Q & A with Molly de Vries, Mill Valley's Queen of Green - Remodelista
37.903895Ambatalia shop owner Molly de Vries grew up in Mill Valley, CA, when the Marin town was still a haven for artists and musicians (i.e., The Grateful Dead). On her fortieth birthday, she stood up in front of her family and friends and sang. Photography by Mimi Giboin for Remodelista. Molly de Vries in a denim jacket of her own design. Molly’s Mill Valley shop is located in a shipping container converted into retail space. RM: Tell us about your new store space?MdV: The shipping container was on the property for years. Molly’s desk is illuminated by a Frank Gehry lampshade, which she inherited from a former landlord. The Frank Gehry Easy Edges Lampshade is made from cardboard. Tea towels with Molly’s depiction of the Ambatalia woman. RM: What’s the meaning of Ambatalia?MdV: Ambatalia means mother. Molly tying a Natural Linen Furoshiki Towel. RM: How do you use your furoshiki?MdV: The Japanese use square cloths for carrying everything, and I do the same. Ambatalia bowl covers available in store and online at Quitokeeto. How did you get into making them?MdV: Tyler Florence (the well-known chef and Mill Valley local) wanted me to do some textiles for his kitchen store. Bowl covers on display with ceramics made by Molly’s sister, Colleen Hennessey. RM: How do you like to use them?MdV: We are so addicted to plastic, and while a plastic lid will often keep things fresher, every vegetable needs a different climate–some want moisture and others need a dryness. Molly made the shelving using wood planks held up by braided fabric scraps. I am obsessive to a fault (I use my bath water to flush the toilet), but I know perfection is not going to happen. Molly’s sewing machine where she works in her shop. RM: Tell us about your devotion to green fabrics.MdV: I like to work with linen made from flax or organic cotton and wool, but most stuff is petroleum based. Selvedge Denim Basket Bags hanging from the wall. Also, I mostly buy thrift and vintage clothing. A furoshiki for wrapping bread.