As promised, I have a comprehensive, rather than cursory, report on the latest from Rob Wilson of Silas Tom. A major scoop, if you will. While Wilson is known around town as a first-rate graphic designer, and for his merry collection of greeting cards (pictured below for your viewing pleasure, a dozen of them, not just one) he also has just launched a series of cocktail napkins that have a wonderful sort of Southern/Scandinavian vibe. We love them. We also love Rob, who politely answered all of our questions in the interview that follows. Read on and visit his website, too.
Our Q&A with Rob Wilson:
Sometimes designer talent translates from graphic to interiors. Do you have a cool house/apartment?
I live in a building designed by Dallas architect Corky Cunningham. It has everything I could ever want in an apartment: a blue front door, cinder block walls, large windows, clever sliding doors that hide my kitchen, and industrial foot pedals that control the kitchen sink. The ceilings are high, too (I’m tall, so I really need those).
Favorite websites?
These sites provide all kinds of inspiration and endless ways to kill hours at a time.
www.swiss-miss.com
www.designobserver.com
www.underconsideration.com
www.book-by-its-cover.com
www.grainedit.com
www.soulellis.com
www.weare1976.com
www.ffffound.com
www.kitchendogtheater.org
www.morrmusic.com
www.monocle.com
What are some brands you love?
Muji These stores have simple, beautiful necessities I use everyday—from pens to underwear.
Hugo Boss For slim, long-limbed fellows who prefer their wrists and ankles covered, there isn’t a better stylish choice.
NYRB Classics I love printed books even more now that my Kindle had a meltdown. The New York Review of Books Classics Series is well-designed and an amazing selection of almost-forgotten books.
Labrador Music I love dreamy Swedish pop music, and this is the best place to find it.
What is right in Dallas?
It’s good Dallas has finally realized that people want to live, work and play in the city. From my apartment, I can run with my dog on the Katy Trail, walk to sidewalk cafés, visit locally-owned shops—and also get to work within a few minutes. I see more diversity among cultural activities, too, from the goings-on in the Arts District to great neighborhood festivals. These remind me of all the things I love in other cities when I travel. And I’m happy they’re happening here where I live.
What needs to change now (in Dallas)?
While Dallas has made life in the city better, I miss having more green space. I would prefer to see a few more small parks with grass and trees—does every vacant lot need to be turned into a drive-thru bank? And with so many people walking, running and biking around town, creating more pedestrian-friendly access would be a welcome improvement. Dallas is a great city to explore, and it would be nicer to do this without always needing a car (or almost being hit by one!).
