Mark Moussa is a bit of a decorative accessories savant. The founder and creative director of Dallas-based Arteriors recently celebrated his company’s 25th anniversary, and we can safely say that during his quarter of a century in business, the designer has made countless homes infinitely more beautiful with his inspired lighting, tables, and objects.
Next week, Moussa will launch his first collaboration with daughter Mackenzie, Mac & Marc. The three-day sale features collected treasures, architectural relics, vintage jewels, and textiles acquired during the duo’s two-week journey through New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. The sale, billed as an Indian street bazaar in your backyard, runs Friday and Saturday, September 6-7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday September 8 from noon – 5 p.m. at 2001 Irving Boulevard, Suite 147.
In honor of the father/daughter project, we asked Mark and Mackenzie to share some their current inspirations. Herewith a few of their favorite people, places, and things.
1. Harbour Island. 2. Backyard pizza parties. 3. Alexander McQueen. 4. Flea markets.
Mark’s Inspirations:
- 1. The beach – The stillness and peacefulness that a beach brings to me is where I can come up with the best ideas. Getting away from the commotion of everyday life and being able to enjoy the simplicity of relaxing on the beach gives me great joy. Harbour Island in the Bahamas is one of my favorite beaches. The pink sands and local flare is what lures me to go back each year.
- 2. Backyard Pizza Parties – I love to entertain! Whether it’s our famous martini parties at trade shows or entertaining friends and family in my backyard. I installed a wood fire pizza oven in my backyard to continue my passion for food. It’s great to add a little spice to the party and I have enjoyed learning the art of making pizza.
- 3. Alexander McQueen – I admired his drive in taking fashion to the next level each season. His ability to mix materials and concepts that most designers could never imagine was outstanding. I also love any design with a skull!
- 4. Flea Markets – I recently visited a local flea market in Positano, Italy. The assortment of different items, the interaction with the owners, the stories behind each object continue to inspire me and my designs.
- 5. Personal connections – I have been in this business more than 25 years and still work with many of the same people since the beginning. I am a people person, the more I am introduced to new designers, clients, and people allowing me to connect with their style and ideas pushes me in my work.
1. John Chamberlain at the Nasher Sculpture Center. 2. De Vera Objects & Jewelry. 3. Archie Grand notebooks. 4. Architecture. 5. Molton Brown
Mackenzie’s Inspirations:
- 1. Art Fairs & Gallery Hopping – I use part of my Sundays as a culture day; it is a must to get out and explore the city. The Nasher Sculpture Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Contemporary are places that give me inspiration. Sitting, observing everything going on around you, people-watching, and viewing the exhibits are favorites of mine.
- 2. Coffee Table Books – My dad gave me the De Vera Objects & Jewelry books and I fell in love. I have designed a collection of jewelry inspired by the pieces in these books. I have visited the store in New York and it is filled with unique and exquisite, one of a kind pieces that are so neat.
- 3. Archie Grand – Artist I Met and Liked blank notebook – I have almost filled my 12 x 16 notebook with items that inspire me ranging from postcards, ripped images out of a magazine, anything I am able to cut out and tape down and what catches my eye goes in here. To me this book is a palette of my ideas and I go through it when I need inspiration.
- 4. Architecture – Buildings give me a lot of inspiration. Traveling has exposed me to all types from romantic to baroque and Greek and Moorish, the shapes and styles are all so different. I have a collection of doors that I have photographed. The texture, size, color, the mystery of what is behind intrigues me. Dilapidated places and spaces tend to give me the most ideas – the stillness & uncertainty, destroyed but beautiful. It makes me want to go in deeper.
- 5. Molton Brown – Relaxing Yuan Zhi bath & shower gel – This is a must have when I travel and at my house. Great to use for a morning burst and a soothing scent before bed. I cannot get enough of it.
