Get outside with new furniture from the DCOTA

We're counting down the minutes to the weekend (just a few more hours!) but till then, let's be honest, we're daydreaming about being outside, preferably by the pool with a cocktail in hand! To further entice (or maybe we should say torture), here's an assortment of new outdoor furnishings available at the DCOTA.

An all-weather wicker from Janus et Cie is pictured above.

Looking for a lounge? Brown Jordan has this sleek new addition:

Those with ample deck space will enjoy good conversation at this spacious sofa from the American firm McKinnon and Harris, available at J.Batchelor:

And for a seating area to rival your indoor set up, try this look from Royal Botania, available at Inside Out:

July 26: DCOTA presents "Outdoors"

We hope you're already scheduled on July 26: for the DCOTA International Design series devoted to the Outdoors, of course!
We've already told you about events on July 12 & 19. Here's what to expect.
At 11am, join the DCOTA's Marketing Director, Josh Fein, Lee Menichella from Chella Textiles, and Eugene Freeland, President of Link Outdoor as they explore the design and manufacturing process of outdoor fabrics and what works best in our warm sunny climate.



Keynote lunch reception to follow at Jeffrey Michaels & Co, Suite A-168

1–3pm
Decorative Crafts, Suite B-218 • Meet the Artist, Cesar Barroso
Artist/journalist/photojournalist Cesar Barroso presents large-format photographs of botanicals in black & white and color as well as visions of the architecture of downtown Miami. He just ended a two-month exhibit at the Coral Springs Museum of Art.

1:30
J. Batchelor, Suite A-160 • Secret Garden by McKinnon and Harris
Tour through and learn about the most exclusive outdoor furniture in the world, including what's pictured at top.

3–4pm
Cowtan & Tout, Suite B-254 • Presenting DeLany & Long
Cowtan & Tout is proud to present DeLany & Long. Join us to sip mojitos, while viewing this elegant and beautiful collection of fabrics for outdoor/indoor living.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 2 of 3)

New York-based owner of Otium and designer, Thomas Fuchs, spent some time with us to talk about his signature collection, Otium. We know from our last post that 'Otium' is Latin for “aristocratic leisure," so we felt perfectly comfortable kicking our feet back as we posed questions to him about his work. We hope you’ll do the same as you read our Q&A below.

GDG: What helped to progress your skills in the industry?

TF: I started my professional training in a museum surrounded by the very best examples of art in a city where the museums were all free and their archives were there for even a curious student. This taught me to appreciate the finest of the fine.

I moved on to working in the auction business where I quickly became a furniture expert at the age of 25. This taught me period characteristics and social significance of design, which has always been influenced by culture, trade, and politic and technical advances.

After this, I moved to create my first collection of furniture called Quatrain, where I honed my knowledge of craftsmanship, business savvy and the importance of the relationship and mutual respect with the artisans that create the visions I have.

GDG: Did you have any major influences along the way?

TF: My two biggest influences were my parents who encouraged my art and my elementary art school teacher with whom I am still friends!

GDG: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

TF: Well, I am not big on collecting. After working in the auction business and being constantly surrounded by so much stuff it is easy not to get emotionally attached. I am also willing to wait until I can get the very best example of something other then just filling in space.

The one thing I do admit to collecting is Han Dynasty and Neolithic pottery. I do not have a lot but what I have is important. I never feel like I am the sole owner, I feel like I am holding these for the next owner. You cannot help but feeling that a 2,000 year old object is now solely for you. I also “collect” or adopt stray dogs!

Next week, Thomas tells us what he's been busy with recently and which DDB showroom will carry his latest work. Find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Meet the Designer: Thomas Fuchs' Ode to Otium (Part 1 of 3)

We recently had the chance to chat with Thomas Fuchs, New York-based owner of Otium and designer, about his signature collection, Otium. Tapping his classical training in the fine arts and his love of furniture and design, Thomas created a line of neo-classical glass lamps, cases and candlesticks for Otium Collection.

GDG: What does 'Otium' mean?

TF: Otium in Latin means 'aristocratic leisure.'

GDG: What was the inspiration or direction behind Otium?

TF: The clearest direction for Otium was to work with the Maestro of Murano, Italy. Although glass is made all over the world, I have yet to see the finesse that comes from the Maestro of Italy. The tradition in 600 years of glass blowing has only been altered by the addition of electricity—otherwise the pieces we create today are produced with the same technical attributes of the same pieces being made in the 17th century.

Glass is magic and being in the furnaces working is even more magical. To have these amazing Maestro willing to put up with this crazy guy from the United States is a gift for which I will be forever grateful.

GDG: How did you get started in the fine arts world?

TF: I have studied art my entire life. I have a degree in Art History and Studio and I went to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC.  I am a member and student of the Art Student League of New York and I have also studied at the Academy of Art & Design, NYC. My last job before starting Otium eight years ago was to be the design director of furniture & decorative art for Donghia.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more about Thomas and his Otium Collection, but in the meantime, you can find Otium at the DDB in the Holland & Sherry showroom, at the PDC in A. Rudin and at the DCOTA at J. Batchelor.

Event Recap: Tabletop Runway Steals the Show

The second week of International Design@DCOTA’s Design Series Tabletop Runway touched on the ultimate fashions for entertaining in style, bringing together designers Tony Ferchak and Lorenzo Mallicone from William Bernard Design Group. Tabletop accessories from Mary Mahoney of Palm Beach and flowers from Pistil & Petals in Miami were included in the J. Batchelor showroom.

The lecture gave tips on how to think outside the box and accessorize your dining room space such as making your own tablecloths out of foliage and mixing and matching your china to express your personality.

For images, product or event information on last week's Tabletop Runway, contact Victoria Shapiro at Victoria@dcota.com or 954-920-7997 ext. 251.

Save the Date: Tabletop Runway at DCOTA

With a full lineup of entertaining and educational programs, it’s the perfect time to beat the Florida heat at the DCOTA.

International Design@DCOTA hosts hosts a full panel of experts will be on tap for Tabletop Runway: The Ultimate Fashions for Entertaining in Style to get your fix on entertaining this Summer. Lorenzo Mallicone and Tony Ferchak of William Bernard Design partner with tabletop maven Mary Mahoney and Pistils & Petals to discuss how to avoid accessorize your table.

A reception will follow at J. Batchelor in Suite A-160.

The event takes place June 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the DCOTA's B Atrium. For more information visit http://www.dcota.com/#/special-events/.

Ralph Pucci: Sculptural Soul

After partnering with so many legendary designers, Ralph Pucci has decided to embark on the first line of furniture designed and manufactured by the Ralph Pucci team, which will represent the roots and soul of the brand.

The new collection will consist of six pieces and like the other designers he represents, will be sculptural, timeless and made from quality materials. It will have an industrial chic feel with materials such as blackened stainless steel, wool, leather, glass and marble.

"This collection represents many years of inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, contemporary jazz and the minimalism of art and design. The collection has references to the past and yet is new, graphic and uncomplicated," says a company representative.

Check out the new collection at their PDC showroom and at DCOTA's J. Batchelor Showroom in Suite A-428.