:: A MODERN EYE ::

When is Too Much…Too Much? & Annual Salone Restaurant Guide!

2011-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here we are preparing for Salone del Mobile, Milan, Italy 2011 once again. HappilyI Who doesn’t want to be in Italy in April?

And we’re thrilled to be representing Alessi (www.alessi.com); Artek (www.artek.fi); Flos (www.flos.com); Fritz Hansen (www.fritzhansen.com); Humanscale (www.humanscale.com) and Moleskine (http://www.moleskine.com/).

That’s the great news.

But in its 50th presentation, with so many outside areas (though fun) cropping up and

E V E R Y O N E having a press preview, exhibiting S O M E W H E R E, and at least one or two parties and events, is it too much?

I know from my editor friends, they are truly put upon where to go and with limited staff, how to cover it all. I know from other visitors, designers, retailers and the “just-interested”, it will take Russell Crowe’s “brilliant mind” to organize their time.

We’ll all make it through and I know will find a few things that dazzle (see above client list!)…but wonder how much more can this event grow?

Is it better to curate and define? Is it possible?

As always, I’m excited to go. To represent and spread the word on I.C.F.F.® (www.icff.com).

And, of course, beyond Tortona, and Lambrete there’s another new neighborhood to explore, http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/03/13/travel/20110313-FORAGING.html

Would love to hear from you on the above. And for those of you who have asked for my annual Salone restaurant guide (I’ve made my reservations, so I’m good to release this), here ya go!

Restaurants in Milan 2010:

Il Bolognese

Corso Genova, 3

02-58100824

Try the risotto!

Nobu @ Armani

Via Gastone Pisoni 1

02-62312645

Was renovated

Da Giacomo

Via Pasquale Sottocorno 6

02-760233313

Charming, unstuffy

Bice

Via Borgospesso 12

02-795528

Standard

10 Corso Como

Via Corso Como 10 (duh)

02-29013581

Lunch or drinks best

Blitz

Via Cerisio 9

02-312388

Friendly; big with TV folks

Osteria del Sognatore

Via Mormondo 1

02-89126048

Creative

Maxela (Macarelli)

Via Eugenio Villoreni 10

02-89402394

Meat, meat, meat

Giulio Pane e Ojo

Via Ludovico Muratori 10

02-5456189

Local recommendation

Pane e Acqua

Via Matteo Bandello 14

02-48198622

Rossana Orlandi's - expensive but good

Da Illia

Via Lecco 1

02-29521895

Local recommendation

Bebel's

Via San Marco 38

02-6571658

Brera area - Miuccia eats here, too!

Antica Trattoria della Pesa

Via Pasubio 10

02-29015157

Great reviews by all

Tano Passami L'Olio

Via Eugenio Villoresi 16

02-8394139

Great wine list

Cucina Delle Langhe

Corso Como 6

02-6554279

Low-key; have to say I was not impressed

Piccola Cucina

Viale Piave 17

02-76012860

Tiny – hence the name

Premiata Pizzeria

Via E. De Amicis, 24

02-89406075

Best for lunch

Alla Collina Pistoiese

Via degli Amedei 1

02-86451085

A Milanese classic!

Ristorante La Scaletta

Piazzale Stazione Genova, 3

02-43986316

Local fav.

Eda

Via Filippo Lippi, 7

02-2668192

Native Milanese says so

Controvapore

Via Carlo Goldoni, 3

02-76390636

Native Milanese says so

Ristorante Rigolo

Via Solferino 11

02-804589

"Refined" = not-so-friendly; but I love the food

Bagutta

Via Monte Napolene 6 (It's really on Via Bagutta)

02-76002767

Service can be dicey but a must for me!

Giacomo Arengario

Atop Museo del Novecento

02-72093814

Local recommendation

So, Mangia. Grazie. Ciao (the extent of my Italian).

60 Years of Greatness

2010-10-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 28th, 2010, employees (and salespeople) and friends of Carnegie Fabrics celebrated the firm’s 60th Anniversary at The Robert, atop the Museum of Art and Design in New York City.

First – what firm TODAY celebrates their employees in such style???

Secondly, I know this was a “work” event for me – but oh, it was so much more.

From the first day I met Mr. Bob Goldman, founder of Carnegie Fabrics some 20 years ago - I was trying to sell him advertising and he was trying to get me to contribute to the United Jewish Appeal – I knew I was with one sharp guy.

Over the years, Mr. Goldman (Mr. G to everyone), slowly gave the reins of the company over to Cliff, his son. Cliff and I always had great conversations (though I continued to try to sell him advertising – he never asked me for contributions!).

When I started BDE in 1996, he hired me for various projects until in 2000, Cliff hired BDE as his P.R. and marketing consultant. Then I really got to see the machine at work!

With Heather Bush and Mary Holt in design and creative, Cliff has scripted an amazing fabric and wallcovering firm – that is so much more. It is a firm that is design forward, progressive in material usage and exploration, has successfully produced marketing concepts and builds long lasting relationships with A N Y O N E they work with. But the more, is the heart and soul of this firm.

The growth and success has done nothing to change nor impact the sincerity and concern they show to each and every employee, salesperson, and yes, consultant. The firm, led by Cliff (with Mr. G still keeping an eye on the bottom line!), leads by example. I heard the word “ethical” more times than I could count that night (between my dancing). I heard the word “thoughtful”, “warm” and “pride” more times than I could count that night (between the great wine and food).

BDE has grown with Carnegie – or maybe because of it.

Thanks, Cliff.

An American Woman in Britain

2010-08-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

With multiple goals and many meetings and visits, I headed for London last Sunday. I know many of you probably travel first class all the time – not me. Always looking to be cost conscious for my clients, coach is where I fly. Not this time! Using mileage, American put me in “seat” 4J. More like “bed” 4J. From the warm nuts (my favorite) to the champagne, real plates and flatware, I had a fantastic flight. And, to beat a dead horse…American Airlines found me an earlier flight and were so kind and efficient. Just like United when I flew to Montreal and Lufthansa when I flew to

Italy

for vacation. NOT LIKE CONTINENTAL!!! Check my Tweets and FB re THAT!

Anyway, all my meetings – both business and those more personal – were not only successful but truly enjoyable. People were genuinely interested, interesting and oh, so nice! Also, still not totally a food town, I experienced such great meals (or was it the company?) at Wilton's (oh so British), Momo's (oh so North African in London), and The Wolsley.

Some things truly stuck out this time in London: one was the amount of construction. Locals told me that they are getting ready for the Olympics and doing a lot of repairs and infrastructure improvements. Another observation was the number of Middle Eastern women (in traditional garb and facial coverings) and men (less noticeable) both as visitors before Ramadan and those living in London. Press friends and locals confirmed that the population has grown significantly spurring the election of David Cameron. They have Cycle Hire and it seems to be very popular – like in Paris. Is New York ready for this? For design, the London Design Festival is the “next coming” as 100% Design declines. Still a very local event, with few new introductions, many were looking for the festival to grow.


Massive amounts of construction on the London roadways

Cycle Hire! Next stop...NYC!

Some personal highlights and er….low lights: My hotel (a low light) – Park Lane. Not really glorious anymore. First night I had a smoke filled room – and the next day sounded like Harvey Fierstein most of the day. Luckily, they changed me the next day and all was well. I had to keep my closet with mirror door open with the luggage rack. I had to plug the hair dryer in near the bedroom chair as there were no plugs in the bathroom, except for shavers!


My bathroom door prop - less than glamorous.

My hairdryer...on the purple sofa...

But there were tons more pluses! On my second day, I hailed a black taxi and met Robert! He was friendly, informative and, well, became my driver for the entire day. Never charged me waiting time (took short rides while I was in my appointments) and was totally engaging, professional and ready! I was SOOOOOOOOO lucky. Here’s his info for anyone going to or living in London. He was terrific. Robert: Mobile: 07985272023

Just a little retail research.

Met with old friends, nurtured new ones and did some great business. Did some retail research (!) – Harrods, Conran’s, Harvey Nichols….and did a very quick but truly pleasurable time at the Tate Modern. All in all – I just want to thank everyone I came in contact with. As a “jaded” New Yorker, I have to say it was “first class” all the way!

Bonjour, Montreal!

2010-08-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Alessi, purveyors of cult design objects and...er...one of our most prized clients...has recently opened a Montreal outpost! Never ones to miss out on a travel opportunity, BDE's Team Alessi made the journey to visit our neighbors to the North...here's what we found:

Alessi Montreal: 2085 rue Crescent

First stop: Alessi Montreal located at 2085 rue Crescent, in the heart of Montreal. Housed in a classic row-house style building, we were struck by the stairs leading up to the shop. Almost all of the shops on rue Crescent have staircases leading to the front doors, with other stores located beneath them - it reminded us of Newbury Street in Boston.

The moveable display units can be configured in multiple different ways.

A di Alessi's "Poplike" collection's bright colors are the first thing you see as you walk in the door.

Inside the store, Alessi products abound. The shop's walls are lined with shelves where everything from A di Alessi's cheerful Banana Boys to Officina Alessi's exquisite La Cintura di Orione pots and pans are impeccably displayed. There are also rolling table units in the center of the store for movable displays. We loved the miniatures that rested in their own glass case near the back of the shop. Next door to the shop was the Nespresso coffee bar - the coolest place we'd ever gotten our caffeine fix!

Enjoying our delicious coffee!


Each flavor is represented by a different color, ranging from mild to bold. The sugar packets are designed to match the color of the K Cup!

The coffee bar (we snuck photos - no pictures allowed!)

Eager to check out the neighborhood around the shop, we lunched at the Newtown with Flare Magazine's Montreal correspondent. A lovely, open-air spot by day and a rockin' nightclub by night, the Newtown did not disappoint. And, for all of our Canadian friends, be sure to check out Alessi Montreal in the August issue of Flare!

The Newtown - restaurant, bar, club and general hot spot.

Post-lunch we took a little tour around the city - since we had to fly from New York to Montreal and back in a day, our limited time was precious. We loved the old architecture of the city, and the cool public bike rentals throughout the streets! Look for more from Alessi Montreal in the coming months, BDE is so excited about this new venture!

Public bike rentals line the city streets - but no helmet laws are in effect!


A classic example of Montreal's stunning architecture, this building is a banquet hall and restaurant rolled into one.

Tobias Wong

2010-07-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Many of us New Yorkers in the design community were shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Tobias Wong, the "enfant terrible" of the modern design world. This New York Times article, while certainly not offering an explanation, aims to shed light on the situation. We may be a bit late to the game, but if you've not seen this article, please do take the time to read it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/fashion/27Wong.html?pagewanted=1&hpw

10 Questions For...Laura Guido-Clark, LG-C Design

2010-06-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Laura Guido-Clark's firm works with the "skin" of things - color, texture, exterior - but she says she's more interested in the human experience. In other words, how does an object make you feel? Laura has consulted for companies ranging from Godiva to Samsung, and everything in between to help inspire their creations. Below, in the second installment of A Modern Eye's "10 Questions For..." series, we find out what inspires her:

1. Who is your inspiration?

I don’t believe it is a “who” - but rather a “what”, a state of mind. What inspires me is discovering potential , the “what if.”

2. Who is your favorite designer? Why?

Maison Martin Margiela.

Because their studio innovates, questions and provokes – all the while providing joy and surprise.

3. Where is your favorite place on earth?

Anyplace where I am with my family.

4. What words do you try to live by?

Love deeply, be grateful, do unto others, see the beauty in all, laugh and then laugh harder.

5 .If you could choose a different career, what would it be?

A writer stringing words together like pearls…..

6. What is one thing you would like to do before you die?

To know I made a difference and left the world better.

7. What is the most challenging thing you have ever done?

Accepting death and moving forward to live life fully.

8. What is your favorite book?

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe by Jane Wagner

9. What is currently playing on your iPod?

Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, John Legend, old Motown.

10. What do you wish you had invented?

The whoopee cushion…no seriously, a cure, a vaccination, something that has helped humanity.

Laura's super-cool camera for Kodak

And in keeping with our inability to be satisfied with just ten questions - we couldn't resist throwing Laura a few more:

11. What is a skill that you wish you possessed?

Singing with rapture.

12. What quality do you most admire in others?

Curiosity and the ability to forgive.

13. What is your greatest strength?

Seeing the beauty in everyone and everything.

14. What is your greatest fault?

Never feeling like I am finished, like I should or could do more.

15. If a movie were made of your life, who would play you?

In my dreams, Sophia Loren; but in reality, Tina Fey.

16. What’s your favorite color?

It is ever-changing, whatever momentarily captures my eye deliciously becomes my favorite.

Above, the chair Laura created with Coca-Cola and Emeco

BDE at the NSS

2010-06-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sure, everyone who reads this blog knows that BDE does "design". But what you didn't know is that as of May, we do conferences, too! BDE was asked to put together a conference for the National Stationery Show about the future of brick-and-mortar stationery stores vs. the quickly-growing etailers that kids these days seem to prefer. We rounded up a keynote speaker, two lively and informative panels, and had a fantastic end-of-program presentation by Hallmark to boot. Check out images of the event below:

Keynote speaker Paco Underhill captivating the crowd

The audience's delighted response to Mr. Underhill's speech

Panel One discussed The Issues, Solutions, and the Next 5 Years. Adam Glassman of O, The Oprah Magazine acted as moderator, and panelists included major retailers such as Kate's Paperie and William Arthur.

Panel Two discussed Connecting with Tomorrow's Customer, and the One Ten Years from Now. Dan Rubinstein of Surface Magazine moderated panelists from CoolHunting.com, Teen Vogue, and a couple of very knowledgeable trend forecasters including Laura Guido-Clark.

Moderator Dan Rubinstein and panelist Laura Guido-Clark post-conference.

Hallmark's award celebrating their 100th birthday!

Scenes from Abroad

2010-06-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in some of these, but it’s been a busy two months!

Salone this year was quite exciting, with Kartell “owning” its place amongst the greats! The Tokujin Yoshioka exhibition at the flagship store was absolutely fantastic. Not only were Tokujin’s concepts amazing to view and even more amazing to have been produced, but the design illuminated the night.

At the fair, Kartell once again proved its power in design with showcasing its new collection all in black and white. It clearly showed how intricate the design form and manufacturing thereof is. Having double the traffic on the first day of the Salone was indicative not only of the mood of the market, but how important Kartell is to that market.

