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From significant business changes to noteworthy product launches, there’s always something new happening in the world of design. In this weekly roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.
In the News
Christie’s Gets Hit with a $16.7 Million Tax Evasion Fine
On Thursday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office said that Christie’s auction house will pay up to $16.7 million for failing to collect appropriate New York sales tax between 2013 and 2017. One piece of the fine involves Christie’s Private Sales—a separate company that Christie’s launched in 2013 to facilitate private acquisitions. The London-based company was initially not registered to collect New York state and local taxes, despite selling goods in the state. Prosecutors also say that about $189 million worth of goods sold to New York clients between July 2013 and January 2017 from other Christie’s offices were not properly taxed. According to The New York Times, Christie’s cites “incorrect tax advice” for such issues, and is assessing its “internal processes to ensure compliance with relevant tax law.”
In Memoriam
Founder of Italian Design Company Arper Dies of COVID-19
Luigi Feltrin, founder of Arper and honorary president of the company, died in Northern Italy at age 85. The furniture brand, which was started in 1989 with a focus on leather, is now run by Luigi’s son Claudio. In a statement, Claudio Feltrin commented, “My brother Mauro, my son Giulio, and I were lucky enough to be able to work alongside my father at the company. The past 48 years have enriched me in a priceless way, because with a mentor like him, one can only get better and better.”
Digital Moments
Businesses Continue to Take Virtual Efforts to New Heights
It didn’t take long for design companies across the board to shift gears quickly in the wake of worldwide lockdowns. Now, others are following suit: Frette officially has a virtual styling studio open for business, while RH debuted new virtual design services, with chat, phone, and video conferencing options. Designers interested in the furniture maker’s offerings will have access to 3D renderings and architectural AutoCAD drawings. And interestingly, Pantone is looking to help out designers in a similar way—by making access to its Pantone Connect program free of charge.
On the e-commerce front, Bunny Williams’s design store, 100 Main, unveiled online shopping options, just as Jonathan Adler and John Robshaw expanded its digital footprints with downloadable Zoom backdrops. Nevertheless, virtual events staged by industry veterans may be having their most robust week yet: The Architecture and Design Film Festival shared news of digital screenings and discussions, Harvard GSD kicked off a virtual events program, Schumacher launched its weekly webinar series, and events space A/D/O got going with a slew of digital workshops. On a similar note, Thom Filicia has begun a Friday Instagram Live series dubbed House Calls, while Tom Dixon has launched #TOMorrowChannel on the same social media platform.
Finally, Vladimir Kagan, the late, great designer behind one of today’s most iconic sofas (and much, much more), is the subject of Holly Hunt’s latest Design Salon, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET. For the conversation, Kagan’s design director Chris Eitel (he apprenticed under “Vlady” when he was in college and became something of a Kagan protégé), will speak with Holly Hunt COO Mark Minichiello, a longtime friend of Kagan’s, about this master of the curve beloved by starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.
Paloma Contreras Launches a Podcast
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Texas-based interior designer Paloma Contreras is making serious moves, thanks to the launch of her new podcast. The efforts are an extension of her Style Files column, which originated on her blog La Dolce Vita many years ago. “In the midst of sheltering in place and working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, I came to a quick realization: I suddenly had more time on my hands to work on my design projects and creative endeavors,” Contreras explains to AD PRO. “And now, more than ever, I was craving interaction and conversation with other design lovers. My hope is that the engaging and illuminating conversations will provide a bright spot for those who need a distraction, a source of inspiration, or guidance on what comes next as they navigate the future of their design business.” Jonathan Adler is just one example of Contreras’s industry expert guests.
DIFFA Hosts a Fundraising Contest
Among the many organizations that were forced to cancel or postpone their spring events, the nonprofit DIFFA had to call off its spring fundraising event. However, the focus of the showcase—beautiful dining settings—will live on online, as the organization kicks off the Dining for DIFFA Design Challenge. To drum up support for the organization, Instagram users are encouraged to share their home dining setup through April 25, after which a jury will select a winner to receive a $250 gift certificate.
Business
Sheltering in Place Proves to Be a Boon for E-Design Service
Homebound consumers are itching to redesign their spaces—at least that’s the finding of e-design service Decorist. According to its latest data reports, the company has seen a 30% increase in site traffic since shelter-in-place orders took effect, as well as an increase of 45% in email signups. Consumers aren’t skimping when it comes to making themselves at home, either. According to the design service, project spending is up more than 30%.
Product Launches
Spring Collections Bloom
Spring lines keep rolling out, albeit digitally: Caraway Home debuted new linens, Marika Meyer Textiles shared beautiful new floral textiles inspired by tree of life and folk art motifs, and Minwax launched new wood finish water-based color stains. Elsewhere, Workstead’s Canopy sconce officially became available, as did Lauren Williams’s Art + Loom collection. Boll & Branch expanded its bathroom offerings with new plush towels, as well as mat and shower curtain options. Also of note, Rose Tarlow’s muted spring textiles have officially blossomed, while Maiden Name dropped its second collection of patchwork pillows with fashion brand Bode. Last but certainly not least, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Inside Weather’s irresistible seating options are here—including a series of delightfully colorful stools.
Houzz Debuts New Software Service
Houzz has officially launched Houzz Pro, a tool that will help uses manage their businesses. “We know that designers typically wear many hats, and that now, more than ever, they are looking for tools to help them run their businesses profitably and to do so from home,” Houzz president and cofounder Alon Cohen says to AD PRO. “Houzz Pro gives designers one central online hub where they can manage their entire project and client lifecycle, from attracting and converting new clients, to sending proposals and time tracking, to invoicing and collecting online payments.”
Sales
Sales of Various Sorts Take Shape
As art and design shows have been canceled across the country in the wake of COVID-19, the Antique Dealers’ Association of America (ADA) is launching a four-day online event to showcase fine antiques. This first online show will feature antiques, fine art, folk art, Americana, Native American, and other decorative arts from its network of professional dealers from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27. On a decidedly different note, Knoll kicked off a sale of outdoor furniture, which will run through April 16. The 15% off deal is available online and by calling the company’s New York or L.A. shops.
Books
A Beautiful New Book Doubles Down on Flowers
Searching for reading material, a burst of nature, and a healthy dose of distraction? Then look no further than Cultivated: The Elements of Floral Style, a new book now out from Princeton Architectural Press. The tome is first publication by Christin Geall, an expert on all things floral who trained at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is now known for her popular workshops. One quick read and you’ll come out of quarantine as an official flower arrangement expert.
Awards
Good News Is Announced for Weiss/Manfredi and More
Times may be tough, but that doesn’t mean talented members of the design industry aren’t being recognized for their continued work. Notably, Weiss/Manfredi won the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s 2020 medal in architecture and Harvard GSD announced its 2020 Wheelwright Prize finalists, while a team from Columbia University and Pratt Institute took home ULI Hines’s student competition prize thanks to their plan to redevelop a Miami site. Finally, British lifestyle brand Toast’s New Makers program, which provides mentorship and a distribution platform to emerging craftspeople, announced its five winners: Ceramicist Polly Yates, the first American to be awarded the prize, joins woodworker Ambrose Vevers, ceramicist Viv Lee, sculptor John Hollington, and potters Popalini and Jezando on this year’s roster of recipients.