''I have absolutely no interest in a trademark style,'' the late, great Mark Hampton once declared. Yet, classic, comfortable interiors became his hallmark. It was these traits and his impressive clientele including Anne Bass, Brooke Astor, Estee Lauder (for whom he decorated three houses) and Mike Wallace that made him an icon of American design and one of the nation's most sought-after decorators.Like her late father, Alexa Hampton, President of Mark Hampton, Inc., possesses the same gifts and rare abilities to make classic design both extraordinarily beautiful and exceedingly comfortable. At the young age of thirteen, Alexa began her informal training by apprenticing at the family firm.
Following her father’s untimely death Alexa took on the role of President and featured designer of the iconic Manhattan based firm. Under her direction and judicious eye the renowned design firm continues to excite and delight clients and design enthusiasts around the globe.An accomplished painter and renderer, who preserves these traditional techniques in her office, Alexa completed her graduate work in art history at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy, and New York.
Widely credited as one of the top tastemakers in her field, she is also the creator of a growing collection of licensed home furnishings that bears her name. Grounded in both traditional and eclectic interiors, Alexa has been named one of the ‘AD 100’ by Architectural Digest every year since 1992. Her work regularly appears in national publications including, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Quest, W and Vogue.
House Beautiful once described Alexa as, “A modern spirit with a soft spot for old-fashioned good taste.” A most fitting combination.
How would you describe your personal style?Eclectic, informed by classicism and pragmatic.
What inspires your creativity and designs?
I kid you not...everything! From lowbrow media like television shows to highbrow influences like architecture and art.
What are your most prized possessions?
Family photos.
What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?My Family (and spanx!!!)
Who are your style icons?
Mark Hampton, David Adler, Frances Elkins, David Hicks, Albert Hadley and Bill Blass.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
I would like to work with a smart developer who would have me design and furnish a hotel in the manor of an extremely luxurious private residence.
What books are currently on your bedside table?Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child
New Moon by Stephanie Myers
The Gianni Versace Lake Como Sale Catalog for Sotheby’s London
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
What is your favorite luxury in life?
A good night’s sleep.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Cheese.
Past or present who most influenced your direction in life?
My father.
Who would you most like to meet and how would you spend the day?
The answer to this question changes with some regularity. Right now…I would love to meet President Obama, and I would love to spend the day talking to him. Also…I would like to spend the day with Bernie Madoff and ask him, “How dare he…”.
Profile by Ronda Carman
Photos 2 & 3: Billy Cunningham/Bruce Katz Published February 2000 (AD)
Photos 4 & 5: Scott Frances Published July 2007 (AD)
