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Welcome

“As a resident of the world of design since birth, I’d like to take some time to celebrate some of the people and things in that world that I admire. I hope you come along for the ride. And, as my name has really taken a beating these last couple of years, -thank you Mr. Bezos, - feel free to think of me here by my nickname: Lex. And, please also enjoy this completely un-recognizable and years old headshot.” - Alexa Hampton

Malene Barnett

Malene Barnett

Lindsay Calhoun
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If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Can I have two? :) Dakar, Senegal and St. George, Grenada

What are three words to describe your style? 1. African 2. Bold 3. Modern

Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I had a platform bed with red sheets, black/white woodgrain paneled walls and a wall covered with pages from fashion magazines. 

What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I had a desk and shelves custom made for my office.


In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?  I would hire Esther Mahlangu, a Ndebele artist from South Africa. My dream is to have the exterior and interior of my home painted in bold colors and patterns native to Black culture. 

No room is complete without a shade of turquoise and handmade textiles.

People think of me as a person who loves to travel, but I am really one who appreciates staying home.


Things you omit from:

  • A flower arrangement: Carnation, it’s not an attractive flower

  • An hors d’oeuvre platter: meat or seafood. I’m a vegetarian

  • A bar cabinet: any kind of alcohol...I’m not a drinker

A song for: 

  • Dinner at home: “But Beautiful”  Gregory Porter

  • Working at your desk: “They Gonna Talk” Beres Hammond

  • Going for a run: Any song from Machel Montano

Biggest Vice? Smoking of any kind

If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? I would buy land in Grenada, Senegal and Ghana. 

Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yep!  They are bold, colorful, modern and culturally influenced.

Who is your star crush? Idris Elba, yep we go way back….LOL!! of course that’s all in my head

If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Africa Canvas by Margaret Courtney-Clarke

For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I want my art to inspire people to learn and have deeper conversations about Black culture and experiences.

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A Few Favorites

  • Movie: Lion, Shawshank Redemption, The Five Heartbeats...so many to choose

  • Book: African Canvas, Margaret Courtney Clark

  • Scent: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir

  • The fabric you always come back to: Choup- a Tie Dye fabric from Senegal

  • Dream project: The opportunity to create a series of life-size sculptures celebrating Black Women throughout the African diaspora

  • Meal: I have so many...Jollof rice, rice and peas (it's a tie) red red( black eyed peas), with fried plantain

  • Drink: Sorrel & Ginger Beer..sorry it’s a tie

  • Hotel: Le Meridien Bora Bora

  • Travel Destination: any country in West Africa and the Caribbean

  • Artist: I love so many Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Magdalene Odundo, Zanele Muholi, Delphine Diallo, Billie Zangewa, Chris Ofili, El Anatsui, 

  • Thing to collect obsessively: Handmade textiles from around the world

  • Era in the history of design: Benin Empire - the sculptures are amazing!

  • Museum:  The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC

  • Paint Color that always looks great: Any shade of turquoise or teal

  • Favorite person to follow on Instagram: @AboubakarFofana @abiolaoke @artxafrica @andreapippins @avitalsheffer @potterybyosa

  • Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? No pets for me!  I never liked the idea of owning an animal

Veere Grenney

Veere Grenney
Brian J McCarthy

Brian J McCarthy

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