PAUL DENOLY & NICK BLAINECo-Founders, Hawkins NY, Hudson

In 2013, Paul Denoly and Nick Blaine left New York City to move to Hudson and open their boutique, Hawkins NY. The brand is an all-encompassing marriage of their two design aesthetics. Nick, coming from a fashion and visual merchandising background, brings a taste for clean, modern, and muted design. Paul comes from a background in product development and buying. He offers a strong sensibility for color, texture and organic form. Their line was born not only from a feeling a necessity, but out of a personal lifestyle that presents a compelling confluence of design, place and life.

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Nick, Paul and Charlie

What was your pivot point?

Our current path was really set into motion the day that we moved into our house in Hudson, NY. It cemented the fact that together we could build something great. Serendipity also played an important role; both a dinner party and holiday in Morocco set the course for Hawkins New York. Each happened within weeks of each other and each showed us that there was a need for new avenues to allow designers and makers to get their ideas and product to market.

Our current moodboard at our retail location in Hudson, NY.

What advice would you give someone going through their own transformation?

Be flexible and open to new opportunities that enhance your original vision. Both the start of Hawkins New York and pivotal moments in our growth have happened organically. Embracing these new ideas pushed us to go further. Follow your intuition and do not force ideas through; they often disappoint.

Hawkins NY 2016 lookbook.

Are you following the path of a trailblazer or being guided by a mentor?

We have both been lucky in our past to have had great mentors who taught us to channel our creativity towards a goal. Today, I think we are each other's mentors and support system. Our respective points of view compliment each other well and drive us to do better. With a new perspective on what we are trying to do, our collaborative partnerships push us in new, better and sometimes unexpected directions.

This is a picture of the view from our deck in Winter. We love how varied it is from season to season or day to day.

Where in the world would you describe as your soul place?

Our farmhouse in Hudson. It is a place that grounds us and inspires us. We took a risk 5 years ago when we bought this dilapidated 18th Century Dutch Colonial Farmhouse, but it spoke to us, and taught us that taking risks can be fulfilling and rewarding. It was also our first project together. Many of the products in our line are inspired by our daily lives in the Hudson Valley and our respective history with New York City.

India.

Any life-changing trips lately?

We recently went to India together for the first time. Both of us had been several times before and loved it, but never together. Truly one of the most inspiring places in the world.

Hawkins NY 2016 lookbook.

If you could do anything in the world, what would you do next?

We feel very fortunate to be doing what we want to do. We often dream about finding a similar community to the one we have found in Hudson in Mexico. The people, the culture, the food and crafts are hugely inspiring to both of us. As our line grows, we would like Hawkins New York to grow to the next level and feature our collaborative partnerships with artisans around the world.

All images used with permission of Paul Denoly and Nick Blaine.