In the Studio: Gregory Parkinson

Gregory is a longtime friend and collaborator. His product assortment is layered with vibrant colors and rich textile combinations gathered and made in India. His work with Commune includes pillows and blankets with the most bright and energetic pattern combinations ranging from plaid to ikat. We chatted with him about his journey in the world of textiles:

So take us to the beginning. Where are you from and can you tell us about how you ended up in LA?
I grew up in North West England, about 30 miles from Manchester. The North West during the late 70's and 80’s was quite exciting, musically and culturally it was incredible. Everything felt new, not derivative of the previous decades. I would go to Manchester for concerts, dance performances, and galleries, but most importantly, there was a Fiorucci, which was magical and extremely influential. I started making my own clothes, as most of my college friends did because there was no alternative. I would buy old men’s clothes and take them apart and restyle it all, always pairing it with sensible wing tips. It was an important part of beginning to learn about the craft which would eventually become my career. After Art school, I went on to study fashion and textiles in Newcastle which is a very good school. I was not a great student but I survived.

Tell us about your early career.
After graduating college, I freelanced in a very exciting textile studio in London, which is really where I began to learn and develop my confidence and sense of style. This was when I learned about multiple layers of technique and processes like print, color, texture, deconstruction, appliqué, attention to detail, and refinement, which are all still a part of my present-day work. My design and textile concepts were sold repeatedly to a California sportswear company, and they offered me a job, so I moved to California.

What was LA like when you arrived?
In the early 90's, LA was great. There was lots of space and potential for anyone who felt they had something to offer. In the late Fall of 94, I opened my store on Beverly Blvd.

How did you transition from fashion to home goods?
After 20 years in fashion, the industry that I knew began to change and although I had a supportive and loyal customer base, I started to think about how much more they really needed. This reality sank in, and so I focussed on the core of my design work which is textiles. After a trip to Tokyo in 2013 I had an epiphany. I was so struck by the simple and considered presentation of beautiful textiles which sparked a transition from garments to functional textiles which could still carry the stamp of my signature techniques.

How did you start working with Commune?
I think that I showed the first pillows I made to Commune. They were embroidered silk (a geometric machine embroidered onto a geometric pattern). They used them in an installation and then bought some for the shop. Do you develop custom patterns for the blankets, or is the material mostly found? I am reluctant to develop new textiles and I prefer to work with found items. The main reason for developing textiles, when I do, is for quality purposes — better quality dyes, weaving, thread count, and finishing I feel more excited, though, when I find an item, and rework it by adding either print or embroidery, combining it with multiple fabrics, or adding another layer. To me, this seems more truthful and resourceful

What inspires you? Who inspires you?
The craftspeople in India and globally. The manual dexterity that exists with the craftspeople in India is a huge source of inspiration.

How often do you go to India?
Working in India is a great privilege. My two trips per year are a very important part of my life. When I go, I stay there, for two or occasionally three months. When I am there it feels like I live there. I usually stay in the same places and have a similar routine each trip, so it’s all very familiar. This takes care of my wanting to live elsewhere , to be back and forth to L.A is really the best thing . I don't want to be a tourist. I love the experiences that working in different countries. I was just in Bogota , and for now, I would like to live there… here and there.

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Photos by Dante Iñiguez