By Amber Asay
5
4242 ratings
The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.
A brutal massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate, where love, scandal, racism, paranoia, and murder intersect in a story that few have heard, involving the murder of his mistress, Martha Borthwick Cheney, at his beloved home he designed for their love.
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Sources:
PBS.org — Wright at the Time
History.com — The Massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Love Cottage’ by Christopher Klein
All That's Interesting — The Life and Death of Mamah Borthwick, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Controversial Lover by Jessica OConnor
Solved Murders Podcast Part 1 & Part 2 (2021)
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Lella Vignelli’s impactful contributions to product and interior design take center stage in this episode, with guest Giorgia Lupi, data visualization pioneer and Pentagram partner, and returning guest Rachel Gogel.
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About Lella
You’ve likely heard of Massimo Vignelli, the renowned designer behind iconic works like the New York City Subway map, but did you know that behind many of those projects was an equally brilliant mind? Lella Vignelli—Massimo’s wife and design partner—was a powerhouse in her own right. With a background in architecture, she seamlessly blended elegance and functionality in everything from interior spaces to product design. Her meticulous attention to detail was the driving force behind many of their best-known works, including the timeless Handkerchief Chair and the stunning interiors of Saint Peter’s Church in New York.
Lella was more than just Massimo’s collaborator—she was a visionary who believed in creating design that was truly timeless, free of trends and fads. Yet, despite her immense contributions, Lella’s name often remained in the background. So, why is her story so often overshadowed? And how did she quietly reshape modern design?
Tune in to this episode to hear the incredible legacy of Lella Vignelli—a designer whose work deserves to be front and center.
About Giorgia
Giorgia's Books:
This is Me and Only Me
Observe Collect Draw!: A Visual Journal
Dear Data: A Friendship in 52 Weeks of Postcards
Giorgia Lupi is an Italian information designer, a partner at design firm Pentagram, and co-founder of research and design firm Accurat. She is a co-author of Dear Data, a collection of hand drawn data visualizations, along with information designer Stefanie Posavec. Her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
In 2011, Lupi co-founded research and design firm Accurat, that combines design and data to create data visualizations, interfaces, and tools. Among their clients are Google, IBM, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Starbucks, United Nations, the World Economic Forum and the Museum of Modern Art. Lupi's influences for her work come from fascinations by geometrical feel and balance of abstract art compositions.
Follow Giorgia Lupi on Instagram: @giorgialupi
Giorgia Lupi's Website: giorgialupi.com
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Host, Amber Asay, explores the male designers who have either championed or dismissed the contributions of women in the design world. From Le Corbusier’s undermining of female collaborators to Paul Rand’s advocacy for Lella Vignelli, we dive into the varying dynamics of support—or lack thereof—among iconic male figures in design. Tune in to hear who lifted women up and who left them in the shadows.
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Read Anne Helen Petersen's original article here: A Unified Theory of Glen Powell
And Celeste M Davis's poem and full article linked here: The men who like women and the men who don't. Yes we can tell.
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Anni Albers’ pioneering journey in elevating textiles to fine art is discussed with guest Marian Bantjes, renowned for her intricate, ornamental designs that blend typography, art, and personal storytelling.
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About Anni Albers
Anni Albers is widely considered to be the foremost textile designer of the 20th century. She made major innovations in the field of functional materials and at the same time she expanded the possibilities of single weavings and individual artworks. She was also an adventurous graphic artist who took printmaking technique into previously uncharted territory.
Not only was she a pioneering textile artist, and printmaker, but she was an educator whose work redefined the boundaries between craft and fine art. She may arguably be THE person responsible for helping the masses see textile as art, not just craft. She studied at the Bauhaus, taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina, where she continued to push the limits of weaving, experimenting with unconventional materials and techniques. Her book On Weaving (1965) remains a seminal text in textile design.
About Marian Bantjes
Marian's Books:
I Wonder
Pretty Pictures
Marian Bantjes (b. 1963) @bantjes is a Canadian graphic artist who is known for her signature maximalist style. Her intricate ornamentation creates texture and illusion, and challenges the minimalist boundaries of traditional graphic design.
Her clients include Pentagram, Saks Fifth Avenue, Print Magazine, Wallpaper* , WIRED, Creative Review, The Guardian (UK), The New York Times, AIGA, TypeCon, and more.
Her career spans 3 stages: she started in the 80s as a book typesetter for a publishing company and then from there she became partner at a small design firm in Canada, working on brand identity and communication designs.
In 2003 Marian decided to embark on the work that has brought her international recognition and fame as a world-class visual designer
Her work has an underlying structure that frames its fluid nature and she has an impressive way of interweaving word and image.
