VMSD - January 2014 - (Page 18)

DESIGnEr PrOFILE props + decoratives The Showman 18 january 2014 | vmsd.com sean sager crEatIvE DIrEctOr global visual group: almax | Lifestyle | trimco | viaggio "i design signature pieces and accessory displays that tie stories together and feature products in a meaningful way." Ri cha Rd c a da n, Fai RF ie ld, con n. Design is in Sean Sager's blood. How could it not be? Growing up in New York and Beverly Hills and educated in Europe, the privileged son of an art dealer father and an interior designer mother spent his youth immersed in art and culture. However, the award-winning creative director of Global Visual Group: Almax | Lifestyle | Trimco | Viaggio is quick to point out that for him, at least, privileged doesn't equal pampered; his parents instilled a strong work ethic. Sager joined the retail ranks at the tender age of 15, working in the stockrooms at Bonwit Teller and Ralph Lauren before rising to retail design heights with BCBG Max Azria Group, Guess, Lucky Brand and Bebe, among other notable brands. His design aesthetic is "luxe, chic, classic, tailored," Sager says. "I design signature pieces and accessory displays that tie stories together and feature products in a meaningful way." And, we'd add, with a spirit of playfulness and whimsy, which was on display last month in New York, where the 6-ft. 3-in. designer towered above mannequins and guests in his company's eclectic showroom. Sager bustled about, adjusting mod-looking fabric flowers and a menagerie of monkeys and alligators in a white high-gloss finish (his latest obsession for accessories display) just hours before his company's must-attend annual party during the Retail Design Collective. In addition to employing his design skills at Global Visual Group, from windows and mannequins to fixtures and decoratives, Sager leads all creative for marketing and advertising, social networking, product development, the New York showroom and tradeshow production. Ultimately, Sager says his work is always in the service of supporting the merchandise. "I come from the other side of the business where it's all about the product, so on this side I'm very mindful of the client's needs." And in an industry not unfamiliar with delicate egos, Sager stands out for his spirit of inclusiveness and outreach. "Giving back is really important to me," Sager says. He's committed to mentoring young designers - speaking at schools and inviting students to work by his side in his showroom - helping tomorrow's leaders to achieve the dream that he's living today. -Patricia Sheehan http://www.vmsd.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of VMSD - January 2014

VMSD - January 2014
Contents
From the Editor
VMSD Editorial Advisory Board
Props + Decoratives
Props + Decoratives - Global Visual Group’s Sean Sager
Lighting
Lighting - Donovan Designs’ Art Donovan
Mannequins + Forms
Materials + Wallcoverings
Furniture
Fixtures
Flooring
Flooring - Bolon’s Marie Eklund
Signage + Graphics
Best of the Rest
Lasting Impression

VMSD - January 2014