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F5: Jean Lin Shares a Fashion Favorite, a Breathtaking Painting + More

05.13.22 | By
F5: Jean Lin Shares a Fashion Favorite, a Breathtaking Painting + More

Jean Lin is a New York City-based design entrepreneur. Initially trained as a fashion designer, she has professional experience as a designer, editor, trend forecaster, educator, and curator. Jean is the founder of Colony, a designers’ co-op; the charitable design organization Reclaim NYC; and Tribeca Design District. Jean currently teaches at her alma mater, Parsons School of Design, and has served as a guest lecturer and critic at Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt Institute, and Tama Art University in Tokyo.

Today, Jean is joining us for Friday Five!

light-skinned woman with blonde hair wearing a white dress crouching on a white pedestal

Jean Lin

long-haired brown and grey dog laying in grass

1. My Dog, Bosco

My 15-year-old dog, Bosco, passed away September 12, 2021 and even though I don’t cry every day anymore, I certainly think about and miss him every day. Dogs are the ultimate companion and when you’re lucky enough to find “your dog” it’s a lifetime bond, even after they’re gone.

monolithic grey outdoor structures

2. Glenstone

I visited the monumental art museum Glenstone a couple years ago and could not get over how beautiful and moving the experience was. Landscape and architecture perfectly stage the staggering contemporary art collection of Emily and Mitch Rales, private collectors who have made it their mission to share the power of art, architecture, and nature with the public. The work Water Double, v.3, 2013–2015 by Roni Horn floored me. The piece consists of two giant cast glass cylinders, one clear white and one matte black.

two wire chairs resembling people

3. John Risley

I didn’t know who John Risley was until his sculptural iron furniture started popping up at antique and vintage furniture auctions we frequent at Colony. I love the artful whimsy of his works that read like hand sketches of friends and neighbors of the artist. There’s not much extra space in my home for more furniture, but a John Risley piece is on my shortlist of coveted items.

person viewing four black garments in a museum-like space

4. Stella Jean

Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean has been one of my fashion favorites for a couple years now. I love her colorful patterns inspired by traditional African wax print fabric realized in artful, yet wearable silhouettes. She also recently spearheaded a movement that brought issues around racial inequality in fashion to the forefront during Milan Fashion Week.

stylied interior space with large fluffy chair, shelvings, and art

5. Lawdy Mama by Barkley Hendricks

I bought a gold leaf print of this Barkley Hendricks painting Lawdy Mama and I love it so much. Early on in my time in New York City, I went to a show at The Studio Museum in Harlem and saw this painting in person and it took my breath away. I’ll never forget that show because it was also the first time I saw a Kehinde Wiley piece in person before he exploded into popular culture. I couldn’t believe my eyes and felt so lucky to be in New York City to see and experience so much beauty. Every time I look at my print, it reminds me of the power of that experience.

 

Work by Jean Lin + Colony:

modern furniture in a white showroom

styled living space with chairs, credenza, large mirror and coffee table

modern furniture in a white showroom

styled living space with two sofas, large rug, coffee table, and large windows

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.