Alexandra Kohl is the first artist and friend to be featured on Friends of Flora.

Alexandra and I became fast friends this year over a shared love of art, culture, travel, good food, vintage clothes and of course horses.

Alexandra's work is informed by minimalism, organic architecture, and the natural qualities of plant and animal. Her work transmits a meditative, healing essence through the stillness of simple design and equine spirit.

We sat down to talk about her artistic path, the spaces and places that inspire her and the role that clothing can play in our memories.

How and when did horses become such an important part of your life?

I was mesmerized by horses when I was a little kid and started taking pony lessons when I was 5. 

Can you walk us through your journey as an artist? When did you realize this was your path?

I grew up with parents who are artists and encouraged me to be creative in so many different ways. 

We had an art room where I spent time painting, sewing, playing with stamps, pressing flowers, making all kinds of crafts. 

As I got older I knew that I wanted to continue to make this part of my life. 

What or who inspires you?

That's a big question !! So many things -  there is inspiration everywhere you look. From plants/animals to artists of all mediums. I could be walking down the street and see a beautiful pattern on the concrete and want to incorporate it into my work. 

Do you have a uniform that you wear when you work or particular clothes that you prefer to put on when working?

I'm usually in jeans and an oversized button down. 

Favorite places in the world to take in art?

I love to visit historic architectural sites. I am always so impressed by the methods and tools used hundred of years ago to create such impressive structures. 

Where do you want to travel to next?

I'm headed to Argentina next month! I'm excited to backpack and ride through Patagonia and experience a culture with a deep appreciation for craft in both leather work and textiles. 

Do you have a piece of clothing that holds memory or is sentimental to you and why?

My grandmother’s Hermes scarves. She wore scarves almost every day and I love to think of her when I wear them.

Check out Alexandra's work on her website at https://www.alexandrakohl.com/ as well as in the windows of Lafayette 148 throughout New York City this Fall!

For our shoot together, Alexandra wore a 1920’s monogrammed cotton dress shirt, Levi’s 501’s from the 80’s, her own horsehair belt, a white cotton and lace shirt-dress from the 1950’s, turquoise and silver necklace by Robert Savona and a hat that Georgia O’Keefe would approve of.

Thank you Alexandra Kohl for spending the day with me playing and dreaming!

Styling by Brooke Savona

Photography by Jess Paul