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Friday Five with David Hicks

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Australia-born David Hicks spent his formidable years living in Malaysia before heading back to Melbourne to focus on his lifelong love of interior design. After graduating from RMIT, Hicks went to work for two of Australia’s top architecture and interior design firms, honing his style along the way. The year 2000 saw the opening of his eponymous design studio, which has become known for their luxurious and modern interiors. Winning both national and international awards, the busy designer can be found speaking at fairs and institutions and even appearing on Australian television, when not renovating interiors. Just recently, he opened his second office half way around the world in Los Angeles. This Friday Five gives interior designer David Hicks the stage to share five things he really loves.

1. Giò Ponti
The famous Italian architect is a huge inspiration to me. His innovative design spanned architecture, industrial design, furniture design, interiors and the list goes on. His ability to move between these facets of design was extraordinary. I love his furniture especially his mid-century pieces. He was a true visionary.

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2. The white t-shirt
I love the simplicity and freshness a good white t-shirt offers. It can be worn with anything and is a staple of most wardrobes. The best designed I have found is by Dolce & Gabbana with many cuts from crewneck to low and high v-neck. The fabric they use is so easy to wear, I do most days!

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3. Galle, Sri Lanka
I love to travel as it opens new opportunities for inspiration. I recently returned from Sri Lanka which was amazing. I found the fort town of Galle intriguing and rich in history. The colonial architecture and design of the hotel I stayed in, Amangalla, was so unique and beautifully restored. The modernist inspired pool and cabanas were a beautiful and simple contrast to the old building.

Photo source unknown

Photo source unknown

4. Meditation
Being in design I have a mind that works a million miles an hour, constantly taking information in and thinking about new ideas. To enrich, what I sometimes need to slow this down is meditation. It nourishes and relaxes the mind to enable clearer thoughts to be processed. I could not imagine not including this practice in my life.

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5. Tom Ford
What can I say except for genius! I love his style and breadth of design talent – his shoes, reading and sunglasses, and eau de toilette are fabulous. I love his store design and his houses, he recently purchased Kelly Wearstler’s house in Beverly Hills and his ranch designed by Tadao Ando in Santa Fe is phenomenal.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.