Style With A Twist

Read this article in our print magazine, CRAFT 08: Weaving, Page 28.
To get CRAFT, subscribe today or purchase single volumes.

Subscribers—read this article now in your digital edition!

Wry humor and a healthy dash of know-how help Brini Maxwell serve up her smartly designed, 1960s-inspired décor.

by Daniel Carter

More of the Interview with Brini

With so much potential for Felix Populi, what are your future plans?

Well, we'd like to build Felix Populi into a recognized brand for stylish interiors with a twist and we'd like Brini to continue to be the face of the brand. It's been eye opening to explore what draws fans to Brini in the context of merchandise.

The development of Felix Populi represents a step forward for me. I feel like I can stand in my own power now. I don't feel like I have to hide behind a camera anymore. It's liberating to be able to join the world and feel like I have something worthwhile to contribute.

We'd like to feature a full line of products for the home, from accessories to furniture and fittings. The growth process is slow, but we're moving ahead. Soon to be released will be a more expanded tabletop line and new items for the bath.

Who makes and designs the pillows? Is it just you, or do you work with a team?

I design the pillows and make some of the prototypes. I work with David Menkes, a leather manufacturer, for the production line. He's known for his fetish wear for the gay community, which makes it rather delicious that he's making these posh accent pillows for me. We also work with a variety of other manufacturers for the different products we do.

In your bio it says you were piping mashed potatoes at age 5. What other crafty and decor-related things did you do when you were young?

I was quite the crafty child, always interested in making things. I remember making doll houses, which I decorated with all sorts of creative miniatures that I would make as well. I also found my way into jewelry making, clothing construction, model making, and even traditional crafts like needlepoint and quilting.

Discuss this article

You must be logged in to post a talkback.

Join the conversation -- every MAKE article has an online page that includes a place for discussion. We've made these RSS and Atom feeds to help you watch the discussions: subscribe.