Interior Designer Muriel Brandolini On: Her Summer Southampton Pop-Up
Muriel Brandolini usually works in big, bold motifs. Her signature interiors span the globe and have been photographed by every major magazine. So lucky for us, she’s bringing her aesthetic to a summer-only pop-up shop in Southampton. Jobs Lane, to be exact. And she’s filling it with a wonderful mix of beachy necessities that aren’t just home goods, from tunics, sandals and swimwear to tabletop must-haves, hand-blown glasses and even gilded paper lanterns. She also tapped friends like Frederic Malle and Veronica Toub to include their candles and jewelry, respectively. In essence, she has everything you need for a perfect summer evening party in one spot. On the eve of the pop-up opening on Memorial Day weekend, Muriel gave us a tour, and promises a surprise reason to visit every two weeks…
I wanted to do a summer pop-up in Southampton because…
I created my first collection of djellabas in 1999 and since then have also designed small collections of home accessories — but my interior projects have always been my main focus. My friend Molly Duffy encouraged me to take my creations a step further, by making the offering more diverse and accessible! I spent my childhood in the tropics — Vietnam and Martinique — and so I have always been drawn to the sun and the sea! For me, summer means escaping to my home in the Hamptons overlooking Shinnecock Bay. A pop-up was a spontaneous idea that just made sense and blossomed into reality!
The first thing I want people to think or feel when they walk in…
I would like them to feel a sense of discovery… surprise and delight! I very much believe in surrounding oneself with objects that make you happy and so I have designed or curated pieces that I truly love!
The most fun part of planning and putting this together…
The creative process — thinking about what I always search for, especially in the summertime when I entertain a lot at home and outdoors, and designing my dream pieces! From hand-blown glassware to porcelain dishes to gilded lanterns to folding director chairs! Even stationery!
How I choose what to feature…
I approached a few friends and was lucky enough for them to believe in my little project! Veronica Toub for her line of VMT fine jewelry, Frederic Malle for his candles and fragrances. I also asked Lapo for his Italia Independent sunglasses as I find them so fun! And of course, my longtime fabric showroom Holland & Sherry. I am carrying their embroidered pillows, cashmere throws and wonderful metallic woven rugs and pillows. Everything else is designed by me and part of my own collection, Life by Muriel Brandolini.
My favorite pieces…
This is impossible to answer! There are hundreds of different pieces, but I must say the beach mattress is an ingenious piece — it’s the perfect size for poolside lounges but can easily be rolled up and carried to the beach! I have also always dreamt of designing a collection of bathing suits, so I can’t wait to show my range of metallic one-pieces and bikinis. I even designed metallic sandals in Greece!
The decor of the space…
It is a wonderful light-filled space. Every two weeks I will launch a different color story with entirely new pieces!
The best part of summer is…
Being with my children, Brando and Filippa.