Our chapter did it again! A fantastic VIP tour to Fall High Point where we were treated like royalty entering the best of the best showrooms, led by Veteran Katharine Posillico McGowan. We were sadly missing our Virgin, Benjamin Huntington, but he was there in spirit.
Katharine arranged and guided outstanding visits where we were wined and dined at visually compelling showrooms bursting with products. We welcomed IPs along with new vendors. Chapter Administrator Ali Bullis, kept us all on track and our Chapter members had enlightening experiences, made new and important contacts and forged new friendships. There is nothing like in-person, one-on-one engagement.
We were all so impressed with the dedication by the showrooms and their desire to serve designers as we meet specific business needs for our clients. It was wonderful to attend as a group and be known as Katharine’s entourage—the attention we received was extra special, private and very VIP!
Our first stop after settling in at the hotel was Theodore Alexander, an expansive showroom tour, open bar and wonderful food with a glowing party hosted by Alexa Hampton featuring her new collections. It was a great kick off to a wonderful few days. We were up early the next day for our first stop: breakfast with Left Bank Art. All I can say is wow! The depth and breadth of their collections are extraordinary and breathtaking. A wonderful tour exposed many selections of art for our clients.
Next was Bernhardt, a stunning showroom that is stepping into another world of forward-thinking design and decor. Their upholstery designs for all areas of the home and outdoors were diverse and exciting. We then glided into Lily Koo, a sweet and otherworldly boutique showroom. If you like Christopher Guy, you will love Lily Koo. Their dining tables and chairs are well done, rich and stylistic. Then off to a delicious lunch at Currey and Co followed by an eye-popping showroom tour. They never disappoint, and their collections are evermore prolific and expansive.
The weather was beautiful for a walk to Wesley Hall with classical and exquisitely detailed furnishings embellished with color and pattern everywhere. Katharine then led us to Century Furniture where we met with the owners and a personal tour of the showroom rich with family history and dedication to the industry. Century has the quality and style we all have come to rely on and their High Point showroom never disappoints.
Katherine and Ali kept us marching forward to the fantastic Vanguard showroom. This is one of her faves and it was just so complete with every need you could imagine for our projects. An in-depth tour, with sample workrooms featuring all the options of materials with furniture presentations in their multi-level building was enlightening and certainly a new resource for all of us. Of course alcohol was involved and a light dinner was served completing their tour.
We kept going strong to Phillips Collection ending the day with light bites and enjoying their organic, earthly experience combined natural materials, stone, live wood, ceramic, glass and fibers with soft shape of furnishings, wall art and accessories.
The next day we visited one of my longtime favorites, Swaim. During our personal factory tour we saw furniture being made the old-fashioned way—all by hand. Seeing this occur in real time, understanding how literally each piece has received such a personal touch by a talented and rare group of craftspeople. The experience further solidified commitments to such a fine vendor with furnishings all made in High Point with care and personal dedication. Next we headed to Made Goods. This final stop on our tour did not disappoint. The rest of our time in High Point was dedicated to our own personal showroom visits.
If you could not attend this year’s Virgins & Veterans Tour with ASID NY Metro, next Fall 2022 is a must. You will love being treated like a VIP. It’s the only way to go to market!
