Rebecca Proctor, Chief Creative Director and Lead Designer of one of the most uniquely creative tabletop/giftware collections around, MacKenzie-Childs, was in Neiman Marcus recently for a very special visit with media and customers
Mackenzie-Childs is a brand that I have followed since they were a store I found in NYC back in the 80’s on Madison Avenue(current location is now 57th St.) that I thought was just the most vibrant, cutting edge and somewhat quirky concept for luxury home decor that I had ever seen. I became a purchaser, then a collector and forever a fan. So, it is no wonder that when Neiman Marcus sent out an email that Rebecca Proctor, head designer for this brand was coming to our city, that I was the first one to call to set up my interview. I could not wait to meet the creative mind that has kept alive this concept that was begun by its namesakes in 1983 but has been maintained and grown under the creative leadership of Rebecca since she joined the company in 1991. It took only minutes to see that this electric, energizing woman was well-placed and the reason that I was still so insanely taken with this amazing product….she was truly inspiring to listen to.
Rebecca mentioned their great partnership with Neiman Marcus as contributing to their growth…“they have given us our stage to tell our story on”. With a line that includes such one-of-a-kind products, it takes space, which Neiman’s has allowed them, to show it to its fullest advantage.
Courtly Check, the infamous black & white pattern that has become such a signature of the brand, began as a 1″ border on an armoire and then in 1993 as Roasted Marshmallow, as part of Camp McKenzie-Childs outdoor collection. This pattern has now become so important as an underpinning to all other collections and can work back to all of it perfectly.
Some of the newest items that Rebecca was here to introduce to the Neiman Marcus customers, as were shown on MRG Mother’s Day Gift Guide, were the butterfly enamel wear, and of course, the Courtley Check apron.
What’s new? with MacKenzie Childs that Rebecca was most excited about….flatware was recently introduced, as was a wallpaper collection in checks and dots, new furniture pieces, decorative pillows that I could have walked home with and put immediately on to my couch. One of the newer things that is available only online (click here) is their jewelry collection. Rebecca was wearing some of the necklaces layered in the photos above. I had to ask, of course, as there is now so much of fashion in home, how did she feel about doing some fashion, as in apparel? She said she would love to and in fact couldn’t wait to do it. I loved how she had put herself together that day and replied to her that in fact she did look exactly like she could be a MacKenzie-Childs Place Setting…I meant that as a compliment!
One has to ask the burning question when reviewing this collection as to just how do you really learn how to put it all together? Rebecca responded that, of course, there is no wrong way, just have fun with it! However, to play the pieces with each other and to learn from the experts, Rebecca and her design team, it’s best to follow them on Pinterest, Instagram or to to view the clever video that they have put together and feature on their website.
Please take a moment to watch the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHpDn7KAiOE&feature=youtu.be
photos courtesy of Roz Pactor’s IPhone
I discovered Mackenzie Childs about a year and a half ago and been in love with it ever since! I made a trip to NYC last year and made a special point to go to their store. Needless to say, I was absolutely in heaven. I felt like a kid in Santa’s toyshop. I am slowly building my collection and always get excited to see their new line of items. I always get excited to receive their catalog in the mail. It is right up there with the Sears Christmas catalog when I was a kid. 🙂