Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1020305
ART + DECORATION LA DOUBLE IMPACT WITH LA DOUBLE J AND KARTELL M ilan-based journalist turned style icon J.J. Martin's La Double J sells both vintage and new clothing that channels bygone decades with retro prints pulled from Italian archives. Global style-setters Rebecca de Ravenel and Martina Mondadori quickly embraced La Double J's peasant skirts in vibrant patterns, exploding the brand's recognition in a few short years. Martin is now foraying into furniture with a new collaboration with Kartell, in keeping with her mission of partnering with the finest made-in- Italy brands. Kartell's Lorenza Luti calls the partnership a natural fit, pointing to both brands' "ironic and positive view of reality." Three chairs chosen from Kartell's archives by Martin — the Patricia Urquiola-designed Clap chair, Philippe Starck-designed Madame chair, and the Joe Colombo-designed 4801 chair — are all given a maximalist update swathed in her vintage prints. Kartell, 2013 W. Gray St., kartell.com. Anne Lee Phillips MOLTO ITALIANO T he Shade Store's first Texas showroom, which opened in 2014 in Decorative Center Houston, was such an instant hit with designers that co- founder Ian Gibbs began looking for the right location to open a second showroom, this time with a retail focus. The new store in Highland Village offers the full Shade Store lineup, emphasizing shades favored by heat-challenged Houstonians, such as solar shades, as well as the best-selling linen Roman shades and sheer drapery. The newly launched Zen Roller reminds us of Shoji screens but is made from more durable fibers with an organic, rice-paper look. The motorized shades operate without electricity and are activated by devices such as Echo and Google Home. There are more than 1,300 fabric choices, and myriad custom shades, including design collaborations with Jonathan Adler, One Kings Lane, The Novogratz, Sunbrella, and Nate Berkus, who just debuted a kids' collection. Window coverings may be getting high-tech, but The Shade Store, founded in 1947, still makes everything by hand in the United States. The Shade Store, Highland Village, 4022 Westheimer Road, theshadestore.com. Rebecca Sherman MADE IN THE SHADE F or generations, Davide Signorin's family has produced exquisite leathers and furniture for some of Italy's most coveted design brands. He brought his family's Italian heritage to Mexico City and its environs years ago, opening five Casa Italia showrooms. His first Texas location has opened at Decorative Center Houston, with seating, tables, and casegoods, all handmade by Signorin artisans in Italy in lacquer, stone, oak, and walnut. Seating is upholstered in fine Italian fabric, and leather is produced at the family's tanneries in Italy. A large selection is kept in stock; customization is encouraged. "Casa Italia produces furniture at the highest level of quality, but because we produce it ourselves, we've hit that sweet spot for affordability," says sales manager Steven Hempel. Casa Italia also carries an exclusive collection of lighting by Catellani & Smith and Barovier & Toso, one of Italy's oldest glass manufacturers. Casa Italia is open to the public; a multi-line Fontana showroom o w n e d b y S i g n o r i n will open in Houston early n e x t y e a r. Casa Italia, D e c o r a t i v e C e n t e r Houston, 5120 Woodway Dr., Suite 1050, c a s a i t a l i a c o l l e c t i o n . com. Rebecca Sherman ALL IMAGES FOR CASA ITALIA PÄR BENGTSSON Philippe Starck Madame chair for Kartell in La Double J fabric, $1,005 The Shade Store, Highland Village Catellani & Smith Postkrisi floor lamp. Casa Italia Deseo sideboard and Romeo table. Sovet's Gocce di Rugiada mirrors and Quadro tables. Casa Italia Divo sofa. 74