Afleveringen
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Explore the life and legacy of Mary Colter, a groundbreaking architect and interior designer who crafted iconic buildings at the Grand Canyon and beyond, blending Native American traditions with innovative architectural design, who also lost a home in a 1968 Eaton Canyon fire, which felt oddly topical.
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Cowgirl MagazinePioneering WomenLegends of America
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About MaryMary Colter (1869â1958) was a pioneering American architect and designer known for her work with the Fred Harvey Company, where she designed several notable landmarks, including the Hopi House and Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon. Colter was one of the few women in her profession during the early 20th century, and she gained a reputation for her ability to merge architecture with the natural landscape and Native American culture. Her designs were not only functional but also deeply respectful of the local environment and history. Colter's commitment to integrating local materials and employing indigenous builders reflected her dedication to authenticity. She was a visionary who shaped the aesthetic of the American Southwest and remains a defining figure in the architectural landscape.
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This episode didn't get nearly as many listens as it should, probably being that it was only episode 6, so now is a good time to push this rerun out into the world. Especially since LA is on fire, and I've been temporarily displaced by the fires. Enjoy!
Renowned graphic designer Gail Anderson shares her journey from creating magazines in her youth to working at Rolling Stone and beyond, discussing her experiences as a woman of color in the design industry and the evolution of her career. Listen in on how Gail's mentors shaped her path and the fulfillment she finds in seeing her designs in the world._______
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About Gail:
Gail Anderson is a distinguished designer, writer, and educator, renowned for her impactful work at Rolling Stone magazine where she served as senior art director. Sheâs an AIGA Medalist, has authored 14 books and currently chairs the BFA Advertising and BFA Design departments at the School of Visual Arts. Anderson's creative portfolio extends to Broadway, where she has designed posters for notable productions, and she has several awards, including the 2018 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievementâ
In this episode, Gail shares her journey, starting from her early years as a creative in grammar school to what it was like navigating the challenges as a Black woman designer in the 80s and 90s, while breaking barriers in the industry.
Join us as we explore Gail's career, her inspirations, and her thoughts on the evolving world of design. Today, weâre bringing you a firsthand look into the mind of a true design trailblazer.
A massive thank you to Gail for sharing her incredible journey, insights, and wisdom with us. Itâs been an absolute honor to have her on the show and to learn from her experiences and expertise. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and passion.
Highlights:
Gail's creative beginnings and inspirations in the BronxHer education at SVA and women teachers like Paula Scher, Carin Goldberg, Louise FiliNavigating the design industry in the 80s and 90s as a black womanIconic work at Rolling Stone and BroadwayThe importance of writing books on design for continual learningReflections on her career and legacy in the design worldLinks:
Learn more about Gail Anderson's work at her websiteSubscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifySocial Media:
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Explore the extraordinary life and career of Mary Blair, the visionary artist behind Disney classics like Cinderella and Itâs a Small World, whose bold use of color and modernist style transformed animation and design history, with special guest, Mike Asay.
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Book: Magic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John CanemakerLittle Golden Book Compilation: A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden BooksLittle Golden Book: I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss (Illustrated by Mary Blair)
Sources:
About MaryMary Blair wasnât just an artistâshe was a design visionary who transformed Disneyâs visual language during its golden age. With her bold use of color, clean lines, and modernist sensibilities, Mary brought a fresh, imaginative approach to classics like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. Her work challenged the traditional realism of animation, introducing a playful, graphic style that still resonates today.
Beyond the big screen, Mary was the creative force behind the iconic Itâs a Small World attraction, where her vibrant, harmonious designs celebrated global unity and joy. She also applied her design genius to murals, advertising campaigns, and book illustrations, always pushing the boundaries of what design could achieve.
In a male-dominated industry, Mary often faced challenges, but her influence was undeniable. She has even been said to be Walt Disneyâs favorite artist, with him entrusting her with some of the studioâs most visionary projects. Mary Blair didnât just design beautiful thingsâshe pioneered a new visual language that shaped animation and continues to inspire designers worldwide.
If youâre ready to uncover the story behind one of Disneyâs most groundbreaking designers, listen to this episode now and step into the colorful world of Mary Blair.
