Copying and buying copies is one thing - a supplier of such prolific copies, such as Chair Crazy contacting Twiice International to purchase the original is a whole different picture - a rather satisfying one at that.Perhaps it has finally happened that the consumer is realising that the original goes further and is in effect, better.Perhaps education and being vocal does work - you think you are talking to voids, but then slowly the wheel does start to turn.I must say, it does take something for the salesperson to call Twiice, to request and order for their client who specified original, and to admit that yes - they do sell copies of Twiice products.So now we know, talking does work! Educating the market is a work in progress, but we are in time progressing.
Copiers Get Real!
Fraud: Once Bitten Twiice Shy!
One thinks they are savvier than to be caught by fraud, but the fact is that those that do it are aware of all the simple ways to out swindle because it is what they do, it is who they are - conmen! Recently Twiice International was on the receiving end, when a well-spoken man walked away from the Johannesburg showroom and “purchased” a sum of goods.
The man, named Maurice Johnson phoned the Johannesburg showrooms with a story he was opening a boutique guest-house in the North West province and hence required domestic furniture. The “client” had done extensive research on the Twiice website and had a list of items that he required, and from there the story unfolds into one of deception, lies and fraud. What does a con-man sound like? Charming, polite, friendly and personable - it is what they do, pull you in, so you do not question any discrepancies and subsequently you are the one that is found caught out, not a pleasant feeling - but one has to admit, this is what happened.
The Twiice sales executive was in constant communication, willing to assist in any way and after approximately twenty phone calls back and forth, he had his choice! Due to being afar, and not in the vicinity of Johannesburg, it was agreed that he would send his driver to pick up the items, he too being charming and going by the name of Lucky.
Procedures were followed and the order confirmation signed, it was a great sale - fantastic products chosen by a well spoken, amiable man “Maurice Johnson” who without hesitation sent through the electronic proof of payment (EFT), and only after a few days when it was confirmed that money had in fact not come through did Twiice realise that they were duped, the EFT had been doctored, and the man was not named Maurice Johnson - as quite vividly thereafter it was noted that Maurice Johnson is a pseudonym, the email address used mjohnson@mweb.co.za was not real and as he was “in the north west province setting up his guesthouse” there was no address!
Matters have transpired thereafter are that the police were naturally notificed, Twiice staff had the drivers phone number and after phoning incessantly and without fail, hit a lucky note when the driver left the SIM behind at a call box, the SIM was collected by staff members and police alerted - for now, there is a patient and hopeful wait.
It does happen - it happened to us at Twiice but lessons are learnt - be aware, if one is well dressed or spoken or charming does not mean to evade that there is no sinister reasons - just as much as that person not so well dressed may (and often is) be the person that actually does buy!
So be warned, and if a man named Maurice Johnson who is well spoken with a charming disposition, comes into your shop or in some way makes encounters, firstly please do let us know and secondly - please do beware!
The Starck Reality!
I was wondering when it would happen as I am sure so too were many of you. There has been every other kind of reality show, from out in the “wild” (Survivor) to locked in the “wild” (Big Brother) - this moved to the modeling world, then the design world, the business world, practically every kind of world and finally to our world - that of product design!
BBC2 now have a reality show with the prolific Philippe Starck the judge. I suppose if there was going to be a judge it makes sense, it would be expected that Philippe would be your man. Afterall, this is he who has designed pretty much every product that there is; from furniture, to a computer mouse, to a bin, to a toothbrush and the list goes on…
There are some who will be pro and others negative. It does, however you look at it, shine a light on a skill that many do not understand the complexity to. A product is a product, but the reasoning behind said item, the research, the ensuring it has a function is all the major part of the end result! It is a great chance for some to view furniture, for example, as design - it is design, we know this, but not all do.
Back to the show, The School of Design! There are (as with most if not all realities) a certain amount of contestants, in this case 12 British want-to-be’s, who are placed together in a, no doubt about it, lavish apartment or house in the French capital and rest assured they will be surrounded by every Philippe Starck design that there is (and there are many)! They will, of course, be given projects and there will of course be a winner whose prize is that of a six month placement at Starck’s design agency in Paris.
I myself am rather intrigued…
Milan Fair 2009 - The Fair of all Fairs!
The Milan Fair has always been my favorite of Fairs – being in the design world it inspires me; not only Twiice suppliers but all suppliers come up with inspirations that make you amazed at the brains these creators possess – completely new, imaginative and out of the box. But this is not the only reason I attend, I go to see the supplier’s products, to feel them to sit in them and to make decisions on what I think will sell! As great as it is to attend these fairs – it’s not all fun and games as some of you are probably know all too well.
I thought that perhaps due to the economic climate it would be smaller and thus less impressive. I was slightly wrong; smaller yes, I would say 30-40% less attendees, but less impressive certainly not. It was still a magnificent experience! Most of the whacky and therefore somewhat awe inspiring products were seen outside of the actual Milan Fairgrounds as I think is normally the case but generally, it was still the Fairest Fair! For me, the one that stood out the most was Kartell – their new lights are classic and innovative, their chairs – such as the papyrus - such intoxicating pieces. It may sound whimsical, but the shape and the colour of this chair are warm and inviting and above all – comfortable!
And then there is Moroso – a supplier who has embraced African design! It’s fabulous to see them focus on a continent, our continent, that has such talent and embrace it and put it on the forefront of this world renowned fair! You will, no doubt, read and hear more about this from us here at Twiice.
All in all – a great event, I think next year the economic climate may effect it but I also think that in adversity comes appearing out of it a creative outlet and so design should not and hopefully shall not succumb to these times.
