Today I have another exciting designer taking time to answer questions in my series 'One to Watch'. It's non other than the talented and lovely interior & product designer, Lee Broom. I have always been a fan of his work, he is so versatile and oozes coolness.
Lee recently had a double win at the British Design Awards in association with Elle Decoration as 'Best British Design' for the Carpetry Sideboard and 'Best new Interior' for the West London bar Coquine. Here he answers a few questions.
When did you realise you had a passion for design?
I have always drawn as a child and had a massive interest in design as far back as I can remember although it became very clear when I was 17 years old. I was at theatre school at the time so had planned on becoming an actor but by chance I entered a fashion design competition which was judged by Vivienne Westwood. I won the competition and at the event asked Vivienne for her autograph and wrote her phone number instead and asked me if I wanted to spend a couple of days at her studio to see how things worked. Those two days were incredible, I sat with her in her office as she talked about her design, pattern cutting and life in general. After showing her my portfolio of outfits I had designed over the year, she said she would be happy to have me work there as an intern for as long as I wished. I ended up staying there for 7 months and was then taken to Paris to dress the models for her show. The model I was allocated at the show was Kate Moss. It was a huge learning experience and I felt it would be wrong for me not to pursue a career in design after such an experience.
Where do you inspirations come from?
Everywhere really, not one particular place or thing. I tend to get obsessed with something, for instance when I designed my Heritage Boy collection I was obsessed with Persian rug design so had to do something with it to get it out of my system. Once a product is completed and released I am ready to move onto something new immediately. I do love to visit art galleries however and I like to soak up the city. Its not hard to get inspired in London.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably winning Best Product and Best Interior in the ELLE Decoration British Design Awards 2010. To even be nominated is such an honour but to win twice was a complete surprise. ELLE Decoration is a very important publication and one I hold in high regard so I was thrilled.
What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time?
I have been involved in many different industries such as theatre, fashion, interiors and products so I feel it would be a shame to only continue with products and Interiors for the rest of my career. Im not suggesting an entire career change but I would love to be involved with some other areas of design. One of my big ambitions is to design and stage and entire pop concert as I think it would combine all elements of my past.
What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most?
I tend to be inspired by fashion quite a lot. I read a lot of fashion magazines so if I were to pick out a design hero it would probably be a fashion designer such as Martin Margiela or the late Alexander Mc Queen. I loved his clothes and particularly the staging of his shows, they were amazing and very inspiring.
In five words how would you describe yourself ?
Polite, dedicated, selfish, funny, perfectionist
What 5 things couldn't you live with out?
Laptop, phone, moisturizer, sketch pad and my partner Charlie
Thanks Lee for taking time out in your very busy schedule I truly appreciate it! Look forward to your future projects which will be grand, whatever you do :)