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2024 has been a whirlwind year for Women Designers You Should Know, with 29 inspiring episodes celebrating groundbreaking women in design + 6 bonus episodes that dive into the layers between these stories. This recap dives into the podcastâs journey, from tackling the glaring absence of women in design education to uncovering recurring themes in their stories. Host Amber Asay explores why humanism, patience, and breaking free from societal constraints are central to these womenâs legacies. The episode also celebrates trailblazers who pioneered new design paths and shares the most inspiring philosophies from the yearâs episodes. Packed with insights and memorable clips, this reflection honors the women whoâve shaped design while inspiring us to continue amplifying their stories.
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This dual feature episode highlights Corita Kentâs journey from nun to Pop Art pioneer, using screen printing to champion love and justice, and Britt Rohrâs modern take on printmaking as the founder of Swell Press, blending craftsmanship and storytelling in her designs.
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Book: Learning by Heart: Teaching to Free the Creative Spirit by Corita Kent and Jan Steward
Sources:
About CoritaCorita Kent (1918â1986), also known as Sister Mary Corita, was a nun, artist, and educator whose screen prints and serigraphs fused Pop Art with powerful messages of love, justice, and activism. As chair of the art department at Immaculate Heart College, she inspired a generation of students with her innovative teaching methods and bold use of everyday imagery. Her works, including the iconic Love stamp and Rainbow Swash mural, continue to resonate globally as symbols of creativity and compassion. Today, Corita is celebrated for her unique ability to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary.
About Britt
Britt Rohr is the founder of Swell Press, a California-based letterpress studio known for its meticulous craftsmanship and timeless designs. With a passion for tactile art forms, Britt has carved out a niche in creating bespoke print pieces that marry modern aesthetics with the classic charm of letterpress. Her work has been featured in numerous publications and admired for its ability to tell meaningful stories through design.
Follow Britt:
Instagram: @swellpress
Website: SwellPress.com
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Explore the life and legacy of graphic design pioneer Jacqueline Casey, whose bold, modernist posters defined MITâs visual identity for decades â with insights from designer Michael Bierut, we uncover how Casey infused Swiss design principles with American ingenuity, led campus-wide design efforts, and created work that remains timeless and influential.
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Article: Eye Magazine Feature "Jacqueline Casey. Science and design"Article on ThérÚse Moll
Sources:
About Jacqueline (Jackie)Jacqueline Casey was a pioneering graphic designer whose work defined the visual identity of MIT for over three decades. Born in 1927 in Quincy, Massachusetts, she studied fashion design and illustration at MassArt before finding her way into graphic design. In 1955, her lifelong friend Muriel Cooper recruited her to the MIT Office of Publications, where Casey absorbed the principles of Swiss modernism and gave them her own twistâinfusing wit, visual metaphors, and bold typography into her work.
As Director of MITâs Design Services Office, she led campus-wide design efforts, creating posters and materials for scientific conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. Her ability to simplify complex ideas with elegance and playfulness made her work timeless and celebrated globally. Today, her posters are held in the collections of MoMA, the Cooper Hewitt, and the MIT Museum, solidifying her as a quiet yet powerful force in modernist design history.
About Michael
Michael Bierut is one of the most influential graphic designers of our time. A partner at Pentagram since 1990, his work spans iconic logos, brand identities, and campaigns for clients like The New York Times, Mastercard, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Bierut has been a longtime educator at Yale, co-founded Design Observer, and authored celebrated books, including How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things. His work is held in the permanent collections of MoMA and the Cooper Hewitt, and his thought leadership continues to shape the design world.
Follow Michael:
Instagram: @mbierut
Website: Pentragram.com
Threads: @mbierut____
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Discover the story of Marget Larsen, a trailblazing designer whose iconic Christmas boxes, bold typography, and fearless creativity shaped mid-century advertising and design in San Francisco right as the psychedelic / counterculture era was budding, with industry insights from guest Sean Adams, previous AIGA President, and Dean at Art Center.