Whisky Tasting @ Twiice
Both Twiice showrooms hosted a limited seating whisky tasting last night (Thursday 12th March) - and what a perfect way to end a busy day…sit down, learn about the drink at hand and catch up with clients and colleagues!
The evening was hosted by the College of Whisky - who did a fantastic job organising the set up, snacks and clearing - and of coure, not to forget presenting a drink that began and ended with the master, that being Johnny Walker Black Label.
It was a great success and a very enjoyable evening, perhaps the kind one wants every Thursday night to wind down after the weeks, and prepare for the weekend ahead?
The Design Indaba…at the expo!
The Design Conference at the Design Indaba is known to be the best in the world, an idea of its stand is when such designers as Patricia Urquiola, the Bourollec brothers, Marcel Wander and trend forecastor, Li Edelkoort make their way to our windy shores, so that they can attend and speak!
My question though is why the expo does not match the conference, why the designs on show do not test the water in their daring. There is so much talent, there is so much thought that has not been turned into product, but where was it? The expo seems still to be something of a craft market with jewelry, beads and cloths - fantastic for those overseas but I feel keeping ourselves and our design stagnant. There needs to be innovation shown, new materials played with - there needs to be a “wow”.
I am not saying the expo was bad - but the truth is; I just feel there is more, it seems as though we are too scared to immerse ourselves completely in the deep end. I did see some fabulous stands, Visi - as always, Haldane Martin’s couch and table I enjoyed and yes, there were others; but it was a week dedicated to design, a week in which great designer were honoured, I know with certainty that more is out there that could have and should have been on show, perhaps there is fear but don’t be scared is my advise - rock the boat, create a stir - be what you are …. a designer!
…at the Visi Designer of the Year Awards
“I don’t think I can have another drink,” I heard many a person say last week - and then as they grabbed for another glass of the bubble, the mumble would be, “maybe just one.”
This should be the quote of the week!
It was - as I am sure many of you know - the Visi Designer of the Year Awards last Wednesday the 25th February. Twiice sponsored the winner with the magnificent and decadent Daybed; yearned for by many. Our blofields and Lazy Jacks were part of the ‘furniture’ seeming rather comfortable out in the convivial mood on the Sky bar’s desk (located at the top of the Cape Royale Hotel). The venue was exquisite, arrival was just in time for Cape Town’s beautiful sunset creating a warm blanket on this fantastic city, the guests were a mixiture of glamorous and casually cool, a great fusion of design from all walks - sipping on sparkling wine, knocking back tasty oysters, speaking to the people who share your walk of life it’s a great escape and life is good! Amazing in a week of design, design, design, to me everything just seems so more prominent, so much more beautiful - this city I realise is indeed the best of the best!
The amazing Li Edelkoort (the famed trend forecastor for those of you who do not know) announced Boyd Ferguson of Cecile and Boyd as the winner. Boyd won for the Hout Bay Manor where Twiice supplied Verpan lights for the rooms - the project is a definite and inspirational must see for all; and it is undoubtedly a deserved win. But, as Li Edelkoort quite rightly said, it’s an extremely difficult choice one has to make in choosing a winner, I do know this from past awards, especially when the caliber is one so high and the designs so different and hard to compare - but there must be one, for then why have an awards ceremony and Boyd did a magnificent job; go to the Hout Bay Manor and it’s a great escape but yet still a celebration of Africa - and then simply it is a must see!
Congratulations Boyd!
Twiice Meets Patricia Urquiola
The Design Indaba made a busy week for the creative minds - it began for Twiice on Tuesday as the acclaimed and one of my favourite designers Patricia Urquiola spoke at the Axor press conference (she is to design a new range of their bathrooms, joining the likes of Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio)
Twiice received a call from Axors PR Consultancy firm asking if we would mind lending them some of the chairs designed by the designer herself. What does one say? “Thanks, but no thanks Patricia - you may not sit on the chair that you conceived!” - so it was that we - naturally - said yes, and what better than the new Frilly to be the chosen chair, a quaint chair that has become one of my favourites as it is so unashamedly girlish!
A staff member attended the conference, the feedback was the venue breathtaking with views that only Cape Town has to offer; amazing architecture and the famed mountains stood proud. Sparking wine flowed, delicious canapes were served and the weather was calm and balmy making it one of those evenings when one falls in love with the city; when tourists become residents.
Patricia herself, I am told, is Spanish personified - gesticulating hands, a fiery passion, vibrant and seemingly in love with conversation! But then let us not forget that this is a woman at the top of the game in a mostly male world, where she designs without apologies products that exude femininity and so we should always have known that she would be an impressive meet!
Design Frenzy!
Design Madness is here with the Indaba starting in Cape Town next week. It is a crazy and exciting time of the year, as the passion of our industry is realised and talent emerges. I can feel that the minds are changing, slowly people are realising the importance of design and the longevity it holds for our time. There are events to attend: to honour the design talents of 2008 both established and those in training (students) - I always enjoy attending such dos, catching up with people from the past, something one seldom has to do these days is enjoy a drink with a like minded person due to the frenetic lifestyles we find ourselves leading.
There are some great talents that will be on these shores - Li Edelkoort, Marcel Wanders and Patricia Urquiola to name a few - some big names in a country of great emerging talent.
I am excited, these are exciting times - yes there is a credit crunch but what does come out of it are more creative ways of thinking and interesting partnerships made!
BlOfield in StOre
It’s a chameleon in a bag; more than hot air - an item that can transform any area into your own living space; the BloField - it’s a sofa that makes furniture fun!
Imagine it in a field; on the beach, on your terrace, in the living room; in your office waiting room, imagine it that wherever the mind travels so too can this sofa.
And it’s now in StOre at both Johannesburg and Cape Town showrooms.