Knoll Luxe & Trove's fabulous collaboration

Trove announced their partnership with KnollTextiles back in June as their stunning wallcoverings entered the Knoll Luxe Showroom in the DDB. But last week, we checked out the official launch and reception for the Vivid Collection, and were nothing but impressed.


Trove designers Jee Levin and Randall Buck discussed their design process with attendees and spoke to how they made the prints come alive.



“Designers have been thrilled to see Trove in the D&D, love the use of color and feeling of whimsey in the collaboration they have done with KnollTextiles,” said Cannon Schuab, Knoll Luxe Showroom Manager.


Intrigued? Take a look back at the collection in detail in our previous post and stop by the showroom, Suite 1702, for a peek!

Thursday events at the DDB

This Thursday, September 20, from 5:30-7:30pm, join us at Window Modes (Suite 1615) at the DDB. Special guest Theo Kalomirakis of TK Theatres, dubbed the "father of home theatre" is a leading creator of custom theatres and one-of-a-kind entertainment environments, like the one pictured above. Whether the style is traditional and opulent or clean and contemporary, Kalomirakis tailors each creation to fit the clients. He'll also be signing copies of his book, Great Escapes, which features nine of his projects. Discover new ways to incorporate these environments into your designs for homes (and clients) who truly want everything, as well as the technology that will make these environments truly start of the art. RSVP to Sales@WindowModes.com.

Then come back next Thursday, September 27, for a midday treat from 12-2pm at KnollTextiles (Suite 1702). Trove designers Jee Levin and Randall Buck will be on hand for a reception to celebrate their new collection of three wallcoverings, Sway, Swerve and Swoosh (pictured above) designed for Knoll. For more information, email knoll-luxe@knoll.com.

A peak inside the bloggers' goodie bags

As a BIG thank you to the participants of last week's DDB Spring Market, the 20 bloggers went home with some very nice treats, most of which were one-off, specially created batches. Many showrooms showed their thanks for the bloggers' attention, coverage and participation with goodies ranging from tote bags to pens to jewelry. Thanks to everyone who donated, and once again to the bloggers for all of their great reporting. (We'll continue to share all that the bloggers have to say in their post-market recaps, so keep checking back.)

ANICHINI: Merino Wool Scarves, made in Italy from 100% Merino wool, and renowned for their soft, silky feel. Designs are exclusive to Anichini
CREATION BAUMANN: Umbrellas
CRESTRON: Zipdrives, that are both techy and adorable
DONGHIA: Leather Notebooks, made with a soft cover and lined pages to document your every design need
GRACIE: iPhone Case, with Gracie’s scenic hand-painted wallpaper, combining the finest level of hand painted detail typical of the 18th century Chinese designs with a modern bold orange accent
HOLLAND & SHERRY: Fountain Pens, covered in their signature wool
HOULES: Beaded Key Chain and Post it Compact. This beautiful beaded keychain offers a glimpse into Houles newest trim line, the Palais Royale
KNOLL LUXE: Nail Polish in Knoll Textiles custom color, “Tryst”
LUTRON: Maestro Wireless Dimmer, Single Pico® Wireless control has the power to control up to 10 Maestro Wireless dimmers and switches, up to 100 feet
MAYA ROMANOFF: Slink Notebooks
NEKTAR DE STAGNI: Bracelets, Nektar De Stagni  "Smiley Face" Freshwater Pearl earrings, with black Crystal pave

PIPINO 57: VIP Member Cards
POTTERTON BOOKS: Book Du Jour
QUADRILLE: Tote Bag
QUINTESSENTIALLY: A two-week pass to Quintessentially Unlocked
ROBERT ALLEN: Ikat Pouches
ROSE TARLOW: Leather Coaster. It's 5 o’ clock somewhere! Coasters in RTMH leather with our signature house emblem – the perfect desk accessory
SCUBE DESIGN: Hand-crafted pencil pouches, with silver-foiled glass beads and Swarovski crystal stones
VAUGHAN: Tape Measures

Design Seminar Series at the DDB

The DDB's DESIGN SEMINAR SERIES continues with DESIGN HISTORY SERIES on the HISTORY OF THE INTERIOR. Sign up now and brush up on your decorative arts history. We We promise it'll be more fun (and insightful) than summer school! This five-session program examines the history of the 20th-century interior through the filter of the major design movements that influenced the modern home. The discussion highlights key concepts of the development of the modern interior, such as taste, class, style, identity, hygiene and modernity. By viewing icons and some of the most important interiors of their time, the series will include analysis of furniture, furnishings, lighting, objects, wall coverings and the decorative arts of the interior.