Artek took a different approach and showed the new Fukasawa shelving system at Rossana Orlandi, way off site. The simplicity of the room was a perfect setting for the system. And, I got to meet Fukasawa!

Artek also showed the film by Enzo Mari and had the maestro himself there to talk and answer questions. Although all in Italian, his “colorful” language and strong opinions came across loud and clear! It was interesting that so many named designers came to hear him speak (Tom Dixon, Konstantin Gricic, to name two). We can all learn from these masters.

After Salone, ICFF came fast and furious. This year’s fair had a completely different vibe than last years. It was buzzing! The energy and business conducted made my heart sing! I went into about 30 booths and checked to see the reaction. All positive! Not having the Japanese pavilion was a miss for some, but other than that, it was the best show in years.

Artek's booth at ICFF; Artek's master upholsterer, Aki Lehtonen completed two chairs in classic Zebra fabric!

Directly from the ICFF, I hopped a plane to Munich to view the Alessi exhibition at Die Neue Sammlung in Munich. As a part of this exhibition designed by Alessandro Mendini will come to Philadelphia in the fall, I was really excited to see the opening. And it did not disappoint. It was truly a wonderland that is so Alessi – right from its roots back in the 20’s. The first night was dinner with Alessandro Mendini and Alberto Alessi – jealous? They are true gentlemen and so very incredibly smart. The jet lag and poor treatment by Continental Airlines (did you see my FB on this?), didn’t diminish the experience one bit.

Alessandro Mendini with some of his collection for Alessi

My next trip is to NEOCON in Chicago (not abroad!)…but nonetheless exciting. New introductions from Carnegie, Humanscale and a tremendous collection by Scott Wilson for Coalesse (did you see Metropolis’s last issue?), will definitely be highlights in Chicago.

Then a much needed vacation to ….where else? Italy! Stay tuned.

It's A Boy!

2010-05-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago I was living with 5 of my old college cohorts and our Miniature Boston Terrier, Sunny D, in suburban Elmhurst, Illinois. This past weekend I found myself in the company of design elites the likes of Adam Glassman (creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine) and Chip DeGrace (my boss’s boss of yesteryear and creative director of FLOR) in the city that Jonathan Larson once referred to as “the center of the universe”. The change has been quick and somewhat unexpected, but it has already been quite the exciting and humbling experience. My name is Sean Hurtubise and I am the newest (and only Y chromosome possessing) member of the BDE team.

The U-Haul, prior to setting out on our journey

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, my sister, Beth, and I decided to take the New York City plunge a couple of months ago and found our idea’s fruition surprisingly expedited. Upon deciding to forge east, the siblings Hurtubise had come to terms with the fact that we were most likely going to be unemployed when exiting the Lincoln Tunnel and entering our new home. However, a week before the move I received word that Beth had been offered a job with a small marketing firm and that I would now be the lone ash in the unemployment urn. I moved with little more than a signed lease, a U-Haul filled with my material existence and one phone number in my Moleskine notebook of a woman who was a complete stranger to me by the name of Beth Dickstein. Five days, two interviews and several untimely almost terrorist attacks on the city later, I found myself employed.

The view from my 6th-floor walk-up

While at Elmhurst College, I majored in music education with a vocal emphasis and went on to work in both a customer service and retail capacity with FLOR. Suffice it to say that marketing and public relations are very new and fresh to me, not to mention the pulse and rhythms of this infinitely vibrant city. Though, I must admit, for a city with such an intimidating reputation the folks on the concrete jungle welcome wagon seem to be unseasonably warm.

--Sean Hurtubise

Restaurants for ICFF 2010

2010-05-12T10:12:00.001-07:00

Beth’s Favorite Restaurants in NYC

Tribeca

*The Harrison - www.theharrison.com/harrison; 355 Greenwich Street

Odeon - www.theodeonrestaurant.com; 145 West Broadway

Bubby’s - www.bubbys.com; 120 Hudson Street

*LoCanda Verde - www.locandaverdenyc.com; 377 Greenwich Street

Soho

*Café Falai - www.falainyc.com; 68 Clinton Street

*Mezzogiorno - www.mezzogiorno.com; 195 Spring Street

*Aurora’s - www.auroraristorante.com; 510 Broome Street

Balthazar - www.balthazarny.com; 80 Spring Street

Lucky Strike - www.luckystrikeny.com; 59 Grand Street

*Omen-(no website – it’s that special); 113 Thompson St.

Near The Highline

Standard Grill - www.thestandardgrill.com; 848 Washington Street

Cookshop - www.cookshopny.com; 156 Tenth Avenue

*The Red Cat - www.theredcat.com/redcat; 227 Tenth Avenue

Bottino - www.bottinonyc.com; 246 Tenth Avenue

*Trestle on Tenth - www.trestleontenth.com; 242 Tenth Avenue

*Spotted Pig – www.thespottedpig.com; 314 West Eleventh Street

Del Posto-www.delposto.com – 85 Tenth Avenue

After the ICFF MoMA Party

Gordon Ramsay – www.gordonramsay.com; 151 W. 54^th St.

*Il Gattopardo – www.ilgattopardonyc.com; 33 W. 54^th St.

The Modern-www.themodernnyc.com; 9 W. 53^rd St.

*Russian Samovar-www.russiansamovar.com – 256 W. 52^nd St.

Thalia – www.restaurantthalia.com – 828 Eighth Ave.

Some others I love:

I Trulli www.itrulli.com 122 E. 27^th St.

Blue Smoke www.bluesmoke.com 116 E. 27^th St.

Blue Hill www.bluehillfarm 75 Washington St.

Le Singe Vert www.lesingevert.com 160 Seventh Avenue

And…you know…there’s so much more. Email me for specific types of food; pricing and locations. Happy to share.

*Indicates big time favs

ICFF Party List

2010-05-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

2010 Design Week Events

** Beth’s recommendations

Thursday, May 13, 2010

**MoMA Design Store

81 Spring St.

“Destination Portugal”

6- 8 p.m.

RSVP a must: momastore@moma.org

PICNIC

511 w. 25^TH Street, Suite 805

6 – 8 pm.

NYDC

200 Lexington Avenue

Events from 4-9 p.m.

Check www.nydc.com

Friday, May 14, 2010

**The Conran Shop

@ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway

7 – 9 p.m.

**MANU by Emanuela Frattini Magnusson

Launch of luxury leather goods

Ameringer McEnery Yohe Gallery

525 W. 22^nd St.

RSVP a must: RSVP4@bdeonline.biz

7- 9 p.m.

Personalissimo – Ideas from Lombardia

8 Bond Street

6:30 p.m.

RSVP17@bdeonline.biz

Inglass-Material for the Future

DOM / Valcucine

66 Crosby St.

6:30-9:30 p.m.

RSVP@DOMSHOWROOMS.com

Alu

138 W. 25^th St. 3^rd Floor

6-8 p.m.

RSVP: aluny@alu.com

Surface and Project No. 8 and E 15

38 Orchard St.

7-10 p.m.

CORE 77 – Kick Off Party

9 pm - Midnight

INVITE ONLY

Saturday, May 15, 2010

**ICFF OPENING NIGHT PARTY

MoMA

7-9 pm.

Tickets a must! Go to: www.icff.com

**Living Divani, Boffi, Porro

(By Invite ONLY)

**Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell’s Poetic License

150 Greene St.

7 – 9 p.m. (Press 6 – 7 p.m.)

RSVP@mossonline.com

Areaware – 5 Years

45 Great Jones St.

7-10 p.m.

Surface & Cul is Cool @ Hudson Furniture

419 W. 14^th St.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

MATTERmade

405 Broome St.

6-9 p.m.

RSVP@mattermatters.com

Noho Design District curated by Sight Unseen

7-10 p.m.

BY INVITE ONLY www.nohodesigndistrict.com

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Design within Reach –Emeco 111 Navy Chair

408 W. 14^th St.

6:00 – 10 p.m.

RSVP: 111navychair.com/nyc

Vitra and Creation Baumann

29 Ninth Avenue

6-9 p.m.

RSVP: rsvp.vitrausa@vitra.com

Straight Forward – New Finnish Design

410 W. 16^th St.

7-9 p.m.

RSVP: vip@straightforward-design.net

**HAND OF THE DESIGNER – MOLESKINE

INVITATION A MUST – CALL 212-353-1383

Harry Allen Design at Heller Gallery

420 W. 14^th St.

6- 8 p.m.

Harry Allen Design at Ace Hotel

20 W. 29^th St.

9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Dror

Yigal Azrouel

408 W. 14^th St.

7 – 9 p.m.

Monday, May 17, 2010

**Alessi Takes the Cake” – Meet matali crasset

130 Greene St.

6: 30 – 8 p.m.

RSVP9@BDEONLINE.BIZ

**Artemide – NICE WHITE ICE PARTY

46 Greene St.

6- 9 p.m.

RSVP15@BDEONLINE.BIZ

**Kartell –WELCOME BLACK 2010 ISSUE

39 Greene St.

6 – 9 p.m.

RSVP18@BDEONLINE.BIZ

Fontana Arte

45 Greene St.

6- 9 p.m.

RSVP: info@fontanaartecorp.com

USM-The Architecture of Space

28-30 Greene St.

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

RSVP: info@us.usm.com

A & D Building

150 E. 58^th Street

6 – 9 p.m.

Pura Vida Book Launch at AFNY

22 W. 21^st St.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

By_Lissoni

BY INVITATION ONLY

Salone; Milan 2010

2010-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Last month, I traveled to Milan to attend the Salone del Mobile on behalf of our client, Kartell, who was participating in the fair. The Kartell store in Milan was completely transformed by the creative talent of Tokujin Yoshioka who showed a couture collection of thick transparent pieces made of polycarbonate. Back at the fair, Kartell showed 16 new striking pieces, all of which were showcased in black [or clear, or grey]. For those who did not make it to Milan, you’ll be able to see many of these items on display at the Kartell New York flagship during ICFF later this month.

Kartell's "Black is Black" booth at the fair

Tokujin Yoshioka at the Kartell booth

Moleskine, as part of the special exhibition, "The Hand of the Designer”, brought us to Villa Necchi Campiglio, a true highlight. Commissioned in the 1930s by the Necchi Campilglio family, the villa was designed by Piero Portaluppi. Located in the heart of the city, it is considered a masterpiece of Rationalist architecture and also combines elements of Deco style. Guests are able to walk through the entire villa, all equipped with the original furniture. For design week, Villa Necchi, was one of four house museums that participated in “Unexpected Guests; Yesterday’s houses, today’s design”. Each house had contemporary furniture dispersed in the rooms, illustrating how centuries and styles work together.

The Villa Necchi from the outside

An ornate doorway in the Villa Necchi

We made it back to New York on the day we were scheduled to depart Italy. For those of you who followed the news of the volcanic cloud of ash wreaking havoc in Europe, you know this was the exception to what was going on all around us. Of course, the trip back was not easy – we spent several hours on the phone with various travel agents + airlines. Then we had to find a way to get from Milan to Rome. At close to midnight, it was too late for a train, rental cars were unavailable, and the hotel concierge said that finding a driver would be impossible. Beth had the brilliant idea to contact Salvatore, a driver who drove us around one evening during the fair. Salvatore agreed! And after an overnight car ride, we made it to Rome just in time for our flight back to NYC.

--Marlene Capron

10 Questions For...Emanuela Frattini Magnusson, Manu Designer

2010-05-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the upcoming ICFF and Manu's big debut, we asked Emanuela Frattini Magnusson, designer of the newly founded luxury leathergoods line, ten questions about design, inspiration, and...Beyonce? Enjoy, and be sure to check out www.manumanu.com.

1. Who is your inspiration?

Designing is an act of optimism, believing that it is possible to improve on something. To be inspired I have to be in a certain state of mind, of laying myself open to possibilities that appear. Inspiration can come from a person, from a place or an object, but mostly for me it happens when I travel, when I go outside my area of normal existence. Without actively looking for anything, truly seeing and experiencing new things stays in your subconscious and will surface at the right time.

2. Who is your favorite designer? Why?

There is so much amazing talent around, difficult to say. I would have to choose both Ettore Sottsass and Tibor Kalman who have been constant role models, for their genuine curiosity and lack of jadedness to the very end of their lives.

3. Where is your favorite place on earth?

Somewhere warm and on the ocean, Capri, Lamu, the Seychelles, on the right early summer morning the beach of East Hampton….

4. What words do you try to live by?

Integrity, respect, fairness

5. If you could choose a different career, what would it be?

I almost went to medical school, I would probably be a pediatrician or a neurologist with a very cool looking office

6. What is one thing you would like to do before you die?

See the rest of the world and finish reading “Gödel, Escher and Bach” by Daniel Hofstadter

7. What is the most challenging thing you have ever done?

Raise two happy, independent and very decent human beings

8. What is your favorite book?

Demian by Hermann Hesse

9. What is currently playing on your iPod?

Foo Fighters, Beyonce, Sting, Vasco Rossi

10. What do you wish you had invented?

The Nespresso concept, brilliant. Great product, branding, distribution and execution. …. And Post It notes!

Manu's leather bracelets in spring shades. The bracelets will be on sale at Manu's debut event to benefit design-oriented charities.

And we couldn't resist asking a few more:

11. What is a skill that you wish you possessed?

To be a fantastic guitar player, classic and rock

12. What quality do you most admire in others?

Balance

13. What is your greatest strength?

Focus

14. What is your greatest fault?

Lack of

15. If a movie were made of your life, who would play you?

Jodie Foster

16. What's your favorite color?

It varies depending on many factors: object, geography, season, purpose.

Being in Miami vs New York for example changes things……

Having said all this, right now I love vibrant purple blue.

Life After Milan

2010-04-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

My mom and me during her visit to New York

My dad and me at the Cloisters

I have been very busy since my last post – a whirl wind trip to Milan for Salone del Mobile, finding our way back through the volcanic ash and gearing up for my half-marathon combined with a visit from my parents all the way from Georgia. My mom has not spent a significant amount of time in New York in about 25 years. This was a true vacation for both my parents. I was able to take them all over the island including their first visit to Kartell and Alessi. I think my mom would like “1 of everything” from each store! From SoHo, we ventured to the ultimate tourist destination – The Empire State Building. Every New Yorker needs to go to the top. It is such an incredible view! The second day brought a visit to The Cloisters, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located near Fort Tryon park in Inwood. This indoor/outdoor museum is a combination of art, artifacts, and huge pieces of medieval architecture. This is an excellent place for a lovely view of the Hudson River and great place to bring a picnic and sit outside. That same evening we had an incredible meal at Blue Ribbon for my mom’s birthday. The weekend was filled with good food, visits to other New York landmarks, like the new Highline and Chelsea Market, and awesome hotels like the St. Regis and my favorite – ACE Hotel.

