Brown Jordan Announces Alliance With Renowned Interior Designer Michael S. Smith

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Jordan, the leading luxury outdoor furnishings manufacturer and distinguished legacy brand, announces the debut of its design partnership with prominent Los Angeles-based designer, Michael S. Smith.  Known for a refined aesthetic that blends European classicism and American modernism, Michael has won accolades for interiors and home furnishings alike, earning the praise of his high-profile clients, as well as numerous industry awards.        

"Michael's first collections for Brown Jordan will provide a clear vision of our continued commitment to crafting the world's finest furniture," says Chris Carmicle, President of Brown Jordan Company. "Our collaboration with Michael reinforces our history of producing sophisticated design at the top-of-the-line of the casual furnishings market. Brown Jordan has always been an expression of luxury and our alliance with Michael reflects Brown Jordan's strategic commitment of continued investment in the highest-end products as we build a more comprehensive product offering and broaden distribution across all markets."

Michael Smith adds, "As a native Californian, Brown Jordan has always been central to my memories of the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. To this day, Brown Jordan is a significant part of my exterior designs. And now, after years of using Brown Jordan in my own projects, I'm so pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the finest maker of outdoor furniture in the world. This is the ideal partnership for me: as the premier maker of handcrafted outdoor goods, Brown Jordan is uniquely positioned to translate my designs into brilliant, quality furniture.  I'm excited to meld interior beauty and exterior living with luxurious materials, beautiful finishes and timeless designs."

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Michael," said Stephen F. Elton, Chief Brand Officer.  "Few designers have his ability to blend classic elegance with the ease demanded by modern lifestyles, a combination that is a perfect fit with the Brown Jordan brand.  With this partnership, we are building on over six decades of timeless design and look forward to presenting Michael's exclusive collections in 2014."    

Considered one of the most original and respected design talents working today, Michael has earned the loyalty of an international roster of residential, hospitality and commercial clients and received many prestigious awards. He has been named three times to Architectural Digest's "The AD 100", and is the recipient of the Pacific Design Center's West Week "Stars of Design." Elle Decor has named Michael "Designer of the Year" and also placed him on the publication's A-List.   In 2010, Michael was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.  "Clearly," concludes Stephen Elton, "Brown Jordan's partnership with a designer of Michael's stature and talent can only enhance the legacy of our brand."

About Michael S. Smith

Michael studied interior design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.  In 1984, he continued his studies at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, then returned to the U.S. to work under the tutelage of legendary antiques dealer Gep Durenberger.  He next moved to New York in an association with noted interior designer John Saladino.  After three years, he returned to his native California to open a home furnishings store. His design firm, Michael S. Smith Inc, was launched in 1990, expanding from projects for private clients to his Jasper line of fine furniture and fabrics.

One of the most published designers in the world, Michael's work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Town and Country, Domino, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, Tatler, W and the Wall St. Journal.  Rizzoli Publishing has celebrated his work in three volumes: Elements of Style (2007), Houses  (2008) and Kitchens and Baths (2011).  His fourth book, Building Beauty, was released in Spring 2013.

Michael serves on the Board of Trustees of Otis College of Art and Design and has co-chaired the American Friends of the Olympia International Fine Art and Antique Fair.  He is a member of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers.

About Brown Jordan

Since 1945, Brown Jordan has designed iconic lifestyle furnishings that defined and transformed an industry. Established by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in Pasadena, California, Brown Jordan was the first company to create furniture for full-time outdoor use. The first of these innovative designs, constructed of tubular aluminum and vinyl lace, was fittingly called "Leisure" and marked the birthplace of outdoor furniture.

Known for producing stylish, award-winning designs, Brown Jordan has built a reputation on more than 68 years as the industry leader in innovation and design integrity. The Brown Jordan portfolio features more than 30 collections in a range of styles and materials. Distinctive silhouettes are hand and machine crafted into high quality furnishings that enhance traditional, transitional, and contemporary environments. Our collections are designed for residential and contract environments, both indoors and out.                      

SOURCE Brown Jordan