In Living Color

Photograph by Webb Chappell

The mark of true artists is their signature style, and Boston-based Jill Rosenwald has hers down pat. Her wares, which these days include everything from hand-painted ceramic bowls and vases to lush rugs and bedding, are instantly recognizable by their bold patterns and vibrant colors. “The person I design for is preppy with an edge,” Rosenwald says. “I start with a vibe or feeling and will rework something until I land on just the right flavor.” It’s an exhaustive process, she admits, but one that has certainly paid off. In the nearly two decades since Rosenwald launched her eponymous company, she’s gone from selling her ceramics on the streets of New York (her hometown) to collaborating with major retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Here, the designer shares a few of the things that inspire her vibrant collections:

Frank & Eileen

“This is my new favorite brand. I happened into Dress Boston on Charles Street recently and discovered this line of Italian button-downs—crisp, cotton, men’s-inspired, but cut for the girls. This is so my look.”

Rigaud “Cyprés” Candle

“My mother always had this candle burning at home when I was growing up, so I associate it with all things cozy and warm. It’s a bit démodé, but Jackie Kennedy always had one burning in the White House.”

Savon de Marseille “Pamplemousse” Liquid Soap

“I love fancy soap and I’ll always splurge on one because it’s the gift that gives back. Currently my obsession is this grapefruit-scented one that I picked up at Lekker.”

Prismacolor Markers

“Doesn’t everyone love fresh markers? I use them to design my patterns. These have a pointy end for details and a fat tip on the other end for when you want to make a bigger mark.”

Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball

“The photos from this grand fete are my greatest inspiration for classy 1960s style. I am entranced by the elegant ‘swans’ in his monde.”

Vera Neumann

“Since I was a teenager, my longtime ‘someday I want to be like’ [role model] has been Vera Neumann. She just worked her little tuchus off. The number of designs of differing styles and genres [that she created] using different materials is awe-inspiring.”

photographs by Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos; courtesy of frank and eileen; dollars and scents (rigaud candle); lekker (savon de marseilles); alexander gray associates, new york (vera neumann)

On File

What I’m Reading

“The Asylum by Simon Doonan, the creative ambassador of Barneys New York. It’s about his insane adventures in the fashion biz. The book is laugh-out-loud hysterical.”

What I’m Watching

“I’m in love with Transparent, a show about a father coming out as a transgender woman to his adult children and how they all weather the storm that inevitably ensues. Genius television with amazing writing and acting.”

What I’m Drinking

“I live for my daily skim mocha from Flour Bakery + Café. It’s rich, thick, and chocolatey. They start making it as soon as I walk through the door. I only need to nod.”

What I’m Wearing

“A plain white tee from J.Crew, my favorite boyfriend jeans from Levi’s, a printed Block Shop Textiles scarf, and the perfect leather boots from Fiorentini + Baker. They’re tough as nails and beautifully crafted.”

What I’m Listening to

“Everything and anything by Sufjan Stevens. It’s moody, spiritual, and calming.”