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Book â Baseline ShiftDesign Observer Article by Sean AdamsCommunication Arts FeatureBook â Earthquakes, Mudslides, Fires & Riots: California and Graphic Design by Louise Sandhaus
Sources:
About MargetMarget Larsen was a trailblazing designer and art director who transformed mid-20th-century advertising with her bold, unconventional approach. Born in San Francisco in 1922, Larsen began her career at I. Magnin, where she discovered her passion for typography and lettering while taking night classes at the California School of Fine Arts. She rose to prominence as the art director at Joseph Magnin, a trendsetting department store, where her iconic Christmas boxes turned gift packaging into collectible works of art. Larsen later joined the boutique agency Weiner & Gossage, where her groundbreaking ads combined witty copy with daring typography, earning national acclaim. From designing bread wrappers to creating fundraising sweatshirts for Beethoven enthusiasts, Larsenâs fearless creativity knew no bounds. Despite her immense contributions, Larsenâs name remains largely forgotten in design history, though her work continues to inspire with its playful wit and timeless innovation. She passed away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy that shaped advertising, packaging, and graphic design as we know it.
About Sean
Sean Adams is a celebrated designer, author, and educator whose work has shaped the design industry for decades. As the Dean of the Visual Art and Communication Design Department at ArtCenter College of Design, Sean has mentored countless designers while championing the importance of design history and storytelling. He is the only two-term national president in AIGAâs 100-year history and a recipient of the prestigious AIGA Medal, the organizationâs highest honor. Sean co-founded the renowned design firm AdamsMorioka, working with iconic clients like Disney, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and The Metropolitan Opera. He has authored several influential books, including The Designerâs Dictionary of Color and How Design Makes Us Think. As a passionate advocate for elevating overlooked figures in design history, Sean brings his expertise and insight to todayâs conversation about Marget Larsenâs remarkable contributions to the field.
Follow Sean:
Instagram: @seanaadams
Website: AdamsMorioka.com
LinkedIn: Sean Adams____
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For hundreds of years, society has systematically kept women from rising to their full potentialâwhether through laws denying them the right to own property, vote, or even open a bank account without a manâs signatureâand today, I'm diving into the receipts.
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(**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses Suicide) This dual feature episode celebrates Ellen Raskinâs transformation from a prolific book designer to an award-winning author, seamlessly blending design and storytelling in works like The Westing Game. Briar Levit shares her own journey as a designer and author, using mediums like film, exhibitions, and publications to champion stories that inspire.
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Graphic Means DocumentaryNew Book â Briar Levit: On Design, Feminism, and Friendship_______
Book â Baseline Shift by Briar LevitArticle â Cooperative Children's Book Center
Sources:
About EllenEllen Raskin (1928â1984) was a trailblazing designer and author who seamlessly blended her expertise in graphic design with her passion for storytelling. Born in Milwaukee during the Great Depression, Raskin pursued a fine arts degree at the University of Wisconsin before launching a prolific career in New York City, where she designed over 1,000 book covers, including the original cover for A Wrinkle in Time. Later, she transitioned to writing, creating critically acclaimed childrenâs books known for their intricate plots and visual clues. Her most famous work, The Westing Game, won the Newbery Medal in 1979 and remains a beloved classic. Ellenâs books, including The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) and Figgs & Phantoms, exemplify her unique ability to combine puzzles, humor, and thoughtful storytelling, leaving an enduring legacy in childrenâs literature.
About Briar
Briar Levit is a graphic designer, educator, and filmmaker whose work brings underrepresented voices in design history to light. With nearly two decades of teaching at Portland State University, Briar encourages her students to explore designâs role in shaping culture and amplifying diverse perspectives. She gained widespread acclaim for her documentary Graphic Means: A History of Graphic Design Production, which chronicles the evolution of design tools and highlights womenâs significant contributions during the shift from manual to digital production. Briarâs feminist advocacy is further reflected in her book Baseline Shift, which celebrates the pivotal yet often overlooked roles of women in design. A former art director at Bitch magazine, sheâs dedicated her career to showing how design can be a tool for activism, history, and cultural critique.
Follow Briar:
Instagram: @briarlevit
Website: briarlevit.com____
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This dual feature episode explores Eileen Grayâs journey from interior design to groundbreaking modernist architecture, including the challenges of vandalism, loss, and rediscovery, alongside Emily Farnhamâs dedication to preserving architectural history and working on both Mandy Moore and Lilly Collin's Mid-Century homes.
