Frank Lloyd Wright's legacy takes on a new dimension in an unexpected intersection of architecture, fashion, and design. Beyond the realms of iconic buildings, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has embarked on a journey to bring Wright's principles to a broader audience through unconventional collaborations. From limited-edition sneakers inspired by Wright's visionary drawings to a reimagined home collection with Steelcase, these partnerships represent a strategic effort to preserve Wright's legacy while introducing it to a new generation.
Unveiling the Broadacre City Sneakers
The narrative begins at Taliesin West, Wright's winter home and studio, where, in April, a diverse crowd gathered at 5:00 a.m. This unusual congregation was drawn not by the UNESCO World Heritage Site but by a pair of sneakers. Designed by Ronnie Fieg, the owner of Kith, the New Balance Made in USA 998 - Broadacre City sneakers pay homage to Wright's suburban utopian vision. The collaboration successfully attracted a diverse audience, breaking away from the conventional demographic of longtime Wright enthusiasts.
Stuart Graff, CEO and president of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, acknowledges the unconventional nature of such collaborations. Yet, he emphasizes that the purpose is not just publicity; it's about advancing the principles that Wright used to influence culture. These principles revolve around the spaces we inhabit, the connection with our surroundings, innovative materials, and the democratization of design.
Licensing as a Bridge to the Future
Although unorthodox to some, the foundation's licensing program aligns with its mission to reach a broader audience and showcase the flexibility of Wright's design principles. Henry Hendrix, VP of Marketing and Communication at the foundation, emphasizes that it's not solely about "capital-A architecture" but the broader principles that Wright considered essential.
One crucial aspect of these collaborations is to address the challenge faced by many historic sites, including Taliesin West - the aging of their audience. By engaging new generations through innovative projects, the foundation aims to secure the future of these architectural landmarks. The diverse crowd that gathered for the Kith launch exemplifies the success of this strategy, with increased interest from the youth prompting considerations for reduced admission rates for students and minors.
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The current licensing endeavors echo the visionary approach Wright himself took in 1955. Inspired by Elizabeth Gordon, the top editor at House Beautiful and a friend of Wright, he sought ways to bring his designs to the masses. Meghan Dean, General Manager of Ancillary Partnerships at Steelcase, highlights that Wright's vision was rooted in enriching people's lives through good design. This philosophy continues to drive the foundation's initiatives.
Partners in Design: Building on Wright's Legacy
To guide collaborators in interpreting Wright's legacy, the foundation offers access to what it unofficially calls the "Frank Lloyd Wright School." Partners, such as Maya Brenner, a jewelry designer involved in the recent capsule collection, receive a library of design resources and instruction on Wright's philosophy. In creating the Virtues Collection and the Racine Collection, Brenner drew inspiration from Wright's skylights and his "Organic Commandment."
Collaborators are given creative agency to interpret Wright, with the foundation as a guiding resource. The goal is not to replicate Wright's work but to embody his spirit and design principles in contemporary products. Sally Russell, Director of Product Licensing at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, emphasizes that the foundation aims to validate collaborations by seeking input from a board of volunteers with deep knowledge and respect for Wright's legacy.
Wright's Enduring Legacy in Fashion and Design
The collaboration with Kith and other fashion brands, in particular, highlights the adaptability of Wright's vision. Ronnie Fieg admired Wright, considering him one of the greatest American architects in history. This unconventional partnership introduces Wright to a new audience and allows fans to discover the Kith brand.
Frank Lloyd Wright's influence extends beyond the architectural realm, finding expression in fashion, design, and unexpected collaborations. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's licensing program navigates an unorthodox path to preserve Wright's legacy, reaching diverse audiences and securing the future of iconic landmarks. As Wright once stated, "If you understand what I'm trying to teach you at all, then your work will look nothing like mine." The foundation's collaborations embody this sentiment, ensuring that Wright's principles endure in innovative and unexpected ways.
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