Toyo adds McConnell license

Staff -- Home Accents Today, 4/1/2005

Toyo Trading has added designer Bringier McConnell to its list of licensed artists.

Two collections from McConnell, Chelsea and Bristol, will be introduced at the Toyo showroom during the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. McConnell will be in the showroom Friday afternoon to meet buyers.

"Bringier's long experience and unmatched eye for form and color will give us fresh interpretations of classic European designs," said Randy Nakayama, Toyo president. McConnell's designs are inspired by 19th-century floral toiles and a variety of European regional ceramic styles from ancient Etruscan to 20th-century piqueassiette.

McConnell began licensing designs earlier this year under the European Country Collection brand with introductions from Park Designs. He is the founder of the catalog/retailer French Country Living, which closed last year.

Chelsea is a hand-painted eight-piece porcelain collection from the European Country Collection, his licensed line. Scalloped rims and curved handles are featured. Bristol features floral bouquets and scrolls in antique gold on a navy blue ground.

Suggested retail for both collections is $60 to $200.

The Bristol Collection is designed with florals and scrolls on a navy blue ground.