View All PostsMary McDonald
The Joy of Collaboration
Mary explains why she loved and struggled while collaborating with Monika Chiang.
Dec 4, 2012This episode we see one of my NYC city projects unfold with the usual client designer interactive drama. I say usual because all design jobs involve either in front-of-the-scene drama or behind-the-scenes drama that no one but the office knows about. Of course having a camera there for TV you get to catch the problems clients rarely even know about. We can't let them because it is not their problem. It is ours. Now it is all of ours, so I wish some of you out there would dive in and help!
So basically for this episode I have been hired by infamous Venture capitalist Chris Burch to help redesign the SoHo store of his latest clothing brand Monika Chiang. Of course I am honored, considering he was the business man behind Tory Burch and am feeling the pressure of doing a good job -- perhaps more than normal -- which is high to begin with!
Well first of all Monika is basically a supermodel that is eight feet tall and about 16 ounces in total, so that is enough to not want to show up for work without design strife! She is actually funny and friendly in person but seems icy when dealing in our design meetings. In reality, I get her vibe because after all Monika has her own brand to consider and has a strong idea of what she wants to say through her store -- even if it is filtered through my vision. It is probably the most fun and simultaneously the most challenging collaborating with another designer even in another field because they are open to being more outside the box but also have very definite ideas what is in their own head. My goal as a professional is to come up with good design with a complete visionary point of view that is also pleasing to the client.
Mary! I love you and Nathan! You guys are so funny! Can't wait to see what you do in the next episode! Your rooms are always so glamorous and chic! Loved your Indian princess look a while back too!
Love your sense of style and humor! I have to ask you where do you get your gorgeous rings? you should start your own line, I really admire them.
good show, love your work, but that shade of green....
After watching Monica (c not a k on purpose) Chang treat you horribly, I can assure you I will never purchase her Tory Burch knock offs. The store looked fab as does all of your design work. Love, love, love you!
You are so talented - love your style with everything - you really have to be a strong diplomat when dealing with some of these clients. I know personally some of the players in the Monika sequence, and you were up against some real winners (not naming names.) Well, you showed them - the purple color scheme was fabulous, and of course, you were right about everything else, too. Go Mary!
I have to agree with everyone. To see your design concept come to fruition was nothing short of miraculous. I look forward to seeing your next designs and new book. Plus you seem so down to earth, so refreshing.
For a fashion designer her input during those meetings was lacking just like her clothing line. Her line of clothing is just an edit and a near copy of what most designers have put out already.
Mary, you entertain me and I just love your designs. Especiaily those chevron designs. I loved that multi colored chevron dish, just loved it.
I am of Indian origin and was so moved to see how you embraced the culture and customs of India on your trip to Jaipur. You came across as lovely and gracious and a very classy woman. Seeing how beautiful you looked in your indian clothes, it seems that you should wear them all the time. You looked like a true maharani!
Also, when you were planning the monika chiang boutique (shop), I wasn't sure about the lavender color, but seeing the finished product just shows what you were saying all along--that you are a professional and know what you are doing. It was incredibly beautiful and I cannot believe how the lavender really came across as a neutral. What a talent you have!
Mary, you should have your own talk show. Or even a nighttime show on bravo (or other). Your humor could compete with Chelsea or Kathy, but add to that your design talent and it would be much different show.
I just LOVE this show!! It is so much fun watching the personalities behind the gorgeous designs! Your work is stunning!! Thank you for being a part of this program and sharing the behind the scenes and completed projects. Such a treat.
Wow! I am a huge fan of yours Mary! I was over the moon with the complete install of Monika Chiang's boutique! I worked for two very high profile designers in NYC and Chicago, and am very aware of the highs and lows of desigining for such high profile clients. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful design work. Best regards, Regina Shili
Mary i enjoy watching you and Nathan! I love love you're" PUGS" what are their names?
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