FEATURES ARCHIVE

Wearing many hats is as much of a professional requirement as it is an unspoken personal creed for Satya Twena, a millinery designer whose colorful creations are taking the hat world by storm. Whether she’s fitting one of her many celebrity clients with a new chapeau or working on favorite side projects, including designing store interiors on the Bowery such as Dagny & Barstow, Satya is happiest when she’s putting her talents to use on myriad creative endeavors. In spite of her busy schedule, great design is something she always makes time for – we recently caught up with this month’s Arbiter of Style to chat about everything from favorite fabrics to finding works with stories at Christie’s Interiors sales.

Describe your personal design aesthetic.
It’s an eclectic style that’s influenced by my travels and experiences. I like to focus on creating a story through the pieces I purchase. That’s one of the great things about buying at auction – you have the opportunity to acquire works with fascinating histories.

What interior design items are you currently dreaming of incorporating into your home?
Right now lighting has been my focus. Whether its sconces or chandeliers, I’m obsessed! In fact, I have my eye on a couple sconces coming up in January’s Christie’s Interiors sale. I’m also searching for Art Deco objects and works that are very glitter-glam.

Where do you find inspiration?
I walk to work every day, and I’m inspired by what I come across – different people, architecture, window storefront designs. I love anything that makes me think outside the box.

You’ve noted that your family has been very influential – can you talk more about that?
I grew up in California, and when I was young, my parents traveled quite a bit. Through those experiences, I had the opportunity to meet artists and architects, and although my interest in design didn’t fully take off until years later, those early experiences definitely impacted how I look at things. By the time I moved to New York, all I really wanted to do was create. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I started making hats for her to wear after she had lost her hair. That experience also showed me that life’s too short not to take chances and try to realize your dreams.

You work with many different kinds of fabrics and materials – what’s the most underrated fabric, pattern or material, and how can people incorporate it into their home decor?
I’m a huge fan of Ruhlmann fabrics. Prelle creates fabrics from original Ruhlmann patterns, and they are some of the most beautiful designs I’ve ever seen. I also love kimonos. They can be very cool and modern. Once you find a fabric that you’ve fallen in love with, you can really use it anywhere – find a great chair or settee at a Christie’s Interiors sale, locate a good upholsterer and before you know it, you have a custom piece that’s perfect for your unique space.