Author Spotlight - Newell Turner
Newell Turner began his career in publishing in 1985, when he took a job at the NYC-based Meredith Corporation as Editorial Assistant for Metropolitan Home magazine, quickly working his way up the ladder to Senior Editor of Fashion and Design. His career included stops at Hachette Filipacchi, Condé Nast, Gruner + Jahr, and others and culminated in 2012, when he led the formation of the Hearst Design Group and served as editorial director of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Veranda. As the editor-in-chief of House Beautiful, he won a coveted National Magazine Award for General Excellence—the industry equivalent of an Oscar. He was a trustee of the New York School of Interior Design, and currently is the Editorial and Design Consultant for Twilight Field Corp, splitting his time between the Catskill region of New York and Mérida.
He has recently released a book, Mexican: A Journey Through Design, which documents his search through vibrant cities and quiet pueblos for the essence of authentic Mexican Style.
With Mexican, Newell begins to do for Mexican design what legendary culinary pioneer Diana Kennedy did for Mexican food. Taking readers behind the walls, gates, and doors of private Mexico, we are introduced to an intriguing world of interior design and architecture from Spanish colonial and baroque to surrealism, 1970s brutalism, and contemporary work. His story is in the spirit of memoirs like Driving Over Lemons, in which a traveler discovers another country—and himself along the way. This breathtaking album of photography shows how every room, courtyard, loggia—and even a chair, arrangement of flowers, and textiles for clothing—are part of a rich design heritage.
Newell spent his magazine career chronicling American style and now his fascination has turned to Mexico. We are invited to join him as he explores the homes of Mexicans and other expats who share his passion for authentic Mexico, both past and present, inspired by the country’s complex history and stunning landscapes.
