Women in Design
Behind the Brand Interlude Home with Wendy King Philips
Few understand the intersection of fashion and design more intimately than Wendy King Philips of the 200 Lex showroom, Interlude Home. Her career began in fashion publishing at WWD and W Magazine, where she developed a keen eye for balancing trends with timelessness. This foundation made her transition into the design world as creative director of Interlude Home a natural evolution.
Together with her husband, she has transformed an accessories company into a contemporary furniture brand that has followed the same mantra for 15 years: Fashion-Inspired Living. Through shapely silhouettes, tactile materials and stylish collaborations that make a statement in their showroom at 200 Lex (Suite 608), they ensure every piece is runway-ready.
Tell us briefly about yourself and your job as it pertains to the design industry?
As the Creative Director of Interlude Home, being true to my aesthetic, yet acknowledging and translating trends, is one of my greatest challenges. My obsession with textured neutrals has kept me on-point, yet staying current is part of the job. Lately, I’m so focused on embroidery and how we can use extraordinary embroidered fabrics on our COM upholstery. And, I’m pushing the embroidery envelope with saturated, jewel tones. Talk about a statement.
What made you fall in love with design?
I have been rearranging rooms since I was young. I had twin beds, a dresser, and one nightstand in my bedroom growing up, and I changed the space on the regular! My parents never knew what to expect when they entered my private sanctum. And, I spent 13 years at WWD and W Magazine so I was immersed in fashion 24/7. It’s in my blood.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Hire people better and smarter, it makes you shine. Take a minute to reflect before you answer. Trust your gut. Be honest.
What woman in the design industry (past or present) do you admire most and why?
Mrs. Miuccia Prada, talk about staying power, talent, and grace. She defines staying true to herself and constantly reinventing the wheel. Never get rid of anything Prada, it’s timeless. Alexandra Champalimaud her taste level is next level, and her projects are spot-on, every time. Just gorgeous. I see her often in the country, and she’s a special lady. Julie Hillman, she’s beyond lovely and oh so talented. Each project has her fingerprint yet individual.
How do you define success for yourself now vs. when you first started?
Great question, especially given my propensity for imposter syndrome. I’m much more confident and take greater risks now. Seeing designs sell, and sell for years to become classics, is probably the most easily measured metric. But, overall, I’ve overcome (almost) a lot of the angst I had years ago, however that comes with age too.
How have you seen the industry change for women over the years? For example, are you finding that there are more women-owned businesses, designed products, etc today vs. in the past?
Honestly, I can’t wait until that isn’t a question anymore, so that’s pretty much the answer. But, yes it’s evolving and going in the right direction for sure. Social media has given people a platform they can control, so I think more women are front and center and piloting their own destinies. Now, women can own or lead a business and not be shoved in the background. So, the bottom line is we’re seeing more women out there.
Can you share a moment or project that made you feel particularly empowered as a woman in design?
I just laughed out loud. The truth is, when Carl (my husband, business partner, and CEO) actually listens to me. That took years…. Seriously though, it’s when I identify trends and translate them into designs that really, really resonate. It’s immensely satisfying. And, when people say, YOU own Interlude Home, that takes the cake.
How do you stay inspired and push the boundaries of your own work?
Take risks. Keep my eyes open. Travel often. Listen to my gut.
