Kendall Latham describes his work as designed anthropology: informed by place and inspired by people. The experiences he's designed for brands like Glossier, Calvin Klein, Dior and Raf Simons are indeed transportive yet grounded in community and location. After admiring his designs and appreciating a few of them in person, we were curious about the mind behind the work.

What’s the best compliment you received recently?

A friend texted me and thanked me for being a really great friend, and I think that’s one of the best compliments you can get (and give)!

What’s the last thing you read?

I read an extremely sad book called "The End of Eddy" by Edouard Louis. It’s an autobiographical novel centered around growing up gay in working-class France. 

What do you want to read next?

After the last book, I need something funny and/or dark — probably something by David Sedaris (last one I read was "Calypso", which is hysterical). I tend to read more than one book at once because I have a short attention span and need to jump between genres.

A quote that’s meaningful to you?

“Say it, forget it. Write it, regret it.” -Dorinda Medley

Right click GIFs to save them to your mind.

Best gift you’ve ever given?

Once I went to a birthday party for someone I didn’t know that well at the time, and brought one of these cool birthday cake candles from John Derian Company. When I gave it to him, he told me no one had brought a cake, so we lit the candle and everyone sang Happy Birthday, which was cute.

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Where do you want to travel to next?

I know everyone says this but I really want to go to Japan. Everyone has been except me!

What would you buy, if money weren’t an issue?

Boring answer but I would buy a house by the water — somewhere accessible by train, so I can go there whenever I want.

What hobby would you take up, if you had the time?

Fencing! It’s exciting to me because I’m not one to take physical risks, but I’m also extremely competitive. Plenty of safety equipment and the sabres aren’t real! 

What’s an image or piece of art you can’t get out of your head?

The Young Martyr by Paul Delaroche (at The Louvre). I will never get this image out of my head.

Right click the image to save it. Search "martyr" or "Paul" or "Louvre" to find it later.

A product of any kind you’ve been appreciating lately?

I got a new fragrance that I’ve been eyeing for a long time. I couldn’t sample before I purchased it but I’m glad I took the risk because it’s GREAT.

The funniest thing you’ve seen lately?

I’ve been re-watching The Catherine Tate Show. She’s a genius.

Search "TV Series" or "Catherine" to find this later in your mind.

If you could build an extension of your own mind, what would it look like? How would it work?

It would probably take the form of some weird Rube Goldberg machine. Something that approaches seemingly straightforward and mundane tasks with creativity, kookiness. ⚘