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Documentary â Gray Matters: Architect and Designer Eileen Gray (2014)Book â Eileen Gray: Her Life and Work by Peter AdamBook â Eileen Gray: Design and Architecture 1878â1976 by Philippe Garner (Taschen)
Sources:
About EileenEileen Gray (1878â1976) was a groundbreaking designer and architect whose work pioneered modernism in the 20th century. Originally born in Ireland, she spent her career in France, becoming a self-taught architect and an innovator in furniture design. She's known for blending functionality with bold, avant-garde aesthetics. Her early career began with mastering lacquer work, a craft she honed despite its physical challenges, and she became a leading figure in Art Deco. Grayâs most iconic work is the E-1027 house, a modernist masterpiece designed with meticulous attention to detail and human-centered design principles. Despite her contributions, her achievements were often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, including the controversial vandalism of her work by Le Corbusier. Grayâs designs, like the Bibendum Chair, the E-1027 table and her modular lacquer screens, continue to inspire today. Rediscovered in her later years, she is now celebrated as a trailblazer who forged her own path, proving that vision and resilience can leave a lasting mark on the world of design.
About Emily
Emily Farnham is the founder of Emily Farnham Architecture, a Los Angeles-based practice known for its innovative and holistic approach to residential design. With an impressive career that spans architecture, interiors, and custom design, Emily's projects balance aesthetics, function, and personalization. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard's Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia's School of Architecture. Before establishing her practice in 2014, Emily honed her skills at several leading design firms in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and San Francisco. This diverse background equipped her with the expertise to tackle projects of varying scales and complexities, from residential spaces to large-scale civic and educational buildings. Emily is a licensed architect in California and a LEED-accredited professional, known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the construction process.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyfarnhamarchitecture
Website: emilyfarnham.com____
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This TRIPLE feature episode delves into the life of Agnes Martin, whose serene abstract expressionist art was born from a strict, meditative process and a journey of balancing inner turmoil. Michelle and Ellen, co-founders of Nature, share their layered stories of changing creative disciplines, finding balance, and embracing risks in their own design process.
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MoMA.org Agnes Martin PageBook â Agnes Martin: Painting, Writings, Remembrances by Arne GlimcherThe Guardian Article â Agnes Martin: the artist mystic who disappeared into the desert
Sources:
About AgnesAgnes Martin may not be a household name, but her influence on abstract art is profound and lasting. Known for her minimalist grids and soft color bands, she crafted paintings that evoke pure calm and joy, all while living in near-total solitude in the New Mexico desert. Martinâs life is as intriguing as her artâshe left the bustling New York art scene at the peak of her career to follow a deeply personal path. Though she struggled with mental health challenges, her discipline and commitment to simplicity made her a âdesert mysticâ of the art world. Her story is one of resilience, solitude, and visionary work. Discover her life and legacy on episode 24 of the podcast.
About Michelle & Ellen
We take a curious and open-minded approach to the work that we do. We ask a lot of questions and have an affinity for both referencing the past and co-creating the future. We value our clients, their trust and their brands over everything. Relationships above all else. Our work is far beyond transactional and the connections that we create with the people we work with usually far out-live the span of the project. We have a lot of repeat clients and we take that as the highest compliment. We donât believe that cold + pixel perfection equals luxury and we ardently swear by moments of wabi sabi and human-ness as drivers of resonance. We think that design done well and that is built from your narrative has the ability to cut through noise and stand out in vivid definition to the right people. Along with our client work we have a tightly edited resource shop for fellow designers. We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats and anything we learn the hard way on this journey we happily share with others.
Follow Nature:
Instagram: @hellowearenature
Website: by-nature.co____
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67% of creative professionals reported experiencing burnout, with women more likely to report feeling overwhelmed by their work environments. Badal Patel opens up about how she struggled with creative burnout, and what she does now to prevent it from happening.
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About Badal:
Badal is the founder of Super Spicy. A small yet seasoned studio focusing on creative direction, branding, and design with extra flavor. She creates impactful brand experiences that merge style with substance through her unique perspective and design sensibilities. Her studio, Super Spicy, focuses on a variety of different areas including branding, packaging, website, campaign, print, and more. Badalâs goal with Super Spicy is to drive culture forward by sharing more nuanced stories and creating more representation.
Working remotely between NYC and LA, Badal has built up a roster of talented individuals that she collaborates with including but not limited to: strategists, designers, copywriters, illustrators, and photographers. She believes collaboration creates better work and aims to create the diverse teams of talent specific to the needs of each project.
