Lory Bernstein is the founder of Designthusiasm a blog she writes from New Jersey, as a creative outlet for her passion and love of design. Lory is a former fashion designer who worked personally with Ralph Lauren for a number of years. In recent years her focus has shifted to home design, decor, tablescapes and travel photography. Her blog journals her creative pursuits and delights in the pleasure of a well designed life. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Lory Bernstein.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style leans towards casual elegance; essentially French Country meets English Manor with a very American unpinning of relaxed lifestyle. I prefer quality classics punctuated by fabulous decorative accessories.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I start with a concept board and stay true to it, as opposed to being influenced by what’s trending or readily available. I prefer internal influences to external ones.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I began my career in the fashion industry, designing sportswear for 25 years. In the early days I worked for Ralph Lauren, who has informed my taste level and creative process more than anyone else. I still believe he is the master, never wavering from his well defined vision, honoring the quality and iconography of the past, while never getting stuck there, embracing the best of what’s upcoming and new.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
One image often drives an entire look for me, so I go through my visual memory, most often travel experiences, to identify the concept that’s inspiring me at the moment.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I achieved what I wanted in my fashion career, so now I do what I love. I fell into blogging as a creative outlet. I’d say follow your heart and keep your options open. Then pour everything you’ve got into the thing that you do when no one’s paying you.
