Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know

Episode 045: Clara Porset and Lindsay Colhoun: Frida Kahlo’s Favorite Chair
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Amber Asay
Guest: Lindsay Colhoun, Interior Designer

Introduction

In Episode 045 of Women Designers You Should Know, host Amber Asay delves into the life and legacy of Clara Porset, a Cuban-born, Mexico-adopted designer whose contributions to modernist design have been historically overlooked. Joining Amber is Lindsay Colhoun, a renowned interior designer known for her ability to transform homes into functional and beautiful sanctuaries. Together, they explore Porset's innovative designs, her political activism, and how her ethos continues to influence contemporary design through Lindsay's work.

Guest Introduction: Lindsay Colhoun

Amber begins by introducing Lindsay Colhoun, highlighting her expertise in creating spaces that balance functionality with aesthetic beauty. Lindsay shares her background, emphasizing how growing up in a Frank Gehry-designed home and being influenced by her mother, an interior designer, shaped her career path.

Notable Quote:

"From when I was a little girl I always wanted to design... The older I got, it was very apparent that I wanted to be a designer."
— Lindsay Colhoun (03:18)

Lindsay's Design Background

Lindsay discusses her journey from fashion design to interior design, drawing parallels between the two fields. She underscores the complexity of interior design, which involves collaborating with architects and contractors to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.

Notable Quote:

"There's so many details... How is that edge going to be formed? Is that going to... How thick is it going to be?"
— Lindsay Colhoun (05:20)

Design Philosophies: Fashion vs. Interior Design

The conversation transitions to the similarities between fashion and interior design. Lindsay explains how both disciplines require a keen eye for texture, merchandising, and scale, yet interior design demands a more intricate coordination with builders and craftsmen.

Notable Quote:

"It's all the thousands of details that come together. It's hard to explain what we do..."
— Lindsay Colhoun (05:20)

Lindsay's Design Process and Client Relations

Lindsay elaborates on her design process, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs while maintaining her design vision. She uses analogies to explain complex design concepts, making them accessible to clients.

Notable Quote:

"It's kind of like chicken. You could make chicken that's really simple and boring or full of soul and flavor."
— Lindsay Colhoun (07:19)

Favorite Recent Project

Lindsay shares insights into a challenging current project involving extensive restoration and water damage. She expresses excitement about the creative problem-solving required to transform the space.

Notable Quote:

"Everything's a creative puzzle, and how can we still get this outcome?"
— Lindsay Colhoun (16:43)

Clara Porset’s Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Amber provides a comprehensive overview of Clara Porset’s early life. Born in 1895 in Cuba to a privileged family, Porset had access to extensive education and travel opportunities. Initially pursuing political science and fine art at Columbia University, her path shifted to design after studying at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Her exposure to the Bauhaus movement in Germany significantly influenced her design philosophy.

Notable Quote:

"Seeing is better than reading. So I went to Black Mountain College... Beautiful, if there is anything beautiful."
— Clara Porset (31:24) (Referenced by Amber)

Design Philosophy and Iconic Works

Clara Porset was a pioneer in combining form and function, utilizing natural materials long before they became mainstream trends. Her designs, such as the Butaka chair, demonstrated a blend of modernist aesthetics with ergonomic comfort, making good design accessible to the masses.

Notable Quote:

"I love that interplay between soulfulness and simplicity."
— Lindsay Colhoun (20:12)

Political Activism and Exile

Porset's outspoken political views during a time of repression in Cuba led to her blacklisting and eventual exile to Mexico in 1935. Her activism intertwined with her design work, reflecting her commitment to social ethics and accessibility in design.

Notable Quote:

"She had a lot of this idea of empathy and getting out there."
— Amber Asay (28:35)

Relationships with Key Figures

Clara Porset's connections with influential artists like Frida Kahlo and Anni Albers enriched her design perspective. Her chair being part of Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul exemplifies the intersection of their creative worlds.

Notable Quote:

"I'd love to be at that dinner party."
— Lindsay Colhoun (30:23)

Teaching and Legacy

In her later years, Porset dedicated herself to teaching, fostering the next generation of women designers. She established a scholarship fund for Women in Design and donated her extensive archives to create the Clara Porset Library, serving as a vital resource for ongoing design scholarship.

Notable Quote:

"I love that when somebody has such fire and passion and determination."
— Lindsay Colhoun (43:23)

Impact and Recognition

Despite being overlooked for decades, Clara Porset's work has gained renewed attention through recent publications and exhibitions. The release of Living the Writings of Clara Porset and events like the Hammer Museum's discussion on her legacy highlight the urgent need to re-center women in design history.

Notable Quote:

"It's on brand... Her work is so on theme."
— Amber Asay (40:08)

Conclusion

Amber and Lindsay conclude the episode by reflecting on Clara Porset's enduring influence on modern design. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of Porset's dedication to functional beauty and her role in shaping accessible, timeless design principles.

Notable Quote:

"She may have been left out of textbooks up until now... She didn't design for prestige."
— Amber Asay (44:17)

Lindsay echoes this sentiment, highlighting Porset's commitment to enhancing people's lives through thoughtful design.

Notable Quote:

"You know, I love that it's like to experience it and see it is very different."
— Lindsay Colhoun (32:37)

Final Remarks

Amber wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Clara Porset's work and supporting the podcast to continue celebrating the stories of remarkable women in design.

Notable Quote:

"Let's redesign history by celebrating women."
— Amber Asay (46:05)

Listeners are invited to rate and review the podcast, follow Lindsay on social media, and support the ongoing research and storytelling efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Clara Porset was a trailblazing designer who integrated modernist principles with cultural and ergonomic considerations, making impactful contributions to design despite political challenges.

• Lindsay Colhoun embodies Porset's legacy through her commitment to creating warm, functional, and timeless spaces, emphasizing the importance of natural materials and thoughtful design processes.

• Design Ethos: Both Porset and Lindsay prioritize functionality, simplicity, and the integration of diverse cultural influences, demonstrating how design can serve as a powerful cultural force.

• Legacy and Recognition: The episode underscores the necessity of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of women designers like Clara Porset, who have historically been marginalized in design narratives.

Resources Mentioned

• Clara Porset Library: A comprehensive archive of Porset's work, including books, sketches, and design projects.

• Living the Writings of Clara Porset: A recently published book translating Porset's essays, critiques, and lectures into English, edited by Zoe Ryan and Valentina Sarmiento Cruz.

• Hammer Museum Event: A recent event at UCLA discussing Clara Porset's legacy and the importance of recognizing women in design history.

Connect with Lindsay Colhoun:

• Website: lindsaycolhoun.com
• Instagram: @lindseycoulddesign

This episode offers a profound exploration of Clara Porset's life and work, drawing meaningful connections to contemporary design practices through Lindsay Colhoun's insights. It serves as an inspiring reminder of the vital role women have played and continue to play in shaping the world of design.