A Conversation with Colin King

Colin King has defined modern American design. A top stylist for the world’s leading brands and publications, Colin's practice was captured in his first design book, Arranging Things, published by Rizzoli in 2023. Through his founding of Colin King Studio, he has since developed collections for a range of brands from The Future Perfect to Audo Copenhagen. As a returning member of our Honorary Committee for the 14th edition of Salon Art + Design, Colin joined us for a rapid-fire round of questions on design eras occupying his mind, design and art spaces that inspire him, and more.

Art + Design Favorites 

If you could sneak one museum piece into your tote bag, what would it be?

A few months ago, I saw Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio at the Musée Jacquemart-André. And I still think about it at least once a week. That slightly weary, slightly knowing expression. That strange mix of abundance and ache. I wouldn’t hang it, I’d sit across from it like a dinner guest and ask it questions I’m not sure I want answered.

What design era is renting space in your brain right now?

Shaker meets 90s Comme des Garçons. A kind of holy severity softened by the theatrical. If austerity wore sculptural shoulder pads and whispered its secrets into a bowl.

Who’s the artist or designer people will be embarrassed not to know about soon?

Malo Chapuy. His work feels like it came from the future and the past at the same time. I recently got one of his pieces and it kind of unnerves me, in the best way. It’s speculative fiction in object form.

What’s the one object in your home that always starts a conversation?

A pair of Bird Feet Candle Holders by Lee Hale. They’re delicate, a little spooky, and they never fail to make someone ask if I’m okay. I take that as a compliment.

If you could collaborate with anyone from any era, who would it be?

Martha Graham. I’d design a set and she’d ruin it beautifully with movement. I love the way she understood restraint. And drama. And the tension in stillness. I’d mostly just stay out of her way and try to learn something.

What space rearranged you?

Casa Luis Barragán. The pink wall alone. The way silence lives in that house. The light. The altars. The restraint. It made me realize a room doesn’t need to shout to have presence. It can hum and still move you.