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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.
Hires
Annie Selke Commits to Female Leadership
Annie Selke is clearly looking to grow. This week, the founder of the namesake brand announced a slew of top hires. First and foremost, Lori King, formerly of Stonewall Kitchen, has been announced as the company's incoming CEO. Additionally, Cathy Taylor, founder of Cole Haan—who grew the company before ultimately selling it to Nike—will be the new vice chair of the board. Rounding out the group of new hires are SVP of marketing Courtney Addy and VP of forecast and planning Mia Goodman. The additions mean that the the company's nine-person senior leadership team, which includes Selke, will be made up entirely of women.
"The company has grown exponentially over the last two and a half decades and is anticipating continued growth—which requires additional talent," Selke tells AD PRO. "I wanted the A-team, and now we have it.” Chiming in, new CEO Lori King adds, “Annie Selke has anticipated what customers want before they want it, successfully, for 25 years, and I’m excited to help carry her vision forward at scale.”
Business
IKEA Becomes the Latest Brand to Leave Amazon
This week, CNBC reported that IKEA has become the latest major retailer to decide not to sell on Amazon. The move is significant not only in light of the Swedish megabrand's expansion plan, but also in light of Amazon's current position within the market. As of now, Amazon makes up 38 percent of all U.S. e-commerce. And while fashion brands such as Patagonia have gained notice for their decisions not to sell on the shopping platform, home and design companies making a similar choice have tended to fly more under the radar. Regardless, as the article notes, thanks to third-party sellers, decisions like this could ultimately backfire—for even companies as large as IKEA.
Product Launches
Beata Bets on E-Commerce
2020 has already proved to be a big year for Beata Heuman. First, the London-based designer made her AD100 debut, and now, she's out with an e-commerce website that ships to the U.S. Expect Heuman's delightful marbleized fabrics as well as her whimsical lamps, colorful seating options, and more. Known as her Shoppa, it just might become your new go-to sourcing resource for handmade designs crafted in Britain, Italy, and Sweden. "All our pieces are designed to enhance the home, which is a unique reflection of who people are," Heuman tells AD PRO. "We hope that [these products] will spark creativity and individuality."
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Matouk and Schumacher Create a Beautiful Collaboration
Mindy Matouk and Dara Caponigro, creative directors at Matouk and Schumacher, respectively, scanned the textile house’s archive to gather painterly patterns for the forthcoming Matouk Schumacher Collection. The line reinterprets the selected patterns (a leafy palm and refreshing botanical included) on six bedding, six shower curtain, and six beach towel styles. The collection is available now to preorder, with products launching on each brand’s website in March.
Openings
Raw-Edges Design Studio Makes Its First Retrospective Happen
Raw-Edges Design Studio, founded by Shay Alkalay and Yael Mer in 2007, is now out with its first retrospective show. The exhibition comes on the heels of the duo's win of the AW Designer of the Year 2020 Award. In "Behind the Scenes," expect highlights such as works from the Royal College of Art alums' Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades collection, on view at 25hours Hotel Koeln “The Circle” in Cologne this week.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset Opens a Vessel-Geared Exhibition
Earlier this week, an assortment of pieces by Jochen Holz and Derek Wilson made their debut at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. The exhibition is titled "dis/rupt," an asymmetrical title that hints at both the structure of some of the vessels included and how they are arranged throughout the gallery space. Make, an extension of the gallery's other Somerset footprint, is located in a Georgian townhouse—the ideal setting in which to view the beautiful wares.
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Awards
Ceramics of Italy Offers a Second Chance
Listen up, tile enthusiasts! Ceramics of Italy has extended the deadline for its 2020 Tile Competition to January 31. Why should you apply? Winners of the contest, which focuses on North American designers, architects, and students, will get a five-day trip to Bologna, Italy, for Cersaie 2020; an all-expenses paid trip to Coverings tile and stone conference; and $2,000 cash.
Studies
Online Shopping Habits Have Officially Changed
On Monday, Home Textiles Today covered the new IBM/National Retail Federation consumer report. Interestingly, the study indicates that while shopping used to be more of a planned activity, it is now often characterized by spontaneous decision making. The study also notes that a striking 70 percent of responders report shopping while doing another activity—like driving a car. Finally, the report makes clear the popularity of pickup-in-store features among online shoppers, which 50 percent of those polled confirm using.
In the News
Consumer Protection Is Not What It Seems
Last week, IKEA was in the news for a $46 million wrongful death settlement, in a case that involved the now recalled Malm dresser. Now IKEA's dressers are once again making headlines, thanks to a Chicago Sun-Times article on consumer protection. As the article notes, while many assume that the matter is widely controlled and regulated by the U.S. government, individual companies actually have more say in the amount and type of information that is made available and disseminated.
