Interiors master Ryan Korban, 34, is an arbiter of good taste for celebs already famous for exceptional style. His clients include Kanye West, Alexander Wang and Deborah Messing, along with fashion brands Aquazurra and Balenciaga. “I gravitate to things that feel fresh and modern, not heavy or dated,” he tells Alexa. “I do luxury for a new generation.”
Korban’s modern (and occasionally irreverent) approach has also caught the eye of big-ticket property developers. He recently oversaw the interiors of 40 Bleecker — the 61-unit Noho tower built by Broad Street Development with architect Edmund Hollander — down to its custom-made, statuary-marble sofas and suede walls, as well as the gray-terrazzo flooring and bronze-lined, black-marble fireplace in the common spaces.
“It’s my first full development,” Korban says. “It’s exciting because I can offer somebody a Ryan Korban penthouse now. It’s a dream product.” (Units are asking $1.7 million to $6 million.)
Here, the designer shares some of the high-design objects that keep him fascinated.
“Alex is a client of mine. His philosophy of pushing the everyday object is sort of what I do in my work. So I love his leather cooler and purchase it for clients. I think it is the ultimate in young luxury. It’s amazing as an object and kind of ironic.”
“I wear these every day. It’s like suede alligator, which is supercool. I’m not big on pattern, but I love texture and material.”
“My second book documents my last three years of work with Balenciaga and Aquazzura and private homes. It’s a big one for me.”
“I like barware and I love Asprey. It’s rich people’s kitsch. It’s a brand that isn’t easy to find, so I think it makes a really unique gift.”
“One of my favorite materials is bronze and Caste does a lot of bronze. I consistently use them in my work. This is one of my favorite objects.”
“I’m a huge fan of Ruven Afanador’s matador photography. They’re minimal yet powerful and make a great statement in any room.”
“If I had to pick my favorite furniture designer of all time, it’s definitely Eric Schmitt. Anywhere you go in the world, if you see something extraordinary, it’s probably Eric Schmitt.”
“This is my favorite coffee table. It’s cool because the lacquered-over, cracked-eggshell finish is a super-French 1920s, but people don’t really do it anymore. It’s a modern, updated version of that.”
“I always love to mix something superluxurious with something that is everyday. I love that this watch has a plastic band with the gold face. It goes with my whole aesthetic — the idea of using luxury and not being precious.”
“This is a brand I use a lot. They specialize in exotic finishes like shagreen. This chair is made from black shell and it’s upholstered in pony hair. I think it’s awesome.”
Source: Read Full Article
