The LA-based illustrator on teaming up with The Hoxton and Lacoste for a Room Service capsule collection …
Who or what kickstarted your interest in art?
I’ve been into art since I was a child in New Jersey – from art classes in school and outside of school, and especially field trips to MoMA and The Met. Those early memories stay with me.
Who have been some of your muses and mentors?
Artists with roots in the Mediterranean and California have always been inspiring – Dufy, Matisse, Miró, Picasso… Still life especially, and my years of living in Greece, Italy and California. The light and the sea are deep inspirations.
How do you define your own signature graphic style?
Woefully naive and free with colour. I love the idea of colouring life. Not being afraid to irreverently embrace colour.
How and where do you work?
I work all the time, wherever I can. From my studios in Athens, LA or São Paulo, to cafes, bars, airport lounges and hotel rooms. In beds and on buses or boats. I try to be as flexible as possible, to let any place become a studio if the moment strikes.
LA question – tell us about a great little place you know?
I’m a big fan of Musso & Frank, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Its red booths and deep wooden interiors feel especially timeless in a city that’s not that old. Its walls have a lot of stories to tell, and it’s a great place to share cocktails and a big steak with friends.
Travel inspires and informs your work, especially your Room Service book featuring hotel stationery. What excites you most about checking into a hotel?
Kicking off my shoes, throwing on a robe and ordering some room service. Getting into the environment and forgetting the outside world exists.
What are some of your essentials when packing for a trip?
Lots of paper and a bag of colored pencils. Some pastels, a glue stick for collages.
You’ve had a great year so far – with the Lunch exhibition and now the collaboration with The Hoxton x Lacoste – how did this begin?
I grew up wearing Lacoste, so when they reached out I was happy to start coming up with ideas for a project. It’s a dream to work with the alligator.
What have you enjoyed most about this partnership?
I love hotel robes. Since The Hoxton doesn’t traditionally offer robes, I felt it appropriate to make sure we made a special one.
Have you been to Dublin?
I have Irish roots – my dad’s McGregor and my mom’s McNulty. I’ve done a few trips to Ireland, from Dublin to Galway, to Inishmore. My last trip to Dublin was New Year’s around 10 years ago, and I spent a few days on Inishmore in January, where it was shockingly sunny and a lovely treat to start the new year.
How do you relax?
I play tennis – it’s not that relaxing, but it’s exciting and gets me in the mood to start the day.
Need to know: Launching on September 8 Room Service is a special-edition capsule available via a bespoke room service menu and delivered straight to your door. The capsule reworks Lacoste’s iconic polo alongside graphic T-shirts, hoodies, men’s and women’s pyjamas, and a bathrobe. There’s also a special Room Service menu created by Michael McGregor featuring his own favourites – cheeseburger and fries, French omelette, the iconic club sandwich, classic or mezcal Negronis and a glass of Champagne in place of dessert.
