Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Castelle to Launch Biltmore Collection at April Market
March 9,
2018 by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, High Point, Industry, Market
High-end outdoor furniture producer Castelle has signed a licensing agreement with North Carolina’s Biltmore House and will unveil its first licensed Biltmore collection at next month’s High Point Market.
The company said the new outdoor collection is drawn from the classic architectural elements of George Vanderbilt’s estate, which was built near Asheville, N.C., in the late 1890s and bills itself as “America’s largest home.”
“Creating comfortable and beautiful spaces to enjoy the fresh air of the Blue Ridge Mountains was key in Mr. Vanderbilt’s vision of providing an oasis for his family and friends,” said Tim Rosebrock, vice-president and general manager of Biltmore Licensed Consumer Products. “He selected products of highest quality and classic design, and the artistic details and craftsmanship of the Biltmore Collection by Castelle reflect this appreciation for luxury.”
The first collection is handcrafted of cast and extruded aluminum. Castelle officials said each dining or deep seating piece features elements inspired by architectural design and classic lattice-work details found on the grand Loggia and Library Terrace of the Biltmore House.
“From the moment this collaboration was discussed, the similarities that exist between our companies in our mutual pursuit of elegant experiences and a shared reverence of outdoor spaces became clear to each member of our design and marketing teams,” said Derek Ritzel, president and CEO of Castelle.
“The sense of artistry and craftsmanship that also is a part of not only this unbelievable home; but the estate’s surrounding lands and gardens mirrors that sense associated with the Castelle brand. The partnering was a natural fit and one we are proud to be introducing,” he continued.
In creating Biltmore, George Vanderbilt envisioned a private, peaceful retreat where family and friends could relax and enjoy all the comforts of home—including the refreshing beauty of the natural world, the company said. From the breezy Loggia with sweeping views of the mountains to inviting terraces that beckoned guests to explore the estate’s grand gardens and woodland trails, no detail of outdoor living was overlooked.
“Castelle’s design team made multiple trips to Biltmore, diving deep into our archives and storage rooms for product inspiration,” said Donnette Miller, director of licensing for Biltmore Licensed Consumer Products. “It was a pleasure to work with such a talented team. Watching them weave inspiration from the gardens and architectural elements of the house into collections that are relevant to today’s décor while still honoring timeless design was inspiring and affirmed for us that Castelle is an excellent partner for our outdoor living furniture.”
Castelle will celebrate the product launch with a showroom brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 15. Its showroom is in the International Home Furnishings Center, space M-101. The brunch will include wines from Biltmore’s winery.