A Theatrical Blend of Old and New

Drawing inspiration from his background as a ballet dancer at the School of American Ballet and studies of ancient cultures, Fisher conceptualized the gallery as a “theatrical interpretation of the domestic interior.” The space merges the formality of antiquity with the comforts of quiet luxury, featuring stone pieces that radiate an aura of timelessness. Fisher described the energy that stone evokes, emphasizing the deep connection to its ancient origins.

Design Features and Layout

The gallery comprises three primary rooms, each dedicated to Fisher’s objects, including stone vessels made from materials like Victoria Blu and Paonazzo marble, as well as pieces crafted from metal and cotton cord. The entrance space sets the tone with custom wooden cabinetry, stone countertops, and silver-painted triptychs on the walls, while slim running lights are integrated into the surfaces.

In the center of the space, a dramatic circular soffit with integrated lighting creates a focal point, and copper panels line the passageways. One of the most striking features is a nearly 600-pound carved igneous stone planter with a large fern, displayed in the farthest room, alongside additional stoneware vessels and seating arrangements.

Theatrical and Classical Influences

The gallery’s design is infused with Fisher’s passion for performance. A striking metallic-threaded curtain at the back of the room, inspired by the stage curtain at the Palais Garnier, evokes a sense of theater. Brass chains and weights shape the curtain, mirroring Fisher’s emotional connection to the theatrical space he admires.

An Invitation to Experience Stone

“The Seaport Gallery is where I can share my passion for stone,” Fisher said, explaining how stone embodies energy and time. The gallery is not just a place to view objects but a space to reflect on the materials’ ancient origins and the timeless process behind them.

Fisher’s First Public Space

The gallery, which took nearly seven months to discover, marks a significant milestone for Fisher. Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, the gallery’s design invites guests to experience the luxury of antiquity alongside Fisher’s artistic objects in an intimate, thoughtfully curated environment.

Nearby Design Innovations

The Seaport neighbourhood continues to evolve, with nearby Billy Cotton’s design for Bridges restaurant blending art deco, futurist, and brutalist influences. Also, a floating pool on the East River is undergoing testing, adding to the area’s dynamic architectural landscape.

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Hoppen’s connection with Dubai deepened after working on the Lanai Island villas at the Tilal Al Ghaf development, a high-end community being built by Majid Al Futtaim. The project, known for its sustainable and experience-focused approach, marked her return to the region after several years. “I was buzzing when I came back. The city had evolved, and it had a new energy,” she recalls. Her interior design for the villas blends elegance with comfort, featuring swirled marble, natural wood accents, and soothing colours that harmonize with Dubai’s intense light.

The designer, whose career spans over 40 years, feels a growing bond with Dubai. She’s already working on multiple projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, and is considering expanding her presence in the region. Hoppen is contemplating opening a studio in Dubai, believing that the rapid pace of development in the city warrants a local outpost to manage projects more efficiently while nurturing regional talent.

“I want to teach the next generation of designers here,” she says, envisioning a studio that would train local designers under the Kelly Hoppen Interiors umbrella. She sees vast opportunities in the region, particularly in craftsmanship and working with local talent, instead of relying solely on international designers.

Alongside her design work, Hoppen continues her partnership with Marina Home, a UAE-based retailer that sells her furniture collection. She first met the Marina Home team at a Maison&Objet fair in Paris, and their collaboration has been a success, with her pieces now available in the Middle East.

Hoppen is also passionate about cultural diversity and how it shapes design. “Dubai is such a diverse country with so many nationalities,” she explains, noting how this fusion of cultures inspires her work. She envisions a future where design reflects both the city’s rich heritage and its global influences, creating spaces that offer both comfort and individuality.

Her ambitions for the region extend beyond residential projects. Hoppen dreams of designing a boutique hotel in Dubai, inspired by the vibrancy of cities like Paris, Milan, and New York. With a vision of smaller, intimate hotels, she wants to bring a unique style to the hospitality sector in the city.

The pandemic, Hoppen believes, has shifted how people view living spaces. “It’s about family and community,” she says, observing that Dubai’s evolution into a city with both luxurious villas and community-style living is ahead of similar developments in Europe. She’s excited by the shift in design and sees Dubai as a city of the future, one where innovation and tradition merge seamlessly.

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