IKEMEN (ē´k´mɛn): Japanese Slang

"REALLY, REALLY, RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE"

Name: Warren Kay

Occupation: Textile Designer, Owner at MDRN

WARREN KAY'S INTERVIEW

The renowned Textile Designer and Interiors Guru futurist Warren Kay has gained a reputation – and an enviable following - as the Master of drapery, and a maestro on what makes a home look great, and feel even better. Having designed beautifully textured custom fabrics and interiors for some of the biggest (and wealthiest) personalities, establishments, and events around the world –from celebrities including Jimmy Choo, Dalai Lama to major department stores like HARRODS LONDON, plus royalty and even the “Sex & The City” movies – the legendary designer and consummate English Gentleman is also somewhat of a trailblazer in the direct to consumer industry. He is the visionary of popular design haven MDRN, the first of its kind interiors emporium, offering a wide range of fabrics, textiles, and furniture brought directly from design to the consumer.           

At MDRN, Kay and his design team have, in fact, recently introduced their new transformable modular system of interiors called Intelligent Living: a system of furniture for the future, mixing Technology & Furniture Design, that transforms the way we utilize traditional spaces. With Intelligent Living, a single-use space in a home can be transformed into a multi-purpose all encompassing experience in a matter of seconds. TWELV caught up with Kay to learn a bit more about the man behind the MDRN. 

1. Where are you from? 

I’m from my mother, and I’m a citizen of the Planet Earth. 

2. What brought you to NYC?  

To get as far from my ex as possible.

3. When/How did you get started as an Interiors/Textile Designer? 

When I woke up!

4. What are some of the major projects you have worked on as an Interiors & Textile Designer? 

Museums, Palaces, hotels, and homes. 

5. As a Textile Designer, is there a print that you would say you have become famous for as your signature print, or instantly recognizable print? 

Metallic embroidery.

6. What are some of the interiors items you have designed, and have come to be associated with you? 

I ALWAYS LOVED WINDOW TREATMENTS.

One reason is because I could see a huge impact instantly. That satisfied me.  

7. Any notable names for whom you have designed? 

I have worked with musicians, actors, politicians, and many famous humans; however can’t give you their names.

8. You are the owner of the famous Interiors & Textile Design haven, MDRN located in New York's Flat Iron District. When did you open and why?

I opened because I had no choice; it’s in my DNA every morning I open my eyes. I’m not the owner of anything; I’m part of a team that creates.

9. What are some of the items carried in MDRN? 

I carry items of great design that have a utilitarian purpose. I’m now interested in artificial intelligence, and how humans will live over the next 10 to 20 years. I can’t sleep for worrying about how human’s will live; how they will have cope with privacy intrusions, living in fear. How society will be motivated to be progressive. Positive. I have developed a home system called intelligent living that will enhance the way we live in a modern new world.

10. Are all the designs in MDRN your designs, or are other designers included (if so, name a few)?  

I don’t believe in taking credit for a design; I believe that comes from God and the wonderful team I work with. 

11. Are there any new and upcoming designers who you have discovered and nurtured/are nurturing?

Yes, my intelligent living systems. I have many visions and concerns about a new society and seeing how everything we are doing is going to drastically change.  I’m concerned that humans are asleep to what’s happening to them in this world, and we all need to wake up and plan for a new world where everything we do will be different. I am terrified and also so excited. MDRN is the place where technology and futuristic efficient Living furniture is designed and discovered. 

12. What makes MDRN stand out from other Interior Design shops? What makes it stand out?

We are mixing technology and furniture, tacking the tech industry and creating the future of furniture and living systems. 

13. What is the most challenging aspect of being the owner of an interiors/textile design shop?

Being a brick-and-mortar retail into the 21st century.

 14. What is the next stage for Warren Kay and MDRN?                                    

Futuristic Living.

15. What is one design item everyone must own in their home?

A bed. 

INTERVIEW BY TERRY DOE

PHOTOGRAPHY: KAMOLLIO