Contract - June 2009 - (Page 60)

focus how sweet it is Rockwell Group and Desiron collaborate on a new indoor/outdoor furniture collection called Candy By Danine Alati We could all use a little fun right now! That’s what David Rockwell was thinking when he collaborated with New York-based furniture manufacturer Desiron on a collection of indoor/outdoor seating and benches. Founder and CEO of his New York design firm, Rockwell says he sought “to create a versatile furniture collection that reflected the energy and playfulness that we often infuse in designs, whether for stage sets, restaurants, or museums.” He continues, “We loved the idea of creating a landscape of color with these stools and benches, and the simple geometric square and rectangular shapes of the furniture made a sleek and modern complement to create a bold, fun, and elegant environment.” Frank Carfaro, founder and creative director of Desiron, says that he and Rockwell had been seeking an opportunity to co-brand a line of furniture, and Desiron does not yet have an outdoor collection, so when the idea of Candy came up, it was a logical fit. “I love details and craftsmanship,” says Carfaro, “I started out with the idea of modular pieces, and my input came in what materials we would use based on where we thought the furniture would end up. We cast a wide net and offer products appropriate for a variety of spaces” from hotel lobbies and resort pool areas to spas, restaurants, and residential applications. Rockwell felt that Desiron’s modern, innovative design sensibility was aligned with his own.“We both appreciate furniture that is simple in form and materials, but rich in texture and palette,” he says, adding, “Also, the fact that Desiron has always been producing its furniture in the United States [in a factory in New Jersey] really controls the quality and lead-time.” All of these factors contributed to a marriage that produced the whimsy Candy collection. Right now the line consists of a low stool (15 in. or 18 in. high), a high stool (24 in. or 30 in. high), a long bench (15 in. or 18. in high), plus a white lacquer table that was added during the design process. All stools and benches are offered in stainless steel, polished aluminum, and matte aluminum legs, with upholstered cushions in a bold palette of red, tangerine, brown, berry, turquoise, and grass. “We wanted vibrant fun colors,” says Rockwell, “and we thought all the different configurations of pieces were not unlike a box of colorful candy.” Launched at ICFF in May, Candy has received rave reviews from the A&D community, and Carfaro and Rockwell see possibilities for extending the line with additional materials like teak or bamboo and pieces such as bar/counter stools, side tables, and even a set of loungers and a chaise. “We thought that there was no better time to introduce a product that would make people smile,” Rockwell says. “Our feeling that the industry was craving something simple and joyous was right on, and I think this craving will continue to support this collection as we add pieces to it.” desiron.com Reader Service No. 202 Give us your feedback on this story at www.contractmagazine.com/contact. Photo credit: Adrian Wilson 60 contract june 2009 www.contractmagazine.com http://www.desiron.com http://www.contractmagazine.com/contact http://www.contractmagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - June 2009

Contract - June 2009
Contents
Editorial
Industry
Exhibition: Best of NeoCon 2009
Building Bridges
Bright Side
How Sweet It Is
At Home Abroad
First Class Dining
Star Quality
Collective Conscience
A Perfect Fit
Teen Spirit
Designers Rate: Stacking Chairs
You Are Not What You Were
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - June 2009