Crate and Barrel Announces Partnership With Legendary Italian Designer, Paola Navone

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, leading home furnishings destination Crate and Barrel, announces the debut of its partnership with renowned Italian designer, architect, art director and interior designer Paola Navone. The first of three planned collections designed by Paola Navone, exclusively for Crate and Barrel, will consist of more than 140 items across multiple categories, including tabletop, textiles, decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, dining tables and seating. The collection will be available online through crateandbarrel.com and in select stores on September 9, 2013 and in all Crate and Barrel locations by September 13, 2013.

Paola Navone's unique design aesthetic reflects her lifetime of travel, commitment to handcraft and passion for global culture and design. With her first collection with Crate and Barrel, Paola draws upon these influences to celebrate her love of casual entertaining. In colors mirroring the Mediterranean--deep blue, cool aqua and crisp white, with accents of vibrant red--the collection showcases the designer's eclectic point-of-view and eye for authentic detail. Fluid shapes and bold textures are a common theme, as are familiar materials--glass, ceramic, wood, tile, marble--combined in unexpected ways. The Paola Navone Collection Only at Crate and Barrel features pieces with a collected feel that can be easily layered into any decor style, all evoking Paola's distinctive design philosophy and focusing on the experiences created around a shared table.

"Paola draws influence from many cultures, which she blends effortlessly into her designs, her homes and her personal style," said Marta Calle, Crate and Barrel President and Chief Merchant. "We are thrilled to collaborate with Paola on this exclusive, affordably-priced collection, which reflects our shared values of casual elegance in entertaining and everyday living."

"Every project begins with a meeting, be it a master, a craftsman, an artist or a business owner. Each meeting is the beginning of a beautiful adventure," said Paola Navone. "My first meeting with Marta Calle was the spark that ignited this dynamic collaboration with Crate and Barrel. Many people from different cultures and parts of the world helped contribute to the Paola Navone Collection Only at Crate and Barrel. We all come away feeling enriched from this experience."

Each piece in the collection speaks to Paola's personal style of entertaining. At its heart are three distinct tabletop offerings, designed exclusively for Crate and Barrel, including an expansive selection of ceramic dinnerware, flatware, hand-blown glassware, serving pieces, plus table linens and accessories. The collection also offers a wide array of dining furniture, including eleven dining table options complemented by nine different seating alternatives. For more information on the Paola Navone Collection Only at Crate and Barrel, please visit www.crateandbarrel.com/PaolaNavone.com

About Crate and Barrel

Working directly with European ateliers and factories to import their products, Crate and Barrel was among the first retailers to make contemporary tabletop and kitchenwares affordable to American consumers. Now in its 50^th year, Crate and Barrel is a multi-channel family of brands and an internationally recognized industry leader, known for exclusive housewares and furniture designs, excellent value and superb customer service. To learn more about Crate and Barrel, visit www.crateandbarrel.com.

About Paola Navone

Born in Turin, Paola Navone, established herself as a famous designer in the seventies by working with Alessandro Mendini, Ettore Sottsass and Andrea Branzi, together with Alessandro Guerriero they founded Alchimia Group, the most progressive Italian design studio. Paola lived for many years in various Asian countries where her design style was influenced and evolved. In her long and diverse career Paola has eclectically switched between the roles of architect, designer, art director, interior decorator, set designer and critic. Her design collaborations include, but aren't limited to, Abet Laminati, Alessi, Arcade, Bisazza, Bontempi, Crate and Barrel, Dada, Emu, Gervasoni, Habitat, Knoll International, Molteni, Natuzzi, Poliform, Pomellato, Roche Bobois, Swarovski, and many more. Paola Navone lives in Milan. To learn more about Paola Navone, please visit www.paolanavone.it.

SOURCE Crate and Barrel