As we all know by now, 2008 was the first year of an unprecedented recession, not only in America but world-wide. 2009 will see that recession continue. However, the duration and severity remain unknown at this point.
I have spent a good deal of time studying this downturn and thinking about active steps that designers can take to improve their businesses during this period. From my research I have prepared a brief talk concerning the economy as it pertains to our industry and highlighting 25 things (or more) that you can do to improve your business, both to survive this downturn and to be stronger when the economy comes roaring back. In addition, the second half of my presentation will include a compilation of rare archival photographs from the files of Angelo Donghia, featuring select images from the homes of many of the stars of the 70's and 80's. There are also a few peeks at some exciting new Donghia Designs for 2009, including the return of some much-loved Donghia Classics. I will be offering my "Ideas to Navigate Through Change and Challenge" presentation around the country over the next few months as I travel to Donghia Showrooms, as well as many of the independent showrooms where Donghia is represented. I will provide a hand-out of this presentation as well as a list of useful business websites to help business owners during this time of change and challenge.Click here for presentation schedule. For additional information or to attend one of these sessions, please contact your local showroom representative.
With a nod to Angelo Donghia, renowned interior and product designer, Donghia Inc. returns to its roots by appointing an internationally recognized designer, Chuck Chewning, as Creative Director. His responsibilities will include the creative development of furniture, textiles, accessories and showroom planning.
In addition to Chewning's exceptional design background, he brings with him a lifelong admiration for the work of Angelo Donghia. Chewning offers over 20 years of design experience to the position. His background combines historic preservation, an extensive knowledge of the decorative arts, and a globaI interior design practice focusing on luxury residential and hospitality markets. Prior to joining Donghia, Chewning was a founding partner and president of the luxury design firm, CCID in Atlanta, Georgia. Honing his craft at Hirsch Bender Associates for 15 years, Chewning rose to the position of senior associate directing and overseeing international hotel and hospitality design. This body of work has earned him numerous design awards for projects throughout Europe and the United States and worldwide recognition in books and magazines.
Donghia will greet 2009 with an exciting new venture in Paris; its first, freestanding dedicated showroom in Europe, slated to open early January. Located on the Left Bank in the heart of Saint Germain-des-Près - one of the city's most vibrant art and fashion infused districts - the showroom will occupy both the street and lower level of a traditional Parisian eighteenth century building. Situated directly across from the Rubelli showroom, Donghia will keep good company in this rarified neighborhood with such renowned names in fashion and interiors as Yves St. Laurent, LaCroix, Manuel Canovas, Flamant, and Britain's Colefax & Fowler.
The interior of the showroom itself was carefully orchestrated by Creative Director Chuck Chewning, following on the heels of his extraordinary design for Donghia's inaugural exhibition at Milan's Salone Internazionale in April, 2008. The overriding aesthetic of the showroom recalls classic Angelo Donghia style - timeless, modern elegance; the superfluous stripped away to reveal the core of excellent design. Parisian interior styles of the 1920s, 30s and 40s had a major influence on Angelo Donghia; a reflection of which is noted in the subtle nod to Art Deco that enriches the décor.
A wealth of intriguing, luxurious materials adds an opulent note to the showroom's ultra modern, clean décor. On both floors "vignette" settings suggest elegant groupings of furniture, lighting and ornamental glassware. The furniture is a seamless blend of traditional Donghia pieces and selections from the new Legacy Collection designed by Joseph Jeup.
The mix-mastery of Chewning is displayed by the choice of coverings and fabrics used to set the aesthetic mood. Luminous and reflective, metallic paper backed raffia covers the ceilings, adding a subtle shimmer to a serene, neutral palette. Throughout the showroom luxurious fabrics add to the opulence, ranging from crème silks and cashmere velvet to fine wools. Eschewing traditional wood for the unexpected, the floors are made from cast and polished concrete in a chocolate aubergine shade, laid in an intricate Asscher pattern. The window vitrines facing Rue de l'Abbaye echo the hue of the floors, lacquered in the same rich chocolate aubergine.
The launch of Donghia's first independent showroom in Europe is not only of paramount importance as a singular event, but reasserts Donghia and the Rubelli Group's commitment to building a more powerful and visible presence in the international arena.
In addition to increased presence in the international market, Donghia is also building the brand within the United States. New and expanded representation of Donghia can be found in Washington D.C., the Washington Design Center, where the size of the showroom has doubled to a total 8,675 square feet and in Chicago, the Merchandise Mart, where showroom space has also been enlarged to 8,500 square feet. Donghia's goal is to be the destination showroom for both of these design centers. Also, the expansion of both Chicago and DC has allowed Creative Director, Chuck Chewning and the design team to create dedicated areas to textile and furniture displays. Entering into the new showrooms will be like entering into fabulous residences with decorated rooms that flow into one another. This allows the opportunity to truly showcase a complete Donghia lifestyle. Textile display is consolidated into a separate working area. The new furniture rooms feature limestone floors, lacquered door casings and articulated ceilings with concealed museum lighting. The interiors of the new spaces will echo classic Donghia style, quietly elegant in a neutral color palette. Additionally, our Las Vegas, Nevada location will be relocated within the Holsum Lofts complex.
In 2009, two more Donghia expansions and updates are slated for Los Angeles, the Pacific Design Center (PDC), and Dania Beach, Florida, the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA).
Donghia is pleased to announce its second presence at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile from April 22-27, 2009. Each year Milan, the capital of Italian design, hosts the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the world's largest and most renowned furniture fair. Approximately 1300 exhibitors from around the world participate in the event, displaying the latest designs in the furniture and interiors industry. Last year Salone attracted 348,000 visitors from over 160 countries. The fair, in its 48th year, showcases the future of furniture design and plays host to the biggest names in the industry.
Bergamo Fabrics and Donghia, Inc. will be exhibiting together at the 17th annual HD Expo & Conference, May 14-16, 2009 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our booth number this year will be #4443. We invite you to stop by to see the latest Donghia and Bergamo collections as well as those of five of the lines that Donghia represents in their showrooms. This year we will exhibit with Bart Halpern, Boyd Lighting, The Bradley Collection, Brentano, Élitis, Townsend Leather, Lori Weitzner, and Seguso.
