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The Color Authority™

Judith van Vliet

Welcome to The Color Authority™, the podcast that dives deep into the fascinating world of color design and trends, hosted by none other than Judith van Vliet, your guide to unlocking the full potential of color in your life and business.

In each episode, we explore the profound influence of color on our daily lives, delving into its psychological and emotional impact. From the way color shapes our moods and perceptions to its role in sparking inspiration and creativity, we uncover the myriad ways in which color permeates every aspect of our existence.

But it's not just about understanding color; it's about harnessing its power to enrich our lives. Join us as we discuss practical strategies for bringing more color into your life, whether it's through your wardrobe, home decor, or branding choices. And we'll help you navigate the vast spectrum of colors to find the ones that resonate most with you, empowering you to express yourself authentically through color.

Ever wondered how color trends emerge and evolve? We've got you covered. Learn about the fascinating process behind color forecasting and trend prediction, and gain insights into the factors that shape the colors we see dominating the runway, interior design, and product development.

Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and captivating stories, The Color Authority™ promises to be both informative and entertaining. So whether you're a seasoned color enthusiast or just starting to explore the wonders of color, tune in to discover the transformative potential of this ubiquitous yet often overlooked aspect of our world.

Join Judith van Vliet and her global network of color experts on a journey to unleash the power of color in your life and business. Because when it comes to color, there's always more to learn, explore, and be inspired by. Welcome to The Color Authority™!

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  • 21 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 49 min
  • English

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  • S7 · E8
    Yesterday · 46 min

    S7E08 Creating Magic with Kathryn Gustafson

    In this interview, internationally acclaimed landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson reflects on her 45-year career and her unique ability to create distinctive sculptural landscapes that engage people at a fundamental level. She explains how the interplay of color, form, and volume provides intuitive information to the observer, drawing on her professional background in sculpture and tailoring to achieve artistic precision. Gustafson highlights the importance of designing public works that communities can "adopt" as their own, while striving to maintain artistic poetry amidst the challenges of a changing climate. Kathryn Gustafson brings over 45 years of distinguished practice as Founder of Gustafson Porter + Bowman. As an internationally-acclaimed landscape architect, Kathryn is renowned for bringing a unique ability to define a project’s vision and creating distinctive sculptural landscapes which engage at a fundamental human level. Kathryn’s work at Gustafson Porter + Bowman includes the Cultuurpark Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in London, Parque Central in Valencia, Taikoo Place in Hong Kong and Site Tour Eiffel in Paris amongst other high-profile projects. Prior to establishing Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Kathryn worked in France from 1980 until 1997, where she was the lead landscape designer for the headquarters of Shell (1990), Esso (1992) and a model factory for L’Oréal (1993). Other significant works include the award-winning Jardins de l’Imaginaire in Terrasson la Villedieu (1995), which is classed by the French Ministry of culture as one of the most notable gardens in France. Her work at the public plaza in Evry (1991) was one of the first landscape projects worldwide to create a flexible space with water jets. Kathryn lectures internationally and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architecture, an honorary Royal Designer for Industry member, a medallist of the French Academy of Architecture and a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute. She is the recipient of the Architects’ Journal Jane Drew Prize 1998, the 2001 Chrysler Design Award, the 2008 ASLA Design Medal, the Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize for Architecture 2012, the 8th Obayashi Prize, Japan in 2014 and the 2019 Geoffrey Jellicoe Award. In 2021, she was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In April 2026, 28 years after establishing Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Kathryn Gustafson is stepping back from her role as Founding Partner. She will continue in a consultancy role as a Founder of the practice. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E7
    July 28 · 54 min

