That she has so attuned an eye for statement pattern and fabrics is, perhaps, testament to her earlier career as a fashion editor at Condé Nast. That all changed when she moved to America with her husband and children, leaving behind the world of glossy magazines. Yet the move left a creative hole that needed to be plugged, an effort she concertedly made by taking up painting at Delaware Art Museum. And once she’d reached for the brushes, she didn’t look back, going on to get an MA in fine art, before starting her business in 2015. She is now based in the UK, having returned via a dreamy stint in Florence where, undoubtedly, the colour, onus on presentation, textures and patinas all inspired her work. All of her interior products are based on original paintings and Susi divides her time between her studio in Newcastle and her work as chairman of the Colour Collective UK.
Here she shares how Netflix has transported her to Paris during lockdown; the collaborations she’s worked on via Instagram; and how David Bailey’s latest book whisked her back down a fashion-focused memory lane.
My favourite website...
Parvum Opus for their fabulous marbled objets. And Olivia Morris At Home.
for her wonderful old school slippers which remind me of my mother!
My favourite app...
It has to be Instagram – a visual treat and great way to network.
My favourite blog...
That’s Not My Age by Alyson Walsh.
My favourite podcast...
Table Manners with Jessie Ware.
My most recent buy online...
A filing cabinet.
Last book you downloaded or read...
Look Again by David Bailey – as an ex-fashion editor for Condé Nast, I found it interesting reading all about the evolution of fashion photography and modelling over the last 50 years through his memories.
Favourite Instagrammer...
I have so many favourite instagram accounts and I find I am discovering talent daily. I particularly like @sophiebloomfield; @lindaboronkay; @anjamiemiphotography; @rachelchudley; @fashiontextilegallery; @beauvamp; and @charlestontrust.
Favourite tech gadget...
I am not a high-tech sort of girl, but I do find my iPhone so easy to use and enjoy using it for taking photographs now rather than my camera.
The most useful gadget/item on your desk...
My tape measure.
Most useful digital resource during lockdown...
My Shopify website has been easy to use in the backend to create email marketing and blogs, which I have taught myself during lockdown. I also wouldn’t be without Quickbooks for easy accounting.
Most inspirational digital resource during lockdown...
It’s been useful seeing all the designers featured @thelistbyhouseandgarden to get inspiration for room styling and to discover new interior designers.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
BBC Weather, Instagram and Times Online.
Last thing you binge-watched...
I have to say that discovering Netflix and Amazon Prime has helped pass the time during lockdown and the last thing I binge-watched was Call My Agent – I love being transported to Paris where my daughter lives, and also watching a programme in French just to hear that beautiful language again.
Favourite brands have you discovered online...
I have discovered Trove by Studio Duggan, Birdie Fortescue and also the wonderful edit at Collagerie.
Social media allowed me to meet...
I have met so many wonderful people on Instagram, including SJ Axelby and her wonderful illustrations (we did a collaboration early on); Beauvamp fringed lighting (another collaboration); Sarah Parmenter at Reloved Mcr for her decoupage furniture; and Laura La Gambina at Lauras Humble Abode for her amazing digital collages.
The best digital advice I've been given...
It was suggested that my Instagram was too unfocused and that I should be clear with what my brand represents and try not to merge private and personal quite so much!
My screensaver is...
A close-up of one of my marbled papers. You can get lost in the pattern and swirls of the paint floating on water.
My standout online memory...
I remember being interviewed live online and then not being able to work out how to connect and the interviewer having to fill in time saying I would be there soon and obviously getting concerned. I showed up soon afterwards and we had a laugh about it.
My pet online hate is...
Angry political statements and abuse to other human beings.
Do you have any online rules or resolutions?
I don’t have the mobile in my bedroom anymore – or any devices to encourage reading instead and peaceful contemplation!
The Internet. On balance, a force for good or ill?
On balance, I think it is a good thing and can be very creative, but the problem is that it is very addictive!
By Nancy Alsop
May 2021
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