Vicente Wolf. *Cover Page,* from *Vicente Wolf: Creative Design Solutions,* 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Rizzoli International Publications.

Writer: Sophie Mulgrew

Copy Editor: Robyn Hager

Photo Editor: Haley Winchell

Contemporary understandings of style are overwhelmingly dictated by trends; by fads and movements of a particular time that become generally considered ‘cool’ and popular. Trends have become even more prominent in the 21st century with the rise of social media and the opportunity it affords to spread images widely and quickly. At the same time however, designers and arbiters of style are also concerned with manifestations of timelessness that outlast and potentially eclipse temporary trends.

Vicente Wolf. From *Vicente Wolf: Creative Design Solutions,* 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Rizzoli International Publications.

Rizzoli Publication’s book “Vicente Wolf Creative Design Solutions,” stunningly designed by Shahid Kraus & Company, embodies themes of timeless visual culture. The book explores the interior designer’s prolific body of work and provides practical design advice and inspiration. Wolf’s own voice is intensely present throughout; his writing functions in conversation with the images and themes presented in the text, resulting in a logical and smooth reading experience. Wolf tells stories, recalls particular clients, and speaks with frank transparency about his practice and its history.

The book is divided into 5 large sections: design evolutions, design challenges, design integrations, design reinventions, and design freedom. Each of these includes different chapters and segments about a variety of subjects and ideas. The scope of topics covered is broad and all-encompassing, making the book a cumulative look at Wolf's career and resulting expertise.

The many images throughout the book bring Wolf’s descriptions to life. His spaces feature simple, understated colors, delicate textural variety, and clean-open concept layouts. He employs furniture of classic design interspersed with the occasional contemporary piece; an accent chair shaped like a hand, a bright blue sofa. In his anecdotes about specific projects, Wolf outlines the vision of his clients and illustrates how he turns that into a reality. The beauty of the book lies predominantly in this demystification of process. Readers are encouraged to deeply consider and understand how taste, style, and space can come together to create something beautiful. Unlike some designers, Wolf also takes a particular interest in practicality and durability. He sees design as an investment in one’s comfort, productivity, and happiness.

What is perhaps most lovely in the book is its final chapter, in which Wolf shows and discusses his own NYC apartment. The space is minimal and eclectic, featuring unique pieces collected from all over the world. It is bright and spacious with art on almost every wall, and tucked into every corner. One wishes to reach out and touch the textures of the apartment - delicate ironwork, old wood, supple skin carpets. The apartment embodies not only Wolf’s talent and identity as a designer, but also his nature and taste as an individual. Like his anecdotes, the section is a refreshingly personal note, which allows the very long book to remain captivating and unique. Vicente Wolf’s “Creative Design Solutions” does what it sets out to do and more, like Wolf himself.

To view more of this book, you can purchase it at Rizzoli International Publications.