From significant business changes to noteworthy product launches, there’s always something new happening in the world of design. In this weekly roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.
In the News
The White House Rose Garden Remodel Runs Into More Trouble
Recent changes to the White House Rose Garden had already sparked their fair share of controversy—as AD decorative arts editor Mitchell Owens investigated at length. Now, the garden is back in the news, thanks to a series of repairs that have already been required. This week, CNN reported on this development, stating that the problem centered around issues of water drainage. Hopefully, more flaws won’t spring anew.
Century Furniture Rides a Wave of Changes Catalyzed by the Pandemic
Members of design industry are very familiar with Century Furniture—the Hickory, North Carolina–based company that has long served as an embodiment of American manufacturing. Usually, Century makes headlines around High Point Market. But recently, it was the subject of an extensive Wall Street Journal feature. The article detailed how the brand has handled the past few months of challenges and widespread uncertainty—from order shifts to ongoing health concerns.
COVID-19’s Impact on Galleries Comes Into Clearer Focus
While it was apparent from the outset of the coronavirus pandemic that the business of galleries was bound to suffer, a new survey has made that fact more numerically indisputable. Organized by Art Basel and UBS, the study was covered by the New York Times this week. Overall, affluent individuals continue to make purchases, but sales have slowed, dropping 36% for modern and contemporary galleries.
Business
Dulux Shares Its 2021 Color of the Year Pick
And the winner is…Brave Ground. That’s the news from British paint company Dulux. The color, which is brown and earthy in tone, could just be a new go-to neutral. Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux U.K., stated, “The colors on our walls are the backdrop to how we live our life. For many of us, lockdown has served to emphasize how important our home environment has become; it has been the place where we work, learn, relax. It can lift us up, nurture us, comfort us.”
Openings
Gucci Garden Opens for Virtual Tours
Designed by Alessandro Michele and located on Florence’s Piazza della Signoria, Gucci Garden is now welcoming visitors to tour rooms, objects, and exhibitions throughout its virtual space. The garden concept was opened—in real life—two years ago, as an immersive museum showcasing the brand’s clothing, accessories, art, and other items. It is also home to shoppable pieces from the Gucci Décor collection, and a collection of magazines and antique books.
Good Works
Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club President’s Dinner Makes for a Virtual Event to Remember
This year’s Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club President’s Dinner may have taken place through computer, tablet, and phone screens, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a smashing success. Attendees were sent cocktail kits ahead of time, and encouraged to dress up. Dinner cochair Bunny Williams introduced her husband John Rosselli, the winner of this year’s lifetime achievement award. And if that weren’t enough star wattage, current AD cover star Misty Copeland and Lin-Manuel Miranda both made appearances. While the evening itself might have come to a close, you can still make donations to the organization through this link.
Grant Program for Black-Owned Design Businesses Debuts
Los Angeles home brand Parachute is launching the Home for Dreams Initiative, a grant and mentorship program designed to support Black-owned, product-centric businesses with funding, advisory, and brand support. The application-based program is now open for submissions through October 8. Grantees will receive a $25,000 business grant, mentorship from Parachute founder and CEO Ariel Kaye and her team, and social and email promotion.
Books
A New Publication Draws Attention to the Importance of Visible Mending
More Stories
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