Pacific Palace

BehinD the lines
custOM cOllEctiONs FOr luxurY hOMEs—AND thE DEsiGNErs bEhiND thEM
01 02
01
the xOxO Occasional
table, shown in pink, is
available in a variety of
other colors including
blue, green, grey, red
and yellow.
02
the simple, yet chic
brilliant Acrylic
console table, shown
in pink, is AvF’s most
popular piece.
03
Alexandra von Furstenberg
sits with her
design, bullet Acrylic
coffee table, shown
in black. the table is
a part of AvF’s limited
Edition Modern
Furniture collection
AVF Furniture Design
Alexandra von Furstenberg revives retro in neon acrylic
LHQ: As the former Creative Director at Diane
von Furstenberg (DVF), how did that experience
translate into the definition of your own brand?
AVF: My experience and exposure at DVF certainly
helped expand my knowledge of fashion and
design. However, when I left DVF, it was a fiveyear
transition from fashion into furniture. It was
a gradual change, going from 2-D to 4-D form;
but it’s still creation and art. Fashion and furniture
are innately part of design. Also, my background
is global, having grown up in Asia, Europe, and
the United States. Having lived in various parts
of the world, I’ve seen different homes and ways
to make them cozy. In Hong Kong, during the
1970’s, then still a British colony, I was influenced
by the Old World interior design, with dark floors
03
and ceiling fans, which was quite romantic. Later,
when I spent winters in Switzerland, I admired the
classic interiors and Biedermeier-style furniture.
Having lived in Paris for 5 years, French furniture
influenced my designs as well. In New York,
during the late 1980’s, Park Avenue apartments
were traditional, with distinct puffy curtains and
gold, slightly rounded furniture. I appreciate all
these styles and take cues from them, particularly
the late 1970’s style, which influenced my use of
acrylic material for furniture.
LHQ: Your background is in costume design
and art history. In what ways is furniture design
an extension of those interests? How is your
current practice informed by your training/
experience?
AVF: Both informed my reading of aesthetics. I
look at a painting and know the era based on the
costume. Fashion expanded my understanding of
beauty. By looking at portraiture and pretty clothes,
I was cultivating an appreciation for aesthetics.
LHQ: If you could, discuss the production of
your collections. Do you work with a design
team? Is work mostly done in-house or through
external sources?
AVF: Everything is done in-house in Los Angeles.
I work with an engineer and a two-team shop. I
PluME
like to micromanage and inspect everything. I am
very hands-on in every step of the process. We
jEssY
are still a young brand; we are going into our
fourth year. PhOtOs:
28 luxury home quarterly SPrING 2012 luxuryhomequarterly.com