The Chic Seat: Ariel Okin
Happy Friday! After a blogging hiatus, I’m finally getting back in the swing of posting and I’m thrilled to kick back off The Chic Seat with one of my favorites. If you are at all involved in the design world, I’m sure you’ve heard or seen of Ariel Okin. Okin is not only a talented designer but a kick a** business woman. She has recently launched a collection with Chasing Paper and Society Social that are both beyond fabulous! Okin also recently launched her own content platform, Fenimore Lane, which we’ll discuss later. On top of her continued professional success, Okin is a new mom to a precious baby girl, and her and her husband just purchased a home in the suburbs of NYC! I, personally, cannot wait to see her whole renovation process and see how she decorates her new home! Alright, let’s dive into it and meet Ariel.
Meet Ariel!
What does the term “tastemaker” mean to you?
Someone who ignores trends and whose aesthetic really reflects what they love.
Define your style (interiors or fashion) in three words.
Classic with (a) twist – sorry, that’s four.
Ariel’s Current Inspiration Images
What is your favorite entertaining “hack”?
Premade dessert – pick up great chocolate chip cookies or an elegant flourless chocolate cake and no one will care that you didn’t bake them. Also always a good playlist, dimmers on every light, a fire going if you have one, and most importantly, good company.
What is your biggest source of inspiration? Especially now that we are all searching for extra inspiration these days.
Old design books – I collect them, and I study them all the time, post-it noting the pages where I find inspiration.
What are your three favorite Instagram accounts to follow? @markdsikes, @landofbelle, @patrickahearnarchitect
What is your go-to adult beverage?
In the summer, rosé, a crisp white, or a spicy marg.
Must have item in the kitchen?
A Le Creuset dutch oven and fresh produce.
Must have item in your wardrobe?
High waisted Citizens of Humanity Rocket Crop jeans, white t-shirts and loafers.
If you could have lunch with one person, past or present, who would it be? And why?
Nancy Meyers – I think her career and her films are both so inspiring. Her movies have defined so many of my life milestones!
With our changing world, how do you think our “new normal” will change the design world?
I definitely think the home will become more of a focus for people who never even gave it much of a glance – home offices will also become important rooms in the house.
You have had some fabulous collaborations recently, congrats! When working on collaborations what is your favorite aspect and part of the process?
Thank you! Pulling inspiration images and then distilling the main themes from 200 or 300 photos into a cohesive seven to ten piece collection is really fun, and helps to crystalize what the point of the line will be, and what purpose each SKU will serve.
You recently launched “Fenimore Lane”, will you explain what “Fenimore Lane” is? And what inspired this new venture?
Fenimore Lane is a curated editorial destination focusing on the home and lifestyle space. Named after the street I grew up on, the site offers up a variety of categories in the home space, from interviews with tastemakers in the design world in our “Talk Shop” series, to recipes in our “In the Kitchen” section, to shoppable home stories and more. I have always wanted to have my own editorial channel after years of writing for Vogue, AD and Domino, and Fenimore Lane gives me the opportunity to create tailored editorial content that speaks to my interests – a true dream come true!
Ariel’s Favs
click image to shop!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
xx, Lea