EYE FOR DESIGN

Grace Millar’s love of design took her from the North Shore to New York City, where she is now a senior graphic artist for the luxury skin care brand, La Mer. She has built quite an impressive resume since graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) five years ago, working on graphic design teams for stationary, fitness, and clothing brands. We caught up with this trendsetting twentysomething recently and asked her to share some of her favorite memories from home, including the years she spent playing tennis with Coach Rod Schroeder at the Racquet Club of Lake Bluff, along with some things currently trending in her world.

Favorite thing about Lake Forest? The beach and Fort Sheridan. They were always beautiful any time of the year. Thoughts on pickleball? I’ll always love tennis but not the biggest fan of pickleball. Mainly because in New York City, they’re taking over all of the tennis courts! Favorite way to unwind? I have a consistent yoga practice. My favorite studio is Sky Ting in Chinatown. Guilty pleasure? Can’t lie; I love a good Real Housewives of New York City. Not so much the new reboot. Favorite designer who inspires you? Mara Hoffman by far. They are one of the few clothing brands that actually prioritizes sustainability. Her website outlines how deeply committed they are to this ethical journey and they’re very transparent about how and where the clothing is made. Favorite TV binge show? Sex and The City. Best film you’ve seen this year? I rarely watch movies, but I did go and see Barbie along with the rest of the world. I thought it was good! Favorite childhood memory? When I was elementary school age, we would spend a lot of time in Vermont. It would be filled with a lot of bike rides, visiting lots of farms, taking pictures with cows, pottery classes, and lots of ice cream. Favorite thing about where you live today? How accessible it is. Between the various art galleries, sport teams, restaurants, parks—you can literally do anything you want. My favorite place is Central Park. I immediately feel at peace there. What thing about you do people find most surprising? People always think it’s funny when they find out I’m a hand model. Clothing brand you couldn’t live without? I’ll always be a J. Crew fan for basics, but my favorite denim is from Rachel Comey. Any pets? I have a 16-year-old Boston Terrier mix, Jojo. He is so spoiled. I love it and he deserves it! Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to have a cocktail with? I would love to pick Tory Burch’s brain. A businesswoman I definitely look up to. Dream vacation? Would love to one day visit Japan, especially during cherry blossom season.