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Smith, Hickory Hill score with elegant value

By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, April 24, 2005

High Point — After a soft launch in October, actress Jaclyn Smith came to the April market to help introduce her line of upholstery made by Hickory Hill Furniture, which included 10 groups and eight accent pieces, with seating pieces priced from $799 to $999 retail.

The upholstery in the Jaclyn Smith Home collection complements her case goods at Largo International and bedding by King Koil. Her home portfolio is expected to expand to encompass rugs, lamps, accessories and linens by October 2006.

The 40-piece Hickory Hill upholstery collection included sofas, loveseats, chairs and ottomans. Pieces are inspired by Smith's family, memorable roles she had as an actress, travels and her love of antiques.

Garrett, for instance, is a skirted chaise inspired by Smith's role as Kelly Garrett on the TV series "Charlie's Angels." Another piece is Bouvier, named after Jacquelyn Bouvier Kennedy, played by Smith in a movie.

"This is the sofa that Jacquelyn Bouvier Kennedy had in her house," said Smith. "She was the epitome of style and grace, and I wanted to make this available and attainable for everyone."

Known for an elegant yet affordable style, Smith has become one of the most powerful names in apparel. Her line at Kmart has been one of the chain's most profitable for the past 20 years.

This strong brand presence was one of the factors that attracted Hickory Hill, a subsidiary of Norwalk Furniture. "America trusts Jaclyn Smith," said President Charlie Rice. "They know her and are reminded of her classic elegance when they hear her name."

But consumers also expect value from her, he noted, adding that Hickory Hill can provide that value. "Together, we're building a powerful brand presence that will resonate with women who appreciate Jaclyn's sense of high style at attainable prices," Rice said.

The company said Smith was "deeply involved" with development of the line, from selecting signature fabrics to defining the profile of each piece.

Smith's upholstery pieces are characterized as "more timely than trendy," and feature fabrics that include American classics, some inspired by history and European influences, and others that mix and match easily, such as plaids that can accompany toiles and florals.

Other influences in the collection shown at market:

Celadon and rose, colors found in Smith's homes in Houston and Los Angeles.
Fabrics inspired by 18th century historical prints, such as toiles in muted green or blue, or a rich, offwhite matelasse.
Soothing blues, colors that Smith loves, available in punchy stripes or classic gingham.
Bold black and champagne-colored awning stripes in chintz, which offer a contemporary option but also can be refined when paired with gold damask.

Some of the more significant designs in the collection include New Canton, a three-cushion, skirted sofa named after the Illinois town where Smith did a room makeover for Oprah Winfrey's TV show; and Gaston, a transitional, rolled-arm, three-cushion sofa named after Smith's son and inspired by a sofa in the loft of Smith's Houston home.

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Smith, Hickory Hill score with elegant value

Apr 28, 2005

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