THE BIG RACE!

The weekend concluded with THE BIG RACE! I was a little nervous because I had not reached the mileage goal I had intended, but I did it! I ran the entire 13.1 miles in about 2:24. This is my fastest time at that distance and I think a solid time for a beginner runner. The one downer of the day was it poured rain for the entire run. I found it a lot easier to run in those conditions when I knew I was running with 6,000 other women right next to me. My nerves calmed when I realized that we are in it together. It is an incredible sense of accomplishment when you have pushed both your body and your mind to the limit. Running long distances like this is a true test of mind over matter. After finishing this race in the rain, I can reaffirm that I can do anything I put my mind to. Another special motivating factor, was having my husband and my parents there to cheer me on. There is nothing like having mom and dad on the side lines to cheer you to the finish. My mom actually ran one of the very first running races for women in Central Park in 1978. Running in men’s running shorts and men’s running shoes, the “Mini-Marathon” was breakthrough for women’s running.

Going for the gold.

I am already looking for my next race. Not quite ready for the full marathon, but another half or 10K will make me happy. Thank you to the BDE team for cheering me on through my training. It is so nice to be apart of such a supportive team. Next time, we can run as TEAM BDE. Lace up those running shoes!

--Emily Levin

Your Mom Likes Design

2010-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

A transplanted Denverite living in New York, it’s a special occasion when my family comes for a visit. This past weekend, my mom and her best friend flew into town, and this time my excitement was twofold because, not only did I get to catch up with my mom, who I hadn’t seen since Thanksgiving, but I got to talk design with her friend Faye, mother to one of my closest friends from Denver, Josh, and lover of all things modern (think Kartell, Alessi, Artemide…hello, Greene St.!). I was so psyched to show them my clients’ beautiful showrooms, and to talk design over a couple of glasses of wine at some of my favorite New York haunts.

Kartell's Greene St. store

We got a bit of a late start on Saturday, and after brunch we made the trek down to Soho to prowl around Green St. The weather was absolutely stunning, and Faye, who is in the midst of furnishing an all-white, all-modern apartment in Phoenix, was on a mission. Our first stop was Kartell, where the gorgeous displays and fun colors completely blew her away. The proud owner of a few Louis Ghost chairs, she fell in love with the Dune tray for outdoor entertaining and, although she and her husband are empty-nesters, the Lou Lou Ghosts are always a crowd pleaser.

The next stop was Alessi, where we killed two birds with one stone – the coffee bar in the front of the store fortified us to keep shopping – and I proudly showed off the new Spring/Summer collection…since Alessi is an account I work on, I got to feel knowledgeable while at the same time appreciating the cleverly designed objects through someone else’s eyes. We bonded over our love of the Voile spaghetti measurer, Marti Guixe’s communicator balloon bowls and matali crasset’s collection of cooking and baking utensils.

Alessi's Soho store, complete with coffee bar

We peeked in the window of Artemide to check out the light fixtures next (I pointed out a few favorites, including Ross Lovegrove’s Mercury suspension lamp, which we have in our conference room here at BDE, and then made a few stops in some non-design shops along the way (my mom unfortunately does not share my penchant for the minimalist and the modern), and then rushed back up to our hotel to gear up for another night on the town.

Artemide's showroom

Truth be told, my mom’s and Faye’s trip was not completely furniture-filled. We also checked out Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth in the newly opened Addams Family musical (dark and hilarious, albeit not the most memorable musical numbers), and Memphis (completely mesmerizing, with beautiful voices to boot and a great storyline) and, of course, chowed down on a ton of Italian food – if you’ve not tried Morandi in the West Village, run - don't walk. All in all, a great weekend, and hopefully I taught my fellow Denver natives a little bit about modern design and NYC.

--Rachel Lexier

Home Sweet Home

2010-04-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

My mom and me in New York over Christmas

“Home is where the heart is”, how true that saying is. After living on my own for almost seven years, four of which were in college and the other two and a half in my own apartment in Hoboken, I still consider “home” to be wherever my family is. There is nothing like the anticipation leading up to a trip home; to drive down the familiar streets, to play with my dog in the yard and be surrounded by loved ones, whether it is childhood friends or family. Driving down Main Street there is a memory around every bend; past Memorial Field where I was a camp counselor during the dog days of summer, over the hill by my high school where I first learned to drive in the parking lot and finally on to my house where my mom created an environment filled with love and encouragement.

My Papillon, Rosco

I don’t make it home as often as I would like but when I do it is usually for a major holiday, this time Easter. I come from a large Italian family; my grandma and grandpa, 3 uncles, 2 aunts and a million cousins on my mom’s side. Everyone is loud, talking over one another in order to be heard, cracking jokes and catching up at the dinner table.

My grandparents and me at my college graduation

In our family we have our own traditions; the “bunny” drops off baskets in the morning, followed by dinner at 2:00 (same time every year!) which includes ham, sweet potatoes and homemade dessert (this year chocolate covered strawberries and éclairs), then everyone gathers around in the living room to tell the stories of their childhood which I now know by heart. But it doesn’t matter how many times I have to hear these stories because it means that I am home.

--Sarah Sanzari

Visit Out West

2010-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

We decided it was time to introduce baby Elliott Jayne Capron to the Capron side of the family. She was eight months old, there was great grand-pa Max to meet and since my husband’s [Todd] family is located in Colorado, there was some Spring skiing to be had! So last weekend, we packed our bags – grabbed my sister, Jennifer, and my brother-in-law, Brent, and headed out West. The traveling was a mess. I can’t even begin to talk about our experience at the airport as the wounds are too new; however, I can say that our problems had nothing with traveling with an infant for the first time. Actually, pity for us and the baby was the only reason we made it on the flight.

Once in Denver, we took part in the monthly ‘Brother’s Brunch’ where Todd’s grandfather, Max, his brother Wayne and, other brother Don’s widow, Connie, get together with extended members of the family for a meal. This particular Saturday, there were over 30 members of the family who came out to meet Elliott. Many relatives I was meeting for the first time as well. After brunch, we had hoped to visit Max’s home office. You see, Max was one of the first licensed landscape architects in Colorado. All of his projects from his 40+ year career were hand rendered on vellum and he mentioned that he planned to dispose of the many flat files that held these beautiful drawings. Blasphemous words, especially to his two grandsons, Todd – a furniture designer and Brent- an architect, whose work is solely done on a computer!! We never made it to his home that day, but he promised to save all the work for us to view on our next trip.

Max, Todd and Elliott

It was time to hit the mountains. Elliott would be staying with grand-ma Ann while Todd, Brent, Jenn and I drove up to Breckenridge for two nights and two days of skiing. Spring skiing is so fun in Colorado as the sun is usually bright and warm and, a fact I leaned on the trip- March brings the most snow for the state. In fact, we arrived just a day or two after a big storm, and the conditions were perfect. The drive back to Denver occurred during a big storm, and the one hour drive turned into a 5 hour drive. Thank goodness for 4-wheel drive, and an iPod full of good tunes.

Brent, Todd, Jenn and me

We had such a no drama flight back to NYC that it almost made me forget the madness of the flight out...but not quite.

The morning after our drive back from the mountains. By 2pm the sun was out and all the snow melted.

View from the plane

--Marlene Capron

Dining, Wine and Good Times!

2010-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Diagnosis: Approximately fifteen new grey hairs tangled into my brunette locks.

Remedy: A weekend trip to the San Francisco Bay Area and California wine country.

Results: Ahhhh, perfection.

Okay, so I’m not a doctor, but knowing myself well enough I knew that after North Dakota's bitter cold winter and several weekend work trips to my second home in the urban jungle, it was time to get away. Turn off my blackberry, tune out my e-mails, and forget about the swollen flooding river raging through my hometown.

I am by no means a wine connoisseur, but over the past few years I’ve developed an interest for the loveable liquid and my own personal collection has grown from whatever bottle I felt like buying for the weekend [usually something light, sweet and cheap] to upwards of 20 varieties from all over the country and world. My type A personality and need for organization meets my newfound love for wine with, a-ha, my favorite clients newest release: The Moleskine Passion Wine Notebook. And this is where my journey begins.

Prior to departure, I joined a local wine club. Each week I sampled a red and a white, then enjoyed a glass of whichever wine suited me best. New to wine tastings, I wanted to be sure I documented the experience and, in order to build my own ‘cellar’, be sure I knew what I liked. With a few weeks left before our trip, we dug up information and recommendations on anything you could ever want to do in California wine country and thought we had our schedule set, until we arrived at Avia Hotel in the heart of the historic district in Napa.

The hotel itself was beautiful with rustic elegance and a modern flair. Naturally my BDE intuition set in and I had to ask who did the lighting fixtures [nobody I’d heard of, but they were incredible none the less]. Each afternoon a local message therapist is set up in the lobby to give messages while a wine tasting takes place in the restaurant before dinner. Both of which are complimentary, making them all the more enjoyable. However, it isn’t the hotels décor or great amenities that make a stay there so memorable, it’s the staff. Our first night there we met with Maria, a concierge of the hotel, who completely threw out all of our previous plans and set up a truly amazing weekend, personalized just for us.

Our first stop: Cole’s Chop House . I rarely indulge in red meat, but when you are dining in a restaurant in which Bon Appetit claims that “the steak and other stellar meat entrees have marbling worthy of a Renaissance chapel”, you throw caution to the wind. The petite filet mignon paired with a nice bottle of local cabernet sauvignon was exactly what I needed to kick off the Napa escape.

Day two in Napa began with a run along the Napa River followed by a room service breakfast on the patio overlooking the down town shops. We were then picked up in a gorgeous white Mercedes to begin our private Holme Grown Tour of the Valley. Our guide was incredible, giving us the ins and outs of the area and taking us to four wineries/ vineyards that are off the beaten path. Most of which, you have to know about to even be able to find. We appreciated the more intimate, ‘in the know’ experience of meeting with the actual owners of these smaller vineyards and hearing their stories as well as tasting wines that cannot be found anywhere else!

Judd's Hill Vineyard

Our first stop was Judd’s Hill where we sampled an array of wines from Rose’ to Sirah and, my personal favorite and a Gold Medal Winner of the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Loving every wine I’d tasted, naturally I joined the wine club so now, 4 times a year, I can enjoy the same experience! We didn’t partake in the hands on winemaking aspect that Judd’s Hill offers, but had we more time I definitely would have been game! Maybe next year?

For lunch we picnicked at the Robinson Family Vineyards overlooking the vines and chatting with second generation owner Tom Jinks [son in law to the late Norman Robinson] about the vineyards history and the winemaking process. This Jinks/ Robinsons truly define the meaning of a family owned and operated vineyard. I can appreciate a good hard working family business, especially when the wine tasting is so great! I ended up purchasing a bottle of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2006 ‘Great Legs’ Syrah.

We also stopped at a quaint cabin for a tasting at Failla Wines where I managed to rack my count up to 5 purchases that day. Our fourth and final stop was at White Rock Vineyards, the first organic vineyard in the Valley. After touring the grounds and the spectacular caves, we enjoyed several varieties and learned about the wine making process. This tour was by far the most informative I’d been on, I felt like I was one step closer to being a wine connoisseur or, at the very least, having a better understanding of why I love reds so much!

That evening we enjoyed dinner and jazz at the local Uva Trattoria Italiana restaurant then called it an early night as our next morning was going to be early one.

At 7:00 am we headed out on my favorite adventure of this trip, the Balloons Above the Valley hot air balloon ride. Launching at sun rise and soaring over the breath taking valley for a little over an hour was one of the most magical experiences of my life. To top it off, we finished with a champagne breakfast on the Napa River. Well worth the early morning, I’d recommend it to anyone!

Having a love for all things champagne, I knew it was important to stop at Domaine Carneros [at the recommendation of Ms. Beth Dickstein herself!] and sample both the sparkling wines as well as the grand tasting, which included tastings of both champagne and pinot noir. Aside from excellent tastings and parings, the setting is sophisticated and elegant providing a picturesque ending to our Napa experience.

Champagne, anyone?

The drive back to the Bay Area is just as beautiful as the Valley. Stopping off at Muir Woods to take in the sites of the 350 year old redwood trees was most definitely a highlight of the trip. Another trip highlight was touring the USS Hornet, an aircraft carrier turned museum where my grandfather served during his time in the Navy. And last, but not least, watching the sunset on the over the Pacific Ocean while dining at Crab Landing in Half Moon Bay.

This weekend get a way was just what the doctor ordered. Although…I still have to invest in a trip to the salon to blend out the grey hair!

--Kim Krueger

Restaurants in Milan 2010

2010-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hi to my fellow Salone-goers and lovers of all things Italian:

Due to popular demand, here's this year's BDE Annual Restaurant list. I reached out to fashion, design and my local Milanese friends, so most likely, this is an awesome list! Of course, there could be a dud or two...but I think not! Would love feedback from one and all. Also, if you have any trattorias, ristorantes or pizzerias to add that I might have forgotten (but make your reservations first!), please let me know.

And now...THE LIST!

Restaurants in Milan 2010:

Il Bolognese

Corso Genova, 3

02-58100824

Try the risotto!

Nobu @ Armani

Via Gastone Pisoni 1

02-62312645

Was renovated

Da Giacomo

Via Pasquale Sottocorno 6

02-760233313

Charming, unstuffy

Bice

Via Borgospesso 12

02-795528

Standard

10 Corso Como

Via Corso Como 10 (duh)

02-29013581

Lunch or drinks best

Blitz

Via Cerisio 9

02-312388

Friendly; big with TV folks

Osteria del Sognatore

Via Mormondo 1

02-89126048

Creative

Maxela (Macarelli)

Via Eugenio Villoreni 10

02-89402394

Meat, meat, meat

Giulio Pane e Ojo

Via Ludovico Muratori 10

02-5456189

Local recommendation

Pane e Acqua

Via Matteo Bandello 14

02-48198622

Rossana Orlandi's - expensive but good

Da Illia

Via Lecco 1

02-29521895

Local recommendation

Bebel's

Via San Marco 38

02-6571658

Brera area - Miuccia eats here, too!