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A dual feature episode exploring Ray Eames' transformative impact on mid-century design and Amanda Jane Jones' reflections on creativity, authorship, and the lessons we can draw from Ray's life.
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Documentary â Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)Podcast â New Angle: Voice â Ray Eames: Beauty in the EverydayWebsite â Pioneering Women of Architecture: Ray Kaiser EamesBook â Eames: Beautiful DetailsWebsite â Eames Office Official WebsiteFilm â Powers of Ten (1977)Film â Tops (1969)
Sources:
About RayRay Eames was more than a design partnerâshe was the quiet force behind every iconic creation that bears the Eames name. From the revolutionary Lounge Chair to the vibrant, Mondrian-inspired glass walls of their Case Study House, Rayâs vision and meticulous artistry shaped modernism as we know it.
But behind the sleek lines and bold colors was a woman often mistaken for a manâ'Ray,' they assumed, must surely be Charles's male counterpart. This misconception gave her an unexpected advantage, opening doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.
Yet, Rayâs journey was anything but easy. She endured a lifetime of her contributions being overshadowed, her name eclipsed by Charlesâs fame, and even the painful betrayal of his infidelity. Still, she poured everything into their work, her impact far deeper than most people know.
About Amanda
NEW BOOK! Mother / Founder
Amanda Jane Jones is a graphic designer, author, and illustrator whose minimalist aesthetic has redefined modern editorial and product design. Amandaâs talent became widely recognized through her role as the founding designer of Kinfolk, where she crafted the magazine's iconic, minimalist style, inspiring countless designers and publications.
Her creative influence extends beyond editorial design; she has collaborated with major brands such as Opinel, Revival Rugs, Solly Baby, and Schoolhouse Electric, blending her clean and thoughtful aesthetic across diverse projects. In addition to brand collaborations, Amanda has illustrated childrenâs books, including Yum Yummy Yuck and The Hair Book, inspired by her own children and designed to engage young readers with playful simplicity.
Amandaâs latest project, Mother / Founder, celebrates the journeys of 68 women balancing the challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood. Her work has been featured by Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, and online platforms such as Mother Mag, Cup of Jo, and Domino. Now based in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Amanda continues to shape the design world with her distinctive vision, seamlessly blending elegance, versatility, and purpose into each projectâ
Follow Amanda:
Instagram
Website: amandajanejones.com____
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Learn the untold story of architect and furniture designer, Charlotte Perriand, whose innovative designs and fearless independence reshaped modern interiors and how she escaped Le Corbusier's shadow, with insights from special guest Adi Goodrich, spatial designer, who reflects on how Charlotte's legacy continues to inspire today's designers.
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The Guardian ArticleCharlotte Perriand Autobiography âA Life of CreationâBook: Living with Charlotte Perriand by Francois Laffanour and Cynthia FleuryBook: Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life by Justin McGuirkBook: Charlotte Perriand: Inventing a New World (Published by the Foundation of Louis Vuitton)
Sources:
About CharlotteCharlotte Perriand was a visionary French designer and architect whose contributions to modernist design reshaped how we think about furniture and interior spaces. In 1927, after famously being dismissed by Le Corbusier with the remark, "We donât embroider cushions here," she eventually joined his studio and co-designed iconic pieces like the LC4 Chaise Longue and LC2 armchair.
Though these collaborations are what she is most known for, Perriandâs career extended far beyond them. She designed the modular Nuage Bookshelf and minimalist Tokyo Bench, blending functionality with clean, modernist aesthetics. Perriand was also integral to larger architectural projects like the UnitĂ© d'Habitation, where she introduced multifunctional interiors, and the Les Arcs Ski Resort, where her modular furniture designs embraced the natural environment.
About Adi
Adi Goodrich is a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary designer known for her vibrant and imaginative approach to Environmental design, Interiors, and furniture. Growing up in Chicago, she was heavily influenced by her fatherâs work in architectural and furniture restoration, which fostered her love for craftsmanship from a young age. Adi studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and La Sorbonne in Paris, where she explored various disciplines including painting and art history.
