Designer Camels

I spent four years at a small liberal arts college in New England. The stone dorms, extensive greenery, intelligent classmates, and top-notch education at Connecticut College made for a great place to grow and learn, even if our mascot was a silly camel (seriously). I majored in English and also received my certification to teach, all while taking advantage of a spectrum of classes that made up a quality liberal arts education.

As it turns out, Connecticut College also proved to be a perfect place to cultivate several talents in the world of design. Today, I'll highlight just a few, but there are many more out there and many more still to come, no doubt.



Joe Lucas '95

When I wrote a light-hearted blog post in February about the crazy beautiful Harbinger showroom in Los Angeles, I had no idea that one half of the duo behind it was Joe Lucas, a Connecticut College alum who majored in theater and child development (!). Lucas, along with his partner Parrish Chilcoat, established their own interior design firm in 2005, after cutting his teeth with designer Michael Smith. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing more of Lucas and his mark on the world of interiors in the coming years.

Peter Som '93

Many moons ago, just after college, I dove headfirst into the world of New York fashion. I was fortunate enough to secure an internship (and later, a position) with Peter Som, a very talented Conn College alum whose art history degree informed the collections he produces under his eponymous label. The womenswear he produces is influenced by travel and a keen understanding of art, and as such it appeals to pretty young things the world over. 

Erin Gates '01

Design bloggers don't get much bigger than Erin Gates, who has countless readers faithfully soak in the daily inspiration she shares on her blog Elements of Style. In case you didn't know, she's kind of a big deal. While at Conn, Erin majored in fine art, which she has parlayed into a booming interior design business. Never limited in her focus, she has also branched out into the world of fashion. Recently she began a collection of tailored jackets called Two Penny Blue, which donates a jacket to girls in Africa with every purchase.

What a talented group, am I right?
I highlight these three because Connecticut College is very small and, more often than not, campus itself felt intimate because we were such a small group. I'm proud to be a Camel.

How about you: are you inspired by your fellow college alums?