Marie-Louise HØstbo, Creative Design Director of iconic Scandinavian furniture maker Fritz Hansen, hosted an evening to celebrate the achievements and contributions of female thought leaders and peers in design. Marie-Louise is the first woman to hold the Creative Design Director position at Fritz Hansen. The event was held at With Others, a newly opened female-owned wine bar featuring wines exclusively produced by women vintners.

As Shanna puts it, “As a woman, navigating a traditionally male-dominated field requires a level of nuance. We are often taught to mirror our male counterparts, but I believe success truly comes when we stay true to ourselves. Having a mentor in Krista I am reminded of the power of authenticity and the joy in embracing my unique perspective as a woman in this industry.”

Krista and Shanna’s relationship preceded Woods Bagot and began when Shanna joined Krista at her eponymous firm k&co. It was a productive relationship that spanned 7 years, the pandemic, and then a leap-of-faith move to join Woods Bagot. Their collaboration has led to the creation of many internationally recognized designs such as D.S. & Durga flagship stores, the Brooklyn Tower, and the office and event space for the Australian American Association. Through the years their association has been mutually beneficial for both women.

Connecting with a multi-disciplinary group of peers at the event allowed both Krista and Shanna to explore the specific challenges women face in the design industry, and most important to hear from others how they have navigated them. In speaking with Marie-Louise for example, the conversation centered on how Marie-Louise and Krista balance motherhood with busy careers. It was essential for all the women gathered around the table to feel a shared sense of affirmation in the significance of honoring the diverse yet equally vital aspects of their lives, even when they may appear contradictory at times.

Just the day after the event, Marie-Louise rushed back home to Copenhagen to help her daughter with an important thesis assignment. For Marie-Louise and all women, the nuanced art of designing their lives with purpose means carving out spaces that welcome all the diverse aspects of who they are.

New York Interior Design Leader Krista Ninivaggi and Associate Shanna Chan celebrate the achievements and contributions of multidisciplinary women in design at With Others, Brooklyn’s latest woman-owned wine bar featuring wines exclusively produced by women vintners. 

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Agna Brayshaw
Content and Communications Leader (New York)