Red Kirkoff has pulled off some of the style world’s most dramatic newbies. After early stints at Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, the Parsons School of Design graduate was named executive creative director at Coach in 1996 and transformed the fine leather company into a $5 billion behemoth. As an avid photographer, he also shot ad campaigns himself.
“I’ve had a really good experience taking a brand from being irrelevant and a little dusty to something somewhat unusual,” the 61-year-old recalls. After running his own eponymous company from 2010 to 2015, he was appointed Tiffany & Co.’s first chief artistic officer in 2017, a position he held for five years.
Today, Krakow serves as creative chairman of jeweler John Hardy, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. One of their additions to its roster is the Artisan Series, which updates the house’s signature silhouettes with high-quality stones. “I really learned that it’s about growing a brand, reaching new customers, and making it something that people wanted but never thought of,” he says. That’s also true of the many homes he’s renovated with his wife, Delphine, founder of Pamplemos Design. We visited their new Canaan, Kon, property to learn more about Krakow’s winning approach.
First thing you do in the morning?
I make coffee. Black, nothing unusual.
What apps do you use the most?
Instagram is an occupational hazard. Lots of auction houses. It’s the best way to see what’s happening in the art market quickly. I occasionally use 1stdibs. I use my camera the most.
What do you do it’s still analog?
I like a Pentel, a Sharpie, and a piece of xerox paper. I spent most of my photography career shooting film. If you’re shooting digital you definitely take a very different picture.
Krakow’s Home Library.
Weston Wells
What’s the latest thing you’ve added to your collection?
Thomas Housago plaster mask sculpture. He is a young artist whose work I really like.
How do you get calm?
A little time with Delphine. Talking about the day, what we are doing, what we are doing together. Also, spending time with your kids — especially one-on-ones. I love traveling with them, going fishing, and making ceramics together.
Most recent item you regret not buying?
I never regret not buying anything. But when I was in my 20s, I was buying these little Basquiat drawings. I wish I had bought more.
What’s the most impressive dish you’ve ever cooked?
Toast
A bronze mask by Thomas Hausago.
Weston Wells
Who is your dealer, and what resources do they have for you?
Barry Friedman, who’s really been like my mentor for over 35 years, is the guy who put everything together in front of everyone. The only time we disagreed was on Lalan. This was once I was fine.
How do you sleep?
I try not to be on screen. I don’t bring my iPad into the bedroom. I try to read a few pages (of a book) before going to bed.
If you could learn any new skill, what would it be?
I would probably be an architect. As many houses as I’ve designed, and I’ve done a lot of work, I like to understand light and form.
How much do you trust your gut instinct?
One hundred percent. I think one of the gifts of being a little older is that I know it’s going to be okay. Anything can go wrong, and that’s okay.
An ancient bust from his collection.
Weston Wells
What is your definition of luxury?
Time and freedom. Freedom to control your schedule and do more of what you love.
Where do you get your clothes?
All I have is like a uniform. Anderson & Sheppard, Turnbull & Isser, John Loeb, APC It’s been that way for a very long time.
Who do you admire most, and why?
Mark Newson for his aesthetic, technique and ability to take perspective in everything: airplanes, bicycles, furniture – any aspect really. Philip Stark is another.
A silver tea set he designed for Tiffany.
Weston Wells
What advice would you follow?
Don’t care so much about what everyone else thinks. This is a difficult one. I have teenagers, and, you know, I’m talking to myself, too.
Drive or be driven?
I am driven
What is your favorite hotel?
There was a time when I lived (at the Mercer Hotel). There were a lot of people in fashion who came down and read their mail in the lobby, and it felt like a funny home away from home.
What is your email etiquette?
I answer every email. Super short and sweet.
What do you always have on hand?
my member
Which car are you most attached to?
A Jaguar E-Type. This is just one of the beautiful designs.
Is the price worth paying?
More storage on my iPhone.
Sketch of his design for John Hardy’s spare cuff.
Weston Wells
Last movie you paid to see?
rose I thought it was bad.
Do you still write letters?
I’m a big believer in handwritten notes. I have always loved pineapple Stationary
The ultimate streaming binge?
The entire series of Narcos.
What kind of music makes you happy?
Anything that reminds me of the 80s. It was such a fun time.
The authors
Abby Montañez
