FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oscar de la Renta and Valerie Moran participate as keynote speakers
CHICAGO (July 29, 2004) — Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) hosts Furniture Fair™ from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, in The Merchandise Mart Design Center’s residential showrooms. Furniture Fair will provide trade professionals with a sneak preview of the latest in furniture design from industry leaders around the world. Slide presentations, showroom events and guest speakers will inform designers of upcoming styles and stimulate creative visions to better supply their clients with inspiring furniture for residential environments.
FEATURE PRESENTATIONS
Numerous events will take place during Furniture Fair both in showrooms and throughout The Merchandise Mart. Interior designers and architects are invited to attend presentations by renowned guest speakers as they share their experience on creating elegant lifestyles.
Oscar de la Renta presents: Inside the Luxury Market
10 a.m., Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd floor
The world of Oscar de la Renta now includes Oscar de la Renta Home. Design professionals are invited to join fashion icon Oscar de la Renta as he shares his diverse experiences in the design industry; looking at international trends, providing insight into the luxury lifestyle and illustrating the relationship between fashion runways and the home. Sponsored by Century Furniture.
This is a trade-only event and space is limited. Please R.S.V.P. to 312.527.7866.
Valerie Moran presents:
Trends: Color, Decorating Style, Home Hot Spots, Evolving Clients and Accessorizing
3 p.m., Grange, Suite 1825
Valerie Moran, CEO and inspirational leader of Grange Furniture, Inc., will captivate attendees with her contagious spirit, bountiful energy and unique insights from her worldwide travels. In addition to her numerous industry awards and affiliations, she is an inspired designer, international speaker, trendsetter and consummate trend watcher. Designers are invited to join this exceptionally accomplished woman as she presents hundreds of images illustrating the upcoming trends in color, decorating styles, home hot spots and accessorizing.
Immediately following, the Grange Furniture centennial “birthday party” continues with hospitality and a raffle drawing of 13 fabulous prizes including a Grange Avignon chaise, a Grange Lido accent table and a Grange queen-size Louis Philippe Sleigh Bed! Winners must be present at time of drawing.
Parking validation available at the 3 p.m. seminar in the Grange showroom.
SHOWROOM EVENTS
For the design trade only, individual showrooms will be hosting presentations and luncheons throughout the day. Events will be occurring continuously, and attendees are encouraged to drop into the showrooms to learn more about collections being launched this year. On The Dot events listed below require an R.S.V.P. or will take place at a specific time. Open Houses will welcome the trade industry throughout the day.
On The Dot Showroom Events
9–11 a.m.
Brunschwig & Fils
Suite 6-121
Brunschwig & Fils will introduce a line of upholstered furniture designed specifically for hospitality, healthcare and corporate interiors. The 100-piece collection encompasses a broad range of styles, all with the elegance and quality construction for which Brunschwig upholstery is known. Presentations will continue throughout the day. Attendees are invited to stop by and sample product that could be perfect for a country club, professional office or hotel guestroom.
11 a.m. Reception for Oscar de la Renta
Century Designer Showroom
Suite 1700
Design professionals are invited to the Century Design Showroom following Oscar de la Renta’s morning presentation to meet the renowned designer and view his furniture collection for Century. Please R.S.V.P. to Gini Hopkins at 312.787.9488.
11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m.
Treasure Garden
Suite 1655
Attendees can enjoy a new product demonstration every hour and enter Treasure Garden’s drawing for a beautiful umbrella and base.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Bright Group
Suite 6-166
New Furniture Designs by Douglas Levine and Edward F. Weller, III
The Bright Group invites designers to preview the latest designs from the Bright Chair Company. Over the past eight years Bright has introduced beautiful furniture that has met the demands of a fashion-savvy industry. Douglas Levine offers a one-on-one conversation about his vision and inspiration behind his recent collections. Light lunch will be served. R.S.V.P. to 312.527.0557.
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Granite & Marble Resources
Suite 115
MaestroMosaics™ Trunk Show
Design professionals are invited to join Granite & Marble Resources, Inc. as the MaestroMosaics collection is presented, showcasing the many uses of the product for indoor and outdoor projects in residential, commercial and hospitality design. R.S.V.P. to Donna Hunter at 312.670.4400.
11:30 a.m.
Brian Andrew, Ltd.
Suite 1820
Savor the Flavor of Italy!
Attendees can meet Brian Andrew for the unveiling of a fabulous furniture collection, Francesco Molon GieMme. These veritable works of art are created with a fine Italian hand in the small town near Venice, Romano D’Ezzelino, by 100 artisans, using age-old techniques and exotic timbers. Brian Andrew, Ltd. offers fun and festivities including a sparkling talk by Woods Dixon of Francesco Molon GieMme, an olive oil tasting, antipasto and crusty Italian bread as well as a surprise raffle. Space is limited; R.S.V.P. to Anthony at 312.464.0800.