Antica Trattoria della Pesa

Via Pasubio 10

02-29015157

Great reviews by all

Tano Passami L'Olio

Via Eugenio Villoresi 16

02-8394139

Great wine list

Cucina Delle Langhe

Corso Como 6

02-6554279

Low-key

Piccola Cucina

Viale Piave 17

02-76012860

Tiny

Premiata Pizzeria

Via E. De Amicis, 24

02-89406075

Best for lunch

Alla Collina Pistoiese

Via degli Amedei 1

02-86451085

A Milanese classic!

Ristorante La Scaletta

Piazzale Stazione Genova, 3

02-43986316

Local fav.

Eda

Via Filippo Lippi, 7

02-2668192

Native Milanese says so

Controvapore

Via Carlo Goldoni, 3

02-76390636

Native Milanese says so

Ristorante Rigolo

Via Solferino 11

02-804589

"Refined" = not-so-friendly

Bagutta

Via Monte Napolene 6 (It's really on Via Bagutta)

02-76002767

Service can be dicey but a must for me!

New and Newsworthy

Marc Jacobs

Piazza del Carmine 6

Cafe within the new store in the Brera area

Open 7:30 am to 2:30 am!

Maison Moschino

Viale Monte Grappa 12B

Check out the Kartell furniture!

Run, Emily, Run!

2010-03-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Most people know me as a professional opera singer when not working at BDE, but I have also found another very unexpected love - running. Running has become a big part of my life recently as I am training for a Half-Marathon coming up at the end of April. I never thought I would enjoy training in New York as much as I do with the street noise and dirty sidewalks, but trekking to Central Park from my Morningside Heights apartment has become a Sunday afternoon ritual that is a great warm-up both physically and mentally.

My stomping, er, running ground.

Yesterday, during my 7 ½ mile run, I was amazed at all the different people out and about. It seems like the gorgeous weather brings out everyone in the city. The park had a utopia feel. So many smiling faces of parents walking with their kids. Cyclists and other runners smiling and laughing as they bike and run up very steep hills. Crowded playgrounds next to crowds watching break dancers and roller skaters. From the bag piper to the man dressed as a praying mantis carrying a praying mantis puppet (definitely the strangest thing I’ve seen in a while), Central Park makes me realize how amazingly diverse New York City is. I think New York City gets a bad rap that it is a city with a “GO, GO, GO” mentality – that we never stop to enjoy life and each other. From what I see when I am running, that idea is completely bogus!

Who says New Yorkers don't stop to smell the flowers?

My long training runs are much more enjoyable when surrounded by all the healthy smiling New Yorkers. With only 6 weeks left before my race, I want to thank all of you who visit Central Park on Sundays. You have been cheering me on just by being in the park and enjoying all it has to offer.

After my first 13.1 in 2008.

--Emily Levin

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

2010-03-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, March 20th, I checked out the AIPAD Photography Show at the Park Avenue Armory. I’ll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about photography, despite having worked for a magazine for two and a half years. Honestly, I was always in awe about how long photo shoots took – a full day and only seven shots? Really? But, being the art enthusiast that I am, and given the prestigious reputation of the show (the longest-running and foremost exhibition of fine art photography; this was its 30th anniversary), I marched up the Armory steps ready to soak up everything the exhibition had to offer.

A Mapplethorpe self portrait; priced upon request

Home to more than 70 of the world's leading fine art photography galleries, the AIPAD show presents a wide range of museum-quality work including contemporary, modern and 19th century photographs, as well as photo-based art, video and new media. Galleries from all over the world displayed their most prized works, and let me say, awe-inspiring does not do the exhibitors justice. My patient tour guide was kind enough to point out the breathtaking blacks and deep textures of the landscapes, the usual-suspect exhibitors (Diane Arbus, Edward Weston, and even a Robert Mapplethorpe portrait – so exciting!), and the impressive techniques of the vintage prints, some dating back as early as the 1800’s. Mostly there was a lot of nodding and “mm-hmming,” but I really felt like I learned a few things.

A Ragnar Axelsson Icelandic landscape, as only he can truly capture it...

I did come away with a greater appreciation for photography as an art; the technicality of it is something that I will probably never understand, but the beauty of it is something that even the most budding aesthete can relate to. I discovered an assortment of new photographers whose work I look forward to following (Ragnar Axelsson, an Icelandic photographer with a penchant for Icelandic landscapes, or David Michael Kennedy’s poignant Native American portraits), and a list of photography books a mile long that I can’t wait to leaf through at my local bookstore. Moral of the story: just because you don’t know about something, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it!

One of David Michael Kennedy's powerful portraits

--Rachel Lexier

Native New Yorker

2010-03-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I always boasted about being a true New Yorker. Yankee Fan…check; New York accent…..check; Hanging on “The Stoop” or in “The Village” on the weekend with my friends…..check. It wasn’t until recently, that I realized that I am just really starting to understand what being a Native New Yorker is all about. Weekends in Central Park, exhibits at some of the most amazing museums imaginable, the NYC Skyline. The wonders of the city seen through the eyes of my 3-year old son, Jake – that’s what it took for me to realize what an amazing place New York City truly is.

Jake and I watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.

Just hearing the excitement in his voice as he sees the city skyline to his right and New Jersey to his left as we approach the Holland Tunnel. As we get out of the tunnel he bids farewell to New Jersey and says hello to New York City. Looking at his eyes as we walk down the streets of the city – the buildings, the taxi cabs, the buses, the people – his mouth and eyes are always open with amazement and he seems at peace (which is not the norm for a 3-year boy as many of you know).

Jake in Central Park

I am thrilled to be able to share my past with my son as he grows up and I can’t wait to experience New York all over again with him as well. This time, I am going to do it right!

Jake visiting the Intrepid Museum.

Please share your favorite New York moment or New York place with me so I can add it to my long list of “must-sees”.

--Karen Brooking

A Modern Eye Has Guest Bloggers!

2010-03-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

What’s a PR company without the people who make it run? That’s what we ask ourselves at our weekly Monday morning meetings – after we’ve had our coffee, of course. And we’ve found that BDE has a pretty diverse staff: we live in New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We have brothers, sisters, husbands, step-parents, dogs, and kids. We love all things design, and we just moved into a brand new office! We rock out to Pandora radio on days when we’re feeling a little sleepy.

The moral of the story is that we’re a lot more than just PR. And we want you, our loyal readers, to know about it. So let’s meet Team BDE:

Beth Dickstein, President: If you’re not sure who Beth is, we have to wonder what you’re doing reading her blog. But you probably only know Beth as the dynamo behind BDE, and let us be the first to tell you, Beth’s passions extend far beyond the public relations realm. Travel? Italy? New York? Great friends? These are the things that get Beth Dickstein’s heart pumping. From her days at Metropolis to steering the helm of BDE, Beth has embraced these elements in her life. Of course, family is first and foremost…very closely followed by her love for food and wine – and lots of it! Happily, Beth is able to incorporate all of this and more into her life with energy, joy, vim (what’s vim?) and vigor.

Karen Brooking, Vice President: Karen is our queen of trade clients, focusing her seemingly endless energy on Humanscale, Artemide, Carnegie, Coalesse and Trove. But again, that’s just her day job. Karen also has a three-year-old son, “Baby Jake,” and a new dog, Tango. Karen is also newly obsessed with Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter, and we challenge you to find an 80’s song she doesn’t know by heart, or an 80’s movie she hasn’t seen. On weekends when she’s able to slip away, you’ll find her in Atlantic City gambling away her hard-earned BDE dollars (but don’t worry, she always does it responsibly!)

Marlene Capron: Originally from Buffalo, Marlene has lived in NYC for over 13 years. During her time here, she has worked in the fashion industry, switched to the (much kinder) home design industry, met and married her husband of 4 years (the very talented furniture designer, Todd Capron) and, in July 2009, welcomed to the family - baby girl Elliott Jayne (who looks nothing like her mother…and who the girls at BDE may love more than Marlene!). Marlene joined the BDE team almost two years ago as an Account Manager. She absolutely loves her job and feels very lucky to work with an amazing group of girls at BDE, as well as an incredible list of clients. Apart from work, Marlene enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring this unbelievable city with her friends and family, working on the finishing touches of a 2 year + apartment renovation project, and tossing little baby socks at Elliott's face, which results in the most joyous giggle fest imaginable.

Sarah Sanzari: Sarah loves singing to any and every song on the radio. We know, because we all sit in the same room! The sunshine does wonders to her outlook on the day, and she never met a dog she didn’t like. Sarah’s goal is to travel around the world within the next ten years or so. Her newest passion is learning to cook, and she hopes to add a few new recipes to her repertoire each week. Luckily, her main account is Alessi, so she’s all set in the supplies department. And, we are gifting her with a Moleskine Passions for recipes!

Emily Levin: Emily is perhaps BDE’s best candidate for the “Two Truths and a Lie” game so often played as an icebreaker, if only because there are so many interesting facts about her that it’s hard to believe that they’re all real! When Emily is not spending her days at BDE surrounded by Moleskines and Kartell chairs, you can find her training for her upcoming half-marathon, spending time outdoors, and, like the rest of the BDE staff, cooking. This southern native from Georgia is also a professional opera singer who sings regionally throughout the year – and who met her husband, a cantoral student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, singing in Lucca, Italy. Emily and her husband are so happy to be back in New York after living in Cleveland for 5 years!

Kim Krueger: BDE’s most remote employee, frequent flyer miles rack up for Kim as she splits her time between the prairies of North Dakota and the pavement of Manhattan. Fortunately, she’s quite comfortable on an airplane, as travel is one of Kim’s favorite pastimes. A former Miss North Dakota USA, and lobbyist for the American Cancer Society, service and giving back to the community are important fundamentals in her life. Nothing gets Kim’s heart racing like a J. Crew cardigan, but thank goodness for online shopping since there is no J. Crew in North Dakota. Kim also enjoys reading, running, learning about wine and spending time with her family at their lake home in Minnesota.

Rachel Lexier: Rachel is the newest member of BDE, a recent transplant from the now-shuttered Metropolitan Home magazine. Rachel is also a new(ish) New Yorker, a Colorado native whose co-workers are constantly frustrated with her love of the snow, and her enthusiasm for all things blizzard-related. Rachel is a voracious reader, an ambitious chef (although admittedly some of her experiments need work), and loves nothing more than the feel of a magazine page between her fingers. She feeds this love daily by devouring every publication in the office.

Now, for the most exciting part of this (admittedly) lengthy blog post: each of these ladies you just met will be guest blogging for A Modern Eye. The topics will range from the local to the global, the large-scale to the small, but we promise to always keep you on your toes – and hope you’ll learn a bit more about BDE and the design world in the process.

Until next time!

Demise of More than Metropolitan Home

2009-11-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hello. The design business is reeling from the end of Met Home....but the publishing world is reeling from greater pains than that. I have said TIME AND TIME again to magazine sales people - sell me packages - don't sell me a printed ad page! Today, I received this from Dwell's publisher. It says it all. Please pass it along - we need to support those who have supported us and the industry who feed us! Feed us - emotionally, passionately and financially!

After 35 years Hachette has closed Metropolitan Home in an effort to bolster its global franchise in the Elle brand (fashion and home). The New York Times reported that the reason was “the bad housing market and a lack of disposable income for redecorating.” I submit that the housing market certainly contributed to the situation, but the problem goes much deeper than that. Simply put, the foundation is crumbling. The underlying reason is a complete dependence on advertising revenue rather than a healthy balance with subscription revenue. Why aren’t publishers charging a fair price for their products anymore? It DOES cost money to produce a high-quality magazine. Some of us are and we wish everyone did! I am not interested in taking on the trade press in this letter, but it is high time for an investigative report that digs deep into the magazine publishing industry to root out the causes for this widespread malaise. The simple fact remains that if a title is RELEVANT and has an AUTHENTIC voice that resonates with a COMMUNITY it understands and charges a fair price, it will be a SUSTAINABLE brand. It sounds self-serving, but I know of several titles cross-category that live by this premise.Until the economy went south and the cost of goods for producing and distributing magazines went far north, the one-legged publishing model was still meandering along. Now we are all paying the price because we are losing titles that had an audience and dedicated editors who served them. So, who is to blame? The truth is we all had a hand in this one. Advertisers and agencies still want MORE readers for their money because they have not figured out how to be comfortable with engagement metrics and place value on the editorial voice. Publishers keep feeding that beast and driving circulation levels to unnatural heights that are only sustainable by giving away a significant percentage or charging a few cents for each subscription. It really isn’t any more complicated than that. To prove my point, just ask yourself how much you paid for your last subscription to your favorite magazine. If the answer is $20 or more, you may have that magazine for some years to come. If it’s less than that you may lose that one too!Metropolitan Home was a fine publication and everyone at Dwell is sorry that HFM did not give this magazine a fighting chance. By building out the brand for the community it served and charging that community a fair price for the voice it created so many years ago it might still be here. I contend that the housing market and the lack of disposable income for redecorating are the scapegoats, not the culprits.In this particular case, I do hope you will join me in the campaign to move the print model to healthy ground by advocating for healthy circulation practices, reasonable rate bases, projectable engagement research and above all, integrated media buys that give strong media brands the credit they deserve. As always, I look forward to your comments (and I read every one of them!)

Best,

Michela O’Connor AbramsPresidentDwell Mediamichela@dwell.comTwitter: @MichelaAbrams

Alessi 2009 Customer Appreciation Night

2009-10-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Alessi cordially invites you to an exclusive shopping event: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009, 6-8pm

20% off entire stock

SoHo, NYC, 130 Greene Street @ Prince

Madison Ave, 30 East 60th Street @ Madison

Chicago, 611 N. State Street @ Ontario

San Francisco, 424 Sutter Street @ Powell

Light refreshments will be served

Clients.....

2009-09-29T09:56:00.001-07:00

You know, I have some of the greatest clients in the whole world! This is one of my favs:

http://bigthink.com/albertoalessi/big-think-interview-with-alberto-alessi

I got to spend almost a week with Alberto in March in New York, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and at Cranbrook. It was a sheer joy - brilliant and very funny!

Another client, Humanscale just won 6 awards in Canada - S I X! This client puts it's money where its mouth is and I for one am so proud to be part of http://www.humanscale.com/ and http://twitter.com/humanscale

Artemide is teaming up with Vitra (Artemide is MY client) for this: http://twitter.com/SurfaceMag

Just wanted to keep you ...er...posted!

Pictures - Maison & Objet and more....

