Brandwein to Launch Product Design Consultancy

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/30/2006 12:00:00 AM

White Plains, N.Y. —

Long-time Royal Sateen designer Marcia Brandwein has decided to hang out her own shingle as a design consultant and product developer for the home and the hospitality industries. Working out of her home office in White Plains, N.Y., she will have a particular emphasis on the luxury hotel sector.

Brandwein resigned her position as creative director at DWI Holdings effective Jan. 26. The company, which is the U.S. producer and distributor of Royal Sateen and a few years ago became the independent spin-off of Crown Crafts' adult bedding division, has been her home for 25 years.

“Marcia has been the creative force behind Royal Sateen since 1989 and is recognized by all for her major contributions to the creation of luxury bedding in department stores,” the company said. “Her efforts were also very important in our first hotel venture at the Wynn Las Vegas.”

Brandwein offered her insights into the luxury hotel business. As mainstream retailers have embraced austere “hotel” looks, she noted, luxury hotels are now moving away from them and toward warmer, more residential designs.

“The trend now is to make the room feel like you're in a luxurious home,” she said. “In the retail area it's about business. With hotels, it's about: What can you do to excite the consumer.”