11:30 a.m.
F. Schumacher & Co.
Suite 6-133
Art Moderne and the 21st Century
Paris’ Decorative Arts Exposition of 1925 launched a new direction in streamlined style for the 20th century. Designers can join Robert Coleman, vice president, Schumacher Furnishings, as he presents a historic overview of the French Moderne movement and discusses lessons all can learn from this distinctly elegant period. Coleman also will preview a selection of upholstered Jansen seating from Schumacher’s new collection. R.S.V.P. to Jean Powe at 312.527.4650.
11:30 a.m.
Summer Hill
Suite 6-157
Summer Hill’s New Furniture and Fabric Collections
Attendees are invited to join Summer Hill to indulge in West Coast wines and delicacies while viewing its latest collection of sophisticated and streamlined furniture and fabrics. A Napa-style lunch will immediately follow the presentation. The first 30 attendees to R.S.V.P. to Sarah Tabb at 312.467.6860 will receive a special gift.
Noon
Fremarc @ Kravet
Suite 6-128
Introducing Fremarc
Diane Murphy, national sales director for the new Fremarc showroom, invites attendees to join her as she presents Fremarc’s timeless design and handcrafted quality of fine furniture. Designers can view the many options this line offers, and take a chance to be the lucky winner by dropping off a business card for a special drawing.
12:30 p.m.
Murray’s Iron Works
Suite 1662
French Ironwork in Today’s Home
Ed Leisner, owner, Murray’s Iron Works, will review the influences of French Ironwork, from Rococo to Art Moderne, on today’s residential design, showing how leading designers incorporate an eclectic mix of French-inspired lighting, furniture and ironwork into beautiful spaces. Following, author Betty Lou Phillips signs copies of her book, Unmistakably French. R.S.V.P. to 312.595.0874.
12:30 p.m.
William Switzer & Associates
Suite 1850
Hartmann & Forbes Presentation and Luncheon
Attendees will discover Hartmann & Forbes window coverings, which are handcrafted using traditional Japanese crafting techniques and the finest materials. Attendees can view examples and the array of environments for which the wall coverings are suited. RSVP to David or Stephen at 312.832.0044.
1 p.m.
Betty M Collection
Suite 1684
Living with Leather
Designers are invited to join product designers along with Kim DiMaria of American Leather as they discuss living with leather all around us. Attendees can explore leather’s history and the process of making it useable, from the selection of the hide to the subtle finishing. They will learn to distinguish the quality of leather and determine which leather is right for a client’s lifestyle. R.S.V.P. to Amy Schultz at 312.828.0340 or sales@bettymcollection.com.
1 p.m.
Duralee Fabric
Suite 6-167
Duralee Fine Furniture Introduces New Product
Attendees can join National Sales Manager Peter Mandel for a lively presentation, including Duralee’s latest furniture and finishes and a discussion of the company’s custom capabilities. Enter a raffle and view firsthand why Duralee is the preferred choice among designers, while enjoying refreshments and
1:30 p.m.
Henredon Interior Design Showroom
Suite 1865
Attendees can visit Henredon Interior Design Showroom to view their latest collections from some of the furniture industry’s top names.
1:30 p.m.
Interior Crafts
Suite 614
Interior Crafts Comes Full Circle
Attendees can join Interior Crafts as it digs into its archives of Mid-Century designs. View a slide presentation of the reintroductions and adaptations of these classic upholstered pieces.
2–3 p.m.
Mike Bell Inc.
Suite 1869
The Object of Your Client’s Desire
In addition to being voted one of the best sources in America for stylish antiques, Mike Bell has an extensive reproduction line that can be customized to suit any designer’s needs. They can build almost anything from antique to contemporary designs…or their own. Joann Westwater of Mike Bell Inc., demonstrates how to use the invaluable showroom and its workshop, where one can be involved in every step of the creation. R.S.V.P. to Jack Frost at 312.644.6848.
2 p.m.
Oriental Carpet Gallery
Suite 1624A
The Dos and Don’ts in the Selection of Oriental Rugs
Maureen Haghighi leads designers through the important consideration factors that are crucial in selecting the perfect oriental rug for a client, including size, style and color, durability, mixing and matching. Persian tea and pastries will be served.
Open House Showroom Events
A. Rudin
Suite 1711
Designers are invited to view the new casegood and upholstery line from Jarrett Hedborg, designed exclusively for A. Rudin.
