Divine Design: Kevin O’Brien Studio

The great thing about changing our location on Pier 94 during the New York International Gift Fair is meeting a new group of designers and discovering their wares for the first time.  When the handsome Kevin O’Brien walked by our booth wearing the most beautiful raw silk shirt in an unusual shade of blue (a cross between turquoise and lapis lazuli), we had to stop him and ask about it.  “Well, I dyed the fabric myself in Nepal and had the shirt made!” was his response.

Of course, that led to a half-hour discussion about Nepal and Vietnam, the amazing artisans there who create the most gorgeous designs and the vision to turn these fabrics into a collection of handmade decorative pillows, bedding, robes and even yoga accessories.

A born artist, Kevin abandoned a career in architecture to pursue his lifelong passion – to paint.  But when he realized that novice painters don’t sell many paintings, he followed the recommendation of a friend and began to paint on fabric.  Barney’s NY saw his talent and placed their first order…  and as they say, the rest is history.

With studios in Woodstock, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, Kevin now runs a business that has as its mission to make things a little better for everyone who come into contact with its products, its people and its conduct.  We certainly think his designs are divine and with such beauty and integrity, who could ask for anything more?

Photos from yours truly and Kevin O’Brien Studio