ALEXA HAMPTON...........The Language of Interior Design

                                                           Susan Schultz and Alexa
   

Last week our Chicago Merchandise Mart, Hickory Pearson Showroom, hosted Alexa Hampton with a  book signing.  Needless to say, I entered the showroom with 'camera in purse', a smile and a hello to my liaison and showroom manager,  Susan Schultz.  The showroom was full of designers, books in hand, in line to have their books signed by Alexa.  Wonderful hors d' oeuvres covered two hickory tables that had been redefined as a place to taste the yummy offerings, enjoy a glass of wine and talk with fellow colleagues.  After asking if it would be OK to take some pictures of the event and purchasing my book, it appeared that the line had somewhat diminished and it was my turn. 

                                                                                           

                                                                                               

Without a doubt the showroom had gone to a lot of trouble creating a space

for Alexa, daughter of renowned designer and icon, the late Mark Hampton.

Her favorite flowers and one of her chandeliers overhead,  marked the spot.

There is something to be said about having the opportunity to meet someone whose

furniture you have sold and the daughter of one of the most influential designers of our time.

It was my turn, and I had been told she was wonderful,  engaging, down to earth and comfortable!

I asked her if I could have a picture with her and write about her new book on my blog.  Her response, "I am

so flattered that you would want to do this.  I would love to have a picture with you, I am so honored."

Alexa and me.

  

I asked her how long she had been in business with her father.  She started with him

when she was 12 or 13.  She traveled the world with her family visiting museums, architectural high points,

galleries and private homes around the world.  While her friends were vacationing ski resorts, beach

resorts and the like, she was dragged to France, Italy, Greece and England by her dad so she could

get an education unlike any other child her age would ever have.  These trips served as a basis for

Alexa and where these forced interests would eventually take her. Alexa has been running her father's design firm in Manhattan for the past 12 years.  Today, as an adult, she looks back on those days with her

dad as "priceless".

She spoke to an audience of about 75 designers for about 30 minutes with a question and answer session.

I enjoyed her relaxed manner, her unrushed and candid presentation of who Alexa Hampton was and her wonderful sense of humor.  Her audience was at ease with her, and her with them.

Her book is a must and offers great insight into her own design portfolio.  She has also highlighted her

own home in Manhattan with wonderful photos showing great detail, for which she is so well known. Her father's high standards for design have left her a gracious, capable and highly sought designer.

A must..................one more thing to learn............how to turn a photo!!