Designers learn more about outdoor options

Staff -- Casual Living, 4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

About 80 designers attended a recent 2nd Tuesday event focused on demystifying designs for the outdoors at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

"Designers have got a great resource here at The Merchandise Mart because all the outdoor furniture and fabric is in one convenient location," speaker Laurie Jenkins said. Jenkins, who has worked for 20 years designing high-tech fabrics and coatings for home textiles and apparel, is the founder and principal of Laurie Bell Outdoor Occasions. From tassels to trims, pillows to throws and umbrellas to canopies, Jenkins' fashion-forward outdoor accessories have appeared in trade and consumer magazines while her product also has been featured on the HGTV series Outer Spaces.

"This presentation was very helpful in a universal way," said Alusia Stuart, Alusia Stuart Studio. "As a textile designer, I like to see the manufacturers' perspective. This information will be very helpful in my future designs. I plan on coming to more events like these as the continuing education is helpful."

Landscape architect Douglas Hoerr shared his expertise in creating public and private landscapes that maximize visual impact in all four seasons. He said the good turnout made the event worthwhile and he will look forward to participating in another Mart event.

"I was really pleased with the attendance and the event went very well," said Amy Woodley, showroom manager, Lloyd/Flanders, which hosted the event for the first time. "We most likely will do one again, depending on what type of sales come out of this."