A Moment With...Ryan Korban
(NEW YORK) Ryan Korban may be only 25, but he's no rookie. The co-owner and interior designer behind haute Tribeca accessories shop Edon Manor has worked with the likes of Alexander Wang, the Traina sisters, and Natasha Poly on their various interiors, and he's ready to let the world know by launching his website, www.ryankorban.com. He'll fête the launch with a party in early November, but first, the designer talked to The Daily about his clients, his style, and what might be next on his plate.
EMILY GYBEN
Why did you decide the launch your website now?
I work with a lot of designers on their showrooms, and it all ended up being in the same group: lots of designers are so talented, but when it came to interiors they fell a little short, so I started doing things like showrooms and shops-in-shops with department stores. My work has never been published anywhere, so I'm at a time now where it should be displayed.
Who are some of the people you've worked with?
Alexander Wang is a good friend of mine, and we've worked together on everything from his residential home to his offices and shop-in-shops. Other people have been models, actors--I've worked with James Franco. I've been lucky enough to choose who I can work with. I've worked with Barneys and Opening Ceremony. Humberto [Leon] and Carol [Lim] are very inspiring.
You're throwing your website launch party with Alex, Victoria Traina, and Natasha Poly. Why those three?
They're three of my favorite clients and people who represent who I love to work with. They understand the logistics of things when it comes to the creative process. People in fashion really understand fabrics, metals, and finishes--but there's a disconnect between clothes and interiors. Interior design, to me, is sort of a stale industry--it's this uptown thing, a certain age bracket. But there's a lot of youth in fashion, so that's what I'm pushing for. They understand, they just don't know how to execute with interior design. You can have an amazing conversation about creative materials. You understand the way you want your environment to work. Having clothes in Barneys versus designing a shop in Barneys--it's just as important.
We hear you've known Alex and Victoria for a while...
We all went to school together! When Alex was first starting out we would all come together and help him get it done, asking where can we lend a hand. He was calling on his friends.
How does your work with the fashion industry influence your own work as an interior designer?
I like to take my time. The thing that's different about fashion and interior design is that fashion changes so quickly, from season to season it's different. It takes a lot longer for interior design to change because it's an evolution. It's a lot slower process, and it's exciting to see it change.
Would you ever work with a designer to create a home or lifestyle line with them, the way brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren have?
My friend Joseph Altuzarra has impeccable taste. We've talked about furniture together, and it's something he's interested in--and I thought it would be something I'd love to get my hands on. He has a really romantic, sophisticated aesthetic.
