Lea readies McClintock girl's collection for April
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, December 16, 2001
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Designer Jessica McClintock's elegant, romantic furniture line has been a success for American Drew, and now her touch will be seen in April on youth furniture from sister La-Z-Boy company Lea Inds.
American Drew and Clayton Marcus announced collections from the clothing designer at the July 2000 San Francisco market. The response at the October market caught the eye of James Millner, vice president of product development and design for Lea.
Since then, Lea has been working with McClintock to create a girl's collection. She is best known for her wedding and formal dresses, Millner said, but earlier in her career earned fame with her children's designs.
At American Drew, President Jack Richardson said of his company's McClintock line, "It's our second-best-selling collection, even though it's only been shipping for seven months."
Lea plans to unveil a 30-piece line in April, a year and a half since discussions began. It's the longest Lea has ever taken from conception to introduction, Millner said, because the company wanted to take its time on shapes, dimensions and finishes.
As with the adult lines, Lea's designs are influenced by the possessions McClintock has gathered from around the globe in her San Francisco home, said President Lamont Hope.
There are lots of carvings and movement on every piece. The line comes in two finishes, a frosted white with a hint of wood showing through and a brownish cherry, said Millner.
The scale is a bit larger than Lea's usual youth groups, with a dresser 44-inches wide rather than 40 inches. The collection could be used in a girl's room or in a guest bedroom, Hope said.
With the larger size and greater use of carving, the price also is above the company's standard fare. A typical Lea dresser might retail for about $299, said Millner, but the equivalent McClintock item will retail for about $499.
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