All lectures by Daniella Ohad Smith, Ph.D. Sponsored by Modern Magazine. The five-week series with Optional CEU certificate is in partnership with NYSID costs $25 per course credit (.1CE .1LU per course). To register as CEU, please contact 212-472-1500 ext. 209 or visit www.nysid.edu. General RSVP to RSVP@DDBuilding.com.


Tuesday, May 29, 9:30AM, Crestron, Suite 400
The Birth of the Modern Home | CE145-W-A 
The campaign for the modern home and the transformation from Victorian concepts of domestic culture into those adhering modern living were initiated by William Morris and the fathers of the Arts and Crafts Movement. In the wake of industrialization, they proposed alternative visions of production that integrated art and labor as well as manifesto that focused on furniture, furnishings, and the appearance of the modern home. Breakfast reception to immediately follow.


Tuesday, June 5, 9:30AM, Donghia, Suite 700
Art Nouveau – The Art Home | CE145-W-B
The attempt to reform and renew the domestic sphere through a complete design program in fin-de-siècle Europe, had informed the European Art Nouveau home. Concepts such as an 'artistic' home, the Gesamtkunstwerk interior, nationalism, and a transformation from a historicist tradition into modernist ideals came to inform and define that unique home that tells the story of its time. Breakfast reception to immediately follow.


Tuesday, June 12, 9:30AM, Pierre Frey, Suite 1611
The Art Deco Interior | CE145-W-C 
Two streams and concepts regarding the modern interior were developed in France between the two world wars, reflecting historical-traditional vocabulary on the one hand and an avant-garde approach on the other. Issues such as machine-age aesthetics, mass culture, antimodernism, and domesticity became apparent in the construction of the French Art Deco interior. Breakfast reception to immediately follow.


Tuesday, June 19, 9:30AM, Designers Lounge, 14th Floor
The Midcentury American Home | CE145-W-D 
The postwar suburban projects, the Case Study House Program, furniture production and promotions, are at the center of discussion of the American midcentury home. It is contextualized within postwar modern design and the work of such key figures as the Eameses, Eero Saarinen, Knoll, George Nelson, Robin and Lucienne Day, and Eva Zeisel.
Breakfast reception to follow at Knoll Luxe, Suite 1702.


Tuesday, June 26, 9:30AM, de le Cuona, Suite 914
Living with Postmodernism | CE145-W-E 
The departure from modernist ideals in home design toward the Postmodernist home reflect a critical shift in the practice of culture and consumption and in the understanding of concepts relating to the essence of interior design. Themes such as consumption of popular culture, kitsch, the transformation of the 'good taste,' and nostalgia, all came to play central role in the emergence of the postmodernist interior. Breakfast reception to immediately follow.

In the News: National Design Week with Knoll (Part 1 of 2)

Knoll recently kicked off National Design Week in New York City with Masamichi Udagawa, Sigi Moeslinger and Lee Mindel at the event The Future of Design. We learned from our friends at Knoll that the event was a fabulous evening and this year's National Design Week was one to remember.

Cara McCarty, curator of the Cooper-Hewitt, hosted the event The Future of Design with Masamichi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger, known for designing the New York City subway cars and the Antenna Workspaces for Knoll, along with architect and product designer Lee Mindel. The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt selects the National Design Award winners each year.

"Knoll was excited to host a conversation on design at the Knoll showroom," said a company representative. "The talk was a future-focused discussion on how design affects quality of life, which is a tenant of the National Design Awards."

The speakers and fellow National Design Award winners, Lee Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Associates, and Masamicihi Udagawa and Sigi Moeslinger of Antenna Design also embody the mission of future-focused design.

Check back tomorrow for more on National Design Week to learn more about Knoll's event and read a few words from Masamichi and Lee.

Event Recap: Knoll Luxe Manicure Party

The DDB's Knoll Luxe showroom was the place to be last Tuesday. We stopped in to enjoy champagne, gourmet cookies and complimentary manicures from Spa Chicks in Cato Pink and Knoll Red nail polish.

"We had a fantastic turnout, even with the earthquake!" said Cannon Schaub, Knoll Luxe showroom manager. "Clients in attendance waited over an hour to get their mini manicures, but the time flew with fabulous cookies from Ruby et Violette, Veuve Clicquot champagne and of course Knoll Luxe and KnollTextiles to shop while waiting."

