Home JOURNAL Globetrotter: Madeline Weinrib

Globetrotter: Madeline Weinrib

We have have been crazy about Madeline Weinrib’s modern ikat fabrics for as long as we can remember, so when Indagare suggested hosting a souk at her design studio on lower 5th Avenue, we jumped at the chance. As the granddaughter of the founder of ABC Carpet & Home, NYC’s hottest design emporium, Madeline developed her far flung tastes and love of travel early on. Her design studio did not disappoint, with it’s walls of colored threads, vintage photos from India, graphic rugs and an incredible selection of mid-century furniture all re-covered in her contemporary ikat designs. As soon as we heard that Madeline was about to launch a collection of caftans made from her own fabrics, we knew we had to have them. Read on for a list of this design guru’s inspirations and then shop her new collection of crazy chic caftans before they sell out!

How would you describe your personal style? Who, what, or where is the inspiration behind your style?

I love beautiful, well-made, Western clothing, usually something very simple that I could pair with something colorful and fun that I have picked up on my travels. I am particularly fond of pieces made by artisans. I guess the way you put the two together creates your style. Two women who loved to travel and collect were Doris Duke and Peggy Guggenheim.

How does travel influence your style?

I always find new color combinations when I visit countries in the East. Somehow it manages to get into my wardrobe as well as designs.

Ladies selling garlands outside the Shiva Temple in Udaipur, India.

I love this photo I took while traveling through rural India. Even working in the fields all the women look so beautiful in their colorful saris.

I recently went to Jamaica and bought my beautiful caftan from Shop Latitude.

What city do you have an endless love affair with?

It is hard to choose just one, but if I did I would have to say Venice because it is just so wonderful to endlessly walk and discover things and it is one of the few places in the world where you can do that. I also love shopping in Venice, the boutiques are all very small and tasteful.

Venice is the most romantic city. I love to just walk around with no destination. The iconic Peggy Guggenheim glasses I am wearing I bought at her museum shop.

Can you share your top three favorite spots for eating, drinking, and shopping in your home town? Please be as specific as possible.

Barney's is my favorite store and has been for many years. Happy to now have a downtown branch, too.

Kirna Zabête always has new products, new designers, it is a must go to shop down in SoHo.

Dover Street Market has wonderfully curated selection of international designers.

ZZ Clambar, my favorite cocktails in town. All their cocktails are fabulous, and their menu is very limited but everything is delicious.

Café Sabarsky feels like a wonderful restaurant in Vienna. I always have the wiener schnitzel. The desserts all wonderful.

Russ and Daughters for bagels and smoked fish. I also love the eggs and salmon for lunch.

The Carlyle Hotel is a wonderful place to have tea - although I have not had time in years.

What is your most desired passport stamp?

I went to Cuba in 1997 and couldn't have my passport stamped. Very excited to go back and have it stamped. How wonderful for the people of Cuba.

Best trip so far?

My first trip to India. It was visually amazing. I felt like, if I only had one day the whole trip would have been worth it. I also loved visiting Nepal.

I am an ambassador for my favorite charity, Project Mala. Project Mala builds schools in the rug weaving region of India. They also give medical care, breakfast, and lunch to all students who attend. To find out more about Project Mala, or to make a donation, please visit their website: http://www.projectmala.org.uk/gb

When in Nepal I visit a Tibetan orphanage. I also bring fruit and candy - they appreciate everything.

Visiting the Holy Shiva Temple in Katmandu, Nepal. It is a very holy site for Hindus and you will see many Sadhus there. Most will let you take their picture.

At the Monkey Temple Katmandu. I have not returned since the earthquake. I need to return soon, however. Nepal needs our support.

Always in your suitcase?

Extra sunglasses, I would hate to lose a pair and be without them. Sunblock. A pencil and drawing pad. A beautiful shawl. And of course a caftan.

Madeline Weinrib, caftan and fabric.

Favorite hotel that you wouldn't mind staying in forever?

El Fenn, Marrakech - my home away from home in Morocco.

Les Ottomans, Istanbul - Located on the Bosphorus, Les Ottomans is one of the most beautiful and romantic hotels in Istanbul. It also has one of my favorite Hammans, beautiful and private.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur - Resting in the middle of a lake, I could go to this hotel and never leave. Absolute paradise.

El Fenn, Marrakech, Morocco.

Most beloved souvenir?

My vintage photographs from India. I've been collecting them for the 20 years I have been traveling to India.

Favorite shop, market, or souk?

In Dehli, Khan Market is an old time favorite, as well as Santushi a newer marketplace with wonderful Indian designers. It also houses one of my favorite fashion stores in India called Ensemble.

In Morocco of course there's the Souk, but there is also the newer industrial area which houses many new Moroccan accessories stores.

Another favorite is Alfies in London. It is a building filled with small antique booths. It is very eclectic and I always find something there.