You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: Rebecca Finney, Creative Director, Jasper Sanders + Partners

Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of Rebecca Finney, Creative Director of design studio Jasper Sanders + Partners to explore her ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced her as a creative.

My Party setup

Venue

Home is where I feel most at ease, and I absolutely love to host. My dinner table has heard a thousand stories and holds so many special and fond memories. Why not add another?

Menu

For my cultural dinner party, I’d love to bring a taste of Italy to my own dinner table. There’s something incredibly warm and inviting about Italian cuisine, especially the sharing. I want to recreate an atmosphere where food isn’t just a meal, but a full experience: slow, soulful, and filled with conversation.

Entertainment

To add to the authenticity and low-key vibe, I’d opt to use my vinyl collection. There’s something undeniably nostalgic and tactile about playing records: the soft crackle before the music begins, the ritual of flipping the disc, and the warm, analogue sound that fills the room.

My Guest List

David Hockney

Fellow Northerner and artistic trailblazer, David Hockney would be a truly welcome guest. His creativity knows no bounds, and his vibrant, joyful perspective on the world is totally infectious. From the sun-drenched swimming pools of Los Angeles to the rolling landscapes of Yorkshire, Hockney captures life with colour, curiosity, and an enduring sense of wonder. I’d love to hear his stories about art, place and finding beauty in the everyday – and to witness firsthand the spark that has kept him creating for decades.

Taylor Swift

I’ve listened to Taylor Swift’s music since I was a young teenager, with her songs and storytelling the soundtrack to half of my life. What I’ve always admired most is how her creativity is rooted in authenticity. That kind of creative honesty, especially under the spotlight, is rare. Taylor is a powerful reminder that the most resonant art comes from a place of truth, and that staying grounded in who you are can be your greatest creative strength.

Charles and Ray Eames

As partners in both life and work, Charles and Ray Eames redefined what design could be; playful yet purposeful, refined yet accessible. Their creations, from the iconic Eames Lounge Chair to groundbreaking films and exhibitions, reflect a belief that design should serve people and improve everyday life. I find their collaborative spirit deeply inspiring and I’d love to sit with them and talk about design experimentation – and the art of seeing the world a little differently.     

Pep Guardiola

As an adopted Mancunian, watching the blue side of the city has become an increasingly meaningful part of my life. I’ve grown particularly fond of Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola and his sheer determination, relentless pursuit of perfection, and remarkable leadership under pressure. In the studio, we often use football as a metaphor for teamwork, and Pep’s leadership, support, and creative vision perfectly embody the kind of energy I value.

David Fincher

As a fan of psychological thrillers, David Fincher, a master of modern cinema, known for his meticulous craftsmanship, dark aesthetic, and psychological depth would definitely earn a seat at my dinner table. Fincher has a unique ability to draw viewers into complex, often unsettling worlds. What makes him so inspiring is not just his technical brilliance, but his unflinching approach to storytelling—he never shies away from uncomfortable truths or deeply flawed characters.           

Vivienne Westwood

Finally, I’d like to invite Vivienne Westwood, a revolutionary force in fashion, and, in my early twenties, a pivotal inspiration during my Art Foundation studies. Known not only for her bold, avant-garde designs but also for her fearless activism, she challenged conventions with a unique blend of rebellion, historical reference, and craftsmanship. Her lifelong commitment to sustainability and social justice makes her a powerful example of how creativity can drive meaningful change.

Rebecca Finney, Creative Director, Jasper Sanders + Partners

Rebecca Finney is Creative Director of design studio Jasper Sanders + Partners, where her role is involves developing the constant evolution and direction of the company’s award-winning creative output. Rebecca’s creativity stems from a deep knowledge of and love for modern art and architecture and this, together with an understanding of contemporary cultural drivers, inform her role.

In 2023, Rebecca was MIX Interiors Magazine’s ’30 Under 30’ winner. She has also featured in industry titles such as FX, Design Insider and Material Source. In January 2025, she delivered a key-note speech to students at Sheffield Hallam University.