Elite Leather to launch Lulu DK line in April
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, March 14, 2005
High Point — For its first licensing deal, Elite Leather has picked a real lulu — Lulu DK, that is.
Lulu de Kwiatkowski, founder and chief designer of New York-based Lulu DK Fabrics, will introduce leather upholstery and accent pieces for Elite at the High Point market this April.
Lulu DK for Elite Leather — her first license too — will include three or four seating groups that play on the designer's color sensibility, eye for detail and hands-on approach.
In launching Lulu DK Fabrics in 1998, Kwiatkowski said she was inspired by "new colors, new cultures and new patterns" she saw during her visits to Europe, India, Morocco and Peru.
"Lulu has a lot of experience," said Elite Vice President Gabrielle Galardo. "We were impressed with her understanding of furniture concepts and design elements. It's the little details that can make a big difference in design....
"It's rare to find someone who shares the same passion as you in the sense of colors and quality and also someone you can learn from," Galardo added.
Elite hopes to use the licensing initiative to expand its brand and reach new audiences. Galardo lauded Lulu's dedication to the launch and to building dealer relationships.
"In addition to growing our business, we are enjoying the process. We are very optimistic," Galardo said.
She said that while the Lulu DK collection — showcasing what the company calls feminine, masculine and Oriental themes — is different from Elite's core line, it is "very complementary." She dubbed the designer's overall look "Old Hollywood." Two of her groups, in fact, are labeled Shirley Temple and Ava Gardner.
Among Kwiatkowski's concepts are one seating group in basic white adorned with buttons, and another with lacquered legs with contrast piping. A third fuses geometric and Oriental themes for a "modern Chippendaleesque" look.
Pricing will be in line with Elite's other products with sofas to retail at $2,000 to $3,000, Galardo said. "We want this collection to be available to all of our customers so they can hit a certain price point."
Although Lulu's expertise is fabric, Elite will remain strictly in leather and microfiber. In October, the company does plan to add some printed leather pieces designed by Lulu DK.
Kwiatkowski said this is her first time working with leather.
"There is a different sensibility between leather and fabric, different textures and weights," she said. "And yet, although it is a different medium, it is not difficult to adapt. It is a natural progression to translate anything in the design world."
The Lulu DK for Elite Leather collection will be promoted on hangtags and advertised in shelter books. Kwiatkowski, who is developing a book about her personal design inspirations, will make personal appearances as the line is rolled out to stores.
Part of the Elite showroom, 135 South Hamilton St., will be set aside for Lulu DK upholstery. The designer's Web site is www.luludk.com.
