DECORATOR SPOTLIGHT
Marla Weinhoff
June 6, 2019
Marla Weinhoff is a creative powerhouse. She is the founder of Marla Weinhoff Studio, a full service production and set design studio based in New York City. Marla has worked with some of the world’s most notable designers, brands, and artists including Lady Gaga, Versace, and Vogue just to name a few. Newel Props has been working with Marla since the 1990s. We are fortunate to work with such a talented client and look forward to continuing to help Marla bring her vision to life with our rentals. Now join us as we learn a little more about Marla with this Newel Props Q&A.
Get to Know Marla Weinhoff
Q.
How did you get started in this field?
A.
I started as a decorative painter and fabricator and was lucky enough to meet Robert Currie, who was a genius interior designer, but also famous for his groundbreaking windows at Henry Bendel. Along with his interiors and windows, he did set design for Richard Avedon and fashion installations for Valentino and Hanae Mori. He taught me everything and also was the first person who brought me to Newel. Sadly he died of AIDS in 1993, but his joy for life, design, and beauty guides me everyday.
Q.
Dream country to work in?
A.
I ❤ Japan!
Q.
What’s your favorite quote?
A.
I’m going to give you three quotes that I have printed and stuck on my laptop keyboard. They guide me through the day:
• Adapt & Overcome: this was taught to me by a New York City firefighter shortly after 9/11. He said it was emphasized during their training. When I’m on a seemingly impossible project this quote gives me strength.
• Email no Evil: I actually made this up and tell everyone who works for me not to put anything in an email or text that you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of the New York Times. If the Democratic Party and Sony (just to name two) had this policy in place they could have saved themselves a lot of trouble.
• And Don’t F*%k it up! Ru Paul says this in every show….Bleeped out of course, but wise words to live by!
Q.
What is your most memorable career moment so far?
A.
I have to list two projects that have been my favorites:
In Memory of the late Mr. & Mrs. Comfort was the first photographic editorial for the New Yorker shot by Richard Avedon. It was such a deeply personal story for Dick. The entire crew inhabited his world during the epic shoot and no detail was too minor or unimportant.
Working on the Born this Way album cycle with Lady Gaga was another highlight. From the music video with Nick Knight, to the Egg hatching Grammy performance, to touring the world with Born This Way, I was able to create so many beautiful and inventive artistic statements that carried a message, as well.
It is always a gift to work with other artists who appreciate beautiful design, love to collaborate, and take what you give them and make it better through their art form.
Q.
What is one thing no one knows about you?
A.
Every night of my entire life I have had intense and crazy dreams from the moment I fall asleep to the time I wake up. It’s like watching movies all night long, but they often involve, taste, smell, sound and touch.
Featured Project
Vogue October 1998 Oprah (Images courtesy of Marla Weinhoff)
Featuring English Regency Canopy Library Arm Chair (Item Number 055800) and English Art Deco White Cotton Recamier (Item Number 061547)
Both pieces still in our inventory and available for rental.
