Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/641736
EMPRESS INDIA LIFESTYLE GURU INDIA HIC S BRINGS HER ROYAL DESIGNS TO TOWN. One massive clue that you've made it: friends and strangers alike burning your candles, carrying your totes, decorat- ing their homes like yours. Of course, when your candles come in divine scents like black hibiscus, when your totes are made of glamorous, color-blocked leather or versatile cotton webbing— indeed, when your wares define an entirely new aesthetic of casual luxury, success is easier to come by. Such is the case with India Hicks, a former fashion model and bona fide English royalty (she was a flower girl in Princess Diana's wedding). Now, the English are coming to town (again), when Hicks, who wrote the interior decorating bible Island Style, visits the Boston Design Center to unveil her lifestyle brand's new spring collec- tion. In addition to her home wares and accessories, Bostonians can also expect Hicks' famous loquacious- ness (some past gems: "I am an absolute shit cook"; "I am pretty good at changing a tire"; "I have never been known to turn down chocolate soufflé"). Which is fitting, since Hicks' coral- hued carry-ons and head-swooning room fragrances all come with a backstory—often royal, but always refreshingly human. February 25, 1 Design Center Pl., Ste. 200, 617-449-5514; bostondesign.com . PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTAN GOETZ HICKS' HOME WARES ALL COME WITH A BACKSTORY—OFTEN ROYAL, BUT ALWAYS REFRESHINGLY HUMAN. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Endearing charms adorn India Hicks' Indi pendant ring ($16); Hicks; Crown Imperial scarves from the spring collection ($58 each); the Edwina hobo bag ($440); the Riviera Collection, in spring- ready poppy, includes a tote ($145), duffle ($225), wash bag ($68), basket ($245), and more. 126 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM SPACE MOGUL