Interview with Designer Malene B

Remember the fabulous Malene B from this years ICFF show?  Malene is an extremely talented rug designer and her designs whisk me away to exotic cultures all over the globe!  I've been a big fan of Malene's unique point-of-view for some time now, so when she allowed me the honor to interview her for this blog post, you can imagine I was all ears!!!  Feast your eyes on her amazing inspirations come to rug form...

I like to ask designers questions that relate to their artistic point-of-view and background, as well as some 'off the cuff' questions that give us a better idea of who they are as people, what ticks their tock and makes them leap for joy.  So without further ado, I present the fabulous insights of Malene B...

1)  Is there something you can share about your childhood, perhaps a memory or hobby, that is reflected in your career today?

My mother and I had a cake decorating business. She taught me how to make the cake and frost it.  I would draw all of the characters. This was my introduction into using my art skills to make a product for sale. Then later on I hand painted t-shirts, developed a hand screen printed line of t-shirts and made clothes that I sold each summer during my college years. 

2)  As an independent designer, how did you discover your calling to the rug industry? 

It was as a result of my textile program at FIT. I won first place for the coveted Stark Carpet Design Award for my carpet design based on an African folktale and then later on I completed an independent study in carpet design for the Carnival Cruise Ship.  My experience at Nourison help to nurture and develop my skills.  And Malene b, gives me the outlet to showcase my work. 

3)  How would you describe your unique style?

My style is global, modern and bold! I like to mix traditional techniques/icons with contemporary design elements.

4)  It appears that your inspiration comes from so many fantastic sources - your travels, the people in your life, textures in your memories... but how would you describe your state of mind when you receive many of these inspirations?

Pretty hyped and excited! Once I’m inspired I usually want to get on a plane to go and visit the places that I just researched.   

5)  What designers or artists, past or present, do you most admire and why?

Lois Mailou Jones . She was a fine arts painter and textile designer; her style was bold and colorful.  Her work inspired me to create bold colorful pieces with stories.  

6)  What are some of your interests outside of the design world?

West African Dance, traveling of course and cooking.

7)  Who is your celebrity crush?


Djimon Hounsou, Darius Rucker and Idris Elba!  I gotta have more than one!

8)  What is your favorite type of food?

There are too many to choose Jamaican, Trinidadian, Indian, Thai, Senegalese, Ghanaian, Mediterranean…I just love good food from many parts of the world  

9)  Do you have any current favorite TV shows?  Favorite books?

Currently I don’t watch TV but when I did I loved watching Millionaire Matchmaker, Housewives series, The Game and Girlfriends.

10)  What is your favorite holiday to celebrate?

My Birthday!  I act as if it’s a holiday.

11)  Do you have any funny pet peeves? 

Hmmm good question, not sure if this is funny but I’m not a fan of area rugs on wall to wall carpet.

12)  What human characteristic or virtue do you most admire in others?

Humor,if we can laugh together it only makes our relationship smoother.

...............................

Thank you so much Malene for inspiring us with your amazing design perspective and sharing the simple joys of life (yes, I too can't get enough of Millionaire Matchmaker!  and seriously, Djimon Hounsou... total hunk).  

To check out much more of Malene B's stunning and inspired collections, check out her website, right HERE.