Natalia Ilyin writes books and articles about design and culture.
She is a principal at EmersonHarris llc,
a brand consultancy, teaches design
history, and gives talks and leads workshops on design theory
and criticism at schools and
organizations around the country.

She also co-directs a refugee-relief
organization that supports community
initiatives with micro-grant funding.

Her third book, about home and refuge,
is due out very, very soon.



June, a whole new country

RISD's Commencement happened recently, prompting a showering of photos of graduates doing that thing that these particular graduates do-- adding their own embellishments to the somber cap and gown. Of all Spring rites, the decorated cap and gown must be the most festive. It's not the same as the abandonment of regalia for the comfort of fleece and sneakers. No. Individual response resting on a bed of culture-- that's what fifty bananas attached to 3 yards of black rayon says to me.