Abode Abroad
Veteran housewares executives looking to grow their global sales and suppliers new to the international arena will benefit alike from the 2023 IBC Global Forum, Oct. 3-4 in Rosemont, Ill. The annual meeting of the International Business Council provides a platform for attendees to learn from key retailers, key distributors and industry-savvy specialists discussing relevant export topics and providing education on market entry, global product development and marketing strategies.
Molteni&C inaugurates its newest Flagship Store in Kunming, demonstrating the brand’s rapid growth in the contemporary design scenario of the Chinese market.
Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province in China, known for its pleasant climate with spring-like weather year-round, as well as its rich history, abundant cultural heritage, and diverse natural landscapes. As the most high-end Italian furniture brand in this city, Molteni&C is situated in the exclusive high-end furniture mall, Red Star Macalline, which is currently the only one of its kind in the city. Covering an area of over 900 square meters, it stands as the largest Flagship Store in China and represents the latest and most sought- after Flagship Store.
The prestigious Rossana Orlandi Gallery made its debut at the Lake Como Design Festival, where it presented the art-design project LEWIT, a monumental bed sculpture that arose from a creative symbiosis between Draga & Aurel and eclectic architect Giuliano dell’Uva, in collaboration with the Italian textile company Somma1867.
The event took place in the fireplace room (Sala del Camino) of Villa Olmo, one of the lake’s most charming historical dwellings. LEWIT was showcased as a free-standing furnishing item designed and made as a three-dimensional artwork. It merged contemporary taste and aesthetics with explicit references to the artistic avant-garde of the 1960s and 70s.
Salvatori’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is further underscored by other creations like Lithoverde®, Romboo, Lost Stones, and the newly introduced Passepartout. These designs exemplify the company’s belief that elegance and environmental consciousness can coexist seamlessly. Patchwork stands as a tangible step towards a more sustainable future, aligning perfectly with Salvatori’s promise to prioritize the Earth’s natural resources.
Conceived specifically for Hoxton Rome, Contardi’s lamps skilfully deliver the mid-century modern style the designers wanted. The custom-made suspensions have a geometric structure with a dark bronze finish – in harmonious contrast with glass globes, as the dominant shapes that add a space-age touch to the environment.
My current favorites are the Sare Floor Lamp and the upcoming MetLife table. My favorite interior design project was a residential home in Bebek, Istanbul. I designed it during covid, and despite the dreary circumstances, I felt proud to create designs that reflect a more positive and fun world. That project makes me happy every time I see the images.
Gunawan defines herself as a progressive architect. When people hear the term progressive architect they get intimidated. In her experience, people assume it means something technical and lofty, but she stands by the term. It means always improving, turning failures into opportunities. In practice that means building upon what already exists. This is the philosophy behind the name of her architecture design and build firm, The Only Way is Up.
RH England, The Gallery at the Historic Aynho Park, a Magnificent 17th-Century, 73-Acre Estate with…
In Europe, there is a greater prevalence of smaller, independent furniture stores and boutiques, and Europeans are more inclined to prioritize local businesses over big box stores. In the United States, larger chain stores, department stores, and online retailers dominate the market, offering a wide range of furniture options at various price points.