Goodrich first gained attention working on window displays for Barneys New York and Anthropologie, which led to a flourishing career in set design for films, commercials, and photoshoots. Adi is Co-founder of Sing-Sing Studio, a creative practice she shares with her partner, filmmaker, Sean Pecknold where they have worked with major brands such as Apple, Google, Nike, Target, and more, bringing a unique blend of storytelling and design to each project. Adi also launched her own furniture line, in 2022 called "Sing-Thing." Her work is characterized by a bold use of color, materials, and a focus on creating spaces that are narratively driven. Learn more about Adi's design approach and career on Episode 22 of the podcast.
Follow Adi
adigoodrich.com
@adigoodrich
sing-sing.co
@singsingstudio
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Hear how Susan Skarsgard built her career from calligraphy to founding the GM Design Archive, blending art, design, and education to leave her mark on both the art and automotive worlds.
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Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasayAbout Susan
Susan Skarsgard (b. 1954) is a designer, artist, and author whose career bridges the worlds of fine art and industrial design. With roots in Detroit, Susanâs passion for calligraphy led her to study under Austrian master calligrapher Friedrich Neugebauer and to apprentice with legendary Detroit lettering master Jerry Campbell. Under Campbells' tutelage, she designed logos and lettering for advertising and automotive clients before ultimately joining General Motors Design in 1995. She earned her MFA from the University of Michigan in 2004.
At GM, she initially applied her skills to emblem and nameplate design for cars and trucks, but her most lasting legacy was founding the department GM Design Archive & Special Collections, which is the official repository for the history of design at General Motors. Susan is also the author of Where Today Meets Tomorrow, the definitive book on the history of the iconic GM Technical Center designed by Eero Saarinen.
Her journey as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, along with her stunning work in calligraphy and book arts, is truly inspiring.
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This dual feature episode highlights Elaine Lustig Cohenâs self-taught rise to modernist graphic design and fine art, alongside Steven Hellerâs efforts to rewrite design history by amplifying the contributions of women like Elaine.
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elainelustigcohen.comThe Daily Heller: Elaine Lustig Cohenâs New Website by Steven HellerThe New York Times Article by Anita GatesAbout Elaine
Elaine Lustig Cohen (1927â2016) was a pioneering modernist designer and artist, known for her bold, abstract book covers and museum catalogs that helped shape mid-century American graphic design.
After the sudden passing of her husband, renowned designer Alvin Lustig, Elaineâwithout any formal trainingâtook over his studio in the 1950s, working with high-profile clients like Philip Johnson, Richard Meier, General Motors, and the Jewish Museum.
What set her design style apart was her ability to merge avant-garde European influences, like Constructivism and Bauhaus principles, with the clean, functionalist aesthetics of American modernism. She brought typography to the forefront, often treating it as a visual and emotional narrative element, while incorporating geometric abstraction to create a sense of movement and rhythm. Her work is now part of the permanent collections at MoMA, LACMA, and Cooper Hewitt.
About Steven
Steven Heller is one of the most prolific design historians and writers in the field, having authored, co-authored, or edited over 200 books on design, illustration, and popular culture. He is best known for his long-running column, The Daily Heller, published by Print magazine, which offers daily insights on visual culture, design history, and current events. In addition to his writing, Heller is the co-chair of the School of Visual Arts MFA Design/Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, where he continues to shape future generations of designers.
Throughout his career, Heller has been a steadfast advocate for women in design. His work has consistently featured and celebrated the contributions of women who have been overlooked in design history. He has worked to bring attention to underrepresented figures in the industry, often calling for a rewriting of design history to include more women. As early as the 1990s, Heller began amplifying the work of female designers, championing their influence on design movements across modernism, typography, and visual communication. He has been vocal about the importance of gender equality in the design industry and has pushed for more inclusive recognition of the women whose innovations have shaped the field.
In 2011, Heller was awarded the AIGA Medal for his outstanding contributions to design journalism, education, and history. His ongoing commitment to uncovering the stories of women in design has made him not only a key figure in documenting design history but also an advocate for equity in the industry. Through his work, he has inspired a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the design world, one that reflects the achievements of all its contributors.
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Uncover the fascinating story of Zelda Wynn Valdes, whose mastery of the mermaid silhouette led to her creation of the iconic Playboy Bunny costume, with insights from special guest Tobi Ashiru.
