Talk Shop: Imane Fiocchi // Neon Lace Company
ABOUT IMANE
Imane Fiocchi studied studio art and art history in San Francisco before moving to New York to work in the art, design and beauty industry. Missing working with color, she took time to study the nuances of shibori, a Japanese dye technique, from a 4th generation dye master in Kyoto, Japan. In 2019, Imane launched Neon Lace Company in New York's Hudson Valley using these techniques applied to vintage and handmade homegoods, favoring the brightest colors possible. The collection includes handmade linen and vintage lace tableware, aprons, oven mitts and other home accessories.
Imane operates with sustainability front of mind. She uses innovative dye techniques, minimal amounts of water, and nontoxic colors. Her linen products are made to order by hand to reduce fabric waste and their reworked vintage pieces, which are sourced from all over the globe, reduce overproduction and reliance on new materials. We sat down with the artisan and entrepreneur to talk all things design – check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
20% minimalist / 80% maximalist (sorry 4 words!)
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Japan, NYC, Beirut.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
My company started by accident. I’ve always loved antiques, and was vintage shopping a few years back in Venice when I came across a beautiful vintage napkin set. When I went to set the table for a dinner party, they felt drab so I dyed them neon green. They looked super cool, and out of nowhere my husband said, “Hey, that’s a great business idea!” I couldn’t get it out of my head so I purchased a large vintage linen lot at an auction and embarked on experimenting with bright and bold colors with various dye techniques.
My favorite thing about Neon Lace Company is repurposing materials and giving vintage pieces a new life.
And, I love vintage sourcing! The hunt is magical. When I find a unique piece that I know will work, I light up inside.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I had the pleasure of working for Bill Georgis (Georgis & Mirgorodsky) and with his incredible late partner Richard Marshall. Bill is a class act and I witnessed first hand how success truly doesn’t happen without very hard work. He showed me how to make decisions quickly (and trust those decisions), be reliable, and express gratitude which are all skills that I use every day in my own business.
What does your home say about you:
I love a pop of color!
Where do you find inspiration:
Art, history, travel, Instagram.
Who are your style icons:
Elizabeth Taylor, Karl Lagerfeld, Marie Antoinette.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
High style with a casual approach.
Do you collect anything:
Vintage table linens and tableware
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
So many!
@arielokin, @hilarymattinteriors, @milesredd, @preenhome, @crosbystudios, @johnderiancompany, @thelavenderghost, @loriastern, @grossypelosi, @yuliachild, @brrchfloral, @estellecoloredglass, @shopgossamer.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I always pair or group items in 3’s or odd numbers.
I think all design rules are meant to be broken-- time and place!
What are you working on right now:
Personally: In the midst of restoring a 200 year old country house in upstate NY with my husband.
Professionally: Adding new colors to our linen line of napkins and placemats, preparing some exciting spring launches, experimenting with new dye techniques, sourcing vintage pieces for summer and early fall collections.
Wardrobe staples:
White flight suits in the studio/ neon green Hot Lips ring by Solange Azury Patridge
Best interior advice you ever received:
Scale matters. Don’t overdo it.
Best career advice you ever received:
In the beginning, say yes to every single opportunity that comes your way-- don’t be picky. (Note: “the beginning” can be longer than you think!) Answer emails and texts promptly. Be on time.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in the best kitchen appliances your budget allows, save on kids’ bedrooms. Research and find smaller, lesser known brands of high quality.
Your greatest extravagance:
Pre-Covid, travel experiences. Now, a long bath every day! And Rose 1845 hair products.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Antique shops in upstate, NY and Palm Beach, John Derian, AnnSandra, ABC Home, Amara,
1st Dibs, Neon Lace Company
Most prized possession and why:
My family- they are everything.
Your interiors motto:
Clean and simple always works but every now and then just GO FOR IT!
Your life motto:
Be polite!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Take your time, buy what you love, and the best you can afford.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Sushi
Drink: Rosé in summer and winter
Film: The Black Stallion
Hotel: Amanjena, Longitude 131, Gora Hakan Ryokan
City: Tokyo
Bedding: Frette, Preen Home, Buffy, Amazon Basics
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Nespresso with oat milk splash followed by an oat milk matcha latte at some point
Playlist: Today’s Country at home / Robyn in studio
Weekend Activity: My daughter is a competitive horse rider so weekends are spent cheering her on!
Design Book:
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
Flowers: Art & Bouquet by Assouline
Born to Party, Forced to Work by Phaidon