DDB Spring Market Buzz: Cocktail Party at Pierre Frey

The Pierre Frey showroom was the place to be as the DDB’s Spring Market came to an end. We joined Mr. Pierre Frey and his team for cocktails and photography to celebrate the ethereal work of Photographer Paul Solberg.

Paul's work covered the showroom walls with examples from BLOOM, his first published book which explores Flowers as Object.

"It's very exciting to have my work in Pierre's showroom," said Paul. "It's been a great collaboration and I've been getting lots of great, positive feedback from lots of guests at the showroom today."

Paul was decked out in a suit that made many ask him which Pierre Frey fabric it was made of.

"This suit is not one of Pierre's fabrics actually," Paul said. "Though, many of his patterns would make really great suits!"

Paul is currently working on a new book with Christopher Makos, together as the art duo, The Hilton Brothers, due to be published in October 2011. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more about Paul and his work.

Spring Market Buzz: David Netto's WSJ Window Display

Interior Designer David Netto was the mastermind designer behind the DDB's Spring Market window display for WSJ Magazine. The window paid tribute to Spring Market Keynote What's Next in Decorating? moderated by WSJ Magazine Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman.

"I'm very excited to see the response that the window display gets," David said. "It was a lot of fun to make and I really think that the Agostino Antiques chair is a perfect fit!"

Chris Bacchus and Stephen Warner of Agostino Antiques helped Netto install the display. Tell us what you think if you've already gotten to see it. If you haven't, make your way to the DDB lobby and check it out.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Zimmer + Rohde New Fabric Introductions

If you made it to the DDB's Spring Market last week, you had the chance to preview tons of new fabric collections and product launches. We made our rounds to see as many as possible, and were particularly impressed by the newest fabrics at Zimmer + Rohde.

The newest introductions included fabrics from Ardecora, Hodsoll McKenzie, and Zimmer + Rohde.

Sales Associate, Luis C. Camarena showed us the collections and explained the variations between the three. We learned that Natural Elegance, from Zimmer + Rohde, orchestrates the elegant harmony of nature, while Boticelli from Ardecora reflects the Italian Renaissance and the era of renewal and re-evaluation in all spheres of culture. Hodsoll McKenzie's Oasis, on the other hand, reflects a commitment to fine craftsmanship and quality.

"Our Oasis fabrics have been enormously well received in the hospitality industry as our 'hotel collection' for Zimmer + Rohde," said Luis. "Collectively, though, the three are doing really well. There's been a great response to these new interpretations. Because we're an international company, our fabrics are used all over the world and the textures and palettes that we have used most recently have had a terrific international response!"

There's lots happening at Zimmer + Rohde, so get yourself to their showroom to see their new fabrics.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Designs on Film with Schumacher & Cathy Whitlock (1 of 2)

Schumacher hosted a discussion on the influence and inspiration of interior design in film and television during Spring Market at the DDB. The panelists' abundance of experience and prestige in the design and production industry had the packed showroom enthralled.

Moderated by Linda Sherbert, Features Editor of Veranda, the panel included Academy Award winner Tony Walton, Cathy Whitlock, Stephen Hendrickson and Andrew Baseman.

"Schumacher really put together the most amazing group of film designers for the panel," said Jason Lowe, Design Professional. "It was incredible to be able to hear from designers who had designed and assembled some of the most iconic rooms ever to appear on film!"

Cathy Whitlock's newest book, Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction was one of the major topics of conversation during the discussion. A perfect fit for the discussion, Cathy's book covers the evolving story of art direction from silent film to present day. We spoke with Cathy after the discussion, amidst her conversations with fans, to talk to her further about the book.

"I really gave my heart and soul to this massive project for the past several years," Cathy said. "Not to mention, too many wondrous hours in the Oscar library and film studio archives. The hardest part for me was paring down which movies to use from a century of unbelievable movies. Unfortunately, many films lacked photographs of the production and there were also several films from the 60s and 70s whose pictures were just thrown out!"