She says "throwing your individuality into a project is heresy" but she has built a career doing just that, as her signature style is unmistakable. In 2007 she released Restraint, a typeface that integrates her style of ornamentation to be used as shapes and borders.
Marian has been honored with several awards over the years and her work is now part of the permanent collection at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
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Phyllis Madonna’s fearless design vision at the Madonna Inn is the focus of this episode, where branding expert Emily Heyward from Red Antler joins us to discuss the branding strategies behind this beloved cultural landmark.
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Links:
madonnainn.com
Their signature goblet (inspired by Alice Turney Williams wallpaper and rug designs)
Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love From Day One by Emily Heyward
About Phyllis:
Phyllis Madonna is a visionary designer, philanthropist, and co-founder of the iconic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. Born in 1928 in Orange County, she moved to the Central Coast in 1948 after marrying Alex Madonna. Although she had no formal design training, Phyllis’s creative instincts played a crucial role in shaping the Inn’s distinctive style, famous for its eclectic themed rooms and lavish use of pink. Encouraged by her husband to take the lead in designing the rooms, Phyllis’s designs became the heart of the Inn, transforming it from a roadside motel into a world-renowned destination.
Beyond her work at the Inn, Phyllis has made significant contributions to her community, supporting local arts organizations and spearheading the Phyllis Madonna Musical Revue and Fashion Show, which raised millions for women’s shelters over three decades. Her blend of creativity, community spirit, and entrepreneurial drive has made her a beloved figure on California’s Central Coast
About Emily Heyward:
Emily Heyward is a co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Red Antler, a leading brand agency known for launching some of today’s most successful startups, including Casper, Allbirds, and Hinge. With a background in advertising and a degree in postmodern theory from Harvard, Emily pivoted from working with big brands to helping emerging companies create purposeful, consumer-driven identities. She has been recognized as one of the Most Important Entrepreneurs of the Decade by Inc. Magazine and is the author of Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love from Day One, which explores how brands can inspire deep loyalty from their very beginnings. With a reputation for building “cult brands,” Emily is frequently featured in media outlets like Forbes and Fast Company, and she continues to be a prominent voice in brand strategy
Buy Her Book: OBSESSED
Emily Heyward Website
Follow Emily on Instagram
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Host Amber Asay dives into the untold stories of design power couples where the husbands received most of the credit, exploring how history has often overlooked the equally brilliant contributions of their wives.
(This new bonus series, called "Extra Sketches" will be where we explore common themes and trends within women designer stories.)
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Learn about the minimalist jewelry designer, Betty Cooke, from another legend, Ellen Lupton, graphic designer, educator, and author of dozens of books including "Thinking With Type"
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Links:
Thinking with Type, book by Ellen Lupton
Extra Bold, book co-authored by Ellen Lupton
Betty Cooke's Store
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About Betty Cooke:
We recently lost another design legend, Betty Cooke, whose passing marks the end of an era in modernist jewelry design. Born in 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland, Betty Cooke was a trailblazing designer celebrated for her minimalist and sculptural jewelry. Her work is defined by clean lines, geometric forms, and a timeless elegance that resonated across generations. After studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she later became a beloved faculty member, Betty opened her own studio and eventually co-founded The Store Ltd., a Baltimore institution that showcased her work for over five decades. Her jewelry, often handcrafted in silver and gold with touches of wood or acrylic, is iconic for its simplicity and boldness—pieces that remain instantly recognizable as “Betty Cooke.” Cooke’s influence is immortalized in museums, galleries, and in the collections of those fortunate enough to own her designs. Her legacy is one of innovation, elegance, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
About Ellen Lupton:
Ellen Lupton is one of the most influential voices in contemporary graphic design. Born in 1963, she is a celebrated designer, writer, curator, and educator whose work has profoundly shaped design education and practice. After graduating from Cooper Union in 1985, she became a curator at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where she curated groundbreaking exhibitions that connected design to culture and society. Ellen is perhaps best known for her book Thinking with Type, first published in 2004, which has become an essential guide for designers and is used in classrooms worldwide. Beyond her writing, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the Graphic Design MFA program at MICA, inspiring generations of designers with her innovative teaching methods. Her body of work extends to over 20 books, exploring topics from typography to storytelling in design. Ellen’s contributions continue to influence how designers think, create, and communicate in today’s visual world.
Keep up with what Ellen Lupton's up to:
Instagram | Website
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Explore the illustrious career of design icon Louise Fili and her impact on typography, with insights and anecdotes from guest Kevin Cantrell, renowned typographer.
