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*Guest Blog from President Sackett Wood as he recalls his first meeting with Lee Industries and what an important moment it was for Moore & Giles.

Time goes by so fast. When I reflect back on my early years with the company, I have vivid memories of the people who were willing to give us an opportunity. Dottie Coley, one of the original founders of Lee Industries and the Vice President of Merchandising, was one of those people for me. It took a little time but Mrs. Coley, knowing nothing about me or Moore & Giles, gave me an appointment and I was invited to their factory in Newton, North Carolina.

It was 1997 – we had recently developed a new leather from Pamplona, Spain inspired by a vintage riding boot. The leather was full of rich tonal qualities, heavy in weight and firm in temper – certainly not a conventional upholstery leather at the time. It was, however, beautiful – and that little I knew. My meeting was with Dottie and her husband Bill Coley, who co-founded Lee in 1969 to “manufacture quality, American-made furniture that they would use in their home.” I was worried the meeting would be brief because we only had a few other leathers to offer and when the silence became deafening after the first two showings of leather, I defaulted quickly to Plan B and pulled out the only large piece of the new Spanish leather that existed. We had aptly named it Equestrian.

In what would become a signature trademark in my meetings with Lee in the years to come, as I began to speak about our inspiration for the leather, Mr. Coley got out of his chair and pulled the large piece away from the viewing horse without saying a word. As I kept presenting, he slowly and methodically began working the leather with his hands, manipulating it to the point that made it no longer recognizable as my sample. It was unnerving. I could barely watch as he continued to manhandle it. So I just kept talking and Mrs. Coley just smiled at me sensing my anxiety. When I finished, I sat there in what seemed like an eternity of silence until Mr. Coley, in his first words of the meeting said, “well, the factory’s not going to like it, but its a beautiful piece of leather and I think we oughta buy it.” They named it Eyore. I was elated and also relieved.

Dottie ordered 25 hides to show at the Spring 1998 Furniture Market and it made it through the factory just in time for High Point. When market was over, their purchasing director, Robin Bartles called me and said she was sending an order and to call Mrs. Coley upon receipt. If they had ordered 800 sq. ft. I would have been thrilled just to know it sold. When the order came over the fax it read “80,000 sq.ft..” I assumed was a mistake – truth be told, I was praying it was a mistake because we had only made the 25 hides in production. I called Mrs. Coley and thanked her for the order, but I told her I “think you may have one too many zeroes in your order amount.” She assured me that her zeroes were correct and in her calm, gentle manner, made it clear to me that this was not an opportunity to squander. It wasn’t without a few hiccups, but the leather turned out beautifully and became one of our first successful introductions of a truly natural leather and validated our efforts to take a fashion approach to upholstery leather.

There is a Lee chair in my office today covered in Eyore. It is a symbol to me, not only of an important chapter in our history, but, also of the kindness and graciousness of Dottie Coley who was willing to take a chance on us. Our leather meetings with Lee are very similar today with Dottie’s oldest daughter, Ginny Collet, leading the creative effort of the company along with their Creative Director, Reine Cenac. And Bill Coley still sits in on our showings, which means so much to us. If Mr. Coley doesn’t pull a piece of leather to work on during that showing, you are most likely not leaving with an order!

When you call on Lee, you call on the family and we have come to know them as a family. Ginny’s brother Billy works in sales for the company in Georgia and her sister-in- law Bondi Coley handles all their Marketing and PR. Bondi’s husband, Norman Coley, Ginny’s older brother, was previously Lee’s President and died suddenly last year. Norman was an integral part of our relationship and a strong supporter of our efforts. He is missed by all of us. He was a true leader for Lee and for our industry. He was also a friend.

Lee has always been willing to take chances and this remains a reoccurring theme – their ability to see the beauty and potential in the raw materials. Ginny often says “We go with what we love.” That was evident at the Spring 2015 Market as she and Reine took on a project that involved our new Valdesa Cigar shrunken sheepskin, using very small hides and marrying them with a compatible leather on smaller silhouettes that would accommodate the hide size. The photo speaks for itself.

Their level of taste remains unmatched. Throughout their showroom we see risks and creativity meshed into beautiful completion- their style is elegant and tasteful. From matching Auckland Shearling chaises, bright red dining room chairs, a pair of comfortable Club chairs made in the leather named “Sackett Truffle”(couldn’t resist) and hair-on-hide ottomans, Lee continues to envision outside of what exists into what could be. Creativity in design is not hyper-focused and limited to one piece, but rather seen in correlation together to create beautiful environments and an accessible lifestyle.

