Robert is a British creative director working between London and New York and founded Storey Studio in 2009. The studios architecturally inspired practice explores a spectrum of spatial disciplines realised in projects from the smallest of still life shoots to large scale catwalks, permanent retail spaces and most recently furniture design.
Studying fine art sculpture at Central Saint Martins, Robert’s work is known for its artistic approach and refreshing aesthetic which has been called upon by an ever expanding international client list including Hermes, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Nike, Christopher Kane, Chloe and Louis Vuitton.
Business of Fashion cited Robert as one of 10 young New York creatives shaping the future of fashion and latterly went on to name him upon the BOF 500 list for both 2014 and 15 consecutively. Having collaborated with a number of Vogue titles, Storey was recognised on British Vogue’s power list of 2015. The Phaidon publication ‘Room, Inside Contemporary interiors’ published Storey’s ongoing work with Nicholas Kirkwood, acknowledging it as one of the 100 most exciting interior design projects of the last 5 years.
How did you come to study fine art sculpture at Central Saint Martins?
I always hoped to study sculpture and my art tutor at secondary school went to CSM in the 70’s so he was quite encouraging for me to go. I hadn’t heard of it before but once I visited on the open day and saw the incredible alumni, I really wanted a place there.
Can you describe Storey Studio?
We are a boutique design studio working on spatial projects predominantly with fashion and technology brands; so pop up shops, window displays, presentations etc. Our goal is to make innovative, immersive and experiential environments to engage and inspire our audiences.
Do you have an all-time favourite prop?
I never enjoyed prop styling! I prefer to design something completely new for my sets so they feel fresh and artistic.
What is your most challenging project to date?
Every project brings new challenges in one way or another but I think one of the most challenging was the Vionnet AW14 show in Paris, we designed and built a giant paper origami set on location. We didn’t sleep for 2 days!
What would you say is the most interesting part of your job?
It hard to say what is most interesting because it is so multifaceted but I guess it would probably be every time we receive a new brief and have to think about how we can create something completely new and innovative while maintaining brand identity for both the client and Storey Studio.
Are you where art meets fashion?
I hope so! I approach every project as an art installation so it’s not just about showcasing or selling product, it’s about telling a story, giving an experience and building brand kudos.
How did you get into set design?
When I graduated I worked as an artist assistant making sculptures and doing studio tasks but I needed some extra cash so a friend of mine was a creative agent for photographers/stylists and set designers introduced me to one of his artists, I loved the work and just pursued it.
What are your biggest influences?
I guess American minimalism in terms of an art influence but I also love to travel and see how architecture and colour is used in other cultures.
How did it feel to being listed on the BOF 500?
It was both surprising and flattering! I think at the time I was one of the youngest people on the list, alongside the biggest names in the industry. I’m not sure I really deserved it more than any of my contemporaries but the acknowledgment felt great.
Do you come from an artistic background?
My father and grandfather were amazing carpenter hobbyists so I definitely grew up around a lot of design and making but I think I benefited mostly from an amazingly supportive family who encouraged my artistic sensibilities from an early age.
What magazines did you read growing up?
I didn’t!
How would you describe your personal style?
I guess I’m a bit of an urban hippy! I try to be conscious with the brands that I consume and keep it paired back and curated. I generally buy everything second hand.
And your professional style?
Contemporary, artistic, innovative and elevated.
Can you describe your studio?
The studio is a beautiful big white loft style space filled with windows and plants in Dalston. We have some amazing art work by John Booth which brings splashes of colour but otherwise it’s pretty clean and minimal.
Were you interested in fashion as a child?
No, I didn’t know anything about fashion until I made friends with all the design kids at university.
Would you say you like to accessorise?
Yes, with a few key pieces that I use daily but I don’t really switch them up once I find something that I like.
Was Linda Farrow on your radar before this project?
Yes I knew it, Linda Farrow did a cool pop up in NYC with BOFFO that I really liked.
Do you have a favourite frame?
Yes! The sunglasses I’m wearing in the pictures LFL703.
What do you have coming up next?
You can expect to see some nice projects popping up across Europe and Asia but I don’t want to give anything away. I’m also planning to work on some personal artwork in the New Year as well as some furniture collaborations- stay tuned.
SHOP ROBERT'S SELECTION HERETake a look at the behind the scene photo image:
How did you come to study fine art sculpture at Central Saint Martins?
I always hoped to study sculpture and my art tutor at secondary school went to CSM in the 70’s so he was quite encouraging for me to go. I hadn’t heard of it before but once I visited on the open day and saw the incredible alumni, I really wanted a place there.
Can you describe Storey Studio?
We are a boutique design studio working on spatial projects predominantly with fashion and technology brands; so pop up shops, window displays, presentations etc. Our goal is to make innovative, immersive and experiential environments to engage and inspire our audiences.
Do you have an all-time favourite prop?
I never enjoyed prop styling! I prefer to design something completely new for my sets so they feel fresh and artistic.
What is your most challenging project to date?
Every project brings new challenges in one way or another but I think one of the most challenging was the Vionnet AW14 show in Paris, we designed and built a giant paper origami set on location. We didn’t sleep for 2 days!
What would you say is the most interesting part of your job?
It hard to say what is most interesting because it is so multifaceted but I guess it would probably be every time we receive a new brief and have to think about how we can create something completely new and innovative while maintaining brand identity for both the client and Storey Studio.
Are you where art meets fashion?
I hope so! I approach every project as an art installation so it’s not just about showcasing or selling product, it’s about telling a story, giving an experience and building brand kudos.
How did you get into set design?
When I graduated I worked as an artist assistant making sculptures and doing studio tasks but I needed some extra cash so a friend of mine was a creative agent for photographers/stylists and set designers introduced me to one of his artists, I loved the work and just pursued it.
What are your biggest influences?
I guess American minimalism in terms of an art influence but I also love to travel and see how architecture and colour is used in other cultures.
How did it feel to being listed on the BOF 500?
It was both surprising and flattering! I think at the time I was one of the youngest people on the list, alongside the biggest names in the industry. I’m not sure I really deserved it more than any of my contemporaries but the acknowledgment felt great.
Do you come from an artistic background?
My father and grandfather were amazing carpenter hobbyists so I definitely grew up around a lot of design and making but I think I benefited mostly from an amazingly supportive family who encouraged my artistic sensibilities from an early age.
What magazines did you read growing up?
I didn’t!
How would you describe your personal style?
I guess I’m a bit of an urban hippy! I try to be conscious with the brands that I consume and keep it paired back and curated. I generally buy everything second hand.
And your professional style?
Contemporary, artistic, innovative and elevated.
Can you describe your studio?
The studio is a beautiful big white loft style space filled with windows and plants in Dalston. We have some amazing art work by John Booth which brings splashes of colour but otherwise it’s pretty clean and minimal.
Were you interested in fashion as a child?
No, I didn’t know anything about fashion until I made friends with all the design kids at university.
Would you say you like to accessorise?
Yes, with a few key pieces that I use daily but I don’t really switch them up once I find something that I like.
Was Linda Farrow on your radar before this project?
Yes I knew it, Linda Farrow did a cool pop up in NYC with BOFFO that I really liked.
Do you have a favourite frame?
Yes! The sunglasses I’m wearing in the pictures LFL703.
What do you have coming up next?
You can expect to see some nice projects popping up across Europe and Asia but I don’t want to give anything away. I’m also planning to work on some personal artwork in the New Year as well as some furniture collaborations- stay tuned.
SHOP ROBERT'S SELECTION HERE
Take a look at the behind the scene photo image:
