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| Jessica Gordon Ryan/The Entertaining House |
Yes, yes, yes... I know that Scalamandre is an American company. But they were exhibiting at Decorex and I am recapping my London days for you. And I simply adore Scalamandre. The iconic Zebra print just speaks to me. And, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with the company's president, Steven Stolman, who I also had the pleasure of meeting in Newport, Rhode Island a couple of years ago when he was with the American iconic sandal company, Jack Rogers.
I was reaching for some press information - actually I was reaching for the adorable bag (you can see it in the lower background of my photo) when Mr. Stolman approached me. "Can I help you?" My press badge was not visible at that time. "I'm just looking for a press kit or something," I replied. And then I quickly added, "we met in Newport, at Angela Moore." He seemed to recognize me almost immediately. "Yes, you were trying to buy the mid-wedge sandal and it was much too old for you!" Amazed, surprised and pleased that he remembered me of the millions of people he must meet every year, I said "that's right, you made me buy the gold jewelled Zsa-Zsas!" They remain, to this day, my favorite sandals... ever.
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| Jessica Gordon Ryan/ The Entertaining House |
While I had his full attention I asked him if there were differences in the US and the European markets. He told me that there were... there are... and they are quite vast. He reiterated all that I had learned and seen. Europeans are bolder, more adventurous and much more daring. They love color. The more color, the brighter, the bolder the better. They love their patterns as well... bigger, bolder, brighter... it's all better in the mind of the artsy, modern, forward thinking European. We're the opposite here, which may surprise you. This big, loud, brazen country is quiet and subdued by comparison. We are quieter and more reserved in terms of fashion and decor. We are timid. We are practically wall flowers when compared to our European brothers and sisters. We like beiges, whites, toned down and pastel tones. We're gun shy. Although I knew this I wondered why it was, and the answer quite surprised me. Steven Stolman made a very interesting comment. We as Americans don't live in our homes for particularly long. We are always selling and moving. The Europeans reside in their homes for much longer periods of time. This is reflected in design. Europeans decorate to live. Stolman believes that we are always on the move, always "flipping", decorate to sell. Interesting, isn't it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!
As a leading American purveyor of decorative fabrics, wallcoverings, trims, furnishings and accessories, Scalamandre’s mission is to produce the most exquisite designs with a seamless integration of styles and periods while inspiring designers and enriching their vision. Scalamandre’s ability to fluently blend a uniform balance of art and craftsmanship has been the company’s hallmark and it's clear sense of integrity and correctness remains a testament to its rich heritage of uncompromising quality and excellence.
Long a destination for connoisseurs of fine design and all things beautiful, it continues to showcase beloved signature classics as well as fresh, new collections that are timeless, elegant and approachable. Scalamandre continues to maintain the highest level of quality and construction, attributes of this venerable 82 year-old company. While the strength of the Scalamandre brand rests on its heritage, it does not rest on its laurels.
As the industry’s standard-bearer of excellence, Scalamandre has been called upon by some of American’s most extraordinary properties. Historic restoration and cultural commissions number over 1,000, among them: The White House, the U.S. Capitol, United States Treasury, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, The Morgan Library, Wrightsman Galleries at Metropolitan Museum of Art, Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, Winterthur, the Mansions of Newport, and the Metropolitan Opera House. Additionally, Scalamandre remains the paramount resource for America's premier designers and decorators for their most distinguished projects. Most recently, the firm has been commissioned to provide fabrics for the upcoming renovation of the legendary Ritz Hotel in Paris, a testament to Scalamandre's reputation for the exquisite.
Scalamandre sells its product through its flagship New York showroom and 9 “To-The-Trade” showrooms in major metropolitan locations. It supplements its distribution in secondary and tertiary locations with independent sales representatives, agents and sub-agents who serve America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more on Scalamandre, be sure to visit their website.
Oh, and I promised that I would tell you all about the new Scalamandre book. It's not yet on the market but will be available to all on October 1st. So pre-order your copy today... or rush, rush, rush to your local bookstore next Tuesday!
XOXO,
Jessica