Frinier inspires designers at Chicago's Merchandise Mart

Staff -- Casual Living, 4/1/2005

Designers praised Richard Frinier's presentation at the Chicago Merchandise Mart's 2nd Tuesday event. The one-day trade event focused on the Mart's casual and outdoor offerings with Frinier addressing about 80 attendees in the Tropitone showroom, Suite 1780. Sunbrella by Glen Raven and Casual Living magazine also were sponsors.

Frinier shared his inspirations, lessons learned and current trends in outdoor fabric while educating design professionals on the practical issues of selecting fabrics and furniture for clients.

"I can speak for my own work, which is to create experiential and inspirational furniture that is engineered for full-time outdoor use yet designed authentically with a high design aesthetic to be used inside of the home," Frinier said. "From the selection of frame material, architectural styling and color ways, the furniture must function within the space it will be enjoyed."

Suzie Roberts and Chris Price of Glen Raven followed Frinier's presentation to demonstrate the strength and durability of performance fabrics.

"Performance fabrics have evolved so much that there is absolutely no barrier to where they can be used," Frinier said. "It brings me pleasure to see the designers learn that my fabrics really are Sunbrella, because they have the appearance and feel of luxurious textiles they have only known in the traditional upholstery marketplace."

Elizabeth Drake, Drake Interiors, Winnetka, Ill. described the 2nd Tuesday presentation as fascinating. "What a pleasure it is to see someone of Richard Frinier's excellence in this industry — you do not have the opportunity to learn from someone of that caliber very often."

"This event has been a tremendous avenue for us to bring designers into our showroom and exposing them to our product," Tropitone Showroom Manager Monica Robertson said.

Barlow-Tyrie Showroom Manager Kim Stanley said, "This second Tuesday was really the best. I was busy the entire day with designers and landscape architects."

Chris Price and Suzie Roberts of Glen Raven with Richard Frinier during the 2nd Tuesday seminar last month in Chicago.