Diane Keaton Lends Signature Style to Hudson Grace
MILAN — Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton is known for her all-black looks of turtlenecks, tweed pants, statement glasses and her signature black hats. Now that unmistakable aesthetic has been infused onto the dinner table and in the bedroom, this time with Hudson Grace.
On Thursday, Keaton unfurled the collaboration with the California-based interiors brand, which was founded in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco by two friends, Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton, in 2012.
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Everything from the bedding and the candles to the coffee cups have been splashed in black and white, reflecting the sort of Nor Cal nonchalant entertaining style Hudson Grace is known for. The collection includes a total of 109 pieces across kitchenware, entertaining essentials, bedding, decor and pet accessories ranging, in price from $18 to $595.
Standout pieces include the black and white checkered sheets, the salad/dessert plates and a sleek black house candle made just for Keaton with cardamom and blue sage and finished with warm vetiver and amber. Elsewhere, the collection features alpaca throws and a linen lineup with woven gingham checks, as well as pet accessories like the House Icon Dog Bowls, inspired by Keaton’s dog Reggie.
The actress and Totah became friends while Keaton was shopping at the Brentwood store years ago, and they quickly bonded over their shared love of inspirational spaces.
Totah told WWD that Keaton envisaged a playful and accessible collection, designed for making entertaining and living easier, whilst reflecting Keaton’s iconic and eclectic style. “It adds a modern touch to timeless pieces you can use in the home for years to come,” Totah said.
It’s not the first time Keaton has ventured into the home sector.
In 2022, she collaborated on a 50-plus design fabric line with Fabricut Inc. brand S. Harris and in 2019 she partnered with luxury furniture maker Aidan Gray on a lighting collection.
WWD caught up with the Hollywood star of films including “Annie Hall” and “Baby Boom” about her latest home project, her love for black and white and how her parents sparked her passion for interiors.
WWD: When did your affinity for interior design begin?
Diane Keaton: All the credit goes to my mother Dorothy, who took me on endless trips to the Goodwill. There we explored the racks and purchased unusual and unique items. My love of homes came from my dad Jack, who took me to endless open houses. I thought of walking through empty homes and dream of one day decorating my own. The combination of the two became my lifelong passion — home design.
WWD: How is this Hudson Grace collection an opportunity for you as an actress to test the waters with your first home collaboration?
D.K.: Frankly, it’s an honor. I have loved Monelle’s eclectic design approach. When she asked me to collaborate it was not only effortless but we also spoke the same language. Trust me, that rarely happens to me. She gave me the opportunity and I am truly grateful to her for that.
WWD: Why black and white?
D.K.: I have always liked black and white. I think it is only recently that I have embraced a bit of color, like Keaton red. It is clean, simple and if you ask me, never goes out of style.
WWD: Have you ever completed your own interior design projects or DIY projects? And which one was your favorite or most challenging and why?
D.K.: The house I currently live in I did from the ground up. Now that was a feat. I learned so much. To me, the kitchen is my favorite room where friends, family and frankly anyone can gather and chat. I love all the pieces we created for the kitchen and even tossed in some unique objects. I like sturdy plates, masculine scented candles, and linen sheets. I think we captured our taste perfectly.
WWD: What products in this collection are your favorite and why? Any anecdotes behind their creation?
D.K.: Can I say “all of them”? It’s true. But if I must pick one it would be all the dog products inspired by my beloved Reggie. She inspired me to create the beds, water bowl and even the door stopper. They will be scattered everywhere for Reggie. She is the boss of the house.
WWD: What is some advice you have for individuals testing the waters in decorating their own home from scratch? What are your top tips for creating a comfortable home?
D.K.: Take chances…listen to yourself and mix it up. I love to play around and move things from room to room. Cut out magazines and get an inspiration binder for every room in the house. It will spark imagination and help you dream big.