Where do designers find their inspiration? I thought it would be fun to start introducing you to some of my favorite designers, from those who create lovely textiles to interior spaces and beyond. I'll feature a few designer spotlights here on a monthly basis in Simply Stated Home & Organizing, so keep on the watch! Please comment below if there are any names you can think of that you'd love to read about here. They'll be quicker than a traditional Q & A interview but I'm sure that the fast bites of information will inspire you and these days, that's what we're all looking for, inspiration. Why? Because it often leads us to feeling motivated to do actual work and as we accomplish tasks we make progress and progress leads to greater happiness and increased self esteem, right? Not to mention how it impacts those around us.

Fabric by Virginia Johnson

My formula for success goes something like this: Inspiration = Motivation = Doing Actual Work = Completion of Task = Progress = Increased Self-Esteem = Joy = Inspiring Others Through Your Good Example.

Let's look today at Canadian Textile Designer Virginia Johnson, a lady who inspires me because she once designed for Helmut Lang and has even illustrated books for one of my favorite ladies in design today, Kate Spade. Eventually, Virginia moved on to successfully launch her own textile line, storefront in Toronto, and an online shop. Wow! Her large-scale prints are inspired by her travels and her juicy modern palette is both eye-catching and fresh. She not only offers her textiles off the bolt (love this!), but she carries fashion and accessories for the home for those not interested in stitching up their own creation.

Virginia's storefront in Toronto, Canada

Inside of her studio

Her light, airy fabrics can be used for a wide range of projects.

Here are a few things I recently discovered about the talented Virgina:

1. Favorite textile from the collection? VJ: 'Green Leaf' from three years ago. It always has a calming effect.
2. Three top travel destinations? VJ: India, New Zealand, California.
3. Perfume you wear? VJ: Jo Malone lotion: French Lime Blossom.
4. Describe a great evening at home. VJ: Making dinner, reading a good book, going to bed early.
5. How would you spend the perfect Saturday in Toronto? VJ: Eating decadent French Toast, walking through the park, some time by myself in my studio, and dinner with my boyfriend at a local restaurant.
6. What keeps you energized and focused so that you can continue to create? VJ: I really love clothes and pattern and colour, so it stimulates me without me having to make an effort at it. Also I structure my life in a way that allows the creativity to happen. I sleep 8-9 hours a night and most weeknights are pretty quiet. This allows me a lot of thinking and creative time for my work. Every so often I need to go somewhere stimulating, so I'll take a trip and explore. When my life feels happy and balanced my work is better.
7. What's next for your collection? VJ: We have just produced our first Fall line, which will debut in August.
8. Your favorite designers are... VJ: Issey Miyake and Dries van Noten. I think they're great artists and explorers.
9. Three people you'd love to have lunch with and why? VJ: Eileen Fisher – I'd love to know how she built her business while making her social conscience a priority. Dries van Noten – I've always admired him as a designer and how he takes craft techniques from all over the world and unites them in his own vision.  I also admire that his work is a personal exploration and he is not focused on trends. Muhammad Yunus – I'm interested in his new model for business: combining the 'risk-taking approach of business combined with the social objectives of a charity'.
10. How do you get through a creative rut? VJ: Usually I have to escape somewhere, either away from everything or somewhere exciting with a lot going on.
11. Favorite stores to shop for clothing and interiors? VJ: Auto in New York. Renata Bokalo has a great eye, and you can find everything from great homewares to children’s costumes. I recently spent some time in Brooklyn and fell in love with Layla and Bark.
12. Your favorite blog is... VJ: The Sartorialist.
13. You're currently reading... VJ: The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
14. Ultimately, what really matters in life to you? VJ: Spending time with my family, having a calm life, feeling inspired, creating.

Virginia also stocks totes and a collection of clothing for women.

Thank you Virginia for visiting us today at Real Simple and sharing a bit of your world with us. Much success to you and your fabulous collection!

(images from virginia johnson)

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