2009-09-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hi - spoke in Rimini (I told you that) and here's the pix of the convention center and the room I spoke in:

The convention center in Rimini is a wonderful example of sustainable design. Other convention centers should follow their lead.

Then onto Maison & Objet - the fair had steady traffic and from what I hear from EVERYONE at trade shows these days...people came to write orders - smaller, but steady stream. And, because their inventory is either depleted or old, they are eager for replenishing and for quick shipping. I know I'm biased, but also those who know me, honest...trade shows are growing in importance. With staff's smaller and time, dearer, trade shows allow for seeing tons of stuff in person without a million sales calls. And, negotations take less time when done in person and not email/email/email/text/text/email/call - you get the picture.

I have to say I normally rave over Maison's exhibits - this year was a bit light. And, they, like other shows have to accept some of the good, the bad and the ugly - you tell me:

Paolo Navone for Richard Ginor (The Good) - the others will remain nameless to protect the innocent or clueless . Also wonderful event at Merci in Paris - congrats to Paola - always great!

Back from Rimini, Crusinello and Paris!

2009-09-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, back! Thought I would just give you a bit of a taste of RCP!

On my Food, Wine & Design: Rimini was the Miami Beach of Italy, truly. (Again, pix to follow). The food was not the caliber of "my" Italy, except for the breakfast in the Club Hotel - it was stupendous! And served outside! Nuff said. I stayed in Milan for one night and as always, can't be beat! Had lamp chops they flew in from New Zealand (New Zealand???), but as Le Meridien Gallia hotel food, it was wonderful. Lastly, Paris. Actually didn't have a bad meal! Palais Royale was probably the best. The decor was truly bordello French (in a good way) and from the fish to the chocolat (french) cake, it was fantastic. The wine, particularly, was the "house" white wine and oh, so good. I'm actually enroute to San Francisco and so pix will follow. Just wanted to bring you up to date. Lastly, Maison Objet was terrific. Traffic seemed good and all reported orders, smaller in size, but more people buying. Lack of Americans was evident. Talk soon.

I'm just a wanderer.....

2009-08-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hi - I'm off to Italy (to speak) and Maison Objet in Paris (to see). I hope to have great images for my return.

Also - I never shared the good that was the Gourmet Housewares Show in San Francisco nor the New York International Gift Fair - and how well it performed for our clients.

Oh well, it's not "never gonna share".

So stay tuned.

And, I plan/promise/will try to deliver a weekly/monthly update to this blog. What about? My favorite Food, Wine & Design, which will explore the restaurants I get the pleasure to dine in from their food, wine and design standpoints. Also, My Design Love of the Moment, which could be a product, person or thing. And lastly, a design business tidbit.

So you can see - flux and flexibility is the word! Spread it!

Ahhhh.....Umbria

2009-07-07T13:24:00.001-07:00

Hello! I thought it would be nice to show you some of Umbria - particularly as it pertains to design, food and architecture. Having spent two weeks in this mountainous, wonderful place - high in the hills of Montegiove (http://www.castellodimontegiove.com/) - YOU MUST!

This was our place - the olive mill belonging to the 13th Century Castello.

The land of Umbria is quite different than Tuscany - more mountains, less tourists! Tremendous sunsets!!!

Lots of highlights and great food - we went to a slow food restaurant in Montechello - Osteria La Porta - that was wonderful. Not to mention the wonderful restaurant at Badia a Coltibuono (http://www.badiaacoltibuono.com/).

There were so many highlights.....one being witness to the renovation happening to the Castello - and another - a Franciscan monestery now being run by 2 gay gentlemen - now that's what I call "liberation"!

There are so many photos (468) and lots of FLIP videos (72) - that I have no patience to do all at once. If you are interested, I'm happy to share some with you. All in all - it gives ones perspective on the rush, the tumble and what's really important. If I can keep this feeling for a time - I'm happy! You know....I think I will!

Last but never least - Carnegie NEOCON preview

2009-06-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Carnegie is always fun to promote - beautiful colors/textures/.....ideas! This year is no different. Bright Side has great color, designs and is a breakthrough for durability and as can be expected from Carnegie - sustainability!
So now you have it: Artemide/Vitra party on Sunday night - invite only - if you want to come - contact me! Then make sure on June 15 - 17, you stop by Humanscale, Coalesse and Carnegie in the Merchandise Mart.....say hi to me and Karen! See you in Chicago!

And yet.....another NEOCON preview...this time Humanscale

2009-06-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

They had the "bright" idea to come out with double digit new products THIS YEAR!!! Really exciting news ...and the highlight will be (besides this incredible LED Element Light), the DIFFRIENT WORLD CHAIR! Weighing less than 25 lbs., hugely sustainable...you have to test "sit" to love it! And so much more....you really have to go to the 3rd floor at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, June 15-17th to see/feel it!

More preview.....NEOCON.....sssshhhhh

2009-06-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hi - this time we look at Coalesse (http://www.coalesse.com/) who have spent their first year - truly buidling the brand and true to its name - unifying and building a community...with clients, end users and with their "partnerships" (Carl Hansen, Walter Knoll, Viccarbe) and one to be announced shortly! (Don't ask me - I won't tell!). Highlights at NEOCON (Space 1032) will include:

Bindu (by Brian Kane):

Denizen by Otto Williams and Jess Sorel:

Preview of NEOCON - sssshhhh..........

2009-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our clients are leading the industry once again - with non-stop products and positive outlooks - I'll be giving you a preview - but don't/do tell anyone!

Like Artemide - with their invite only party with Vitra on Sunday night.....lighting the Buckminister Fuller dome with Mercury Cluster - their hit product by Ross Lovegrove. Don't forget this is one product you can add or subtract lights for your own "pebbles" of lighting....

Then visit Vitra's showroom in the Merchandise Mart to see the Artemide Talak LED Table lamp and Mouette products!

And THEN visit 223 W. Erie St. to see so much more of the Artemide collection of lighting! This firm is definitely moving in great new directions and the A & D community is thrilled!

Doings.....

2009-05-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well, tonite (5.29) at 6:30 (till 9:30) at the Art Directors' Club 106 W. 29th St. in NYC - the ID Magazine/Moleskine project will be on view! COME ON BY! 13 artists, designers, visionaries put a week in their lives in the new Folio size Moleskine - and the results are amusing, beautiful, thought provoking and just damn good! Julie Lasky, former editor of ID (now with http://www.designobserver.com/) was a joy to work with on this project Here's a peak:

I Gotta Vent

2009-05-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

So a well respected and really nice journalist tells me she heard ICFF was down in attendance by 50%...SO NOT TRUE! It was down 12% - and actually Monday of this year was higher than Monday of last year! We know KBIS and HD Vegas was down in the really high double digits - but ICFF WAS NOT!

Moreover, I got testimonials from soooooooooo many as to the worth of the show/attendees/exhibitors - even Marianne Rohrlich of NY Times speaks of the energy (www.nytimes.com). People from Pentagram, Mancini Duffy, Gensler, M.Moser all raved about the show and the quality. The Japan By Design exhibit ran out of bags on Sunday!

So, listen - I know this is a "hot button" for me - but I hope you also know that when it sucks, I admit it. This was a really good year - and if an exhibitor didn't do well - they either:

Didn't show well - poor booth design or product assortment
Didn't have the product that was desired
Sat with a gloomy face in their booth
Or have a negative outlook

OH.............Have a nice holiday weekend!

ICFF and stuff....

2009-05-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

So today is the last day....and "are my feet tired"! From most accounts (you can't make everyone happy), the show was a true success. In fact, the attendance yesterday exceeded that of last year! There was some really interesting stuff (this from Megan Meade from Mancini Duffy; Laura Guido Clark of LGC Design; and Kevin Walz, Walzwork Inc). The parties went really well (we had almost 1200 attendees at Kartell; and DJ Kreemy did his "thang" at Artemide to a HUGE crowd) - so here's some images for you:

Kartell 60 Years!!!

Alessi - Campagna Brothers Window!

DJ Kreemy at Artemide!

Interesting Project in Sweden

2009-05-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

Ran into Eero Koivisto at the ICFF and he told me about this wonderful project. Claesson Koivisto has taken the design of the plastic bag and given it to the Stockholm City Mission. They in turn take the donated fabric and clothing that is sent to them (16 tons a year!) and have the homeles choose two fabrics to sew into reusable bags. These are sold to create revenue for the non-profit Mission and give the homeless an opportunity to work. They are completely wonderful! Ck out http://www.claessonkoivistorune.se/

Leave the driving to us.....

2009-05-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the last day of ICFF - and for those that are worried about "getting out of the Javits" - note that there is an Artemide/Vitra Bus that goes from the Javits to Meatpacking to Soho every 1/2 hour. It's right behind the big buses! Just pick up your pin for entry at either Vitra or Artemide booths!

Sneak Peek at ......Part One

2009-05-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

We thought those loyal followers of this blog would enjoy a sneak peek at what some of our clients will show at ICFF (May 16-19 at Javits, of course!). You still need to see it/touch it/love it in person - but you can get an idea of what you will see/touch/love! Enjoy!

Valais by Trove

Cindy by Kartell

Denizen by Coalesse

Pipe Floor by Artemide

Mangrove by Teko Design in Hall D - JETRO

Some key folks to look for at ICFF!

2009-05-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

Took these at Salone....in my own simple unprofessional filmmaking way...more to come!

Events during ICFF - Come and Get it!!!

2009-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Design Week Events
** Beth’s recommendations

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Nemo Tile
48 E. 21st St.
6 – 8 p.m.

Jen Renzi’s New Book: The Art of Title
Author will be on site to sign copies
RSVP@NEMOTILE.COM

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Talent Mag Spring Launch
BAR 13
35 E. 13th St.
5 – 9 p.m.

RSVP: 212-354-7189

**MoMA’s Destination: Brazil
MoMA Design Store
81 Spring St.
6 – 8 p.m.

Launch party with MoMA and the Consulate General of Brazil
RSVP_MOMASTORE@MOMA.ORG, 212-708-9738

**InDisposed
Studio-X
180 Varick St., Suite 1610
Time is TBA – Check indisposednyc@gmail.com

Exhibition preview of eco-friendly design that addresses notions of disposability

Friday, May 15, 2009

**”!0 Years of Fuorisalone in Milan”
50 Greene St.
6 – 8:30 p.m.

Paul Makovsky, Editorial Director of Metropolis and panel will give a short overview of the their Fuorisalone experiences

Sold out!

**Material Connexion + Culture & Commerce, Inc.
60 Madison Ave., Fl 2
6 – 9 p.m.

Celebrate the grand opening of their new headquarters
(Invitation Only)

**The Conran Shop and Parrot Invite You to Meet Philippe Starck &
Celebrate the US debut of Zikmu

407 E. 59th St.
6 – 9 p.m.

RSVP@conranusa.com or call 212 755-9079 ext. 6046

**Harry Allen Design and Gaia & Gino’s “Blocks + Fireflies”
207 Ave A
6 – 10 p.m.

Celebrate the launch of two new projects during ICFF
RSVP@HARRYALLENDESIGN.COM

Valcucine
66 Crosby St.
7 – 10 p.m.

Celebrate the debut of Valcucine’s Riciclanta Sustainable
SURFACEMAG.COM/RSVP/VALCUCINE

Saturday, May 16, 2009

**ICFF OPENING NIGHT PARTY
MoMA
7-9 pm.

Tickets a must! Go to:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=401044

**Living Divani, Boffi, Porro
142 Greene St. – 5th Floor
6 -9 p.m.

(By Invite Only)

**USM Modular Furniture’s “Space within Space”
28-30 Greene St.
6 – 9 p.m.

Discover the USM Haller System: “Space Within Space”
INFO@US.USM.COM

Design within Reach’s “Illuminated Sound”
142 Wooster St.
7 – 9 p.m.

Exhibition of Parsons’ students designed storefront windows
TFLSOHO@DWR.COM

**Design within Reach’s “Lit Up: Wastberg”
110 Greene St.
7 – 9p.m.

Reception and chance to see the collection and prototypes by Ilse Crawford, James Irvine, and Michael Young
SOHO@DWR.COM

Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell’s “123”
150 Greene St.
7 – 9 p.m. (Press 6 – 7 p.m.)

Opening of Studio Job, Materialise and Julien Carretero’s newest exhibitions
(By Invitation Only)
Desiron’s Candy Collection
151 Wooster St.
7 – 10 p.m.

Premiere of the CANDY Collection by David Rockwell for DESIRON
RSVP@DESIRON, 212-353-3600 x 100

Sunday, May 17, 2009

**Design within Reach’s Claesson Koivisto Rune Illuminated
408 W. 14th St.
6:30 – 10 p.m.

An exhibition of recent work by Swedish architects Marten Claesson, Eero Koivisto, and Ola Rune
WEST14TH@DWR.COM

**Bond Design Studio
Milk Studios
450 W. 15th St.
5 – 10 p.m.

10 new projects that respond to an ever-increasingly complicated world
RSVP@ABENYC.COM

Fritz Hansen
22 Wooster St.
6 – 8 p.m.

View the latest designs from Fritz Hansen
KAD@FRITZHANSEN.COM

**Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell’s “123”
150 Greene St.
6 – 8 p.m. Drinks

Studio Job, Materialise and Julien Carretero’s newest exhibitions
MUST RSVP: RSVP@MOSSONLINE.COM, 212-204-7106

**McMasterpieces exhibition
Ace Hotel
20 W. 29th St., Fl 8
6 – 8 p.m.

Exhibit curated by Monica Khemsurov 13 NYC Designers Present New Furniture Creations entirely of parts and raw materials from McMaster- Carr

MUST RSVP mcmasterpieces@gmail.com

Equilateral 09:02
414 W. 14th St.
6 – 9 p.m.

Pop up gallery and lounge for art, design, and architecture
RSVP@ABENYC.COM

Dror for Target, Dror for Cappellini
408 W. 14th St.
7 – 9 p.m. (Press 6 – 7 p.m.)

Dror Benshreit will debut his exclusive collection for Target & Capellini
( By Invitation Only)

Monday, May 18, 2009

**Sensations – Creating Environments for Well-Being
4 Columbus Circle
4 – 6 p.m.

Designers, Harri Koskinen and Mikko Paakkanen, will be in attendance
RSVP: 212-445-8824

Murray Moss and Franklin Getchell’s “123”
150 Greene St.
6 – 8 p.m.

