Respect the Process

This holiday, The RealReal is highlighting the work of Black makers and artisans through a specially curated sale of art, accessories, upcycled furniture and more. In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, proceeds from this sale will be donated to the NAACP. 

Curated by The RealReal is an edit of pieces hand-picked by our team of curators. The pieces are exceptional, one-of-a-kind and occasionally downright weird. It’s about an eye for what’s good, what will stand the test of time and the magic of the mix. 

Here, four of our selected collaborators – Maggie Halladay of Claude Home, Asia Grant of Redoux, Sara Ekua Todd of Ekua Ceramics, and Katiuscia Williams of Hood Dandy – share the details of their creative process, and illuminate the thought that goes into each and every item.

Maggie Halladay of Claude Home on Finding Inspiration & Upcycling

It was a classic case of the part-time hobby turned full-time passion for Maggie Holladay. The former fashion editor’s love of interior design blossomed into Claude Home, an online shop of vintage furniture and art objects.

Halladay with pieces from Claude Home.

“I started Claude Home about two years ago as a sort of hobby. I posted inspiration images and small nick nacks that I was collecting. Over the last year, I’ve worked on making this into a long-lasting business for me. My inspiration comes from odd shapes and nature. A lot of our pieces are vintage that we restore with updated fabrics. Currently, I’m into ordering leathers that wear well over time. Part of the process is creating pieces that are comfortable but functional as well.”

Asia Grant of Redoux on Capturing Scents and Invoking Memories

For Asia Grant, developing Redoux was all about bottling a memory. Each item is designed to invoke a sensory experience through scent.

Grant with the “529” candle; items from Redoux.

“The 529 scent, from the inaugural Redoux scent collection, gives a spicy, citrus scent with notes of bergamot, ginger, and geranium. Our “529” Candle is a 100% soy wax candle and each one is individually hand poured. It’s reminiscent of New York City summers. It smells like summer mischief on the fire escape with notes of orange blossom, sandalwood, amber, and saffron. I think what makes something special are the memories that can be attached to it. My favorite types of gifts are the ones that are a token of a shared experience. So when I look at it, I can say, ‘Remember that time when we…’.”

Sara Ekua Todd on Being Patient Through the Creative Process

Belgium-born, L.A-based ceramicist Sara Ekua Todd crafts handmade vases and vessels. Todd’s aesthetic is known for its minimal ergonomic form and quirky use of color.

Capsule Mug in TRR-exclusive Celadon green & Todd.

“In 2015, I started taking ceramic classes for fun. By 2017, I started to sell my work at craft shows like Clay LA. Then in 2018, I did my first brand collaboration for some friends. That’s when I really started taking Ekua Ceramics seriously. For those who are not familiar with ceramics, it’s a pretty laborious craft that goes through a lot of phases before you have a finished product. When I design new pieces, I usually draw them in my notebook first and then try to recreate them on the wheel. Then comes the waiting. Once they’re dry, they’ll get fired in the kiln, glazed and fired one last time. It either works out or gets thrown out.”

Katiuscia Williams of Hood Dandy on Translating Social Ideas Through Soft Mediums

Through her knitwear label Hood Dandy, Katiuscia Williams uses yarn to explore themes of misrepresentation of race and gender. Williams’s intricately knit pieces are at once art and apparel, serving social commentary and aesthetic purpose.

Williams wears a Hood Dandy hand-made knit bucket hat & scarf.

“My creative process starts with researching concepts, collaging and sketching ideas. From there, I start developing textiles. Sometimes, it’s vice versa. I definitely think a lot about the textiles and how I want them to be translated. Knitted pieces are created on my hand-operated, vintage knitting machine.”

“Hood Dandy represents a new and optimistic attitude towards black culture. Today, it’s evolved into more than just fashion, it has become visual art. 2020 has been a time to slow down and think of new ways to approach the knitwear in my work. The pandemic has resulted in a state of hypervigilance and anxiety, coping with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and vulnerability. I’m hopeful for a new generation of thinkers and creators that will learn to adapt and create within any unexpected circumstances that we may face.”

Discover the magical mix of Curated by The RealReal.