On May 21st from 4pm to 7pm, Terra Outdoor’s Walnut Creek showroom will host a special trunk show celebrating the arrival of the new When Simon Met Ralph pillow collection.
Guests are invited to meet creators Simon Ungless and Jody Niederkohr, explore the collection in person, enjoy refreshments, and be among the first to shop these exclusive hand-printed designs.
Crafted in small batches and rooted in artistry, fashion, and textile experimentation, the collection brings a layered, tactile approach to outdoor living. Each pillow carries subtle variations and hand-finished details that make every piece uniquely its own.
From Fashion Runways to Handcrafted Textiles
Simon Ungless brings decades of fashion and creative direction experience to the collection. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Ungless began his career collaborating with Alexander McQueen during the designer’s formative years.
He’s contributed to landmark collections including Taxi Driver, Nihilism, Banshee, and Dante. Over the course of a 35-year career, he has designed and directed collections for globally recognized brands including Givenchy, Versace, Calvin Klein, Nike, and Levi’s.
Alongside Ungless is artisan and textile designer Jody Niederkohr, whose work is recognized for intricate felting and experimental dye techniques. His handcrafted pieces have been worn by Angelina Jolie and noted fashion critic Cathy Horyn. Working together from Marinship Studios in Sausalito, the duo merges fine art, fashion, and craftsmanship into a collection that feels both refined and deeply personal.
The Story Behind the Name
The name When Simon Met Ralph emerged unexpectedly during an interview. Asked about a creative side project, Simon glanced down at the Ralph Lauren shirt he had recently restored and casually replied, “When Simon Met Ralph.”
The phrase stuck.
It became a fitting reflection of the brand itself: a blend of reinvention, craftsmanship, nostalgia, and unexpected creativity.
Inspired by Decay, Nature, and the Beauty of Imperfection
For Simon, inspiration often traces back to childhood memories of growing up in the English countryside, where a derelict Victorian walled garden became an unlikely playground.
Architectural decay, overgrown flora, weathered textures, and forgotten spaces continue to shape the visual language of the collection today. The resulting prints feel organic and storied, balancing softness with a sense of age and character.
Many of the graphics draw from early hand-printing techniques originally explored during Simon’s years working on Alexander McQueen collections. Reimagined for the present, the pillows are created using hand-pulled silkscreen methods or dyed with hand-cut stencils using rust as a natural pigment source.
The process itself embraces variation and unpredictability, allowing each piece to develop its own distinctive texture and tone.
Crafted by Hand, Designed for Layered Outdoor Living
Each pillow is made from natural cotton or linen and printed using earth-friendly textile inks. The rust-dyed pieces undergo a specialized oxidation process using iron filings and vinegar before being treated with a marine-grade protectant for moisture resistance.
While suitable for outdoor use, the pillows are designed with the same care and consideration as fine textiles. They are best stored indoors during inclement weather and can be spot cleaned or gently wiped down as needed. Their soft faux-down inserts add comfort while maintaining a relaxed, elevated look suited for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Join Us at Terra Outdoor Walnut Creek
The When Simon Met Ralph trunk show offers a rare opportunity to experience the collection firsthand, meet the creators behind the work, and explore the intersection of fashion, art, and outdoor living.
Event Details:
- When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 4pm–7pm
- Where: 1902 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94596
- What: Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and shop the exclusive new pillow collection before anyone else.