Moss’ MGX Exhibit
150 Greene St.
6 – 8 p.m. drinks

Pieces form the largest exhibit of .MGX works to ever be assembled
MUST RSVP: RSVP@MOSSONLINE.COM, 212-204-7106

**Alessi
130 Greene St.
6 – 8 p.m.

The world premiere of “Mandacaru Blow Up” by the Campana brothers
RSVP1@BDEONLINE.BIZ

**Artemide
46 Greene St.
6- 8 p.m.

Join Karim Rashid aka DJ Kreemy who will play while you see the latest Artemide designs.
RSVP7@BDEONLINE.BIZ

**Kartell
39 Greene St.
6 – 9 p.m.

60 Years of Design: What a Wonderful World!
RSVP4@BDEONLINE.BIZ

Mavi Presents Houseworks: An Installation by Alper Boler
832 Broadway
6 – 8 p.m.

A contemporary reception of an exhibition of contemporary design
RSVP@MAVI.COM

Design within Reach’s “Purpose and Worth”
903 Broadway
6 – 8 p.m.

Reception for the installation of furniture and housewares curated by members of the American Design Club
Music by DJ Toy Baron
FLATIRON@DWR.COM

**Property
Design House Stockholm debuts at Property
14 Wooster St.
6 – 9 p.m.

Music by DJ Brion
RSVP3@BDEONLINE.BIZ, 21-353-1383

“NYC”
Surface Magazine and AF New York
22 W. 21st St., Fl 5
6 – 9 p.m.

Join the debut of NYC, the book and photography exhibition by Mark Craemer
HTTP://SURFACEMAG.COM/RSVP/AFNY

DCC
181 Madison Ave.
6 – 9 p.m.

Annual design week with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Silent auction proceeds benefit SCAD
No RSVP req’d

“Show” – New Book by Ralph Pucci
44 W. 18th St.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Book signing party to celebrate Ralph Pucci’s new book, Show
SHOW@HFMUS.COM, 212-767-5405

Gandia Blasco Closing Celebration
107 Rivington
9 – 11 p.m.

No RSVP req’d

Artemide at Euroluce

2009-05-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

So -here's a slice of Artemide .....you can skip the first video - couldn't delete it! But view on. I'm having a couple of technical difficulties - but I'm trying! So please - bear with me - but this is fun and info for all. Enjoy!

First day highlights - for me....

2009-04-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

So this was the middle of my of many of my days....iced towels! Works miracles.

The first day with no sleep is a bit surreal - but nonetheless exciting. It's like Christmas morning and not everything is totally wrapped and ready! But that first bite of pasta - is heaven! And...and...wine at lunch! From Zona Tortona to events in the evening, it is non-stop but totally energizing and envigorating. I'll shut up and let you see some of the things I saw. If you have comments - let me know.

Marcel! The Wander!

Foscarini with Bri in the shadows!

Person Parking!

Videos (First) from Milan & Interviews

2009-04-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ciao! I'm back and have tons of great stuff from Salone. The first will be a series of interviews from Patrick Jouin (in the Kartell booth); Eero Koivisto of Claesson Koivisto and Rune; and Mirkku Kullberg of Artek. I will be reporting on the good; the bad and the ugly and beautiful as well! The atmosphere in the fair was quite positive and a bit subdued. I'm proud to say that our clients, Kartell for furniture and Artemide for lighting - got rave reviews all around! Please watch and stay tuned for more.

More Salone - Take 2

2009-04-18T10:10:00.001-07:00

For some reason my long and oh-so-interesting blog of yesterday vanished! So forgive me if you get this a second time - this one is right!

Let's do Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24th at Salone in Milan. I would spend that Thursday (assuming you did Pavilion 12, etc. on Wed.) going to Euroluce and Salone Satellite. Try to finish the fiera this day if you can.

Some highlights after - Thurs. 4/23:

6 p.m. is Frankie Morello Meets Zanotta at C.so Matteotti, 3. I have no idea who Frankie is but Zanotta is always a good bet!
Kartell at Via c. Porta, 1 Ang via Turati will be high-lighting ('scuse the pun) Kartellights! And from the images I saw, this new collection of lighting is an important introduction and direction for Kartell. Starts at 7 p.m.
Yamagiwa lighting is always interesting and well displayed - check them out at Spazio Vito Nacci via Durini 9/11. Also at 7 p.m.
There's Danish crafts at via Savona 56 back at Zona Tortona and if you are going there - check out SLIDE at Via Tortona 27 (Superstudiopiu) - I always like this playful company.

Some restaurant suggestions: Cavallini Via Mauro Macchi 2 - a bit out of the way, but itnerior designed by Gio Ponti's office nd incredible wine list. Wonderful garden. Anotehr is the Trattoria del Muovo Macello Via Lombroso Cesare 20 (I love to say "Cesare) - 02-59902122, One of the top restaurants in Milan and tough to get a reservation - so try now.

Friday, April 24th - Hopefully you can spend the day going from place to place in town.

Damn Magazine always is fun - see them at Piazza Sant'Ambrogio. I am always fascinated and inspired by the work from Eindhoven who will be at MY VERY BEST FAVORITE STORE - Rossan Orlandi on Via Matteo Bandello 14-16. Ikea is showing 20 years of their design (???) in Milan - at Via Tortona 20. While there, say hello to Jerry Helling at Bernhardt Design at via Savona 60 and what Materialise- Mgx is doing for Swarvoski Crystal Palace at via Savona 56, and Viccarbe (part of the U.S. company, Coalesse) at Tortona 15. I would also see the Taiwan exhibit in the area on via Forcella 16. Of course, never miss the Triennale -Viale Alemagna 6 - and you could even have lunch there (after visiting their incredible book store) - if you don't mind disturbing look on the waiters' faces. In town, always good to see B & B Italia, Porro and Cassina on Via Durini. And Driade on Via Manzoni 30. Boffi is always a treat in Brera on Via Solferino and I N E V E R miss anything Paola Leni does - Palazzo delle Stelline Corso Magenta 61. Droog is having a pop up store until April 26th at ag 22 Via Alserio 22 and Vistosi - Design Set - Piazza Castello 16 should be interesting.

I understand Rossana Orlandi has a restaurant near her store - never been but why not? And in the Tortona area - there Piquenique for food from Provance and Trattoria Ai Binari - huge, but nice folks. Check out Bar Basso Via Plinio 39 - and drink the Negroni Sbagliato....or whatever as my Milanese friend said it has the "best cocktails in town". For the calm-before-the-storm, the bar at Hotel Diana Majestic on Viale Piave is nice the afternoon before it becomes a scene.

I left off some things to be sure like Ingo Maurer's party on Via Manin- always great but so crowded. And so many others - too many - really - to mention. Most important is to try to absorb as much as you can and enjoy! I'll be blogging from Milan. Ciao!

First tips on Salone Events

2009-04-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

So - here's my first stab at some events I think you will find exciting - if you are lucky enough to be going to Salone del Mobile in Milan (bde clients in red) :

The truth is if you arrive on Tuesday, April 21st - go to Zona Tortona. It's press preview time around 3 p.m. - but they seem to let us all in. My favs are always Tom Dixon, Marcel Wanders...and this year thre is a Temporary Museum for New Design - who knows??? Zona Tortona opens that night for cocktail parties all around - a true Milanese madhouse!

Good day to also check out 10 Corso Como - your room is never ready when you arrive! www.10corsocomo.com.

Again, April 21st - INVITE ONLY: "Barbie Does Design" for Kartell - *** if you want to go - send me an email beth@bdeonline.biz

Corian - Milano Store will have it's event 6:30 p.m. on - via San Nicolao 4

Sparkling: Ecologically Correct - 5:30 on - Invite only - try info@sparkling-now.com

Damn Magazine - "Prophets Penitents" always fun - from 6:30 p.m. on (but you can go during the week too) at Oratorio Della Passione, Piazza Sant' Ambrogio;

Lexus - L Finesse - Crystallised Wind - by Sou Fujimoto - Museo Della Permanente, via Filippo Turati 34 from 6 p.m. on

On April 22nd: I would spend the day at the Fiera Pavilion 12 to start - it's the most insane registration - but gets you right in the mood! This year is Euroluce - and as always, Salone Satellite. I would say spending as much time on the 22nd and half day 23rd is great.

In the evening: One of my favorite people, Harri Koskinen (www.harrikoskinen.com) wil lbe at Galleria Corsoveneziaotto, corso Venezia 8 (near San Babila station) - cocktails from 6 p.m.

There's a Zaha Hadid launch at the aforementioned 10 corso como - not sure if invite only from 6 p.m. on.

Molteni at Corso Europa 2 from 6:30 on is always very nice and the Moroso madness ( I stopped going some time ago - it's a small store and very hot and crowded) from 7 p.m. on at via Pontaccio8/10 - but it goes on all week - so if you are interested - go any day after.

Zanotta will show historical pieces from 7 p.m. on at their shop Piazza del Tricolore 2 - and that should be wonderful.

Artemide showing their new collection at Corso Monteforte 19 from 7 p.m. on - they always have GREAT food!

Panasonic with designs by Fukasawa ( one name like Madonna!) and Patricia Urquiola will be at via San Carpoforo 9 from 7 pm. on

You need to RSVP at studioberg@smith-petersen.com to go see James Irvine, Marc Newsom and Carsten Holler from 7 p.m. on at via G.E. Pestalozzi 4. Always interesting.

Interni is having a bunch of stuff but I'm having trouble reading their invite!

Another mad scene but always "enlightening" ('scuse the pun) Ingo Maurer at Spazio Kirizia- Via Manin 21 from 8 p.m. on "Shine on you crazy diamonds!" - says it all.

And last but never least -Kartell's Dance with Glue Cinderella - 7 p.m. at their flagship store Via C.Porta, 1 Ang. Via Turati....watch for this fun shoe in next week's New York Magazine too! But come on over that night for sure and say hi to Brianna and me!

OK - so that's your first two days! I'm exhausted writing it!

Some more restaurants to consider:

Fashionista go to Trattoria Delle Langhe, Corso Como 6 #02- 6554279
In Brera - try: 13 Giugno - www.ristorante13giugno.it - I hear the food is A M A Z I N G! From a Milanese yet!

Salone - here we go - Restaurants

2009-04-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello - so here's my suggestions for restaurants in Milan - I've been to all but the bar:

New bar: Comini - (Nottingham Forest) Viale Piave 1 - www.igougo.com

Al Girarrosto - Corso Venezia 31 02-76000481 Really nice at lunch; classic; closed Saturday (wha?????)
Trattoria Milanese - Via Santa Marta 11 02-86451991 - Closed Tuesday
Torre Di Pisa - Via Fiori Chiari 21 02 874877 - Closed Sunday - known to be Ettore Sottsass fav
Alla Collina Pistoiese - Via Degli Amedei 1 02-846451085 - Closed Friday - my all time fav and a relative of the late Ivan Luini www.allacollinapistoiese.com
Bagutta - Via Bagutta www.bagutta.it/english.html - used to my all time fav - but lately service is really bad; and Rigolo in Brera via Solferino 11 is good as well.

Next will be restaurants that have been recommended to me......

Need feedback

2009-04-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

hey - check out our new website www.bdeonline.biz - would love your feedback. check out events too - and let me know what more you'd like to see. thanks.

Salone

2009-04-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

So Salone is coming up and the excitement builds! Love this time of the year - really really busy but lots to look forward to. Salone, then ICFF (http://www.icff.com/), then NEOCON. Usually not my fav - but our clients are really "doing it up"! So I'm happy! Here's some archived shots of Salone for those never gone...and those who have fond memories. Watch for my new restaurant list for Milan coming soon.

Design in these times

2009-03-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! What I'm seeing now is that the firms that do the most - get the most. I know it takes $$$ and risk, but I also see results. Too many firms are cutting and holding back. It will be that much harder for them going forward to be "top of mind" - not to mention missing whatever business is out there to get.
.I am also seeing new ways of being in front - it's not one thing. Not just advertising, just p.r., nor just direct or email. It's a combination of all of it and adding the new social media marketing element. There are many age groups, interest levels and abilities to spend. One size doesn't fit all . And certainly, doing nothing doesn't work.

Ck out: www.artemide.us/bright

The People

2008-05-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about trade fairs....are the people. You get to see people you only see a couple of times a year - maybe stay in touch with by email. But you always enjoy seeing them. I even got some to "ham" for me....enjoy:

Laura Guido Clark (SF) and Linda O'Keeffe - how cute is this?

Marcel Wanders - he can't take a bad picture!

Tucker Viemeister - he's really handsome when he's not clowning!

Harri Koskinen - a wonderful designer from Helsinki, Finland.

Mr. Luti (Owner of Kartell - second from the right) and some retailers from Argentina

Yves Behar and friend at the Boffi event - and that was absolutely a beautiful space on Greene St. Really wonderful.

Linda Tischler and her husband at the Fast Company party...what a nice shot!

Phil Robinson (ICFF) at the Opening Night Party at MoMA - he has reason to be happy!

The People....the Parties

2008-05-23T09:05:00.001-07:00

I'm back...so there were tons of parties....and some surprise newcomers (Like the Bernhardt/Fast Company/Gaia & Gino event). The streets were buzzing and again, what I heard was all good.

Vitra's event, though really crowded, was not what even the invited designers expected. I think when you bring some of these great designers over - you should ask if they want a crowd scene with loud music and beer - or if they want a more quiet event where they can meet the people, sign a book, drink champagne....It should be discussed - I think - don't you?

Anyway, BDE ran 4 events - Promos, Alessi, Kartell and Artemide ..... and I'm pleased to report all were successful. There was some confusion over the hours that Promos' exhibition was open - but overall, the clients were pleased. We clocked in over 1200 attendees to Kartell's event.....it was crazy (no designer present even!)

Hope you can get a feel.........check out my next post.....thanks!

WHAT A GREAT ICFF!!!

2008-05-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well....it's over! What an unbelievable event.....at the show and all around.

Although, it was hard to tell that from the Times coverage.

Yes, I know it's not Milan........but what is????

As usual, I will go over the fair and events over a period of days...there's just too much!

From all accounts, attendance was up and the exhibitors I spoke to were really happy...and believe me...I hear it if they aren't!

I thought for the most part - the booths looked great - Herman Miller was fantastic! As was Pablo, Lutron, IXC, HBF, Kartell.........so many to mention. There were, unfortunately, some misses too....You make the call:

There's more....but you get the message....I hope some firms do as well!

