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From Home Furnishing Business
Crate & Barrel Unveils Second Collaboration with Athena Calderone
October 21,
2024 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
Crate & Barrel unveils its second collaboration with interior designer, author and entertaining expert, Athena Calderone. The new collection showcases Athena's evolved aesthetic, inspired by her new Tribeca home, through pieces that honor refined, elegant forms. Influenced by timeless silhouettes and rich color palettes of the 1930s, the collection includes over 90 elevated pieces of furniture, decor and textiles.
"The success of the first collection and the desire to create again together with Athena and her vision led us to this second chapter of our partnership" said Sebastian Brauer, Senior Vice President of Product Design, Crate & Barrel. "We leaned on the craftsmanship of our artisans around the world to design a timeless collection of classics, built with quality and materials to last a lifetime."
By mixing materials, playing with geometry and highlighting moody hues, the collection meets the elegance of the 1930s with contemporary flair. Evocative of the Art Deco movement, The Onirique Metal & Alabaster Lamp leans into geometry, a key characteristic of the period, with its pyramidal shade in a delicate alabaster paired with a blackened metal base.
This collection revisits beloved pieces from the first collaboration, enhancing the designs with new colors and forms. Best-selling products such as the Rodin Bench have been reimagined into a Dining Chair, while the Le Tuco Grande is a scaled up version of the original chair, introducing a new colorway with a deep mushroom hue.
"We look to all our brand partners to broaden reach and foster innovation through their unique lens and perspectives," said Alicia Waters, Brand President, Crate & Barrel. "Following our successful first collection with Athena, we knew we wanted to extend this partnership to bring customers new designs with purpose, as well as to build on best-sellers."
"The historic design and renovation of my Tribeca home became a catalyst for my evolution as a designer," says Athena Calderone. "I have loved working with the Crate & Barrel team to explore this shift in my personal style and create timeless designs that will live on in people's homes for years to come."
Athena Calderone for Crate & Barrel will be sold exclusively at Crate & Barrel. Beginning Oct 15, customers can shop the collection on the Crate & Barrel IOS app and in-stores and online at on crateandbarrel.com/athena Oct 17.