To build greater awareness of Fashion Group International (FGI) within the Houston interior design community, FGI will host a major Home Furnishings Trends Event on September 18, 2008 in the main lobby of The Decorative Center of Houston that will be of primary interest and importance to interior designers but will be also be open to all IP members, architects, custom home builders, remodeling contractors, related design trade members as well as upscale consumers. FGI is sponsoring this major Trends Event, “Celebrating The Home 2009”, to bring awareness of FGI to local interior designers and to promote the exciting new home furnishings trends for 2009 and beyond.
Highlighting this event will beEllen Gefen, a nationally renowned home furnishings trends expert and home fashions industry forecaster, who will be the keynote speaker. A highly regarded and esteemed expert in her field, Ms. Gefen is the host and producer of her own groundbreaking television show, “Home Fashion Report”. She has interviewed a “Who’s Who” of high-profile designers and celebrities over the years from Oscar de la Renta and Bob Mackie to Candice Olson and Jaclyn Smith as well as hundreds of top manufacturers and retailers across the country. Ms. Gefen’s keynote address will include a not-to-be-missed power point and video presentation on the latest home furnishings trends for 2009.
The Neoclassic doghouse will be among the more unique products being displayed at this event. “Pet furnishings are certainly a part of any pet loving household and we’ve found a way to marry the two big loves of a person’s life — the love of their home and the love of their pet. Affluent home owners want to give their pets the best they can. They want to nurture and even spoil their precious angels but they do not want ugly or silly things in their homes. Our Neoclassic doghouse stretches the imagination and boundaries: It’s a home accent and a pet retreat; it’s fashion and function; it’s nurturing and instinctual for the pet and decorative for the home; it’s indoors our out; it’s patio or sunroom.” comments Karl Krieg, designer and creator of the Neoclassic Pet Home Retreat.
This event will bring together Houston’s best known and loved interior designers and custom home builders and architects for an evening of education, fun and fashion.
“At this event, you will celebrate the latest home furnishing trends for 2009 by sipping delicious cocktails and nibbling tasty treats served by beautiful models dressed in the latest “home apparel” while listening to a deejay playing all your favorite music. You will marvel at the fabulous new products and innovative designs from our esteemed “Castle” sponsors (to be revealed at this event), be tantalized by the creative presentation of a home furnishings “fashion show” and discover new trade vendors and design resources as you mingle with our wonderful “cottage” sponsors as they display their companies latest products. You will also have the opportunity to “meet and greet” Ellen Gefen up close and personal,” says Susan Fruit, Event Chair and long-standing member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
A raffle will be also held for significant prize packages from generous sponsors as well as numerous door prizes given out every half hour. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Fashion Group Foundation, Inc. This organization awards scholarships to college and university students who are studying for careers in the fashion apparel and home furnishings fields.
The event is by invitation only.
Tickets to this event : $25.00 payable in advance by Pay Pal by September 10, 2008.
To register: Please go to the FGI website, http://houston.fgi.org/, click on the Events tab and then click on Home Furnishings Trends Event, “Celebrating The Home”.
For further information: Please call Susan Fruit ASID, Event Chair, at 281-463-2972 or 713-817-6565.
About Fashion Group International
Fashion Group International is a global non-profit, professional organization with over 6,000 members in more than thirty chapters around the world. FG represents all areas of the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, beauty, and home. The Houston chapter is led by Regional Director Jeanette Coon and is dedicated to promoting and fostering business in Houston for the fashion and lifestyle industries. http://houston.fgi.org
About Leifers
Leifers — for the most loved pets in the world! Leifers offers a line of luxury pet furnishings and products designed to compliment your home as well as your pet. The company offers two designer dog and cat houses — NeoClassic and Old Ruins – that combine architectural elements, high-end design, and functionality to create a home accessory. Leifers also offers accessories and comfort items for their doghouses, as well as “Scratchy Butt” health and wellness products. A percentage of all Leifers’ profits are donated to the Houston Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) whose mission is to prevent the suffering and death of cats and dogs due to overpopulation. For more information, visit www.leifers.com or by email at kellis@leifers.com