If you’ve picked up a Papyrus card or a Samuel & Sons trimming, odds are you’re already a fan of the esteemed Lori Weitzner, better known for her line of textiles and wall coverings under the Weitzner brand. After collaborating with major brands like West Elm and being permanently featured in the Smithsonian and Cooper-Hewitt, she is ready to give the world a new side of Weitzner; accessories. Combining her mastery of style and color (which she has written a book on), the New York designer is launching a line of chokers, bracelets, and earrings that borrow from her gorgeous use of texture and textile. This Maker Monday Weitzner tells us about her soft spot for Mrs. Maisel, The Moth, and meditation.These red and gold earrings are wearable art, and sure to be scene stealers wherever they’re worn. Not unlike her world-famous trimmings, Weitzner’s chokers, like this dazzling silver offering, are stunning and chic.
Andrew Joseph – What’s your go-to bed ritual?
Lori Weitzner – Watching an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I am “all go” during the day and then I get home to making dinner and making sure the kids are doing their homework. Finally, at about 10:00 PM I am exhausted but also wired. I also make the mistake of reading the newspaper to catch up. Then I really need a complete break. I get into a hot bath and then into my bed with my Kindle and Mrs. Maisel. I laugh myself to sleep. What could be better?!
Andrew – What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had?
Lori – I got pregnant at 44 with our second child! Sophie! I had a lot of challenges getting pregnant and finally with a lot of medical help-we were able to have our daughter Emma. I never thought I would be so lucky as to have a second child! Especially without medical help. Somehow-on Christmas Day I was feeling very nauseous and couldn’t figure out why. Only in New York City would there be a pharmacy open on this holiday -so we went out and got a pregnancy test. The news was the best gift ever-not to mention a huge shock.
Andrew – What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
Lori – The Moth is my absolute favorite. Personal stories move me like nothing else can! They are intimate, inspirational and profound. I can listen for hours and hours and am moved by the courage and humor from these people from all walks of life but it is not just their stories but also the way they tell them. I am actually working on one to tell in April 2019. I am a very comfortable public speaker but in this case, I am actually nervous. Here -you are so vulnerable. But I think that is what makes it so special.
Andrew – What would you like to be remembered for?
Lori – A color mentor and being kind. Being kind is probably a bit predictable-yet so powerful and should never be underestimated. There is so much that can happen in a positive way -if we take the time to be kind to others. Just a smile or helping hand can make a big difference in someone’s life. And it is the small things that in a way matter most. If we all take time to do these small gestures, we would all be in a better place. And of course, I want to be known as a color mentor! I believe color can be one of the most powerful tools we have if people learn how to find their own colors -ones that will engage the senses and thus-enhance the way we live. I write about this in my book, Ode to Color and expand on it in my color analysis test: http://www.loriweitzner.com/odetocolor/
Andrew – How do you define beauty?
Lori – I decided to tackle one of your hard questions! I believe that anything that enhances and engages all the senses is beautiful. We live in a world now where we have become desensitized to almost everything. It is dangerous and empty and so we need to remind ourselves to awaken and nothing awakens more than beauty. Beauty can be found in anything-a gesture, a design, a poem, a piece of music. As long as it can “move” us-I would call that beautiful.
Andrew – A skill you’re working on mastering?
Lori – Meditation. But it isn’t working because my mind keeps chattering! I have been longing for calm and quiet internally -especially of late. With all the static of things going on in the world, I find the need to tune out-or tune inward. Yet, when I try to meditate, I cannot seem to focus on the breath and keep my mind silent. I have tried many different versions, apps, classes. I have yet to succeed-yet the experts say it is not about success or failure….hmmmm…Weitzner’s Downtown Manhattan workshop has been designing fabric and spreading global glamour for yearsThese two charming chokers prove that tassels and pleated trimmings aren’t just for your mother’s curtains anymore.
About Lori Weitzner | Lori Weitzner, principal and creative director of Lori Weitzner, Design, Inc. is internationally known for her contributions to the world of textiles and wallcoverings under the brand Weitzner. She has translated her signature aesthetic and sophisticated color sense into a globally successful business for more than thirty years. Her collaborations with Samuel & Sons on passementerie and Papyrus on cards and gifts has yielded successful new lines and brands. Lori has broadened her design work to include rug lines with West Elm and is consulting with major brands such as Hunter Douglas and Perennials. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Cooper- Hewitt and Smithsonian Design Museum among others. She is the recipient of more than twenty-five prestigious design awards and lectures frequently on design. Her work is featured regularly in the media, including Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times. Please join Lori on her new adventure, bringing experience from textiles into the accessories world.
About Andrew Joseph | Andrew Joseph’s passion for design and rich journalistic history led to the launch of his boutique PR firm in 2012. Prior to enjoying the successes of Andrew Joseph PR, Andrew honed his editorial skills at Vanity Fair and Allure. This experience, as well as the strong network of contacts developed over the years in public relations, brings a valuable edge to his role as contributing editor. Let the musing begin.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.