The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/829998
RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2017 10 T he Architectural Digest Design Show has become known as the essential showcase for luxury design. From March 16–19, more than 40,000 designers and design aficionados visited Piers 92 and 94 in New York City to experience the latest innovations and offerings in today's market. The 16th edition delivered more than 400 exceptional brands, powerful seminar programs, and myriad exciting special events. According to Susan McCullough, senior vice president, Vornado/ The Mart, "Luxury is part of our DNA. Whether you are a member of the trade or a homeowner looking for design inspiration, our audience expects the highest quality. This high level of excellence was carried throughout the show, from the tremendous caliber of national and international brands to the insightful, sophisticated programming." "The Architectural Digest Design Show is the ultimate place to see the best in design from across the globe," added Giulio Capua, chief business officer, Architectural Digest. "Each year, it is the definitive one stop shop for the influential design community." The AD Design Show's signature feature areas—REFRESH, FURNISH, MADE, and the SHOPS—were replete with luxury design products. Designer Vicente Wolf, who returns year after year to find the latest offerings, stated, "Going to the AD Design Show has increased my knowledge of what is out in the marketplace, from small craftsmen to the large manufacturers helping me to give my clients the best possible product." Companies from across the globe converged in FURNISH, an elegant array of contemporary and classic furniture, lighting, carpets and rugs, decorative accessories, textiles, and art. A boon for design lovers searching for something extraordinary, FURNISH finds included Hubbardton Forge's new Vermont Modern collection of artisan-made decorative lights, Costantini Design's new line of hand-crafted rosewood and leather seating, as well as Woven Legends' exquisite rugs, which are handwoven by Syrian refugees in Turkey as part of the Anka Cooperative, a social enterprise that works to empower and support them. The idea of the "connected home" touched all areas of the show including the REFRESH section of kitchen, bath, luxury appliances, and premium building products. Jenn-Air debuted a significant addition to its connected wall oven capabilities as it announced a collaboration with Alexa's voice assistant; while Baldwin launched Evolved, an easy Bluetooth touch-to-open solution available in 18 handle set styles and three deadbolts. REFRESH was also a great resource for those on the lookout for products that boast that often hard-to-find combination of luxury and convenience including TRUE Residential's Dual-Zone wine columns and Bosch's powerful yet extremely quiet new dishwasher line featuring the EasyGlide system. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, MADE featured 73 new exhibitors. "We are proud that MADE is the nation's largest dedicated showcase of independent art and design. The elegant and ambitious displays in MADE make this section an annual must- see for designers and consumers," said Julia Haney Montanez, Architectural Digest Design Show Producers, MADE + the SHOPS. This year it showcased the incredible talent and work of close to 160 artisans and brands from all over the U.S. Rachel Horn, Estudio THE ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST DESIGN SHOW HITS THE MARK