I am delighted to announce that I am the official blogger for Pulse 2012. As part of my ‘official duties'(!), I will bringing you a series of posts about new designers from Pulse’s Launchpad section, the first of which is an interview with the lovely Zeena Shah.
What’s the most important thing to know about you?
I am obsessed with all things print and pattern!
Your work has a really positive, charming feel to it – what inspires you?
Everything inspires me from a leaf I find on the way into work or my collections of vintage objects and patterns.
Your products all seem to have names from “a giant owl called steve” to “a tote bag called trevor” – where did that idea come from?
I have always given things names, I love to because that way they become part of the family and not just another cushion!
What’s the best part of your job?
Being able to design what I love!
Which is your favourite product?
My favourite product is my Audrey Apple a Day cushion, I like that they are a pair and you can be a green or a red apple!
What advice would you give to an aspiring textiles designer?
Don’t give up, work hard and stay true to yourself.
What are you most proud of?
Illustrating a book cover and being featured in a number of publications this year have been really exciting!
What’s next?
We have got lots of exciting things planned this year, first off we have designed a new range of products to launch at Pulse, a pop-up shop and some limited edition treats.
Desert island design; which three things could you not live without?
My lovely Rifle paper company journal.
My vintage welsh blanket cushion from Monkstone Knitwear.
My mint green Roberts radio.
What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting as part of Launch Pad at Pulse?
I am so excited to be back at Pulse, I can’t wait to meet some great buyers and show off our new products.
Finally, what’s your favourite colour?!
Bright Pink!
Zeena will be on stand LP79 at Pulse 2012 at London’s Earl’s Court from Sunday 10th – Tuesday 12th June 2012. Pulse is a design trade show focusing on five key areas: home, gifts, fashion accessories, wellbeing and Launchpad. I’ll have a stand in the Launchpad section selling my book, so make sure you come and find me too if you’re going to be there.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- interview :: lee broom
- interview :: andrea morgante
- interview :: kirstie allsopp
- interview :: karim mekhtigian
