TONY CHAMBERS

Creative Director, 2003–2007 Editor-in-chief, 2007–2017 Brand & Content Director, 2017–2018

Wallpaper* is the most extraordinary and unique publication; during my 16-year stint, there was never a week without adventure. Picking one highlight is tough, but I’ll go for our epic BRIC Nations project (2009-2012).

Four epic journeys – to Brazil, Russia, India and China – to produce four epic issues. Transferring the majority of the editorial team to report on the cultural and creative explosions behind the economic booms of what were then known as the emerging territories. Setting up pop-up offices locally. Observing and absorbing. Mixing it up with the countries’ movers and shakers. Seeing things from their perspective.

In 2009, we set up shop in Shanghai and Beijing and produced Made in China (W*123). Next up, 2010 saw us land in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to be Born in Brazil (W*135, above). In 2011, we were in Mumbai and Delhi, being Reborn in India (W*147). Finally, in 2012, from outposts in St Petersburg and Moscow, we were Reigning in Russia (W*164).

We profiled and collaborated with the leading designers, architects, artists, photographers, chefs, gallerists and cultural entrepreneurs in each country and reported on emerging, re-emerging and re-energised cultures. We made our pilgrimages to Le Corbusier in Chandigarh and Melnikov in Moscow. We conversed with Oscar Niemeyer in Rio and Ai Weiwei in Beijing. We commissioned major local artists to design our front covers and to reveal their favourite recipes for our back page. We made lots of friends… and one or two enemies.

But most importantly – we grew as a team. From editors to juniors and interns, there was no hierarchy. All went and all rolled up their sleeves. These were life-changing experiences. And most of those juniors and interns went on to run departments at Wallpaper*.

When the project was complete, we wondered, ‘What next?’ How could we fill the Bric-shaped hole the following year? ‘How about Made on the Moon?’ we joked. Well, perhaps that’s not such a fantasy now. Go on Sarah – give Jeff or Elon a call – nobody dare say no to Wallpaper*. And I’ll be an intern!