Aussie designer debuts line with Italian sensibility

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 8/15/2008 1:40:00 PM

New York – Designer Anna Giannis opened a showroom here in the 230 Fifth Avenue building to launch her U.S. business this weekend during the New York Gift Fair/New York Home Textiles Show.

Giannis, an Australian interior designer, has relocated to New York and is launching her business in partnership with John Zhang, who has been in the bedding business in China for 20 years.

“We’re able to tap into many kinds of factories so we have a lot of flexibility for private label,” said Giannis.

The company is launching the luxury AG Casa brand in bedding, bath and accessories this week targeting independent specialty retailers and better department stores. For the New York Home Fashions Market Week (Sept. 15-19), Giannis will focused on private label capabilities, emphasizing designs and trends in her trend library.

“What I see that’s missing in the U.S., there’s not an introduction of [a variety] of fabrics,” she said. “Most people here do beautiful work, but it’s just cotton or it’s just silk. There’s no blending of linen, velvet, silk.”

In Australia, Giannis also did design work for hospitality clients including the Observatory Hotel and Seasons Hotel. She plans to enter the U.S. hospitality business as well.

Her signature luxury line, AG Casa, is Italian in sensibility, reflecting Giannis’ travels to the country. Her high-count top-of-bed is offered either as comforter or duvet cover, with comforter/duvet and sham sets targeting a $499 retail. Sheets are available in 300- to 600-count and all feature some type of pleating detail. Sheet sets will retail around $159. Accents will retail from $85 to $185.