Over two decades later I am still impressed by their passion, creativity, craftsmanship and their unique ability to create furniture that we can immediately see using in our own homes. You can see it in mine. – SW

Find out more about Lee here: http://www.leeindustries.com

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A Small Start in a Big City – Cisco Brothers Celebrates Their 25^th Year

The family-run, Los Angeles based company brings a west coast flair to their showroom in High Point. The cozy and inviting space is sprinkled with iconic Los Angeles pieces – graffiti pillows, blue hand-blown glass light fixtures and a life-sized text reminder stating, “MADE IN LA.”

Walking into the brightly lit showroom, you quickly recognize the urban influence of an always fashionable, but not fussy family. A few steps in and it feels as if you have been transported to an exquisite large loft-like downtown apartment. Casual. Curated. Calming. The Cisco Brothers style seems to combine chic comfort with inquisitive centerpieces. And as a reminder of their light-hearted approach amidst a sea of white linen couches and fluffy oversized throw pillows, two indoor swings sway casually from reclaimed crane strapping – for this market they have become instagram magic.

From Low-Riders to Lounges

Francisco “Cisco” Pinedo started in the upholstery business doing low-riders before making the switch to furniture. A talented craftsman from LA – his knack for design and comfort led him to create furniture that was both comfortable and beautiful. In 1990, he took the leap by emptying his savings account and starting Cisco Brothers. The company’s humble beginning was quickly skyrocketed by their creation and use of slipcovers. Their big break came at a Culver City furniture store where the first signature Cisco Brothers slipcovers sold so many orders in one night that they thought the fax machine might have been broken.

Since then, Cisco Brothers has grown to become a driver in sustainable furniture manufacturing. As the company has grown and evolved, one thing has remained at the center of their inspiration and success – their hometown, Los Angeles. Cisco was born and raised in the city, growing up during the LA riots. His choice to stay enhanced his love for his community and provides an unending source of inspiration for the brand. This same inspiration and philosophy has been passed down to his talented pair of daughters Maurishka and Natalie, who are leading in marketing, development and design.

 “Inspiring environments that feel good – that’s our goal.” Maurishka and Natalie, share, “Its about feeling good – eating well, wearing soft clothes, and taking care of yourself while surrounding yourself with friends that make you feel the same. We work hard to create an environment around those ideas.” 

 The Cisco philosophy also overflows into the location and selection of their showrooms, “We will not settle for a space that does not speak to us or the product or does not tell the Cisco story well,” states Maurishka.

When asked about the other inspirations, Maurishka and Natalie are quick to offer food as a driving source for inspiration. “A lot revolves around food,” says Maurishka, “when we go on vacation we are always planning what we are going to eat for lunch at the breakfast table and what we are eating for dinner at lunch.” Food has been so influential in both their family and professional lives that they even added a kitchen to their showroom where Cisco plays chef with fresh local and seasonal ingredients.

Additionally, colors influenced by seasons play a big role in their design process. Spring brings out the dramatic white linens, while winter lends itself to rich deep green leathers -like our Moore & Giles Echo Autumn Leaf.  “We like to view leather as jewelry pieces,” says Maurishka. Though leather may not be an overwhelming site in the Cisco showroom, the leather pieces are very intentional. They are quick to take advantage of the beauty marks of natural leather, showcasing our Absolute collection’s beautiful pull and color variation on bright colored one-of-a-kind stools.

As tradition goes, the family business – a mix of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and daughters to Cisco – genuinely seek to create pieces that will be passed on from generation to generation. One of their favorite, and most well loved sofa frames, “The Donato.” is posed at the front of their showroom as an invitation to sit, rest and be with family. After our time with Cisco and the girls, that is exactly where we could be found.

Find out more about Cisco Brothers here: http://www.ciscobrothers.com/

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Every year in early May , the La Cienega Design District in Los Angeles becomes one of the country’s most dynamic design destinations during the Legends of La Cienega event. This event is an inspirational celebration of design held over three days. Designers, authors, editors and bloggers from around the country and abroad will join their counterparts in L.A. and descend on the La Cienega Design Quarter for lively panel discussions, high-profile cocktail parties and special showroom events. Event partners include the nation’s most prestigious shelter publications:Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Luxe Interiors + Design and Veranda.