    S7E07 Color Rebellion with Mehek Malhotra

    This interview features Mehek Malhotra, founder of Giggling Monkey Studio, discussing how her Indian heritage and the psychology of color inform her narrative-driven design work. She describes color as an innate, universal language—akin to a lifelong tattoo—and uses the "masala dabba" (spice box) metaphor to explain India's consistent yet versatile palette. A central theme is her philosophy of "serious play," which encourages designers to reclaim the judgment-free creativity of childhood to develop original, commercially viable ideas. Mehek also explores her preference for "lived-in" aesthetics over sterile perfection, reflecting on projects for IKEA and Google that translate personal memories into universal experiences. The colorful and brilliant designs of Mehek Malhotra, a young designer based in Mumbai, India, are well-known for their fusion of modern aesthetics with traditional Indian elements. Malhotra, who has experience in graphic design, visual communication, and drawing, has made a name for herself in the competitive Indian design industry. Her portfolio features a wide range of projects in fields as diverse as product design, packaging, brand identity, and more. India is where Mehek Malhotra spent her formative years. Her early years were spent absorbing visual culture, during which her budding interest in art and design flourished. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Design degree with a concentration in fashion communication and graphic design, while being awarded the best graducation project award at NIFT in 2018. Her formal education laid the groundwork for her to develop her abilities and explore other forms of expression. She was awarded 25 under 25 in 2016 by TATA Nano and Campus Diaries for the field of Art + Design and was recognised in the Power 25 List of the Rolling Stone Magazine in 2023. In 2025, she received a Special Mention in the Forbes 30 Under 30 India list for Design, acknowledging her growing influence and contribution to creative culture in the country. Mehek started the graphic design, illustration, and branding studio Giggling Monkey Studio. She has done work for well-known customers like major corporations, young businesses, and non-governmental organisations through her studio. Malhotra's work is readily recognisable for its emphasis on whimsical shapes and vivid patterns. The creative methods used by Giggling Monkey Studio have earned them praise and a dedicated following; with clients such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, and others, as well as smaller businesses, to help them find their creative voice and place in Indian markets. The studio loves to collaborate and produce work for music; this has led to numerous projects for various artists, most recently with the Berklee Indian Ensemble, whose album was nominated for the 2023 Grammys. She is also the Creative Lead for India at Canva. Canva is a website that lets people design and makes beautiful graphics. This makes design more accessible for everyone to use and understand. In 2025, Mehek brought her perspective on food, memory, and domesticity to the international stage. At Salone del Mobile — Milan Design Week — she collaborated with Maurizio Tentella on Eat With Your Mouth Open, a lived-in dining room installation created in partnership with IKEA. The project wove together Italian and Indian cultural references around food and home, drawing on the stories of both their grandmothers. The installation ran April 21–26, 2025, and invited audiences to sit with the idea that a dining table is never just a table — it is where culture is passed down, arguments are had, and love is fed. Numerous organisations and publications have recognised and to name a few. Mehek's passion for art and her dedication to her craft have propelled her to the top of her field, and she continues to inspire and entertain audiences with her unique and captivating work, making her craft more accessible and understood so more people can aspire to work as creatives in India. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E6
    June 29 · 44 min

    S7E06 Symbiotic Dialogues with Draga & Aurel

    In this episode, Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow’s creative synergy, where "one plus one is three," combines industrial materials with the "material alchemy" of resin and glass. They view color as an emotional "gift and a subjective experience that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence, which lacks the capacity for human feeling. Embracing the unpredictable nature of their materials, they advocate for a "handmade future" rooted in physical gesture and emotional discernment. Draga & Aurel is a multidisciplinary studio working across art, collectible design, and product design, based in Como. Founded in 2007 by designer Draga Obradovic and artist Aurel K. Basedow, partners in life as well as in work, the studio now counts a team of 30 people active between design and in-house production. With a heterogeneous background spanning art, fashion, and craftsmanship, Draga & Aurel are internationally recognized for an original language that merges rigorous design methodology with an artistic approach to material and composition. Their first collections, Deshabillé (2007) and Heritage (2009), marked their debut in the design world and introduced a pioneering experimentation with the upcycling of vintage objects, reinterpreted through a contemporary sensibility. Their dialogue with design history continued through early collaborations with the Italian company Baxter, launched in 2009 and still ongoing, a partnership that helped propel Draga & Aurel onto the international stage. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E5
    May 26 · 46 min

    S7E05 Challenging Color Codes with Studio RENS

    In this interview for the Color Authority podcast Studio RENS, the Dutch design duo composed of Renee and Stephanie, discusses their 17-year history of exploring the transformative power of color and material. Their creative synergy relies on a balance between Stephanie’s analytical structure and Renee’s creative, hands-on spirit, a partnership that allows them to embrace the freedom of experimentation without losing focus. RENS is a design research studio specialized in the applied investigation of colours and materials. Based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, we offer customized designs and valuable insights through a multitude of practices and services. RENS was founded in 2008 by Renee Mennen and Stefanie van Keijsteren. We pair a precise, almost mathematical approach to design research with hands- on material experiments and a keen eye for color. Across disciplines and in a variety of mediums, we work on collaborative, commissioned or self-initiated projects. RENS collaborates closely with clients and partners to get to the heart of the matter (and the color). Previous projects and partnerships with museums, companies, brands, and labels from all over the world include: Spectrum Design, Piet Hein Eek, Samsung, Auping, Wolfgordon, Lacq, Cor Unum Ceramics, Desso, Tarkett, Moooi Carpets, Lighting Laboratory Leuven, Philips Innovation Services, Canon, Pode, Baars & Bloemhoff, Kruisherenhotel, Design Museum Ghent & Zuiderzeemuseum. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E4
    April 28 · 58 min