Stay tuned later today for more of our conversation with Cathy on the topic of design in film.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Andrew Martin Kick-Off Party (cont.)

Martin Waller, Managing Director of Andrew Martin got the DDB Spring Market started on the right foot, discussing how the showroom translates crafts and cultural traditions found on Martin's world travels into stylish and contemporary creations.

Marketing Associate Millie Massa and Design Professional Jason Lowe chatted with us after the speech and gave us their thoughts on Martin's wild takes.

"Martin Waller is the explorer, the world traveler, the treasure hunter and the designer," said Millie. "He is very Indiana Jones, except the dig is for a fabulous couch instead of the fountain of youth!"

"If you ever have the opportunity to see Martin Waller speak about his extensive world travels, do not miss it," Jason said. "He has been to every faraway place that any of us have ever wanted to visit, and his stories give you direct insight into the aesthetic direction he has taken his company."

Following Martin's speech, the music was turned up and guests relaxed amongst the Andrew Martin collections with a clearer vision of the stories behind them. Martin didn't finish his speech, however, without ensuring us, "exotic lands aren't the only places to shop and find product, but they do define our Company and the source of our inspiration."

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Andrew Martin Kick-Off Party

The Andrew Martin showroom got the DDB Spring Market off to a running start with high style and a presentation as fabulous and fearless as any Andrew Martin product, given by none other than Managing Director Martin Waller. Discussing how he translates crafts and cultural traditions found on his world travels into stylish and contemporary creations, we couldn't help but be completely captivated and increasingly excited for Spring Market.

"When I was a little boy, I got sick while I was away at boarding school," Martin explained. "My mother sent me a Reader's Digest about travel, and it was filled with faraway places, exotic creatures, beautiful people and magnificent fabrics and furniture! Ever since, I've wanted to claim that world and way of living for myself. I wanted to share it with everyone."

Martin told his audience some of his most vibrant and humorous tales of travel, teasing the crowd with his English humor and charm from one story to the next.

"When I was on the Niger River in Africa, I fell in love with a dark-haired beauty, but she clearly belonged to another man. I knew she was interested in me because she let me stroke her hair and whisper in her ear. I'm not proud to say that when we reached shore, some money was exchanged—about $35—and she was mine. The only problem that every befell her and I after that moment were the immediate questions following the transaction of whether I would sacrifice her, for she was a goat."

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo later today for more on the Andrew Martin kick-off party for the DDB Spring Market.

Event Spotlight: Marc Phillips & RUG STAR Host Spring Market Party

The Marc Phillips’ Spring Market party is one of the many events not to miss during the Design & Decoration Building's (DDB) Spring Market kicking off tomorrow.

RUG STAR's founder and creator Jurgen Dehlmanns will be previewing his newest and most exhilarating rugs by RUG STAR, now at Marc Phillips. "Our rugs are naughty and smart, the same combination I like in people," said Jurgen.

Enjoy food and wine while admiring the new collaboration on Wednesday, May 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Marc Phillips showroom.

DDB Spring Market: Market Programs at a Glance

DDB Spring Market kicks off on Tuesday, May 10 and we can't wait to attend!  Here's a taste of some of the Spring Market programs for you to check out on Wednesday, May 11.

Rose Tarlow | Melrose House (Suite 1616) hosts Authenticity in Design: A Series on Living and Entertaining from 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. with Bronson van Wyck, Event Designer and Contributing Editor to Architectural Digest. They'll tell you tips on how to create spectacular settings from the master of environmental design. From tabletop and flower arrangements to lighting and planning, no detail is too small to ignore. Sample great food and drinks and enjoy the opportunity to win a lush flower arrangements, created by Bronson himself!

Duralee/Highland Court (Suite 815) and Philip Gorrivan introduce Philip's newest collection, Philip Gorrivan II from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Don't miss the cocktail party at Pierre Frey (Suite 1611) at from 5:00 - 7 p.m. Pierre Frey will be there to celebrate Spring Market with you while sipping a few cocktails and publicize the showroom's brand new website.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on the DDB's Spring Market Highlights.