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If there is one thing we have learned in this business, it is that relationships – real relationships – are essential. In a world ruled by likes, tweets and followers, we took extra time to slow down and interact the old fashioned way. With firm handshakes, eye contact and clinking glasses we form long-lasting face-to-face relationships that exist apart from a bright screen.

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IRocko Bernardo walks into a room and immediately attention is granted. His mere presence bequests respect. But on this particular June evening, amongst family and friends, at 88 years young, he is not just respected, he is admired. He is treasured. In a leisurely setting, it is easy to take notice of his overlooked qualities – a deep laugh, a wide smile and a love for his family that overflows in his speech.

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Northwest of Venice, at the base of the Italian Alps, quietly rests a small medieval town that has played home to both world wars and Earnest Hemingway alike. Bassano Del Grappa, whose name namesake comes from the nearby Monte Grappa, is famously known for its beautiful covered wooden bridge that spans the Brenta River and its strong grappa liqueur. The area’s architecture reflects Bassano’s location: typical Veneto-style arcaded streets and piazzas are interspersed with alpine wooden balconies, and some of the hostelries have a decidedly Austrian flavour. Its also famous for its rich history in leather. Bassano is home to our fifth generation tannery and dear friends at the Adelaide and the Finco Family.

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This spring shades will be shifted. Pastels will be coming back, but with a slightly darker tinge. Taking the popular blue to green palette that was bold for most of 2013 and transforming these colors into a soft romantic color way with a few neutral accents and soft floral was a huge jump as we forecast for the new year. This color scheme highly reflects the gardens depicted in French impressionism, a beautiful blend of pastels brought together to create one story. Visualize Monet, Renoir  and Pissarro – embrace your inner impressionist with this season’s color trend. Shown (top to bottom): Domaine Spearmint, Holland Spring Green, Manta Ray Pistache, Notting Hill Metallic Maritime, Holland Mint, Holland Mist, Echo Mediterranean, Kipling Denim, Valhalla English Lavender, Diablo Nude.

Ward off the winter chill by surrounding yourself in lavished comfort. Take a moment and lose yourself in our featured leather collection, Dresden. Dresden’s supple hand and distinct grain combine to create the ultimate luxury experience. Available in a variety of warm neutrals and soft color, Dresden’s charming palette and large hide size allows for this article to have a high range of upholstery options. To experience Dresden yourself request a sample by clicking here.

Turquoise, a favorite of 2013, is now becoming grounded in darker shades seen in a palette full of earth tones. Rich spices reflect colors inspired from the Middle East and add a fierce contrast to the sea of turquoise and smoky navy’s. The boldness of the Moroccan red and gold accents burst into the season while the cool shades of blue refresh the palette. Shown (top to bottom): Mont Blanc Rainforest, Barrington Reef, Valhalla Eclipse, Echo Granite, Deer Run Thyme, Doral Mist, Echo Meridian Red, Mantra Ray Glamour Red, and Persia Chiffon lay across Mont Blanc Carmel. To request a sample or to learn more about these article please click the respective names.

We are currently at the Westedge Design Fair located at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica California. This is the show to be at if you want to see everything Moore & Giles has to offer. Not only can you view our bag line but we have all of our latest leather collections and you can view our recently launched furniture line, all hand made in Virginia. All trade shows can take a lot out of a person; we know this that is why we brought our newly remodeled Airstream along to the show as well. Inside you can enjoy music, sip a cocktail and view our latest leather collections or just sit back and relax. If you’re visiting Westedge this week please stop by and visit us. You can find us at booth #231.

There is no denying that if emerald is the color of the year, blue would be a close second. This July we added seven colors to our Mont Blanc collection, including various shades of blue. Shown above is Mont Blanc Riviera, a deep turquoise that reflects the natural colors found on the beaches of Southern France.

Mont Blanc’s soft and drapey hand is only enhanced when upholstered. The finishing wax on Mont Blanc creates a beautiful pull up that allows color to burst through to the surface bringing this leather to life. We loved this leather so much that we needed it on a frame in our office. On this mid-century modern frame it reminds you of a beautiful 1967 Cadillac.

To request a sample of Mont Blanc Riviera or to view the entire Mont Blanc collection click here.