    S7E04 The Milan Edit with The Forecast Club

    In this episode, the Forecast Club comes together to unpack what really stood out at Milan Design Week 2026. Moving beyond the hype, they share honest reflections on shifting aesthetics, the rise of multi-sensory experiences, and the growing divide between design for the few and design for the many. From material-driven color stories to questions around relevance, affordability, and authenticity, this conversation offers a sharp, insider perspective on where design is heading next. The Forecast Club is a global collective of leading, award-winning trend experts, one from each country. While each member operates independently, they collaborate periodically on exclusive projects known as “Drops.” This podcast episode features the following team members: Alina Schartner, based in Austria, is an internationally recognised colour and interior design consultant, trend forecaster, and designer. She creates purposeful strategies, concepts, and collections for major brands. Her futures-focused approach, rooted in longevity, balances relevance, emotional and functional value, profitability, and sustainability. Alongside bespoke services, Alina shares her insights through keynotes, workshops, webinars, trend reports, and expert panels. Since 2021, she has also been the brand ambassador for RAL COLOURS, promoting colour literacy worldwide. Stefan ”Trendstefan” Nilsson, based in Sweden, is one of Sweden’s and Scandinavia’s most influential trend experts. Constantly on foot, he visits fairs and world cities to scout the latest in design, lifestyle, sustainability, retail and hospitality. He looks for new colours, shapes and objects, but the main driver is to try to analyse new demands regardless of if they are for Gen Z or regular men on the street. These insights are shared in various magazines and at seminars all over the world. He is a regular contributor to magazines like Elle Decoration, Residence, Plaza as well as morning shows on TV and radio. Trendstefan runs his own digital platform Trendstefan.se since 2006 and the trend seminar “Stora Trenddagen” since 2011. On the side he curates exhibitions both at fairs, museums and how own mobile exhibition platform Designgalleriet. Swedish magazine Rum have listed Trendstefan as one of the most influential people in architecture and design in Sweden. Trendstefan is also the founder of The Forecast Club. Susanna Björklund, based in Finland, is a futures thinker, trend analyst, journalist and a designer. As a Senior Lecturer she teaches emerging talents at LAB Institute of Design, LAB University of Applied Sciences. Susanna is also an international speaker and moderator for panel discussions. Susanna is known for curating and producing SIGNALS, the official trend exhibition of Habitare, the interior fair of Helsinki, 2015-2022, linking visual and societal trends. Her passion is design and to look for changes in everything around us, to analyze and cluster those signals into thinking where the futures might be heading. Societal shifts, design for the planet and changes in consumer behaviour as well as in values are interesting ingredients for her work. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E3
    March 31 · 57 min

    S7E03 Sensory Alchemy with Ramy Elnagar

    This episode features Ramy Elnagar, founder of White Mirror, talking about how color acts as a frequency and a sensory tool to bridge the gap between our inner and outer worlds. Ramy elaborates on his studio's philosophy of "experiences as medicine," which utilizes nature-inspired awe and sensory congruence to move beyond mere engagement toward profound physiological and psychological transformation. The conversation explores the future of "secular spaces of worship" ultimately advocating for intentional design that helps individuals navigate loneliness and environmental anxiety through clarity, quietude, and ritual. As the founder of White Mirror, a wellness innovation studio at the intersection of science, arts, and technology, Ramy believes the environments we design shape us, influencing how we think, feel, and connect. Guided by this philosophy, he applies evidence-based approaches to create spaces, experiences, and interventions that improve quality of life across the hospitality, real estate, automotive, and wellness sectors. He works toward building the future we want to live in, exploring how wellness can become part of our spaces and systems. Ramy’s holistic approach to human health addresses our emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical wellbeing through what he calls “experience as medicine.” Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E2
    February 24 · 43 min

