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By Tracy Bulla -- Home Accents Today, 7/1/2005
Sketch-Ready
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Artists often create a rough drawing as a blueprint before commencing work on their masterpiece. Designer Susan Unger has approached her craft in much the same way, using sketches that are eventually translated into patterns for her chic, contemporary bedding and textile collection. At the International Home Furnishing Market this past April, Unger took the idea in a different direction and turned her sketches into art. Unger's first licensed wall decor collection isn't really such a departure, according to the designer. "My design sensibility is based in artwork," she said. "The sketches are cool — not what the bed ends up like — but original and very personal." New designs premier this summer, joining the original Colorpath Collection. Prices range from $99 to $349. eLink 618 |
21st Century Handicrafts
| Zigzag, a new company formed by Edric van Vredenburgh, devotes itself to merging the opposing aesthetics of contemporary and traditional. Succeeding with style to spare, the modern-yet-familiar designs from surface designer Christine Van Der Hurd utilize traditional techniques and craftsmanship to achieve the authenticity of the handmade. Shown at ICFF, the first collection of cloisonné enamel (a centuries-old Chinese craft) creates arty objects of desire from tables, lamps and table accessories in vivid, graphic fashion. eLink 634 |  |
Design-Heavy
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Roubini Rugs, producer of rug collections for Roberto Cavalli, Karim Rashid, Farhad and more, recently debuted the Pozzoli furniture and lighting collection from Italy. Roubini will import the handcrafted designs, some limited edition, which are produced by craftsmen using tools similar to those from the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, Roubini launched its newest rug collection from interior designer Bob Altavilla. The Folds & Pleats Collection effectively mocks folded paper with the Origami design, resulting in a unique architectural effect. eLink 636 |
Light-Footed
| Designer Liora Manné, who has steadily expanded her brand of modern design from rugs to nearly every room of the house, can now add a Nike notch to her belt. Intrigued by the Lamontage wares showcased in Manné's Soho storefront, Nike's global creative director stopped in for a closer look and the rest is history. "It's a combination of the design and the innovative technique that's in line with Nike — high design and exploring materials," Manné said. Lamontage fabric will feature in limited edition footwear designs such as the airy, sculpted Ovalo, launching in Nike stores October 1. Manné will also debut an Italian-made, high-end couture collection of exquisitely structured bags, jewelry and shoes this August for Spring 2006. Now that's walking on air. eLink 637 |  |
Catwalk Chic
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Joining his eponymous original and lower-priced teepee lines, Thomas Paul hits the runway of cool jackpot with the introduction of the Couture Collection. Brimming with hip-meets-retro charm, peacocks, feathers and sparrows nest against a sumptuous ground of heavy-weight, couture-quality jacquard (upgraded from printed silk). The fresh-and-fun repurposed prints will also top a new collection of lampshades from Lights Up!. Rounding out the mix, an edgy color palette of persimmon, chocolate, gold and aqua comes fully loaded with metallic options for the right spice of groove ($80 to $105). eLink 635 |
A+ Rating
| Umbra has relaunched its Studio Collection, also known as U+, which is available exclusively to independent retailers. Each U+ item will be packaged in a glossy gift box to further delineate from the core Umbra line. As part of the relaunch, U+ was in line for new style direction and aesthetics, according to brand manager Philip Verhagen. The result is three New York-centric collections, each with its own definitive style. Brooklyn is expressive with a hint of street style, evocative of an urban jungle, while Soho incorporates a hip downtown vibe with a natural, organic and playful persona. Finally, Madison goes back to Umbra's design roots with a modern, sophisticated-and-sleek, ultimately cosmopolitan attitude. eLink 638 |  |
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