Posted on: September 1, 2005
Oscars and Ottomans
Oscar knows best, inspiring an influx of designs in the current luxury trend of sleek blacks and browns.
By Matthew M. F. Miller
CTW Features
Image courtesy Miramax
As winged-superheroes and epic light-saber battles make way for fall’s Oscar hopefuls, fashion designers will once again draw inspiration from the latest award-seeking Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman projects to shape the “it” looks for 2006.
So, too, will home furnishing designers, according to Lee Eiseman, speaking at the 2005 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. Eiseman, the executive director of Carlstadt, N.J.-based Pantone Color Institute says that the once extended lag-time between cinema, runway and home makeover is now a thing of the past.
“As you see the transition between fashion and housewares, that transition is much quicker than it used to be,” said Eiseman, noting that retailers are quick to capitalize on what’s in front of the consumer’s eyes.
So when you’re singing along to this season’s big-screen adaptation of “The Producers,” take note of office secretary Ulla’s (portrayed by Uma Thurman) desk set – it could be coming soon to a Pottery Barn near you.
“Historical films have always promoted trends, especially those up for Oscars,” said Eiseman, who points to such influential films as “The Aviator” and “De-Lovely,” as catalysts for the current “Stiletto” trend of uptown elegance: a combination of deco-era emeralds and amethysts mixed with sleek blacks and rich browns. Eiseman even links Oscar winner Cate Blanchett’s Katherine Hepburn attire to current fads in bedding, picnic baskets and sofas.
Thomasville Furniture’s Humphrey Bogart collection is also capitalizing on early Hollywood-era glam as seen in “The Aviator,” and according to Eiseman the trend satiates the average person’s desire to bring celebrity style to their abode – one that doesn’t require a $20 million salary.
“Luxury is no longer a price point, it’s a concept,” said Eiseman.
