World Market Center, Las Vegas, announced that Internationally renowned designer Christopher Guy will be recognized as a “Design Icon” by World Market Center Las Vegas and Las Vegas Design Center. The “Design Icon” award is a part of the highly anticipated Design Series, which will also spotlight Las Vegas’ history of women in hospitality design and tour the new Smith Center of the Performing Arts during Winter Market, January 24-28, 2011.
The “Design Icon” award celebrates modern-day design legends and gives them a platform to share their stories and inspire others. Guy joins the ranks of past “Design Icon” honorees, including Juan Montoya, Vicente Wolf, Roger Thomas, Vladimir Kagan and Larry Laslo.
“It is a tremendous honor to be receiving such a prominent award, and a tribute to the 1,400 craftsmen at Christopher Guy who resolutely recreate my designs with their skill and passion, and who ultimately brought it to the attention of such a prestigious panel,” says Guy.
A true man of the world, Guy was born in Britain, spent his childhood in Spain and France, and now lives in Singapore. Those international influences define his design aesthetic and differentiate his artistic sensibilities. Guy got his start making beautiful mirror designs in 1993, which were sold under the name Harrison and Gil, a prestigious mirror frame collection. His work expanded over the years to include original furnishings and accessories, and in 2006 the Christopher Guy brand was born. Its motto remains “A Contemporary Mood with Classic Values.”
Guy’s newest collection will be released in fall 2011. He says it will be based on his personal interpretation of how he envisions the would-be home of a sprightly 40-year-old Coco Chanel, were she alive today.
“Christopher's furniture line is an integral part of Las Vegas Design Center and we are thrilled to honor him with the Design Icon award,” said Randy Wells, Vice President of the Las Vegas Design Center. “Calling on years of experience working in diverse environments around the world, Christopher's designs blend glamorous lines with traditional craftsmanship, creating an unmistakable signature aesthetic that will endure for many years to come. Having the opportunity to glean ideas and inspiration from his story firsthand will be a special occasion for designers attending Las Vegas Market.”
Guy will share his story and design outlook Thursday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Building C, Suite C176. An awards ceremony will follow.
“Las Vegas Divas of Design” is another Design Series highlight. The panel is co-sponsored by WithIt, a women’s leadership development network serving the home and furnishings industries, and features a tour of Las Vegas hotel design through the eyes of the women who helped shape it. Margot Silverman (Yates Silverman), Anita Brooks (Anita Brooks / Charles Gruwell Interior Design International), Leslie Parraguirre (Colours, Inc) and Ann Fleming (Cleo Design) are some of the design pioneers in Las Vegas, who remember when the phrase “hospitality design” was an oxymoron. They’ll share their adventures dating back to the ‘80s as they helped guide a then-nascent industry.
In addition, the Design Series will include a tour of the highly anticipated The Smith Center of the Performing Arts, located directly across the street from World Market Center. Set to open in 2012, the Smith Center will be one of the most noted performing arts centers in the country, exhibiting the latest architectural and acoustical elements. Designed by world-renowned architect David M. Schwarz, the $470 million project will host four Broadway shows in its first year, beginning with “Wicked.” The cultural campus will include the 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall, which boasts a full orchestra pit capable of seating up to 100, a 300-seat cabaret theater and a 200-seat studio theater.
Rounding out the Design Series, popular author and historian Adam Lewis will preview his new book on Tuesday Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. in Building C, Suite C176. His book, Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator, surveys the life and career of the man whose pared-down versions of the slipper chair and brass bookshelves became famous, and whose work continues to influence designers long after his death in 1983.
Many of the Design Series sessions are CEU-accredited for design professionals.
Las Vegas Market will be held January 24-28, 2011, accompanied by Gift+Home and Vegas Kids. Attendees can register for January Market and book discounted rooms online now at www.LasVegasMarket.com.
About World Market Center Las Vegas: World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center open daily to consumers and designers. World Market Center currently hosts the biannual Las Vegas Market, the preeminent total home market along with Gift + Home and Vegas Kids. For more information on World Market Center Las Vegas and its shows, visit www.wmclv.com. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.