When Bentley's apartment door opens, you are greeted by whiffs of fresh ginger tea simmering on the stove.
Aside from being a product developer at Marc Jacobs and curating a lovely inspirational blog , Bentley nurtures a passion for food and baking. She spends most of her free time experimenting in the kitchen.
But her talents are not only resumed to what she does, she also possesses the wonderful ability to recreate a country lifestyle right in a middle of the city. Her style reminds me of Europe for some reasons and how people live there.
We had spectacular light all afternoon in her south facing sun-washed bedroom, the perfect place to grow a {genius!} mini herb garden.
We shared laughter and tasty goodies for most of the afternoon, which is in my book the definition of a perfect day.
©2011 Anne-Claire Rohé - All Rights Reserved
Tell us where you live, since when and where you are from originally?
I'm originally from Texas, but I've been living in Manhattan and
Brooklyn for the last 6 years.
How did you begin working in the field you are now?
I graduated from college and moved to London. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but when I had studied abroad during college I discovered Orla Kiely and quickly became obsessed. I walked into their office without a meeting scheduled and asked to meet with the managing director about helping them out for a few months. I started in their warehouse and quickly they offered me a 2-year position to manage their international sales. It was my first exposure to 'fashion' and I loved every minute of it.
I’ve been at Marc Jacobs for a little over three years, managing product development for their accessories.
Ever since I can remember I have had a keen interest in baking. I’ve experimented with food markets, catering, and most recently working at the Blue Stove bakery in Brooklyn. It has been the highlight of my fall! I’ve never laughed and learned so much at one time.
I’m not sure that I would ever want to leave the creative industry, but I love the balance of working with my hands and working with people.
What was the best piece of advice you have received in the process?
My parents instilled a great work ethic in me from a very young age. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.
How would you describe your home?
Cozy and bright.
An object you cherish in particular?
A dear friend of mine surprised me with Matteo sheets a few years back that I am still obsessed with. I love the way they crinkle.
What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?
I have this ongoing dream of owning a little grocery store. Very ‘mom & pop’ style, with prepared foods and flowers. I would want everything to be packaged like a present, in something that you would never want to throw away… or in no packaging at all. One of my favorite mindless activities on the weekends is strolling through the neighborhood grocery stores to check out their new stock.
What quality or talent do you most envy in others?
Narration. I wish I could captivate a room with a good story.
Your latest obsession
Anything WHITE. I think I am going to fight off winter a bit this year by wearing whites and creams all season long.