I have to say the Spanish did a great job of display - with a great "pavilion" that housed their companies but gave them each individuality of brand. I thought the Thailand group did a wonderful job too....Kudos!

Display is so important in any show....it shows brand, philosphy, potential, image....so many things. Putting up just any structure and bringing just any furniture.........does more to harm the brand and image than help. I hope "they know who they are"!

Business was booming despite the "economy" - and I heard some wonderful success stories of potential business and new contacts. Congrats to all that participated and came.

More to come.....

ICFF - More info- and Restaurants

2008-05-14T09:39:00.001-07:00

Hi - apparently some of the events I received invites too - were very limited - due to size of the venues.

One new addition: I.D. Magazine - What's Wrong with American Furniture Design?
Sunday, May 18th; 3 - 5 p.m.
DWR
110 Greene St.

One such is Apartment Therapy - PLEASE DO NOT RSVP ANY LONGER....there's really no room.
Another is DWR - again LIMITED SPACE

Sorry - I wasn't aware and all have been so nice to advise me....and also let me know my blog is really being read.

So I thought I would also provide some restaurant info ....not the trendy new spots you all know and come to New York to experience....but places that you can actually speak and HEAR the person(s) you are dining with.

First - breakfast:

Yes, we know Balthazar.....OK - so you're Brad Pitt!!!

Here are some other wonderful spots in New York to eat the first meal of the day....where you can hear each other:

Mercer Hotel - Prince and Mercer - go early - no ones up
Four Seasons Hotel - 57th St. between Park and Madison - the best BEST Lemon Ricotta Pancakes in the world. Pricy - but it's the Four Seasons!
Cafe Falai - 265 Lafayette St. between Prince & Spring...delightful - and great for dinner too. Cash only.
Any of the Le Pain Quotidien - they are uptown/downtown/West Side/East Side - always very nice for cappucino and "something"
Pastis - 9 Ninth Avenue at Little W. 12th St. - believe it or not....really quiet in the a.m.
Once Upon a Tart - 135 Sullivan St. betw. Houston & Prince - can get cramped, but if nice - can sit outside
Cafeteria - 119 Seventh Avenue near 17th St. - again, in the a.m. - it's very nice and quiet...and on a nice day they raise the windowed walls.

And - there's a Starbucks in the Javits....

For dinner and other meals, I like (that are not trendy) :

Centovini - 25 W. Houston betw. Greene and Mercer - the absolutely fabu place of Murray Moss, Franklin Getchell and Nicolo M....I just love the food and the decor and the service. It's pricey - but at lunch for some reason really empty and for dinner - make reservations. Great Italian food and wine.

Mezzogiorno - 195 Spring at Sulivan - I like it the food - very simple and you can sit outside or inside - rarely crowded. I never make reservations.

Giorgione - 307 Spring St. betw. Greenwich and Houston - owner is Deluca of Dean and Deluca - and the food is really good. Try to sit up front where you can talk...you can't in the back. Reservations a must. Italian (again).

Perry St. - 176 Perry St. on West St. - Expensive! Jean-Georges! But the food is wonderful and well designed by Richard Meier so you can speak. Not Italian.

Il Gattopardo - 33 W. 54th St. betw. 5 & 6th Avenues - I like this place...it has a great roofed "outdoor" space in the back; food and service is really good. If you are at MoMA and don't want The Modern or Grayz (or Michaels) - then try this...but make reservations.

Pearl's - 18 Cornelia St. between Bleecker & W. 4th - if you can find it - it's fab...great, fresh seafood - very small - so here's the deal: Go at 5:45 before it opens or you will have to wait...sweet street so it's nice even to wait - no reservations. If you don't want to wait...the Palm down the street is really nice - food is so - so but the back garden is fabulous. The owners built a small "suburban country" home there.....it's so ...New York!

I have a bunch of others...but run out of time.....if anyone wants more suggestions...post or drop me an email and I'll add to this for sure....

More ICFF!

2008-05-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hi - lots of last minute invites/evites are here! So do add these to your list. I would advise RSVPs - if necessary - why?

As a planner of so many events - it is important to know how many are coming for the booze and food (if there is food) orders.....also depending upon the size of the space - one needs to know if they need to "cut off the list" - or hire security. So - when you are invited - think about that and RSVP rather than just showing up.

Here's the newest:

Friday, May 16th
Design 21 - A Good Life
Parson The New School for Design
Product Design Thesis Exhibition
7-10 p.m.
10 W. 56th St.

Sunday, May 18th
Jeff Miller at Carlos Miele
5-7 p.m.
408 W. 14th St.

Architects' Newspaper Presents Raydoor & Hafele America
Drinks and Music
7-10 p.m.
25 E. 26th St.
rsvp@raydoor.com

Monday, May 19th
Kevin Walz at Ralph Pucci
6-8 p.m.
May 19th - Monday

A good friend and wonderful designer!

The Rug Company
New Collection by Kelly Wearstler
7-9 p.m.
88 Wooster St.
**STRICTLY INVITE ONLY*** RSVP A MUST: rsvp@therugcompany.info or call 212-274-0444 Ashley Bryant

Where am I going??? Figuring it out now....you know I'll be at Promos; Alessi; Artemide and Kartell!!! And hope you will too.

For those of you who are reading this for the first time....the larger number of events are listed below.

I.C.F.F. this year - is once again UP in registration just from the pre-registration numbers....and noting the number of events surrounding it - YOU KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE AN AMAZING EVENT!!!

Again - hate to sound like the broken record - a show is where you do business.....a party/event is where you have fun. Networking happens in both places! If there are any ICFF related questions - please email me at beth@bdeonline.biz. If there are any other questions...post it! Looking forward to an exciting week ahead.

ICFF is a'comin!

2008-05-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hi - sorry for the long "pause" - but first travelled to Vegas (baby) and the Gourmet Housewares Show. Coming back to Vegas was a shot in its arm - for sure! Good traffic and positive future.....

Now - ICFF! We are truly excited about the range and level of exhibitor this year. Some first timers include: Moooi, LePere, Graham & Brown; Avarte & Studio Antti E Oy (Finland), Cassina IXC (Japan), HBF with work from Yves Behar; Kohler, SICIS, ...wonderful returnees like Bernhardt (always doing something new and great); Herman Miller for the Home (with great new product); Vitra; Emeco; Carnegie (client); Kasthall (client); Trove with really unique wall art/papers (client).....the extraordinary Cosmit (Italian) booths; countries like Czech Republic; Spain; England; Austria and Denmark....all having a presence.

And, of course, the city comes alive!

I always tell people - and it's true - the ICFF/fair is where business is done - and from all accounts and the number of firms that return year after year.....it must be true!

There are things outside that are also fun - for the "partiers" of the world - and so here's my list thus far:

ICFF EVENTS – 2008

Please note: All BDE clients are highlighted and Italicized

Friday, May 16, 2008

Bergdorf Goodman- 20th Anniversary of the ICFF
6-8 p.m.
The Men’s Store, Third Floor
5th Avenue at 58th Street
RSVP: rsvp@bergdorfgoodman.com or 212-872-2646

Meet with Helen Wright of BAMFORD, Tony Chambers of Wallpaper and Jim Gold of Bergdorf Goodman.

The Conran Shop and Interiors from Spain- Opening of Rojo
6-9 p.m.
The Conran Shop
407 East 59th Street
RSVP: rsvp@conranusa.com or 212-755-9079 x6046
Dress Code: A flash of Red

The Gold Show
6-9 p.m.
Mondo Cane Gallery
174 Duane Street

Furniture and Paintings by Jim Oliveira

Surface Magazine-Conversation Series
6 p.m.
Tribeca Grand Hotel
2 Avenue of the Americas
RSVP: http://surfacemag.com/rsvp/conversationMay

A conversation between Dror Benshetrit and Winka Dubbeldam; the talk will be monitored by Max Fraser, Contributing Surface Editor.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Promos- Water, Air New York
6-9 p.m.
172 Mercer Street
RSVP: RSVP9@bdeonline.biz

Featuring 80 unique pieces from 40 of the best Italian design companies.

Moss
6-9 p.m.
150 Greene Street
RSVP: rsvp@mossonline.com or 212-204-7106

Murray Moss & Franklin Getchell invite you to attend the opening of the May exhibitions. Refreshments provided by Cento Vini.

Nieuw Amsterdam-Palau
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cite
131 Greene Street

Meet and Greet with designers Edward van Vliet and Richard Hutten

INTERNI- Cappellini Dream’s
7-10 p.m.
151 Wooster Street

The event features cocktails and an auction.

Matthew Hilton Launch at De La Espada
6:30 - 8:30 pm.
33 Greene St.

ICFF Opening Night Party
7 – 9 p.m.
MoMA, Rockefeller Sculpture Garden
11 West 53rd Street
RSVP: Tickets are a must! Purchase them online at www.ICFF.com

Glass House Moleskine Sketchbook
8-10 p.m.
**STRICTLY BY INVITATION ONLY**
Pls. contact Anna Roe, anna.roe@blackandwrite-us.com /Moleskine for invitation; Space extremely limited

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Material ConneXion- “Left/Brain/Right”
2 – 4:30 p.m.
Tishman Auditorium
66 West 12th Street
Li Edelkoort and Dr. Andrew Dent Discuss Greening Perspective 2010

Fast Company, Bernhardt Design, Gaia & Gino- Mix.Mingle. Meet the Future of Design
6-9 p.m.
Helen Mills Theater
137-139 West 26th Street
RSVP: lhagopian@fastcompany.com or 212-389-5453

Vitra- Super Normal
6 – 9 p.m.
The Vitra Store
29 Ninth Avenue
RSVP: store.ny@vitra.com by May 14th

Special guests Naoto Fukaswa and Jasper Morrison

AZURE - WRY & GINGER Cocktail Reception
6-8 P.M.
DWR
408 W. 14th St.

Canada's premier design magazine and DWR will celebrate Canadian
design. Exhibition goes on from May 16-22nd (noon).

IDSA NYC
7-9 p.m.
Equilateral 08:01
410 West 14th Street, Meatpacking District

Gallery environment where three creative forces- product design, fashion and lighting- intersect.

Surface Magazine- Botanist Blank Canvas
9 p.m.
Chelsea Art Museum
556 W. 22nd Street

Monday, May 19, 2008

Artemide- “Mercury, Acqua and Droplet”
6-9 p.m.
46 Greene Street
RSVP: rsvp1@bdeonline.biz
See the latest work from Ross Lovegrove while enjoying celestial cocktails!

Alessi- Design Interviews
6-8 p.m.
130 Greene Street
RSVP: rsvp18@bdeonline.biz

The Italian masters (Sapper, Castiglioni, Mendini, etal) tell their methods and experiences.

Ligne Roset and New York Spaces Magazine- Celebration of Spectacular Design
6-9 p.m.
155 Wooster Street
RSVP: http://www.spacesevents.com/ or 212-756-5105 by May 14th

Kartell- Mr. Impossible…Live!
6:30 p.m.
39 Greene Street
RSVP: rsvp4@bdeonline.biz

See the latest from the “impossible” mind of Philippe Starck….and get into the “picture”!

Cassina USA & Men’s Vogue- An Evening of Modern Luxury: The Artful Mix of Furniture, Fashion and Design
6:30-8:30
155 East 56th Street
RSVP: eventsmv@condenast.com

Celebrating new furniture collections from Cassina, fashion by Roberto Cavalli and the May 2008 Men’s Vogue Design issue.

Events

Nieuw Amsterdam- Droog
May 17th, From noon on
Property
14 Wooster Street

First “240 Hour Shop in Shop” in the USA.

Marimekko- HARDCORE New Finish Design Exhibition

May 17th- 12-5 p.m.
May 18th- 12-8 p.m.
May 19th- 12-8 p.m.

413-415 West 14th Street

BY New York and Artemide- Global Address
Saturday May 17th to Tuesday May 20th
10 a.m-7 p.m.
650 6th Ave

Visit beautiful Beaux-Arts Landmark building and view our new model apartments furnished BY New York and Artemide.

Will continue to present some work in images and more info next week!

Off site

2008-04-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi - so off site in Milan is like no other place...it is truly the only place (a bit in London too) that works. Via Tortona has been a "zone" where it was once only SuperStudio Piu (27). It was great to see Tom Dixon, Moooi and Marcel Wanders for Poliform, Spanish Playtime, Paola Lenti and some of the others. The Alessi kitchens were the best ever - as noted by the constant crowds. The atmosphere in the street is fun...it does get a bit "trash and burn" with beer bottles and cans all over the place...and the party people (and we know there are tons of those) just ..."partying".

My new best favorite...Rossana Orlandi. It is absolutely the most delightful place. It consists of a wonderful cafe, exhibition space mixed in with her offices and then to the right - a clothing boutique (got there) and to the left - a restaurant (didn't get there). Einhoven and Jaime Hayon were the exhibitions - and they were great. Once again, Einhoven makes you think and smile. I particularly liked the small refrigerator with the motor on the side that would heat / warm a small seat attached to it. Also the clothes line on a tension wire that would raise as the clothes dried - and when totally dry would have a bird-like sound to note that.

The store upstairs had wonderful product and a great way to house the products - in small brown boxes stacked up to the ceiling and clearly labeled (if you could read Italian). Ms. Orlandi herself made an appearance....any resemblence to the character in The Incredibles???

The Triennale was fabulous - with a great garden exhibition of Starck products fitting for outdoors - colorful and wonderfully accompanied by huge topiaries and brilliant red flowers. The Cassina exhibition of 125 iconic pieces displayed over 12,000 sq. ft. of space was beautifully done. And a BASF exhibit on materials was well done as well.

Loved the space of Established and Sons. And a great lucite lamp - lit by 9 LEDs in the base - gave great light and would be a wonderful piece of sculpture in any home/office (I'm thinking!). Rigolo Restaurant down the block capped that entire experience just perfect!

Fair

2008-04-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi - so let's look at Salone iteself. As expected, the ones that you would expect to shine - shone. Kartell (disclaimer - our client) was really a stand out. Having a tremendous collection of the best in design - it met all expectations. There was great stuff from the Bourellec Brothers; Patricia Urgiola; Piero Lissoni; Antonio Citterio, Tokujin Yoshioka.......... and last year's prototypes from Starck, Jouin - were finally products that we can't wait to promote. LOVED the chairs from the Bros - really a lot. And the adorable Loo Loo Ghosts - Louis Ghost for kids - was simply adorable.

The Outdoor Garden at the Triennale was absolutely beautiful - and one that brought a smile to all that saw it.

