Women in Deisgn

Behind the Brand with Rosemary Hallgarten

As the founder of her eponymous textile brand, Rosemary Hallgarten has created a gathering space for creativity and a playground for designers. A showroom curated to be an inspiring and welcoming space for all designers to brainstorm projects and collaborate on custom pieces while indulging in the experience of texture.

As a second-generation craftsperson and the daughter of renowned rug artist Gloria Finn, Rosemary has created a brand that celebrates the rich tactile sensuality of her materials. It is her relationship with and passion for the materials that inspire her collections, which in turn has made her a renowned source for custom luxury textiles. Rosemary has pioneered bringing alpaca rugs and fabrics to the US, and she has developed and created alpaca textiles with her artisans in Peru for over 15 years. Her collection of rugs, fabrics, and accessories reflects her varied inspirations, from ancient and modern textiles to art, furniture, and fashion. Committed to sustainability and supporting indigenous artisans in places like Peru, Brazil, and Nepal, her work blends modern and ancient influences, creating beautiful, hand-made products that honor family legacies and craft traditions.

Visit the Rosemary Hallgarten flagship showroom in Suite 409 at the New York Design Center.

1. Tell us briefly about you and your job as it pertains to the design industry?

I’m the founder and Chief Creative Officer of my textile design studio, Rosemary Hallgarten. I create luxury rugs, fabrics, and accessories that celebrate tactile materials and timeless craft. My work blends ancient artisan techniques with modern design sensibility, and we collaborate with artisans in places like Peru, Brazil, and Nepal to bring those ideas to life.

2. What made you fall in love with design?

Design started early for me. I grew up around craft and handmade textiles, and I was initially drawn to jewelry design. My mother, a rug artist, introduced me to rug making, and once I began working with wool, it felt instinctive. I was drawn to the materiality of it – how texture, weight, and construction could shape a space in a way that felt both visual and physical.

3. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of editing. Early on, I felt pressure to offer as many options as possible. Over time, I realized that what designers really need is clarity – a focused, well-considered selection that supports their work. Being disciplined about what we put forward has become central to how we operate.

4. What woman in the design industry (past or present) do you admire most and why?

I’ve always admired Sheila Hicks. The way she works with fiber – treating it as both art and structure – is incredibly compelling. She isn’t confined by traditional ideas of scale or function, and that freedom in her approach is something I respect. It’s a reminder that textiles can be far more than surface – they can shape space and meaning.

5. How do you define success for yourself now vs. when you first started?

When I first started, success meant establishing my voice and proving that my work had a place in the market. Over time, that definition has shifted. Now it’s less about recognition and more about responsibility – supporting the artisans we work with, preserving traditional techniques, and creating pieces that have depth and longevity. Success today feels more connected to sustaining craft and building something that lasts.

6. How have you seen the industry change for women over the years?

Over the years, I’ve seen more women move into leadership roles and build their own design businesses. There’s greater visibility now, and more support for women as founders and creative directors than there was when I began. That change has made a real difference. When more perspectives are represented at the top, the work becomes richer and the industry feels more balanced.

7. Can you share a moment or project that made you feel particularly empowered as a woman in design?

Opening our flagship showroom at the New York Design Center was an important moment for me. It wasn’t just about having a space – it was about creating a place where designers could experience the work firsthand. Seeing people engage with the textures and materials in person reinforced my belief that textiles and craftsmanship deserve a central role in how we think about interiors.

8. How do you stay inspired and push the boundaries of your own work?

I stay inspired by what’s around me – travel, art, architecture, and especially materials. Often an idea starts with something simple: a color combination, a texture I’ve come across, or even a memory of a place. From there, I work closely with our mills and artisans to develop it into something tangible. I keep a personal archive of fibers, swatches, and references that I return to often. Sometimes ideas sit for years before they fully come together – and that slow refinement is an important part of the process.

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Behind the Brand with Rosemary Hallgarten

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