SHORE VS. CITY: HUNTER WOLFF

Lake Forest native HUNTER WOLFF is a creative director and multidisciplinary designer based in New York City, where he works at Condé Nast while leading his eponymous clothing brand. While studying at New York University, he spent time in London working for renowned fashion photographer and film director Nick Knight CBE, assisting on projects for SHOWstudio, Vogue, and YEEZY. After graduating with a degree in Media, Culture, and Communication, he pursued a Master of Architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. His creative practice spans clothing and space, with work ranging from fashion and architecture to installations exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Hong Kong Art Week, and the Oculus. Wolff explores the intersection of natural processes and industrial methods, raw landscapes and engineered forms. His debut collection, Timeless, drew inspiration from geological deep time, partnering with Connecticut’s historic Stony Creek Quarry to create garments that echo the texture and character of its 650-million-year-old granite. Wolff takes a break from design to share his favorite places, inspirations, and rituals—from the North Shore to New York City.

What’s on the horizon? I’m developing my 2027 clothing collection, drawing inspiration from the microbial world and exploring ways to make microbes collaborators in the manufacturing process. I want to make the invisible microbial presence on clothing visible and tangible Mantra? The reward for good work is more work Favorite foods? After a recent trip to Japan, I realized I could eat Japanese food every day Music you love? Ambient music with atmosphere. Floating Points, Burial, and Duanna are always in my rotation

Best advice ever given to you? A mentor once described two creative philosophies: “Do everything all the time” or “Do anything over time.” As someone who naturally leans toward doing everything, it reminded me of the value of consistently focusing on one idea Best advice you’ve given? Every opinion is valid, but not every opinion is valuable

What’s on your bookshelf? Architecture is my main source of inspiration, and I enjoy reading architectural theory. I have a collection of books and journals I’m constantly referencing, including: Are We Human? Notes on an Archaeology of Design, Perspecta, De-Architecture, Countryside, A Report, and The Beauty of Everyday Things You can’t live without? I’m constantly making things and exploring new ideas. I can’t live without my creativity. I’m grateful I get to be creative and do what I love every day, around the clock Love to escape to? The Hudson River Valley. It has some lesser-known yet world-class art experiences, and I enjoy having quiet time in nature Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t think. Feel

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? All black Transportation? Metra. I took the train into Chicago on the weekends in high school. Those trips allowed me to tap into aspects of culture I didn’t have access to on the North Shore, like streetwear and art Driving music? Rap, loud, windows down. I’m probably listening to West-side Gunn, Playboi Carti, or my UK rap playlist Place to eat? Since I’m not home very often, I love a homecooked meal. My mom makes the best desserts. It’s always special when our family cooks together Best thing about the Shore? Nature. I love walking through the Lake County Forest Preserves, going to the beaches, and visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden. Nature allows me to slow down 

IN THE CITY

Your style is? All black

Transportation? I take the subway, but always look for opportunities to walk or bike Place to eat? Public Records. They have the best plant-based menu in the city and multiple beautifully designed music venues. Truly the best hospitality in the city Best thing about the City? It is a repository of information. I have access to a variety of art exhibitions, lectures, shows, movie theaters, and restaurants. I’m constantly exposed to so many new experiences and people. I’m always learning