designer jennifer paganelli








The designs of Jennifer Paganelli from Sis Boom remind me quite a bit of the work by Amy Butler. Both are steeped in Modernism, celebrate vintage fabrics, and often "clash" equally bold and confident colours. Jennifer's designs are the result of a life lived in some of the world's most beautiful, if not completely contrasting places - the Great Lakes of the USA, the Caribbean, New England and New York City. Today she is based in the northeast of the US.

Which five words best describe you? Innovative, resourceful, generous, supportive, big-hearted, inviting, loving, silly, honest... Is that five?
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? After graduation I went to work for Knoll in NYC and sold fabric for them, thus the modernist in me was born. I love clean lines and lots of colour. In 2005 I was given the opportunity to move into fabric design for Freespirit Fabric, and from there I was asked to design a home dec line for Peking Handicraft. The current path I'm on is having just published my first book with Chronicle Books called Girl's World. It will be on shelves May 1, 2011.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To give, to share, and to be patient... Not take it all so seriously. Dogs on white couches don't have to throw my day off! They teach me that nothing is so important that life is to be lived.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Girl's World, my first book, and the following book due out next year called Happy Home. Then there's juggling life and work all at the same time and making it come together seamlessly. I also love having worked closely with a photographer to create magical Sis Boom moments that will be captured for eternity... especially those moments during the photo shoot for Girl's World.
What’s been your best decision? My best decision was to marry my husband Peter.
Who inspires you? I am inspired by the love in our home, and fashion of the times, but my biggest influence has been growing up in The Virgin Islands. I can't betray what exists in me. Those years are forever etched in my psyche.
What are you passionate about? Colour, texture, reviving the old, and emphasising the importance of creating!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I'd love to meet my dad again and have a do over.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? My dream is to collaborate with a fashion designer who's passionate about my use of colour.
What are you reading? Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen... and of course, the NY Post, a New Yorker's quiet indulgence.

images courtesy of sis boom and tim geaney

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