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Have a 1:1 mentor call with Amber Asay: intro.co/amberasayCheck out the original reel / video this podcast was based on: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6EDEMrLDsn/
Sources:
Dazzling Zelda (Children's Book by Farai Simoyi and Aura Lewis)About Zelda Wynn Valdes:
Zelda Wynn Valdes (1901 â 2001) is often overlooked in design history even though she was one of the most influential fashion designers known for her hourglass silhouette dresses, and helping popularize the mermaid dress.
In fact, the femininity of her work caught the eye of Hugh Hefner who commissioned her to design the iconic and patented playboy bunny costume in 1960.
But before that, In 1948, Valdes became the first black person to open her own boutique on Broadway in Manhattan.
Zeldaâs alluring yet sophisticated dresses were embraced by prominent figures such as Joyce Bryant, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Eartha Kitt, Josephine Baker, Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, and Mae West. She even designed Maria Coleâs gown for her wedding to Nat King Cole in 1948.
Zelda continued her impactful career until her passing in 2001, contributing to over 80 ballet productions at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
She made it her mission to leave the door wide open for all the black women designers following in her footsteps. She led a fashion coalition that was founded with the sole purpose of promoting black designers.
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(**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses an explicit Murder) A brutal massacre at Frank Lloyd Wrightâs Taliesin estate, where love, scandal, racism, paranoia, and murder intersect in a story that few have heard, involving the murder of his mistress, Martha Borthwick Cheney, at his beloved home he designed for their love.
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Sources:
PBS.org â Wright at the Time
History.com â The Massacre at Frank Lloyd Wrightâs âLove Cottageâ by Christopher Klein
All That's Interesting â The Life and Death of Mamah Borthwick, Frank Lloyd Wrightâs Controversial Lover by Jessica OConnor
Solved Murders Podcast Part 1 & Part 2 (2021)____
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This dual feature episode highlights both Lella Vignelli and Giorgia Lupi and their focus on human connection through design. Lella Vignelli's multi-hyphenate modernist design, along with Giorgia Lupiâs innovative approach to data visualization.
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Designed by: Lella Vignelli by Massimo Vignelli (Rochester Institute of Technology)About Lella
Youâve likely heard of Massimo Vignelli, the renowned designer behind iconic works like the New York City Subway map, but did you know that behind many of those projects was an equally brilliant mind? Lella VignelliâMassimoâs wife and design partnerâwas a powerhouse in her own right. With a background in architecture, she seamlessly blended elegance and functionality in everything from interior spaces to product design. Her meticulous attention to detail was the driving force behind many of their best-known works, including the timeless Handkerchief Chair and the stunning interiors of Saint Peterâs Church in New York.
Lella was more than just Massimoâs collaboratorâshe was a visionary who believed in creating design that was truly timeless, free of trends and fads. Yet, despite her immense contributions, Lellaâs name often remained in the background. So, why is her story so often overshadowed? And how did she quietly reshape modern design?
Tune in to this episode to hear the incredible legacy of Lella Vignelliâa designer whose work deserves to be front and center.
About Giorgia
Giorgia's Books:
This is Me and Only Me
Observe Collect Draw!: A Visual Journal
Dear Data: A Friendship in 52 Weeks of Postcards
Giorgia Lupi is an Italian information designer, a partner at design firm Pentagram, and co-founder of research and design firm Accurat. She is a co-author of Dear Data, a collection of hand drawn data visualizations, along with information designer Stefanie Posavec. Her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.In 2011, Lupi co-founded research and design firm Accurat, that combines design and data to create data visualizations, interfaces, and tools. Among their clients are Google, IBM, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Starbucks, United Nations, the World Economic Forum and the Museum of Modern Art. Lupi's influences for her work come from fascinations by geometrical feel and balance of abstract art compositions.
Follow Giorgia Lupi on Instagram: @giorgialupi
Giorgia Lupi's Website: giorgialupi.com____
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Host, Amber Asay, explores the male designers who have either championed or dismissed the contributions of women in the design world. From Le Corbusierâs undermining of female collaborators to Paul Randâs advocacy for Lella Vignelli, we dive into the varying dynamics of supportâor lack thereofâamong iconic male figures in design. Tune in to hear who lifted women up and who left them in the shadows.
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Read Anne Helen Petersen's original article here: A Unified Theory of Glen Powell
And Celeste M Davis's poem and full article linked here: The men who like women and the men who don't. Yes we can tell.
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