There was absolutely a trend to outdoor - and Kartell, with POP and it's outdoor fabrics - and all of the stuff that Starck has designed over the last 20 years - really made a wonderful and exciting exhibition. But I stray.

Moroso again did not fail to delight. Their booth stand to the introductions were absolutely wonderful. They are to be commended.

These two privately held firms should be commended for consistently coming up with great and wonderful designs....and innovation.

The congolomerate - Cassina, Alias, Capppellini etal - were certainly LARGE! I liked very much the accessories from Cappellini and the bench system from Alias. Some of the others - were less highlights for me.

Salone Satellite is wonderful and encouraging for a design future. Is some of it ridiculous - of course! But this group really thinks about the environment - more than the large companies do - and some of the ideas definitely should be looked at by the large companies. I always like their public spaces - so well used and appreciated. One doesn't need to sell each and every bit of space - one needs to give those attending spaces to enjoy, think and rest. Bravo to Marva Griffin and this element of Salone. (Look for Salone Satellite shots tomorrow).

Went through the Kitchens and Bath and the future of K & B too - didn't see much innovation - but lots of large spaces and beautiful kitchens and baths. You still need to see Boffi - off site to get a true sense of what real beauty of K & B is.

I love the Alessi building (disclaimer: another client). It's this two story stand alone building at the fair. They show the products in such a whimsical but lovely way.....I always love visiting it. It makes me smile - each and every time.

The fair itself is so much better than the old fairgrounds. Couple of problems: 1) Not everyone knows they need to buy a special fair train ticket - and when you are going there, it doesn't matter - but try leaving the fair! If you don't have that special ticket - you need to get on huge lines to buy one - there's polizia at every turnstile!!! Luckily - I knew. But I heard that one night the subway got so backlogged - that the next day, the fair stayed open until 8:30 p.m. to avoid the crowds. All in all, food service is better; transportation (except for those not knowing)is much better and as a long time fair going - I'm much happier.

And...and - they know how to treat their customers - the great ones have espresso, preseco, water - and treats. The "back rooms" of these booths are like welcoming them to their home.

One thing I love is seeing all the designers we read about all year in person at the fair - for those of us who love modern design - it's our rock stars! Meda, Starck, Morrison, Citterio, Jouin, Urgiola - brava! During this week - I'll do a bunch of these for you.....

Please read on all week - for things offsite - lots of great stuff. And those stars - Wanders, Dixon.....For restaurants and the food - and some fun stories.....this week - promise.

Salone del Mobile - Part One

2008-04-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

Hi - just back and feeling .....well, full and inspired. Food was amazing (will go into that). Sites - even better. I'll go over highlights and lowlights over a 5 day period. I hope you enjoy.

Best Party

For me, the SLS/Starck/Moss event on Corso Magenta. Why? It was held in the garden of the home where Leonardo da Vinci lived while painting the Last Supper! It is a private home now - and SLS really respected that. .. Using Gobos and nothing else to define their name. It was not a crowded affair by any means - but the right people were certainly there and I felt honored to be invited by my friend, Michael Doneff of SBE Entertainment Group. The food was wonderful and served so well. Oh, and the gift!!! It was a tiny chandelier that lit by way of batteries. So beautiful!

Well done!

Second was the party of the New York Times at the Bulgari Hotel. Again, honored to be invited and the crowd was really wonderful. The weather, again, was helpful to allow all guests to be outside on the grounds. Stefano Tonchi, Pilar Viladas and their group were consummate hosts. The displays were scattered in these large lit boxes on the lawn and highlighted designs from Kartell, Driade, etc. It was really a pleasurable time during the chaos of the fair.

For flair, the Kartell party at the Dolce & Gabbana Metropole space should be mentioned. Kartell showed the future of their lighting by Ferrucio Laviani. The prototypes were wonderful - and one can only hope most make it into the line. It was a spectacular presentation....with crowds trying to get in. Unfortunately, rain didn't help when one is waiting to get in....but once inside, spirits soared.

We also attended the Swarovski event. This is my 3rd or 4th time, and I must say I was a bit disappointed. In previous years, one got to scoop up random crystals and dream the impossible dream of what if? At the end, we also received one crystal in a small stringed bag that I use as a good luck charm. This time - not. No crystals, no good luck charm. The Crystal Palace exhibits of Studio Job, Marcel Wanders, Lissoni and the others were wonderful - but there didn't seem to be as many "oh wow" moments as in the past. Nonetheless, it is well done and hopefully will continue.

So.....here's what I think .....

2008-04-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

I always have my favorites at Salone - things I never get tired of seeing.....so here's my list:

Anything Kartell related
Anything Moroso related
Anything Moooi related
Anything Tom Dixon related
Anything Alessi related

What am I looking forward to day by day:

April 15th - Press preview at Triennale for Kartell, Canon, Cassina (Viale Alemagna 6) - party is next night and you can go all week.
Press preview - La Cucina Alessi - after all - it is the year of the kitchen! Via Torona 27 - Super Studio Piu
At Zona Tortona will be a new company, Meta - will check it out. And a bunch of stuff - from Spain Playtime, Materialise (with items by Patrick Jouin), Jacob Peres' Grand Donois....Venini store opening at Via Monte Napoleone 9.
April 16th - going to the Salone all day I hope! Love the displays and who you meet in the aisles.
Will check out Artek at Marimekko in the afternoon - Viale Francesco Crispi 3; also Joost & Kiki - Via Voghera 11; DeisgnersBlock - Via Giovanni Segantini 6. Looking forward Kartell Temporary Museum at night - Via Turati Ang C Porta...........something Panasonic at the Il Piccolo Via Tessa 1...Artemide at 7 p.m. at Corso Monteforte......and got a bunch of private parties - that I'm really looking forward to ...but can't divulge.
April 17th - Furo Japanese Bath Exhibition - Spazio Corso Como 9 (and a brief stop at 10 Corso Como!); Kasthall cocktails - Via dell'Orso 9;
April 18th - Chciago Antheaneum and Delicious Architecture - Fondazion Riccardo Catella; Jaime Hayon, Lladro and Camper (???) - Spazio Rossanna Olandi
Anytime you can get to see Design Academy Eindhoven - DO IT! also at Spazio Rossana Olandi.

And THE FOOD! So, I will try to blog while I'm there...and take tons of pictures. There's so much this year - will keep you posted! Ciao!

First Timer at Salone - Fast Company Sr. Editor, Linda Tischler

2008-04-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

As a long time Salone goer - I'm always fascinated by what the "first-timers" think...so I plan to do a series of interviews with first timers - and veterans - to hear what they think and feel about Salone. Linda agreed to be my "first time first timer"....

As your first time to Salone - what are you looking forward to?

Not only have I never been to Salone, but I’ve never been to Milan, so I’m not sure how to separate my giddy anticipation of the two. I’m eager to see the stuff on display, but even more interested in seeing HOW it’s all presented. How might it differ from an American ‘trade’ show of similar concept?

And, of course, I’m salivating at the thought of walking the streets of Milan, just window shopping (given the pathetic state of the dollar.)

My biggest dilemma: how to dress both comfortably and stylishly? Naturally, I’ve been obsessing about shoes.

What are you dreading?

Mostly, these days, I just dread travel. Not the being there: I love to explore new places. It’s the getting there that sucks. I just got off an 8-hour flight to San Francisco (strong headwinds) on Jetblue where the only thing to eat was potato chips and animal crackers. I stupidly thought you could at least buy a bad turkey sandwich on board. Nada. Since I’m flying overnight to Italy in coach, and can rarely sleep on planes, even with drugs, I’m really really dreading that part --- esp. since I have to hit the ground running the next day on no sleep. I’m counting on the power of espresso.

Why do you think design has gotten so popular?

Americans have come late to the design party. I’m old enough to remember when great furniture was hidden away in barricaded Design Centers and you could only get access if you had an interior designer in tow. Thanking Target is a cliché, but they certainly helped. But so did Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Design Within Reach, Martha Stewart, HGTV, and the Web, which made good design available to anyone, anywhere, who could click a mouse.

What's a great show you have attended in the past - and why?

The best shows I’ve been to lately have been art shows. The Armory Show here in New York was a blast, and I really liked SCOPE at Lincoln Center. And, of course, Design/Miami is a perennial favorite. I adored Tokujin Yoshioka’s installation at the Moore Building at the show in December.

What are your 5 favorite things in life?

Hanging out with my kids
Dozing under a palapa on a Mexican beach with my husband
Reading in bed
Sharing a great dinner with friends
Puttering around in the morning on weekends by myself before anybody gets up.
And, right now, buds on trees.

Copying James Lipton…..when you arrive at the pearly gates - how would like to be greeted?

Yo, Linda! You’re just in time! Take this glass of cab. All your friends are already here, and we just laid out dinner. Tonight’s Italian!

Anything you want to say freely?

These days, the thing I’m finding I value most is generosity of spirit. It’s a rare quality, and I’m humbled and grateful when I’m the recipient, knowing how precious it is.

Some help at Salone - Milan in General

2008-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here's some tips I've learned that I'd like to share:

Taking the subway, go to the newstand (yes the newstand) and say: Due biglietti pre favore, d'andata e ritorno (meaning two tickets please, round trip). That's good for two days. If you want more - tre (3) etc.

Be sure hold onto the ticket - as some stations (not the Fiera) - you need to put it in the machine again to get out.

other important phrases:

Parla inglese? (Do you speak English)
Scusi (Excuse me - important as at the fair you are ALWAYS bumping into someone)
Non parlo italiano (I don't speak Italian)
Mi dispiace (I'm sorry)
Grazie (Thank you)
Prego (You're welcome)

For directions, (Dove?) - Where is?
But the best practice is with your hands....and a map or guide book....to show them where you want to and they show you with their hands....

Any other help from anyone would be welcomed, I 'm sure.

Par-ties

2008-04-01T04:38:00.001-07:00

Hi - so last night I went to the Dining by Design event here in New York (pictures to follow later), and although DIFFA is always close to my heart, I have to say I was disappointed. I think having Elle Decor as its partner the first year kept the quality and excitement of the tables at a high - and that without that discerning eye - the tables left much to be desired. I attended with two people who had never gone before -so for them, it was really nice....but just nice. Not exciting. Of course, David Rockwell outdid himself with a fully knitted vignette - that was wonderful. And, Benjamin Moore did a great vignette using paint chips in the most creative and genius ways - as the "tiles" for the house; as placecards, etc. These were definitely highlights. But J.C. Penney over a Target setting - just doesn't do it for me. Also, I think the grungy spaces of the past - allowed for the creative settings to stand out even more - while the Sky Studio (Ace Gallery) is really lovely - and maybe "too lovely"....who knows?

Also, in the past, there was one grand event - so you saw everyone and it was a networking extravaganza. Now, there's the cocktail party one night and the dinner the next. Also, the great silent auction was gone. I guess you can tell....I wasn't impressed.

But I was impressed by the party our girl in Denver helped with for Mod Liv. It was an auction/benefit and they used those adorable Magis puppies. Local artistis and designers designed them and we bought "DEVO"! Here's some of the shots from that well turned out event.

Wine & Dine in Milan

2008-03-31T04:28:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be useful to share some of the places best to wine and dine while at Salone...or if you happen to go to Milan for any reason. Wine? Four Seasons in the shopping area is wonderful...civil if you will. If you want scene-and-crazy - then Hotel Diana Majestic bar on Viale Piave 42. Long my home away from home...it got a bit scene-and-crazy (and expensive), but serves food with their drinks - so you can't go wrong. Of cousre, anything 10 Corso Como (Sozzani). And, the Hotel Bulgari - nothing like Presecos out on the lawn. Some of my favs - and recommendations by others are:

Bagutta - on Via Bagutta....unchanged f-o-r-e-v-e-r, but always good food and not too expensive. It can get a bit nutty during Salone - but always fun.
Rigolo on Via Solferino 11 in the Brera section - this one best to make reservations, or they can be less than friendly. Great for lunch.
Le Colline Pistoiesi 39-02-86451-085 - a simply wonderful restaurant owned by the brother-in-law of my dear, departed friend Ivan Luini. I love this place for its food, ambience and memories.
Osteria de Binari 39-02-89406753 - a recommendation by Ivan's widow, Micaela, so I'm sure it is wonderful.

Of course, there are others and would love suggestions and recommendations from any and all of you. I'm really looking forward to my diet of pasta every single day for a week without guilt!

Salone

2008-03-27T12:16:00.001-07:00

Hi. Invites/evites are just coming in and again, it is a ton of things to do all at the same time. I find coming in a day early is the way to go....seeing 10 Corso Como first (as you can't check into your hotel); then going to Triennale (if you are press) around noon for Kartell, Cassina press preview; then Super Studio Piu - where you can wonder about Wanders, Dixon and the like. In the same area, our client, Alessi, will show La Cucina - more about that later. Comfy shoes - bring a pair to change into later in the day and a good attitude - that's all you need....and oh, a great sense of curiosity and interest. I can't wait. Oh - here's some shots of past Salone images - that I love. If you want, share some you love too.

Winter cold

2008-03-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm on my second cold of the season and wonder if anyone has any quick cures? I've done the tea, Nyquil, Sudafed....you name it. Since the world doesn't wait for us....I need to better fast. Your remedies - no matter how bizarre, are welcome.

Walter

2008-03-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

So, who's Walter? Walter Lowry is the owner of Tableart, the most distinguished tabletop and dining store in the U.S....and an avid traveler. He likes to travel well and uses his miles to the fullest. He's the reason Susan Szenasy and I were treated like royalty in Thailand and Vietnam...and why we enjoy his "miles" for our Salone hotel. He is co-nnec-ted.

Rooms - no view

2008-03-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

You know - this year more than ever I'm hearing people having trouble getting rooms at Salone. A buyer...an editor...a design guru....how can that be? If anyone has an extra bed or knows of a place - let us know. Happily - we have "Walter"! Thanks.

YOU!

2008-03-24T09:32:00.001-07:00

We welcome your comments, your news and your questions.

welcome to :: A MODERN EYE ::

2008-03-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Modern Eye blogger Beth Dickstein researches, writes and reviews all things design between Salone del Mobile in Milan and I.C.F.F. in New York.

Welcome to the first posting - soon to be followed with insights and images of internationally acclaimed interviews, sitings, and more - all directed at our contemporary world.

Mr. Impossible - Kartell 2008

(Please note: Disclaimer....Kartell is one of our clients!)