TRNK’s Tariq Dixon

You’ve taken a revolutionary approach that resonates with today’s broader narratives around sustainability and conscious consumerism. What forces empower you most? What are the greatest challenges you’ve fought to overcome?

Evolving our voice as a brand was motivated by a personal disconnect I was starting to feel. I realized that most of the conversations that mattered to me most, ones that I've had on a daily basis my entire adulthood, were nowhere reflected in the business to which I dedicate so much of my time. At some point, it started to feel disingenuous. I decided that it was important to use the platform that we built to have conversations that were important to me, but I knew would also resonate with an audience that too often operates on the margins of our industry.

"I don't think there are many channels that would've embraced the concept in the same way"

Talk to us about how TRNK is giving a stage to emerging designers, and the ways you’re helping talent break through.

We prefer to work with young, emerging talent, many of whom have burgeoning careers. I do think that we provide an outlet for these designers to express themselves with fewer limitations, and encourage them to explore new layers of their creativity. For example, our first collaboration for the TRNK Collection is with Studio Anansi. [Evan Jerry] reached out to us after viewing our online exhibition Provenanced, which interrogated overlooked African and Indigenous contributions to western design. He was already pondering similar questions, and wanted to design a collection inspired by a similar prompt. I don't think there are many channels that would've embraced the concept in the same way, or ones that designers can trust to properly handle delicate subject matter.

Co-founded by Tariq Dixon in 2013, TRNK has evolved from an online shop selling curated vintage pieces to a full-bore design platform, replete with an original collection of contemporary furnishings and a Tribeca retail showroom. We caught up with Tariq to learn more about his work, his mission, and the pieces he curated for the model residence and amenities at Tankhouse’s 450 Warren, represented by Corcoran New Development.

You described the ideal home as “considered, yet approachable.” What are some of the key factors to strike that balance?

It's about finding the right balance between aesthetic intention and function. To me, a "considered" home has pieces with beauty and backstory, but never at the expense of allowing the space to serve its purpose.

Not every piece in a home has to be lounge-worthy, but you also shouldn't be scared to move or sit or breathe in your own home either. Personally, I prefer a minimal layout with warm and textural elements throughout.

"Personally, I prefer a minimal layout with warm and textural elements throughout."

Tell us about the pieces you curated for 450 Warren, their makers, and your inspiration in choosing them.

The pieces for the space are largely TRNK Collection furniture pieces, paired with artwork, lighting, and accessories from our catalog of artist and design partners. For the space, we really wanted to celebrate the minimalist architecture that paid such attention to natural light. The pieces we selected interplay really nicely with how the light moves and changes in the space throughout the day. The pieces are also minimal in tone and palette, but all very textural. From the white boucle upholstery to the travertine tables with its open, natural pores—we wanted to keep the furnishings restrained (much like the architecture), but textural and timeless.

Your style is a playlist. What’s the first track?

"Happy" by NAO.

What’s next for TRNK? Give us a peek at the long-game vision.

So many ideas, just not enough time! Now that we have the new showroom space, we're working on new exhibition and programming concepts that will start to roll out in a couple of months. We want to keep that space as active as possible, so new ideas will launch via the showroom. We're also working on category expansion for the TRNK Collection, with some soon-to-be-announced new product lines, including accessories. Ultimately, we want to be a destination where art, design, and living all converge, and continue working with diverse talent from around the globe to offer a dynamic and inspiring retail experience.

Explore new development at Corcoran.

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TRNK’s newly-opened space at 18 Jay Street in Tribeca showcases original TRNK Collection pieces and rotating exhibitions by artisans from around the world.

Images courtesy of TRNK

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