We chatted with some of the many attendees who were either next in line for their nails to be done, or waiting for their fresh sets to dry.

"I definitely didn't expect to walk in to cookies and champagne when I arrived!" said Nicole, an intern for AJC Interior Design. " I absolutely love this showroom. The variety of colors is inspiring!"

"This is such a unique event because it's fun and girly and, not to mention, it's in a fabulous showroom," said Melissa, a soon-to-be masters graduate at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. "It's an intimate setting for the girls to just be girls and look at beautiful fabrics while indulging a little bit!"

Renee, the manicure professional on-hand, told us that Spa Chicks often does events such as the Knoll Luxe party. Cannon hired Spa Chicks to provide the mini manicures in Knoll Red & Cato Pink.

"A lot of people really like this added service at many kinds of events," said Renee. "I really enjoy working them as well! It's nice to get a change of scenery and be at work in more than one place from time to time!"

"Marie, the owner, was a dream to work with and Renee, the nail artist, will be requested if we do any future events," said Cannon.

Cannon was quick to tell us to drop by the showroom whenever we were around.  "You'll never know when we'll have another!" she said.

Stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom in Suite 1702 at the DDB and you may be walking out with a fresh coat of polish.

Product Pick: Fashion-Inspired Fabrics at Knoll Luxe

For Knoll Luxe's recent 2011 collection, creative director Dorothy Cosonas drew inspiration from current fashion trends with three upholstery fabrics: Arabella, Gramercy and Vermeer. The collection includes two large-scale velvet upholstery fabrics, and a classic Knoll nubby texture.

Inspired by the runway, Arabella is a modern take on a classic plaid. Digitally printed on 100% cotton velvet, the six colorways are fresh and full of life. We personally love Serenade, a cool combination of gray and yellow.

Gramercy is a large-scale geometric cut velvet that combines a modern pattern with old-world technology, while Vermeer adds an inviting nubby texture to the trio.

Stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom on the DDB's 17th floor and tell us which fabric you’d love your home to wear.

Shop Talk: Carrier and Company is in Knoll Luv

As one of the earliest supporters of the Knoll Luxe showroom, Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd principals Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller took some time out of their busy schedules to tell us what they love about Knoll Luxe and why this showroom is the one they keeping keep coming back to.


"We look to Knoll Luxe for textiles that are crafted, yet modern," said Mara. "Their partnerships with leading fashion designers has created a new direction and level of quality for home textiles that is truly game changing!"


The showroom is also a great stop for our better-than-basics shopping, Mara told us. "The DDB's Knoll Luxe showroom is a place we can get subtle weaves and exciting colors that elevate our often edited fabric schemes, where every fabric counts! The showroom packs a punch because in addition to Knoll Luxe, it is also a resource for the entire Knoll line of textiles! You can't beat that!"

Knoll Luxe's Nail Polish is Back with Flare

Knoll Luxe is at it again--they've made another fun and flashy nail polish. Celebrating the Cato Collection's 50th birthday, the newest polish is called Cato Hot Pink and it has just as much flare as the fabrics.

You may just be lucky enough to snag a bottle of Cato, so stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom in Suite 1702  at the DDB before they're all gone.

Product Pick: Crazy for Cato at Knoll Luxe

We never tire of finding cause to get ourselves to the DDB's Knoll Luxe showroom and the Cato collection is our new favorite reason. Introduced in 1961, the Cato textile continues to pull the proverbial wool over our eyes by introducing three new colors in celebration of their 50th birthday.

Primarily constructed of wool, Cato has achieved iconic status among upholstery textiles with its exaggerated texture that recalls the art and tradition of hand weaving. The newest members of the collection are a sassy Hot Pink, a sunny Yellow and a neutral Natural and pair perfectly with their older predecessors.

Stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom on the DDB's 17th floor to browse the Cato collection and stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear more about all of the new and exciting things happening at Knoll Luxe this summer.

In the News: Knoll Wins 2011 National Design Award for Corporate & Institutional Achievement (Part 2)

The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum bestowed the 2011 National Design Award for Corporate and Institutional Achievement upon Knoll giving testament to Knoll’s legacy and vision for design.

We had the opportunity to talk with Knoll Design Director, Benjamin Pardo, about the award and what we can expect to see in Knoll's future.

