theme that you had in mind?
Robin: The Ovalique Collection I licensed for Hamilton Sinkler is really for anyone – with a fashion-forward mindset, whether they are a designer or consumer. They just have to embrace making a bold statement with sophisticated hardware. With Hardware Designs for Cabinets and Door Hardware, Door Levers and Knobs, Cabinets and Appliance Pulls all in seven distinctive finishes – there is literally something for every space or project. Finishes include: Satin Brass, Burnished Brass, Antique Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel and Matte Black. All ready to ship and in stock for Door, Cabinet and Furniture applications.
Raymond: Please describe the methods, tools, and materials you used to develop and prototype this design?
Robin: From my original sketches, they put into CAD, and then Hamilton Sinkler’s product development team had them 3D rendered so that we could fine-tune each design before prototypes were created.
Raymond: Describe your overall brand DNA and Ethos
Robin: Starting out as a Fashion Designer makes me see things through a fashion lens, and my designs are bold and beautiful and inspire a sense of positivity.
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