Meet Tracy Bunkoczy | Designer: Apparel & Interiors

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracy Bunkoczy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracy, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I took a risk when I decided to leave fashion and move into interiors. It was very scary because it was leaving a 9-5 secure job for a life of freelance. I did have savings so I was able to use that to make ends meet until I built my clientele. I think risk is very important, mixed with trust, research and a sense of what is realistic for you.

I like to call it a pivot, because I use the same skills I did designing clothing, but I am applying it in a different way now. I also needed to really figure out what it was that I loved about design. I came to the conclusion it was the tactile part that really got my juices flowing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Recently I was thinking about how I got here and why is my design so unique? I came to the conclusion that my life and all of my experiences shaped me. When I was young I was going to estate sales, and living in old homes back east and in the midwest. As a teenager music and street style was an influence, shopping at the Army surplus, vintage and out of my grandma’s closet. There was no Hot Topic when I was a kid so we literally made our outfits from our imaginations. I went to Otis College of Art and Design, and I think that foundation year was very important as we learned the principles of Bauhaus; including color theory, model drawing, 3D design, and art history. All of it has given me a foundation and understanding of the influence of design and architecture. I also love old homes and the attention to detail always amazes me, I am lucky to be surrounded by this every day!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

So many places! I think I would break it down into sections…

Day 1: Pasadena area: Let’s hope The Rose Bowl flea market falls on this day, then I would drive them around to look at all of the beautiful homes, make a stop at Norton Simon museum, drinks at Capri Club and finish the day off at Casa Bianca Pizza Pie.
Day 2: Malibu: Lily’s for breakfast burritos, a day at the secret beach, sunset dinner at Malibu Seafood.
Day 3: DTLA: The Broad and MOCA, check out The Arts District, grab a drink at Tony’s Saloon and then have dinner at Bavel.
Day 4: Mid city: Farmers Market, shop Beverly/Melrose area, Like +COOP, Nickey Kehoe, Garde and The Scent Bar then happy hour at Terroni, dinner at El Coyote. Must look at all of the beautiful people at Erewhon.
Day 5: Back to the beach: Hike at Malibu, walk around The Self Realization center, check out Venice boardwalk, Abbott Kinney, drinks at The Brig and dinner at Gjelina.
Day 6: Hike Runyon or Griffith, Larchmont Village Wine for sandwiches, H Mart and Daiso. Drinks and dinner at Musso and Franks or Taylors.
We still need Korean BBQ. LOL.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think the people that believed in me and took a chance to hire me, especially when I was just starting out. I have always chosen the road less traveled so I was putting myself in challenging situations. My friends at Mossimo, Paul Frank and my current employer Meridith Baer definitely deserve a shoutout!

Website: http://www.tracybunkoczy.com

Instagram: @tracybunkoczy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybunkoczy/

Image Credits
Barcelo Photography