One of the most unusual projects was to create new categories for Jatex International following their brand intention.
They had no brand!
Importers of Turkish rugs and copper antique items my brief was unusual to say the least – new ceramics, metal work accessories and furniture creating an East West brand and taking on Imax USA.
After 3 weeks drawing and montage workaround in Photoshop I arrived at the surface and bold modular styling…
Difficult because I hate copper!
Now I quite like it.
Product development for Jatex 2008 taking them from start-up into Home Accents mainstream importer success, USA.
A snapshot of my first 6 months of NPD – all designs Nick Garrett
PLS NOTE: I did not shoot the roomsets! They were shot in USA – what can I say.
For a designer having quality furniture in your own life means constant reference to the real deal and continual reference to detail. Designers and quality controllers need to not only have grown through a driving career based on technical experience, but they need to have the rub off from historical richness and detail: The best retail design practitioners (and I’m thinking of Rob Scarlett for example) seem to breathe it; it’s a given and they have it in their DNA from birth.
To find the right quality in a designer look at not only a good CV but peer into his world, where he or she lives and how they seek out their daily inspiration. It is so important to have the right fundamental appreciation framework. It keeps your ideas intact when working under the daily design production process. Fundamentals which recur and manifest through to the surface even under pressure or jet lag.
With the right fundamentals the client/designer relationship shares the common ground: a love of quality and classics could be enough to carry forward long term partnerships.
Casa Parma lounge restored 17th century chest and fire surround
In our family home we are lucky enough to be surrounded by 17th century Italian classics. It is an inspiration and a place where ones centre, or core interests, become honed.
If I need to check a Louise cabriole leg proportion I go into the dining room.
Beyond that if one were to strip back the ornamentation of these fair pieces one would have a stunning modern sku!… ready for lacquer and glass top… and shooting next day for a web launch for example.
You can do that alongside the real article in a way that strikes more powerful chord … out of what is known and measurable. The result should resonate, become easily ranged and simply sell well because of its genuine pedigree.
Fundamentals in classics, I believe are the crucial building blocks of success in retail design today.
Wild Italian cabriole gilded tavolino with faux Sienna marble top 17th century
Nick Garrett 