Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

Fashion Is Patent Leather!
February 27, 2008

On the 22nd I posted 5 Tips For More Business and quoted Melissa Dressler editor of Western Reporter, who when it comes to furniture, encourages you to “Sell Fashion, Not Price.”



Mary Beth Breckenridge writing in the Chicago Tribune tells us In home furnishings, it may be patent's time to shine.

Patent leather has sauntered off the fashion runway and into our living spaces, lending its gleam to accent pieces, accessories and even upholstery. It's still a niche product in the home, but some designers think it's coming into its own.

Furniture designer James Stuart Duncan says, think of patent leather as adding a little sparkle to furniture, like a necklace would around your neck.

New York furniture designer Mariana Antinori added patent leather to her designs about a year ago because “it adds a hint of richness and modern style to a room, a little bit more of a flair.”

Patent leather is easy to clean, just spritz with a little Windex.  Some designers believe the use of patent lightens the look of a heavy object.  “In limited use, patent adds a bit of gleam and allows you not to take things so seriously. Too much, though, and the look becomes akin to a cheap pair of shoes.”

Most designers would limit the use of real patent leather, but Candace Olson's is using an imitation patent leather, a product called Patine from Ultrafabrics, which is made up of a polyurethane surface and a rayon backing.

It's not as glossy as real patent leather, but it's more supple, more breathable and silkier. And from a furniture-maker's standpoint, it's easier to work with on upholstery.

To quote again from Melissa Dressler, "We always say that our industry is a fashion industry, but I rarely see stores selling fashion.  Instead, we focus on price.  …While price is important, when it comes to fashion, image is what sells."  

I think Dressler has a point!  What do you think?  Email me at landfair3554@comcast.net.

Posted by Mike Landfair on February 27, 2008 | Comments (0)