'With an innate love of smaller scale, tactile design I've always been drawn to accessories, the transient nature of trends, the idea of updating and personalising a space with powerful accessories,' says Jessica Allen, CEO and founder of Luho Design House. We talk to her about the challenges in the US market and the upcoming High Point Market fair, where Luho will collaborate with the French ceramicist Claire Poujoula.
Can you tell me more about Luho Design House and how it was founded?
'After 18 years with luxury home décor company Interlude Home, transitioning the brand from accessories to furniture, I learned a lot about the luxury market, the high-end and aspirational customer's needs and what they value. With years of oversea travel under my belt and longstanding relationships with artisans globally, I had developed a network of talented and reliable craftsman with the capabilities to create amazing merchandise. Luho was founded as a personal passion project, combining my appreciation for artisan craftsmanship, quality and materiality with the need for accessories that add character, charm and evoke conversation. Luho offers items that enrich your spaces, experiences and establish a sense of home through personal expression.'
For High Point Market you're collaborating with Claire Poujoula Design. Can you tell me more about this?
'We are excited about our collaboration with Claire Poujoula Design, founded by the skilled ceramicist Claire Poujoula. With her background in design and expertise in ceramics, Claire is known for creating extraordinary pieces that marry reactive glazes with organic forms, resulting in unique, tactile masterpieces. This partnership perfectly aligns with our dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, quiet luxury, and distinctive design. Claire's passion for crafting pieces that exude elegance and sophistication resonates with our vision, making this collaboration truly special. We are honoured to bring her French savoirfaire to the US market.'
'After seeing Claire's merchandise for the first time, I knew we shared the same vision, dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, quiet luxury, and distinctive design. Finding this type of synergy with another brand is rare, this shared ethos has driven the collaboration and excitement surrounding the launch of these items in the US market. We at Luho truly believe Claire's product is special, each piece having its own personality and organic beauty. The human mark is visible on each piece and is something to be celebrated – variation is priceless and what allows these pieces to transcend the mass-produced market.'
How do you envision this collaboration enhancing Luho's presence in the US market, particularly with Claire Poujoula's French influence?
'Artisan made, handcrafted, and quite luxury are trends that transcend continents. I believe Claire's designs will help solidify Luho's dedication to the artisan, enforce our commitment to providing our customers quality, craftsmanship and artistry in a world of mass production.'
What are some of the trends in the US right now?
'In the US we're seeing organic forms and biomorphism - furniture and decor with soft, curved edges and fluid forms that mimic nature's shapes are taking over sharp, quiet luxury – subtle sophistication through refined finishes, textural juxtapositions and material complexities replacing flashy opulence, and a focus on handmade, artisan designs. Claire's merchandise delivers on all fronts. We've worked with CP Designs to hone their finish combinations to suit our market and think the result is stunning!'
What are your expectations for the upcoming fair?
'Expectations for the upcoming market are low, between the impending US election, high interest rates and global unrest, the economy is uncertain. What we are sure of is that we'll be introducing statement making, conversation starting products that will speak to the luxury market.'
What are the future plans for Luho Design House after High Point Market?
'We plan to continue to support artisans and craftsman globally, looking for product that deserves exposure in the US market and is valued for its unique finishes, forms, materiality and commitment hand-made, artisan craftsmanship.'
More information:
Luho Design House
[email protected]
www.luhodesignhouse.com
US