When designing Parachute’s fall collection, our Creative Director, Amy Hoban, was inspired by the Minimalism movement. Drawing upon the works of artists like Frank Stella, Agnes Martin and Donald Judd, this collection encourages the appreciation of simplicity, order and harmony – all integral to a beautiful home. Endlessly amazed by Amy’s taste and design expertise, we asked her to put pen to paper and share the inspiration behind this striking collection...
Beginning in the 1960’s, artists began the practice of reducing their art to minimal colors, shapes, lines and textures. This movement created the opportunity to slow down and savor the singular beauty of line form and function. Aesthetically speaking, minimalist art offers a highly purified form of beauty and when designing this collection, I knew I wanted just that. In order to bring that vision to life, I turned to artists of that time for their simple, repetitive use of those elements.
Beginning in the 1960’s, artists began the practice of reducing their art to minimal colors, shapes, lines and textures. This movement created the opportunity to slow down and savor the singular beauty of line form and function. Aesthetically speaking, minimalist art offers a highly purified form of beauty and when designing this collection, I knew I wanted just that. In order to bring that vision to life, I turned to artists of that time for their simple, repetitive use of those elements.
I first reflected on my experience viewing Agnes Martin's exhibit at the LACMA in 2016. I remember being drawn to the subtle pencil grid she would create before layering in the iconic soft pastels she is known for. Her early works in particular were fascinating. I remember going as close to the art as allowed and studying them – they were so simple, yet so impactful. I must have walked through that exhibit three times in a row, finding something new each time.
I first reflected on my experience viewing Agnes Martin's exhibit at the LACMA in 2016. I remember being drawn to the subtle pencil grid she would create before layering in the iconic soft pastels she is known for. Her early works in particular were fascinating. I remember going as close to the art as allowed and studying them – they were so simple, yet so impactful. I must have walked through that exhibit three times in a row, finding something new each time.
A similar fascination occurred when I first visited the Judd Foundation in Soho a few years back. The foundation is a five story, classic loft building that has perfectly preserved Donald Judd’s formerly private living and workings spaces. Seeing his seemingly simplistic works and artistic philosophy first-hand left a lasting impression on my own artistry.
A similar fascination occurred when I first visited the Judd Foundation in Soho a few years back. The foundation is a five story, classic loft building that has perfectly preserved Donald Judd’s formerly private living and workings spaces. Seeing his seemingly simplistic works and artistic philosophy first-hand left a lasting impression on my own artistry.
And of course, the works of Rudolph Schindler played a part in the genesis of the Minimalism collection. While attending a pop-up dinner series at the Schindler House, I had the opportunity to get a feel for the house as a home. I was immediately drawn to the duality of modernism and warmth in the space; the long, low lines of the house, the use of concrete mixed with the wood, how it felt thoughtful and handcrafted. I recognized that these were the same feelings I was looking to evoke with our collection – I wanted to convey that same warmth while also having a handcrafted and sleek look. Much like other works of the movement, this home withstood time in its beauty and simplicity.
And of course, the works of Rudolph Schindler played a part in the genesis of the Minimalism collection. While attending a pop-up dinner series at the Schindler House, I had the opportunity to get a feel for the house as a home. I was immediately drawn to the duality of modernism and warmth in the space; the long, low lines of the house, the use of concrete mixed with the wood, how it felt thoughtful and handcrafted. I recognized that these were the same feelings I was looking to evoke with our collection – I wanted to convey that same warmth while also having a handcrafted and sleek look. Much like other works of the movement, this home withstood time in its beauty and simplicity.
These artists along with so many more helped bring this collection to life. The organic yet structured feel of Anni Albers’ woven pieces was something I referenced frequently while designing. The Modernist Duvet Set can be seen as a result of this inspiration – with it’s slubby linen texture and cool graphite and parchment coloring. The fouta stripe assortment embodies the simple and clean line work of Frank Stella. Its unfussy stripes and pure design are a tribute to the Minimalism movement. Parachute’s fall collection is about paying attention to the details, and not overlooking the little things that add up to a positive, peaceful existence. Not skipping ahead to the end, but indulging in the in-between. This is a smart collection of essential items that much like the Minimalism movement, prove less really is more.
These artists along with so many more helped bring this collection to life. The organic yet structured feel of Anni Albers’ woven pieces was something I referenced frequently while designing. The Modernist Duvet Set can be seen as a result of this inspiration – with it’s slubby linen texture and cool graphite and parchment coloring. The fouta stripe assortment embodies the simple and clean line work of Frank Stella. Its unfussy stripes and pure design are a tribute to the Minimalism movement. Parachute’s fall collection is about paying attention to the details, and not overlooking the little things that add up to a positive, peaceful existence. Not skipping ahead to the end, but indulging in the in-between. This is a smart collection of essential items that much like the Minimalism movement, prove less really is more.
