Inside Brandon Blackwood's Brooklyn Sanctuary
Fashion designer Brandon Blackwood's Brooklyn home, a sprawling 3,000-square-foot residence in Carroll Gardens, mirrors the elegance and distinctiveness of his creations. Renowned for his exquisite bags and bespoke attire, including the memorable gown worn by Sheryl Lee Ralph at the 2022 Emmys, Blackwood's personal living space is adorned with Nigerian and Congolese antiquities, an abundance of marble, and a vibrant array of contemporary artworks. Expressing an immediate connection to the property, he remarked on its inherent character and vastness, noting that its current splendid state is a far cry from its original condition. This marks Blackwood’s third home acquisition since launching his brand, a testament to his ambition, as he successfully outbid seventeen other prospective buyers for this particular property. His earlier residences include a dwelling two blocks from his childhood home and a former firehouse in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, once owned by the esteemed Spike Lee. Blackwood's formative years were spent in Bed-Stuy, a historically rich Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn, which is currently undergoing significant gentrification.
Blackwood’s path to prominence in the fashion world was not an overnight sensation, despite public perception. His brand gained widespread recognition in 2020 with a mini tote bag boldly proclaiming “End Systemic Racism.” He reflects that by the time his brand soared, he had already dedicated five years to building it meticulously. For Blackwood, design transcended a mere career; it was his first genuine professional pursuit, a significant departure from his previous role as a cashier at Crossroads. His academic journey began with neuroscience at Bard College before his passion for fashion redirected his focus. Unbeknownst to his mother, Carleen Haughton—a Jamaican-born contractor and former restaurateur—Blackwood spent his leisure time, weekends, and summers immersing himself in various roles within fashion brands and magazines. It was Haughton who ultimately encouraged him to fully commit to his burgeoning fashion career.
This spirit of support extended to the renovation of Blackwood’s home, with his mother taking on the role of contractor. Collaborating with Urban Pioneering Architecture, Haughton assembled an entirely Caribbean team of skilled artisans and builders to transform the four-story town house. Blackwood cherishes this collaborative effort, stating that the house was built by individuals who deeply cared for him and had witnessed his journey since childhood. The brownstone where Blackwood grew up profoundly shaped his understanding of 'home.' He recalls a strong sense of community, frequently sitting on neighbors’ stoops. The bonds forged during his youth continue to hold immense value, with many of those friends remaining integral to his life. Artist Tschabalala Self, a long-time friend and frequent guest, praises Blackwood’s home as a unique blend of a spa, a luxury hotel, and her aunt’s welcoming abode. She highlights his exceptional hosting skills and the diverse, stylish, and creative individuals—travelers, artists, and innovators—who frequent his gatherings.
During the extensive renovation, Blackwood's primary objectives were clear: to create a tranquil sanctuary and a neutral foundation for his art collection. He envisioned his home as a serene escape, incorporating natural textures, fibers, and colors throughout. The entryway immediately welcomes guests with a calming, cream-toned seating area. A painting by Matheus Abu, strategically placed near the front door, evokes fond memories of Blackwood's childhood summers spent swimming with his brother and cousins. The spiral staircase leads to the second floor, which functions as a versatile guest suite and entertainment space. To the right, a peaceful, 'womb-like' bedroom provides an exceptional sleeping experience for his friends, who frequently attest to its restorative qualities. The living room serves as a hub for social gatherings, with a chocolate 1970s Mah Jong sofa transforming into a large mattress for movie nights. Blackwood himself designed the black-tiled coffee table, adding a personal touch to the space. The walls are a canvas for a cherished art collection, featuring photographs, paintings, and prints by artists such as Mark Delmont, Xavier Scott Marshall, Ferg, Salimatu Amabebe, and Chris Ofili, alongside precious family portraits. Blackwood considers these artworks his most prized possessions, each telling a story and contributing to the rich tapestry of his home. On the uppermost floor, Blackwood's private retreat awaits. Illuminated by a skylight, a surprise installation by his mother, the landing connects a luxurious two-room walk-in closet on one side with the primary bedroom and bathroom on the other. The bedroom, characterized by its simplicity and tranquility, features a plush upholstered bed and vintage Fabio Lenci chairs, offering a perfectly understated culmination to a life story that continues to unfold. Several of Blackwood’s friends possess keys to his house, using it as a central meeting point and a sanctuary. Self describes him as a true protector and provider, embodying a generous spirit. Some friends are drawn by the promise of a delicious meal, where Blackwood makes excellent use of the backyard grills and the garden, expertly designed by Kwame Agyapone. He humorously notes that his smoker is nearing the end of its life, with any remaining bones being a treat for his three dogs: Trill, a shih tzu-Yorkie mix; Mink, a Miniature Bear Coat Shar-Pei; and Juicy, a sweet Doberman-pinscher mix.