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About Louise Fili:
Louise Fili is a true titan of the design world, known for her impeccable taste, unrivaled craftsmanship, and deep-rooted passion for typography. She has revolutionized the landscape of graphic design with her elegant, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Her career spans decades of groundbreaking work, from her iconic book covers at Pantheon Books to the founding of her own studio, Louise Fili Ltd., where she has created stunning branding for top-tier clients like Sarabeth's and Bella Cucina.
Fili's work is a symphony of intricate lettering and timeless design, influenced by her love for Italian art and architecture. Her contributions to design have earned her the prestigious AIGA Medal and a place in the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. Beyond her professional achievements, Fili is a dedicated educator at the School of Visual Arts, nurturing the next generation of designers.
Louise Fili continues to inspire and captivate with every project, embodying the perfect blend of historical reverence and modern sophistication. Her legacy is one of beauty, precision, and enduring impact on the world of design.
About Kevin Cantrell:
Adam Vicarel is a brand designer, lettering artist and mural painter who is obsessed with merging the worlds of fine art and strategic design. In his personal work Adam infuses his love for travel and the outdoors into his typography, illustration and storytelling to create visceral experiences for his audience. That’s visceral, not Vicarel.
His graph design studio, Vicarel Studios works on visual identity systems, packaging art installations, and more, and they’ve created for brands like NBC, Twitter, Lululemon, United Airlines and Sharpie. Their unique process of combining fine art with design allows them to craft provocative brands and artful experiences unbound by industry or medium.
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Uncover the incredible journey of Iris Apfel, whose design career spans textiles and fashion, from transforming the White House interiors to becoming a global style icon, joined by special guest designer Adam Vicarel.
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About Iris Apfel:
Iris Apfel, born on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York, is a renowned American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon. Alongside her husband Carl, she founded Old World Weavers in 1950, a textile firm celebrated for its reproduction of antique fabrics. Their work included notable projects like the restoration of the White House under nine presidents, enhancing its historical elegance.
Iris's distinctive personal style, characterized by bold accessories and eclectic fashion choices, made her a fashion muse and a beloved figure in the industry. Her influence was further cemented by the 2005 Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art titled "Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel."
In addition to her work in design, Iris has collaborated with brands like MAC Cosmetics and H&M, bringing her unique aesthetic to a broader audience. She continues to inspire with her memoir "Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon" and a modeling contract with IMG signed at age 97, showcasing her enduring appeal and influence.
For more information, explore her memoir or the New York Times article.
About Adam Vicarel:
Adam Vicarel is a brand designer, lettering artist and mural painter who is obsessed with merging the worlds of fine art and strategic design. In his personal work Adam infuses his love for travel and the outdoors into his typography, illustration and storytelling to create visceral experiences for his audience. That’s visceral, not Vicarel.
His graph design studio, Vicarel Studios works on visual identity systems, packaging art installations, and more, and they’ve created for brands like NBC, Twitter, Lululemon, United Airlines and Sharpie. Their unique process of combining fine art with design allows them to craft provocative brands and artful experiences unbound by industry or medium.
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Discover the captivating and untold story of Ann Lowe, the brilliant designer behind Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, as we delve into her legacy with fashion historian and author, Elizabeth Way.
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Check out the original reel / video this podcast was based on: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6EDEMrLDsn/
Sources:
About Ann Lowe:
Ann Lowe (1898-1981) was an influential African American fashion designer whose exquisite gowns were sought after by America's social elite. Born in Clayton, Alabama, she learned the art of dressmaking from her mother and grandmother, both skilled seamstresses. Despite facing significant racial barriers, Lowe's talent led her to design dresses for prominent families, including the Rockefellers, the du Ponts, and the Kennedys.
Her most famous creation was Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress in 1953, a masterpiece completed under extraordinary circumstances. Lowe’s work was known for its meticulous craftsmanship, hand-sewn details, and elegant designs, yet she received little recognition during her lifetime. Financial struggles and the racial discrimination she faced often overshadowed her achievements. Today, Ann Lowe is celebrated as a trailblazer in the fashion industry, whose contributions continue to inspire and influence designers around the world.
About Elizabeth Way:
Elizabeth Way is a curator who specializes in fashion history, particularly focusing on the intersection of fashion and African American culture. Elizabeth has curated several exhibitions, including "Black Fashion Designers" and "Fabric In Fashion," which highlight the contributions of Black designers and the significance of textiles in fashion. She also co-edited the book "Black Designers in American Fashion," contributing to scholarship and public understanding of the impact of Black designers in the fashion industry. AND authored a book that just came out in 2023 about Ann Lowe
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The podcast currently has 22 episodes available.
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