GDG: What stands out most for you in the time that you've been with Knoll?

BP: I’ve been with the company since 2005. Since then, we have been working on products for a new generation seeking innovative approaches to the ever-changing workplace. The countless individuals involved with our winning this award have maintained one constant goal: a genuine balance of art and industry.

GDG: Has the look and feel of Knoll’s sensibility changed over the years?

BP: Knoll has always been about using modern design to connect people with their work, their lives and their world. Of course, we have evolved over time, but we have always stayed true to our modernist roots. With each product, we seek to explore new materials and processes that meet our high standards for sustainability.

GDG What's next for Knoll?

BP: Our uncompromising approach to design is stronger than ever. In the last two years, Knoll has invested in design by teaming up with six industrial design groups from around the world. New solutions for the office environment like Generation by Knoll®, MultiGeneration by Knoll®, Antenna® Workspaces and the Sapper™ Monitor Arm Collection have rolled out recently. Knoll will also further its introductions with ReGeneration by Knoll™ at NeoCon 2011 in Chicago.

We also continue to work on designs for KnollStudio and KnollTextiles, collections that demonstrate our commitment to design driven products that cross over between the workplace and the home.

Keep your eyes open for more of what Knoll is up to this Summer and stop by the Knoll Luxe showroom at the DDB to get more of your Knoll fix.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Dorothy Cosonas Presented Knoll Luxe's Spring Upholstery Collection

The Knoll Luxe showroom was packed with visitors excited to see the newest Spring colors and fabrics, especially because Dorothy Cosonas was presenting them.

"I've always loved reading about Dorothy and what she does at Knoll Luxe," said an excited Spring Market attendee. "I just had the chance to get her input on the color tones for one of my clients, and it was just wonderful to hear what she had to say. She really understands color and the new collection's saturated and vibrant hues show that!"

Dorothy pointed out a few samples from the collection that have been getting extra attention, including one from the archives.

"One of our orange-y colors here was only ever shown in a showroom in Mexico City!" Dorothy said. "So the circumstances of it making it back to this collection are wild! This color along with the pinks and yellows have been really popular as well. I think people are in need of bright colors after such a long winter—and these are inspiring!"

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more DDB Spring Market Buzz, and make your way to Knoll Luxe to see the Spring Upholstery collection in person.

Knoll Does Nails

‘Tis the season to be giving … and that’s exactly what Knoll Luxe is doing. The company is offering a limited number of Knoll Red, a holiday nail color, for one day only on December 14th.

We got a special sample of the vibrant polish and can't wait to get it on our hands for the holidays.

Stop by the Knoll Luxe DDB showroom, suite 1702

Special Event: Dorothy Cosonas for Knoll Luxe

Dorothy Cosonas, Knoll Luxe Creative Director, will be previewing her new textile collection this Wednesday at the Knoll Luxe showroom.

Dorothy combines a modern, minimalist perspective with a unique point of view. Her approach integrates global influences with high fashion, creating an evocative fusion that is very much in the now.

"As with all of my work for Knoll Luxe, this collection is about clean, clear color and a soft luxurious hand. After two guest collections, I was eager to get back to my own original designs for the line at Knoll Luxe."

We too are eager to check out the new collection—and to partake in the champagne and chocolates at the reception!

The event will be held at the Knoll Luxe Showroom in suite 1702 this Wednesday, November 17, 2010 from 3-5 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Knoll Luxe...Whip

Whip, an upholstery fabric, pairs the softness and grain of fine leather with the high durability and saturated color attainable from its polyurethane construction.  Whip, in 12 colors, is made of 25% polyurethane (face) and 65% rayon/10% polyester (backing).  It exceeds 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs.

Knoll Luxe and Rodarte Launch New Collection

Knoll Luxe, the luxury brand from Knoll, Inc., launches a new collection of innovative textiles with Rodarte

Rodarte, the celebrated American fashion house of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, has created five upholstery and three drapery patterns for Knoll Luxe. This collection, Rodarte’s first collaboration with Knoll, is an abstract translation of Rodarte’s runway inspirations throughout its last 5 years.

Rodarte is characterized by exquisite craftsmanship, precise detailing, and creative innovation.

“Since its inception, Knoll has worked with cutting-edge designers -- from Eero Saarinen to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe,” says Knoll Luxe creative director Dorothy Cosonas. ”Collaborating with Rodarte, arguably the most innovative voice in the fashion world today, furthers Knoll’s rich tradition.”