The ultimate item on a serious designer’s bucket list is the opportunity to ink a licensing deal with a noteworthy brand. These collaborations offer the designer exponential exposure on a global level, brand reputation, and the resources necessary to move concepts through manufacturing, distribution and sales. On the flip side of the deal, the well chosen designer brings a unique style to the brand’s product categories- offering talent that stands on it’s own. An immense amount of work is required of both designer and brand to work through the details of product development, but as we have all seen, the right partnerships produce greatness. This spring, an exciting new wave of licensing collections launched at High Point Market. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts:
Mabley Handler for Kravet
Hamptons duo Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler of Mabley Handler Interior Design introduced a 35-piece collection celebrating the beach-chic style that they are known for. What is so fascinating about this collection is how customizable it is, with finish options that extend the upholstery, case goods and occasional furniture to well beyond 35 items. Optional wood finishes, fabrics, campaign style brackets, and grasscloth can be mixed as you please to create an infinite number of looks from coastal casual to city chic. The collection was inspired by years of customized design that the duo was prompted to do when the products they shopped for did not exist. The resulting collection is refreshing and thoughtfully detailed.
Barbara Barry for Baker
Barbara Barry’s highly anticipated new 70-piece collection includes case goods, upholstery and lighting that represent a noticeable departure from her past collections with a more relaxed “warm modern” stance and larger scaled seating. Her vision reflects a mood of “casual California elegance” where formality is removed and easy living is key, capturing the spirit of how we live today.
Bunny Williams for Currey & Company
Bunny Williams was doubly on fire this April, celebrating her luminous new collection for Currey & Company along with posh new offerings in her own collection. Because she believes that lighting should be a carefully considered, purposeful element of interior design, she has created a 15-piece collection inspired by one-of-a-kind European treasures she found for projects through the years as well the pieces she wished to find. Her innovative designs offer a range of materials and styles that designers will find refreshing.
Ann Gish for Global Views
Internationally known for fashion-forward bedding and her Art of Home bridge line, Ann Gish’s collaboration with Global Views brings a handsome furniture collection to the bedroom with her 5-piece Argento Collection. Her style offers a tailored, cool serenity with silver-rubbed organic raffia, mixed with pewter trim and crushed pile chenille. The feel is a fresh and modern take on old world Florentine intricacy. Her collection includes beds (sized king or queen), night stands designed for electronic device charging, floor screen, vanity/desk, and chair.
Windsor Smith for Century Furniture
Windsor Smith obviously enjoyed creating her lively “Alchemy Collection” for Century Furniture, and it shows. The 70-piece collection was designed to be the “heirlooms of tomorrow”, mixing classic elements with an upbeat sense of style that will add a contemporary dash of classicism to any room- with pieces ranging from upholstery and case pieces to wall decor. Her fresh eye and unique point of view will update any room.
Michelle Workman for French Heritage
Michelle Workman, designer to the A-listers, is well known for her Hollywood-Chic style. Her new 40+ piece Facet Collection for French Heritage represents a fresh modern interpretation of Hollywood Glamour with Art Deco inspiration, with a beautiful selection of upholstery and case goods that will take you back in time to the Deco era. Materials include lacquers, shagreen, intricate metal inlays, and exotic woods.
Steve Leung for Theodore Alexander
Acclaimed architect and designer Steve Leung’s innovative 20-piece “Luxury of Serenity” collection for Theodore Alexander is dreamy and serene. Sophisticated minimalism is what comes to mind when taking in his restrained color palette, soft velvets, leathers, Italian marble, brushed finishes and hand detailing. The details that one might expect of an architect are apparent in his thoughtful, sanctuary-inspired designs.
David Phoenix for Hickory Chair
David Phoenix introduced a comprehensive collection for Hickory Chair of well-articulated, nuanced upholstery and leather, handsome case goods, accessories and classic lighting. Phoenix’s casual but elegant aesthetic is demonstrated through his generously proportioned upholstery, sumptuous leather goods and accessories- all intended to accommodate a range of design styles. Think 76 items of a handsomely traditional style.
Jo Sampson for Drexel
Jo Sampson’s 57 piece collection clearly communicates the new Drexel point of view with the European aesthetic that she brings to the brand. Sampson, a talented product designer from London, designs with an eclectic informality. She believes that it is important to have the confidence to mix different styles, and her collection offers spontaneous and versatile selections that hand designers a sleek and contemporary way to do just that.
Jeffrey Bilhuber for Henredon
The Jeffrey Bilhuber collection brings 62 pieces of upholstered furniture, case goods and accessories to Henredon. He imbues a well known American perspective that breathes modern sensibilities into tradition with an artful mix of periods and design ideas.
Jay Jeffers for Arteriors
Elle Decor A-lister Jay Jeffers delivers a collection of tailored, boldly detailed and thoughtfully layered pieces to Arteriors. We see a mix of textures, geometrical patterns, and genres that define his angle on modern luxury.
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