As we may have mentioned a few hundred times, the KKDL team has been chosen to design a line of rugs for Feizy for their Haute Trends collection! We’re humbled, grateful, ecstatic, and exhausting ourselves with creative rug ideas all at once. Amidst the chaos that is the design process, we were able to sit down with Kim Vance, the VP of Marketing for Feizy Rugs. How we were able to steal an hour of this lady-on-the-go’s time is beyond us, but we’re ever grateful for her inspirational, witty, and downright hilarious responses to our most asked questions.
How would you define your role with Feizy?
I am the Vice President of Marketing in charge of overall branding and the direction of the company. I also help with public relations and communications. You could also say I’m a marketing ninja or maven, whichever term you’re more comfortable with.
What inspired the new collections at Feizy?
KV: Well for starters, the product development team spends 100+ hours traveling for inspiration. Erin (Head of Product Development) flips through 30+ fashion magazines daily and has dedicated a 15-ft. giant black foam core wall to pasting pictures and inspiration images. She pulls from the fashion world and applies it to our design process. The Cambrian collection, for example, has a little something for everybody. It’s a scattered “space-meets-forest” aesthetic. The 3389F in Aura is directly inspired by the movement of astronomy themes in fashion. At the end of the day, we pull most all of our trends from fashion. The runway is usually always the beginning.
What is one Feizy collection you always come back to?
KV: That’s tough. We are always introducing something new. If I had to choose just one collection, it would have to be the Baxter Collection that was introduced at High Point Spring 2015. It was the second iteration of a proprietary construction where the pattern is a tufted wool and viscose blend. Basically the entire pattern is tufted onto the rug, then tie-dyed. Each piece is basically one-of-a-kind because it is such a process. The Baxter Collection was the first of its kind when introduced and ended up being extremely popular. Baxter in Midnight Blue (pictured left) is featured most often. I love it because its an incredibly hard-working rug and you can’t beat the price point.
What is one trend you’re excited for in 2016?
KV: I’m most looking forward to interesting uses of different constructions. We just introduced a collection that’s considered “out there” for rugs. The Dylan Collection is loop tufted across the entire rug to get a one-of-a-kind pattern. A person literally goes in and hand carves the loop, like etching into stone. Like, who thinks to do this? I want to see what people have been doing for a long time, but taking those processes and designs and flipping them on their head.
Which 2015 trend are you ready to phase out?
KV: In one word? Chevron. I mean, we did just launch a piece with chevron, but it’s updated. In the Cambrian Collection (pictured left), it’s a VERY different take on chevron. But I mean, I’m over it. Chevron has had its day.
How does the Feizy family’s heritage play into the designs the company creates?
KV: Mr. Feizy is extremely involved. He always has been. Nothing goes to the floor without him looking it over first. Traditionally, he has had a lot of influence over the collections because he came from the Persian rug world so his personal aesthetic is very classic. Having him at the helm requires a group effort, too though. I will say that the whole family is really excellent at collaborating as a team. Cameron (Senior Vice President) and Lea (Executive Vice President) work together often to talk about how the collections resonate with clients. They always listen to the needs of the client. For instance, Mr. Feizy doesn’t like purple. But we have several purple rugs because he knows what clients are looking for. I think that’s a testament to this ability to listen to his clients.
What is your favorite part about High Point market?
KV: I love the building that we’re in this year. I think it’s 150 or so years old. I also love to see what people are doing in their spaces in showrooms. Some people don’t get as much as space as others so it’s always interesting to see how they work with their square footage. You also spend a lot of time with your customers because High Point tends to have a slower pace than other markets. You’ll also rely on your team for entertainment because of that slow pace– It’s kind of like a sleepover.
What are you most excited for in 2016 for Feizy? For the interior design industry?
KV: Hands down the Haute Trends Collection. This program is a new concept for the rug industry. Shockingly, the rug industry hasn’t embraced collaborations yet. Feizy is at the forefront in celebrating interior designers across the US. At the end of the day, it’s the last company that is dedicated just to rugs. We are rug artisans. As for the interior design industry, I’m looking forward to seeing brands promote each other and start collaborating more often. Social media has changed the industry for the better, I think. There is a strong sense of comradery.
How would you define your personal interior style?
KV: I’m very mid-century modern. My home is very clean. I like to refer to my personal interior style as ‘California mid-century’ because it has all white walls with pops of color throughout. I have a teal, hand-knotted rug in the living room that serves as an anchor in my space. It’s an open concept floor plan which is neat, and it was built in the the 1950’s. I wanted it to feel like a chic mid-century hotel.
Where can we find you in your off-time?
KV: I have 2 sons, Noah (12), and Peyton (9). They are hilarious and extremely smart. My oldest son (Noah) is a comic book artist and film script writer. Peyton is an engineer. They are absolutely adorable. I’m a single mom, so I can always count on them to keep me on my toes. On kid-free nights you’ll find me parked at a speakeasy with an old-fashion in hand.