    S7E02 Beyond Trend Stuffification with Louise Byg Kongsholm

    Louise Byg Kongsholm explains in this episode that companies must navigate "trend stuffification" by distinguishing between short-term noise and long-term strategic patterns that address fundamental human needs. She advocates for life stage segmentation over traditional demographics and warns that AI should be treated as a tool rather than a business strategy to protect the essential human "creative spark". Louise Byg Kongsholm is CEO of pej gruppen – scandinavian trend institute, a company with more than 50 years of experience in decoding trends and making them actionable for Scandinavian companies. She works as a trend researcher, author, speaker and advisor across Scandinavia. She is also editor-in-chief of three professional magazines and has written several books on topics such as trend sociology, the future of retail, life stage segmentation and creativity. She is known for translating complex societal and cultural shifts into clear strategic insight. Her work centres on zeitgeist analysis, megatrends and consumer behaviour, with a strong focus on how uncertainty, values and cultural change shape markets and everyday decision-making. Rather than treating trends as isolated phenomena, she analyses patterns, signals and underlying drivers. From this perspective, colour is not a discipline in itself, but a visible expression of deeper cultural moods and collective states of mind. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S7 · E1
    January 27 · 53 min

    S7E01 Sense of Place with Reyes Ríos + Larraín Arquitectos

    This first episode of 2026 of The Color Authority podcast features an in-depth conversation with Salvador Reyes and Josefina Larrain of the Mérida-based studio Reyes Rios + Larrain Arquitectos. The discussion centres on the studio’s philosophy of "living heritage," where they restore historic Yucatecan haciendas and manor houses not as static monuments, but as functional, contemporary spaces that preserve ancestral knowledge and memory. Design Studio based in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, founded by architect Salvador Reyes Ríos and Josefina Larraín Lagos. Since 2001, they have equally devoted themselves to contemporary architectural design and restoration of old haciendas, manor houses, buildings, and heritage sites, adapting them for new, compatible uses. A local and modern sensibility, combined with a comprehensive approach to architecture, interior design, furniture, landscaping, and construction coordination, characterizes their new buildings and restoration/reuse projects. Other contributions to Mexican architecture include the revival and reinterpretation of local materials and techniques, such as Chukum-based mortar and structural concrete blended with red earth known as kancab. Reyes Ríos + Larraín are also recognized for creating an original architectural language that has shaped the contemporary identity of Yucatán’s built environment, as well as the ongoing experimentation with local materials and processes. Their work has been featured in specialized books and magazines across the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, earning both national acclaim and international visibility. The book Place, Matter, and Belonging, published in two editions by Arquine in 2017, is the first monograph dedicated to their body of work. The studio is currently designing projects in Mexico, United States and Dominican Republic. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E11
    Dec 16, 2025 · 41 min

    S6E11 Cultural Memory with Lameice Abu Aker

    Jerusalemite designer Lameice Abu Aker creates at the intersection of emotional resonance and cultural memory, exploring how form, color, and material embody the poetry of domestic rituals. Now based between Jerusalem and Milan, where she earned her Master’s in Furniture Design from Politecnico di Milano, her work fuses Mediterranean nostalgia with sculptural whimsy. In 2021, she founded Ornamental by Lameice, a studio dedicated to glassware that blurs the line between sculpture and tableware. Collaborating closely with a family of artisans in the Palestinian village of Jaba’, where glassblowing is a centuries-old tradition, Lameice introduced an unprecedented palette of pastel hues and whimsical designs as an entirely new chromatic language within their heritage of earth and fire. Each piece is shaped without molds or mechanical constraint, allowing the molten glass to reveal its own peculiar grace. The artisan’s breath lingers in every curve; light, once captured, seems reluctant to leave. Drawn to the table as a stage for life’s theatre, Lameice designs vessels that hold moments of dates, spirited debates, and family stories in awkward elegance, unexpected colors, and playful forms that carry optimism, intimacy, and the sense that the object might be a character of its own. Her collections Dreamlike, Eye Candy, and Teta Edition have been exhibited internationally from Paris and London to New York, Singapore and Monaco, each piece a small ambassador of whimsy, heritage, and light. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E10
    Nov 18, 2025 · 57 min

    S6E10 Biomimicry Futures with Geraldine Wharry

    Geraldine Wharry is one of the world's leading Fashion Futurists. As a Regenerative Futures Architect, she helps partners decode emergence and implement change, whilst adopting strategies leveraging creative, systemic and environmental imperatives. Trusted by organisations ranging from Nike, Samsung, Afterpay, Christian Dior to Seymour Powell, Geraldine's blend of strategic, regenerative and creative foresight has been applied across fashion, beauty, technology, sustainability, culture, media, gaming, the arts, health, travel and industrial design. Geraldine is also a regular speaker on stages ranging from SXSW to the Adidas global headquarters. Her views on a future of fashion that stands at the crossroads of Tech, Purpose and Sustainability are regularly featured on the BBC, Vogue, The Financial Times, BoF and other international press publications. She writes about strategic futures for Dazed Beauty and in her monthly column 'Tomorrow' for Spur Magazine in Japan. Questioning established future foresight methods and innovation implementation problems, by applying regenerative futures thinking and Biomimicry, has been a running thread in Geraldine's practice and the school community hybrid she founded, Trend Atelier. She is a regular guest lecturer at leading universities in Europe. As a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and a member of the United Nations' Conscious Fashion & Lifestyle network, Geraldine Wharry's mission is to inspire leaders, industries and people to enact visionary futures, for the greater good of the people and planet. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E9
    Oct 28, 2025 · 42 min

    S6E09 Modular Color with Sofia Ilmonen

    This first autumn podcast episode features Finnish fashion designer Sofia Ilmonen, who discusses her approach to creating modular, transformable garments that can be reshaped and reassembled like building blocks. Ilmonen details how her use of simple square or rectangular modules contributes to her sustainability goals. She also explains her focus on "sizeless" garments aiming to increase longevity by addressing the poor fit, which she identifies as one of the biggest reasons for discarding clothing. Sofia Ilmonen is a fashion designer whose work centres on modular, transformable clothing that merges sustainability with innovative garment design. At the core of her concept is adaptability — both in silhouette and size — with the aim of promoting a more responsible and inclusive fashion culture. The modular approach extends garment lifespans by allowing pieces to be reassembled and reshaped endlessly. All garments are built from square-shaped modules, a form that not only follows zero-waste cutting principles but also embodies the idea of continuous design. Each module is compatible with any part of a garment and is joined using a unique system of specially designed 3D-printed buttons. This enables infinite transformations without sewing and makes the garments sizeless, adaptable to many body shapes and styles. Sofia’s work has been presented in international exhibitions and featured in publications such as British and Scandinavian Vogue. Her Aalto University thesis was recognized with the Marimekko Award and the Finnish Textile and Fashion Prize, and she received the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Prize at the Festival de Hyères. Her modular collections have also been showcased at Berlin and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks. Before founding her own label, Sofia worked extensively in London in roles ranging from seamstress and creative pattern cutter to designer. Her three years at Alexander McQueen, immersed in the world of high fashion and craftsmanship, left a profound influence on her design philosophy and continue to shape her practice today. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E8
    Sep 30, 2025 · 44 min

    S6E08 Growing Color with Laura Luchtman

    Laura Luchtman talks to TCA about her journey from fast fashion to sustainable fashion looking for a greater purpose. She experiments with natural pigments and materials, always searching for solutions to problems that exist in the fashion and textile industry. In this episode, Laura explains how she experiments with color-growing bacteria and how this process creates a new aesthetic, researching to answer that big question: can our what we wear heal us? Laura Luchtman was born in the Netherlands where she lives and works in Rotterdam. She is a textile and surface designer investigating the social, cultural, and ecological dimensions of color. She develops new ways to experience color through bio-based pigments, inclusive systems, and translating color and pattern across different contexts. From her chromatic atelier Kukka in Rotterdam, she works with brands like Puma, ranging from conceptual presentations to applied collections. Her research into sustainable dyes highlights her hands-on approach and commitment to conscious design. Laura’s work has been shown globally, published, and presented at TEDx. In 2023, she won the DNA Paris Design Award for Chromarama Riso. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E7
    Jul 29, 2025 · 48 min

