I happened to be there at the right place and right moment and our collaboration began. Jay Yang left P. Kaufmann soon after and created his own company, so we wound up creating a collection for P. Kaufmann as well. Around the same time, we were introduced to master printer Ratti. My designs were executed beautifully and became Clarence House icons. It was a true game-changer to utilize Ratti’s printing skills for the world of home furnishings, and that collaboration continues to this date.

The founder, Robin Roberts, was known to be quite a character.  What’s one outlandish but true story you can share with us about Robin?

Robin would rent a villa in St. Tropez and ship his Rolls Royce Corniche ahead of his arrival to use while he was vacationing. When we used to go to St. Barth, he rented a villa and brought his French chef and housekeeper with him. Years later Robin decided to create a modernist masterpiece in Bedford Hills, New York. He wanted to recreate the Katsura Imperial Palace garden to compliment the modernist architecture. Some of the rare trees on the property were airlifted to be planted exactly where he wanted. He called it “Twin Ponds”. Pauline Trigère called it “the monument to the 80’s”.

Robin passed away in 2003 and Clarence House was sold to P. Kaufmann.  Were you still involved during these years?

Yes, very much so for most of the time. Timothy Finlay was named Creative Director and we tried our best. Over the years my role was minimized but we worked well with Clarence House’s President, Bob Appelbaum, and the new directors.