7 Questions with Rosemary Hallgarten

1. How did you get started in design?

I was surrounded by artisanal influences throughout my life. As a young girl, my mum was involved in the London craft scene and introduced me to the vibrance and modern influence of the artists of that time.

I started making jewelry, but after some time, I desired to work in a softer and more tactile material. My mum shared with me her story of working as a rug designer in Italy, partnering with renowned architects and artists Milton Avery, Theodoros Stamos, Hans Mueller, Gio Ponti, and Anni Albers to interpret their paintings as floor coverings.

While I was searching for an artistic direction and learning of the generational stories, I was working and traveling as a consultant in marketing for Pepsi. One trip took me to Peru, and it changed everything. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt this overwhelming sense of place and purpose. While there, I discovered the beauty and the possibilities of the alpaca fiber and learned of the rich history going back to Inca times and truly felt a connection to both.

2. How does your background/experiences influence your brand/line/showroom?

With an appreciation for craftsmanship and modern art engrained in my upbringing, blended with my mum’s collaboration with women weavers in her studio, I always feel a passion to continue to be true to that story. My mission has always been to harness the beauty of the fibers, the craft, and the skills of artisans in different countries and applying them to modern colors, textures, and designs.

3. What stands out about your brand/line/showroom?

Authenticity, purpose, and passion are the keystones of our company. Embedded in every aspect of what we do, these principles manifest when you step into our showroom, explore a collection, or engage with our products. Our mission is to bring the experience of texture and a feeling of luxurious comfort to our designers and clients.

4. What is your favorite product that you sell (or have sold)?

I love all my products but if I have to pick one, it would be ombre drapery, which is a longstanding favorite that has turned into a classic. I love that you can have so much fun with the colors and textures. It’s so versatile. It cascades so beautifully for drapery but is also a statement on furniture and headboards.

5. What is your favorite part about your job?

When I come up with an idea and I see the first few samples and I know it’s going to work.

6. Looking ahead, what most excites you about the future of your brand/line/showroom?

I am very excited about further growth in the near future. I am also very inspired with the expansion of my showroom and want to continue to grow it as a luxurious and comfortable environment for people to come from NY and all over the county and internationally.

We have really worked to make the showroom a place where designers want to come and experience our product and to feel comfortable bringing us their plans. I think of it as a designer’s playground. A place for collaboration and inspiration.

Working with clients on their custom projects is also very fulfilling for me.

7. What woman has most influenced you either in your career or personally?

Always my mum.