    S6E07 Color Out of Context with Nieves Contreras

    Nieves Contreras talks about what inspires her and how she wants to take design, material and in particular color out of context. She explains how material and processing have become part of the innovative brand Lladrò, what are the challenges for the Spanish design market in the next years and how AI may influence the return to true craftsmanship. Graduated in Industrial Design as well as a Master's in Design Management from UPV in Valencia. She has developed a significant part of her professional career in Paris, France, collaborating with product design studios, creating designs and artistic direction for various sectors, from furniture and home appliances to luxury brands and connected objects, at studios such as Marc Berthier, Pascal Mourgue, and particularly eliumstudio, where she worked for 10 years. Simultaneously, she has been active as an independent designer, deeply involved in craftsmanship and its contemporary renewal, creating furniture for Expormim, and as the co-founder and creative director of the handmade ceramic brand sagenceramics (Manises). Since 2019, she has been the Creative Director of Lladró, a Spanish porcelain company recognized internationally, heading the Creation and Development Department, consisting of a team of 15 people. She is responsible for the creation and implementation of the new creative strategy and the revitalization of the brand through product diversification and a contemporary approach. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E6
    Jun 24, 2025 · 49 min

    S6E06 Decolonization of Color with Mohamad Baitie

    In this very frank and open conversation Mohamad Baitie talks about how color reflects cultural heritage, the decolonization of design, and the desire to be seen. This podcast is a look into Middle Eastern aesthetics challenging Western norms and reclaiming visual identity. With a master’s Degree in interior architecture, Mohamad Baitie has an expansive knowledge of color, color forecasting, color design and architectural coatings. Mohamad was born in Lebanon and grew up in Accra, Ghana, constantly moving with the family and being exposed to different cultures. His first encounter with color came through a dual interaction, Smarties and Lego. He was constantly amazed by how color shapes objects and defines the way we interact with them. Architecture was his obvious choice, where color, light and shadow are intertwined. Today, with over 22 years of experience in marketing and communication in the paint industry, working for one of the top multinational paint brands as Business Development Director, GLC Paints. He has led the brand identity transformation of GLC Paints and is thoroughly involved in product research and development within the organization. He also took the role of professor of Color at the American University of Cairo, teaching color theory, color practice and color psychology. As part of the CMG organization, through GLC Paints, he attends the yearly global summit on color forecasting and does his own color talks and color workshops within the MENA region. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E5
    May 27, 2025 · 46 min

    S6E05 Trend Curation with Cécile Poignant

    This episode is filled with information on intentional trends within a variety of industries yet with a special focus on the culinary industry. Cécile talks to us about how the the trend forecasting industry has changed with the current speed of information reaching us and how this has resulted more in trend provocation whereas there is a great need for trend curation to truly help out businesses in finding answers in a difficult economical climate. Cécile Poignant is French, born and raised in Paris. She is a futurist specializing in contemporary lifestyles for the past 35 years. Her expertise lies in detecting weak signals and connecting the dots to anticipate major future shifts. She has worked with international brands such as Nissan, Swatch, Philips, L’Oréal, and P&G. Always on the lookout, she observes and deciphers emerging needs and evolving behaviors. Cécile is also actively involved in international conferences and frequently conducts workshops for professionals. She loves teaching and sharing her insights at various institutions, including IFM, ENSAD, and the American University of Paris. Her greatest passion is curiosity—she is constantly seeking to better understand the world around her. You’ll often find her sipping an excellent Japanese green tea, savoring high-quality dark chocolate, or immersed in a book. Nature is her ultimate source of rejuvenation; in another life, she might have been a landscape designer. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E4
    Apr 29, 2025 · 54 min

    S6E04 Milano Unfolded with Evelien Reich

    Together with design hunter Evelien Reich, we dive into the essence of Milan Design Week 2025. She shares her favorite installations, the standout colors, materials and textures of the week. Which are the key themes that defined this year’s edition and how has Milan Design Week changed over the past years? Listen to our conversation on all that is Milano! Evelien Reich is the editor-in-chief of MANERA Benelux, a new English-language addition to the MANERA family, that is set to launch in September. With a decades-long career in media, she has built up extensive expertise in design and interiors. Evelien is a sought-after host at design events and is known for her sharp eye and deep understanding of interior aesthetics. She has a particular passion for the power of color in homes—how it shapes atmosphere, brings joy, and makes spaces feel alive. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E3
    Mar 25, 2025 · 47 min

    S6E03 Color Down Under with Bree Banfield

    Australian Bree Banfield shares with us her passion for color surprises in interiors, how color comes intuitively to her and how the light down under changes the color game completely. Listen to our conversation and receive valuable insights to the color selection process for home interiors. With an extensive career spanning 30 years, Bree Banfield is an Interior Designer renowned for her expertise in trend forecasting and styling. A maestro in color, Bree approaches each project with a commitment to creating aesthetically appealing and emotionally rich spaces. Her projects, marked by surprises in color, pattern play, and innovative use of scale, reflect a passion for gently pushing boundaries and intuitively understanding her clients' brief. Beyond her role as an Interior Designer, she stands as a visionary trend forecaster, shaping the contemporary landscape of Australian interiors with her forward-thinking aesthetic. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E2
    Feb 25, 2025 · 50 min