Beacon Hill
Suite 1866
Warm and Cozy Casual
While the 34 vendors of Beacon Hill showroom provide a wide range of offerings from casual to formal, this daylong open house will showcase casual options. Guests can acquaint themselves with the casual side of Drexel, EJ Victor, Ferguson Copeland, Ficks Reed, Robert Allen Upholstery, Robert Allen Soft Home and more. Fall refreshments will be served.
Callard & Associates
Suite 1611
Designers can visit the Callard & Associates showroom to view the new selection of Serban furniture.
Charles Pollock
Suite 1815
Guests are invited to visit Charles Pollock Reproductions for new product debuts on recently acquired lines: Satori light sculptures, Renaissance stone, Jacquard fabrics and Fabricant window hardware as well as original artwork from national artists.
Country Swedish
Suite 1621
Swedish Antiques in Chicago!
Country Swedish will introduce an exclusive selection of Swedish Gustavian antiques to complement its high-end reproduction collection. Visitors to the showroom can view exclusive antique pieces from great halls of Swedish castles, manors and estates, each with its own exciting past.
de Aurora Showroom
Suite 1871
Throughout the day, de Aurora will show new additions to its showroom gems: Emdee International fine Italian drapes and linens, L’Origine--the magic of Italian Classic Furniture and Supple-Pedic mattresses for a good night’s sleep.
Ebanista
Suite 1677
New on the 16th Floor
Ebanista will showcase a superlative collection of extraordinary furnishings & objects d’art. Refreshments being served all day.
Edelman Leather
Suite 1873D
The Best Just Got Better
Edelman Leather, which now features and distributes Herman Miller for Home designs, will complement its offerings of exceptional leathers with the direct distribution of iconic furniture designs. Classic works by Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alvar Aalto, along with contemporary designers such as Mark Goetz, will be displayed and available to order in Edelman Leather, offering unprecedented freedom in color, texture and quality.
George Smith
Suite 1879A
George Smith New Fabric Catalogue
Designers can join George Smith throughout the day for a continuous presentation of a new fabric catalogue and furniture addition, as well as enter a raffle for George Smith standard stool. Drawing will be held October 12.
Holly Hunt
Suite 1728
New Studio H Gallery
The Holly Hunt Showroom debuted the Studio H Gallery at NeoCon® this year with great success. Designers are invited to stop in for an expertly guided tour of the new space and new Studio H collection, given throughout the day.
Julia Gray Ltd.
Suite 1856
Julia Gray invites attendees to visit the showroom throughout the day to view the new Julia for Kids Collection. Refreshments will be served.
Koch-Smith Furniture
Suite 1709
Modern Now
Manufacturers will be available in the showroom to answer questions and present the newest items from Koch-Smith and Gulassa & Co.
Lewis Mittman-Edward Ferrell
Suite 1743
Attendees can stop by to see new products, including a line of English Reproductions from the Reddington Road Collection.
Melvin Wolf
Suite 1674
William Alan upholstery has arrived at Melvin Wolf. It features gorgeous fabrics and leathers, and William Alan offers a quick-ship program on COM: 14 days from receipt.
Nancy Corzine
Suite 622
Please join the Nancy Corzine showroom for a look at Nancy Corzine and Niermann Weeks’ new products
Odegard
Suite 1828
Designers are invited to visit Odegard to experience the exceptional artistry of its carpets, including many new designs.
Scalamandré
Suite 626
Designers are invited to visit the recently expanded showroom and enjoy light refreshments while they sit in the new Karges @ Scalamandré upholstered pieces.
Sherrill /Hickory White
Suite 1666
Attendees can view Hickory White’s new, domestically manufactured American Home Collection, reflecting a fresh new twist to American traditional furniture. Crafted from maple solids and rustic cherry veneers, it is available in a selection of three different and distinct finishes.
Stark Fine Furniture
Suite 6-102
Stark Fine Furniture representatives will be on hand to discuss the showroom’s growing line of hand-painted French furniture and Italian casegoods as well as Stark Fine Furniture’s upholstery line. Refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Three Coins Import, Ltd.
Suite 1752
Three Coins introduces new 2005 products. Designers should stop by for light refreshments and a presentation by factory personnel during the day.
Tropitone
Suite 1780
Tropitone, celebrating 50 years as a leader in the casual furniture industry, unveils its new collection for the 2005 season. All are invited to enjoy refreshments throughout the day.
SHOW INFORMATION
DATE: Oct. 5, 2004
ADMISSION: Furniture Fair is open to the design trade only, and there is no cost for admission.
HOURS: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
WEB SITE: www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter
Click on: Trade Events/Furniture Fair
PHONE: 800.667.6278 (MART)
PRESS INQUIRIES ONLY:
Elizabeth D. Cooley
Public Relations Manager
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Phone: 312.527.7555
E-mail: ecooley@mmart.com
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Apparel Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington, D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
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