Allow Me to Introduce….

One of the main reasons for going to market is to see the new introductions for the coming season of your favorite designers or the companies you do business with.  Much like fashion, we crave newness, trends or needs change, as do our buying habits.

Aerin Lauder is VERY busy building her lifestyle brand.  She and her talented team continue to churn out really beautiful objects.  Her lighting for Visual Comfort was simply the chicest I have seen in a long time.  I loved every piece. The materials, the design, the sculptural nature: she has all the bases covered.

EJ Victor debuted AERIN's new introductions to her furniture line that will sit beautifully side by side with her existing collection.   Each piece strong enough to stand sublimely on its own.  

The only problem with new introductions is they won't be on the showroom floor for 6 months to a year.  It's like you can see but you can't touch ~ it's such a tease!

Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair ~ don't confuse her girl next store, I want to be your best friend persona for someone who is anything less than serious about classic, traditional design that is sophisticated, functional and timeless.

Mary McDonald for Chaddock ~ continues to make magic.  Her gift for mixing Neo- Greco Roman and classicism, layered with French Regency is a recipe for success.

David Easton's collection, also for Chaddock is refined, elegant and a little quirky (in a good way) just like the man himself.  I sat next to him at lunch.  He's a pip!  His interiors are inspired by global travel and change.  He believes a space should make you feel a sense of comfort.

Charlotte Moss for Century ~   The scope of her new collection was the most comprehensive that I saw at market.  Her Southern upbringing, attention to detail, travel and being continually inspired by the great lady decorators always informs Charlotte.

  

 Celerie Kimble for Henredon ~ 20th century styling; curvaceous and scaled down, tradition with  a twist infused with a modern warmth seem to create a WOW factor.

Two of my favorite pieces that stopped me in my tracks from Emporium Home ~

shagreen, leather + hip design = LOVE IT

I kept muttering under my breath,"why did it take me so long?" I was reminded of a valuable lesson; designers work hard and play harder. It took me days to recover. I can't wait to go back : )

I'll Drink To That ~ Blogfest 2011

  

As the days are being counted down and the finishing touches are being put on the Blogfest 2011 activities, several exciting cocktail parties are planned.  A few top designers who have collections with Lee Jofa will be on hand for a meet and greet.


Atlanta based designer Suzanne Kasler says, "a room should be collected, not decorated."  She incorporates her clients' collections easily into the design, incorporating antiques, contemporary furniture, and beautiful textiles, often layering the same color in different tones.   The result is contemporary chic with a classic touch.  Suzanne has had a very busy few years expanding her company and introducing products to market.

Los Angeles based Suzanne Rheinstein finds inspiration for her Lee Jofa, Hollyhock II collection from the antique textiles she has collected.  Suzanne decorates with a Best of the West Coast luxuriousness meets casually elegant sophisticate by deftly melding antiques with linen and light colors.  I know she believes very strongly in the importance of an art history background as the basis for all good design.  I had the pleasure of hearing Suzanne speak and she does so with a passion and child like wonder that is infectious.

New York based and internationally recognized Hall of Fame architect and designer David Easton has long been known for his classic, elegantly proportioned English interiors, but he has recently shifted to a streamlined, less complicated, modern look in response to his clients' changing taste.  His versatility in his fabric collections is as varied as his projects, all will stand the test of time.

Part two will explore the remaining three designers with beautiful fabric collections thru Lee Jofa that will be wining and dining with us bloggers; what fun!

Would LOVE to hear your views on my new blog design!!