    S6E02 Color Camouflage with Melania Chavarría Nuño

    In this episode Melania shares her story about how she went from being too much to finding her own voice, how color became the main driver in her work and how she wants to bridge the gap between the intrinsic variety of Mexican culture and the world of the arts. Learn about how she expresses these elements through her own body and person. Fashion and Textile Designer with a degree from Centro de Diseño, Cine y Televisión (CDMX) and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Antwerp, Belgium). Born and raised in Mexico City, she works on a diverse range of projects within the creative industries, spanning fashion, arts, design, styling, journalism, and creative direction. With nearly 10 years of experience, she has developed numerous dynamic design projects aimed at fostering and promoting a stronger fashion identity for Mexican culture from a contemporary and international perspective. In 2015, Melania launched her design project, CDMX11000, inspired by the surreal architectural language of Mexico City. This project has evolved through social media platforms, using photography to create a visual language where local arts, design, traditions, and culture are seamlessly integrated with fashion. Through the interplay of colors, textures, shapes, and prints, the project highlights specific theories, aesthetics, and concepts. Her continuous collaboration with other creatives led her to share their stories and projects through DNA Magazine, an innovative fashion media outlet. There, she writes to spotlight emerging talents and guide the next generation of creative professionals. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S6 · E1
    Jan 21, 2025 · 45 min

    S6E01 Chasing Reality with Michell Lott

    Which way better to start the new season than with Brazilian creative Michell Lott. In this episode, Michell shares insights on how he uses color to stay in touch with his emotions to navigate life more easily, how warm colors increase happiness for 2025 and how AI allows him to work quicker yet without taking over his creativity. Based in São Paulo, the multidisciplinary creator has made a name for himself by envisioning and delivering majestic, immersive, colorful, and playful productions that capture the spirit of the times in striking visuals – whether for campaigns and editorials, installations in collaboration with brands from various sectors, or impactful sponsored content shared on Instagram. A journalist by training, he fell in love with the visual universe while working as a journalist at Casa Vogue. Since pursuing a solo career, he has worked as a set designer, creative director, design curator, multidisciplinary creator, and, for the past four years, as a color consultant and trend researcher in collaboration with Suvinil. His main objective is to make life prettier creating his own reality. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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  • S5 · E10
    Dec 17, 2024 · 51 min

    S5E10 Color Devotion with Maye Ruiz

    In this final podcast for 2024, TCA spoke to interior designer Maye Ruiz, the Mexican queen of color about the perfect color combination, listening to the genius loci of a house, breaking color myths, imposter syndrome, and how color is her religion in life. Maye Ruiz, the creative mind and founder of MAYE, an interior design studio established in 2021, has rapidly established herself as a trailblazer in the design industry. A proud graduate of Universidad de la Salle Bajío in 2008, Maye combines her solid academic foundation with a visionary approach to interior design. In 2023, she was awarded by Architectural Digest and named one of the 100 most influential creatives in Latin America. Her accolade for Best Restaurant Design further solidified her reputation as a visionary in interior design. Her projects have been featured in prestigious design publications, including Dezeen, Architectural Digest (AD), and Elle Decor, highlighting her bold and distinctive approach to color and style. Maye’s work is celebrated for its trend-setting aesthetics and unlimited creativity, continuously shaping the future of the design industry. Beyond these recognitions, Maye has collaborated with renowned creative partners and brands, further elevating her position as a leader in her field. Her commitment to pushing design boundaries and delivering excellence continues to set her apart as an innovator and influencer in interior design. In addition to leading MAYE, Maye Ruiz has passionately shared her expertise in design through academia. From 2015 to 2022, she taught courses, delivered lectures, and conducted workshops at prestigious Mexican institutions, including the Universidad Iberoamericana, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Centro de Diseño, Cine y TV. She also collaborated on the diploma program for the Latin American adaptation of content by the renowned U.S. publisher Condé Nast, further enriching the region's design education landscape. Support the show Thank you for listening! Follow us through our website or social media! https://www.thecolorauthority.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/the_color_authority_/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/78120219/admin/

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Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes