A New Light

When life changes usher in a big move, textile maven Zak Profera finds a world rich with nuanced pattern

- DAVID FOXLEY

1. A JAPANESE MASK PRESIDES OVER THE ENTRY, WHICH IS LINED IN SELKIE LINEN WITH A TAU RUG, BOTH BY ZAK+FOX. 2. PROFERA IN HIS BEDROOM WITH HIS SHIBA INU, KUMA, WHO IS SEATED IN A VINTAGE DANISH ARMCHAIR COVERED IN ZAK+FOX'S CHIMERA MOHAIR. 3. IN THE LIVING ROOM, THE WALLS AND JAMB SOFA ARE CLAD IN ZAK+FOX'S MORI COTTON AND CINTAMANI WOOL.

Thinking back on a series of recent life shifts, Zak Profera—founder of Zak+Fox, the beloved source for fabrics, rugs, pillows, and wall coverings—takes a deep breath. “There were a lot of changes at once,” says Profera, who experienced the concurrent end to a long-term relationship, the passing of his beloved Shiba Inu and brand mascot, Shinji, and the opening of his expansive Manhattan showroom. Even so, he reflects, “you get on your feet again.”