Luxe checks in with a cast of creatives pushing innovation and equity to the forefront of design. Meet The Curator, The Innovator, The Reconceivers, The Activist, The Botanist, and The Storytellers.
THE CURATOR | JEAN LIN, COLONY
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, then-design journalist Jean Lin sparked an idea: invite local New York City artists to craft works from debris for storm relief. In the process, Lin grew familiar with the growth and representation struggles faced by independent makers—and the idea for a new, community-driven gallery model was born.
Where the industry-standard commission hovers around 50 percent, Colony takes just a small fraction of each sale, and charges a stabilized monthly co-op fee. Their contract also includes a non-exclusivity clause, which “shows our true intention of putting the bottom line of the designers we rep before our own,” says Lin.
Expanding its influence and capital, Colony has since launched an in-house consultancy focused on marketing, art direction and interior design. “The vision moving forward is that these branches of business scale in tandem,” says Lin. “Which goes back to Colony’s founding spirit and genuine belief that all ships rise with the tide.”
