by ATLANTA — Participating in the summer Casual Market Atlanta for the first time in the company’s storied history, Hickory Chair will enjoy this inaugural launch into outdoor living spaces with the introduction of four distinctive outdoor furniture collections designed
by Susan Hable. Showcased in the company’s temporary showroom at AmericasMart Atlanta, Building 1, Floor 7, in Space 846, these outdoor selections will be revealed to the Casual Market clientele July 15-18.
The early reaction to Hickory Chair’s Hable Outdoor collections has inspired designers to extend the aesthetic of interior living spaces into client’s outdoor living spaces. While these four collections are available as stand-alone groupings, designers have discovered their strength as they were designed to mix perfectly together. The ability to select items from the Aswan Teak, Yara Woven and Ibis Metal collections will allow designers to create personalized outdoor living spaces for their clients.
“I was given complete creative freedom to design these outdoor collections,” Hable said. “This comes from a mutual trust between our companies and an alignment of vision for the future. Being at the heart of the collection comes with several criteria that I tried to meet … classic shapes, timeless design, special and appropriate in many kinds of settings from gardens, back porches and pool sides that would appeal to the talented designers across the industry that look to Hickory Chair for inspiration. The reaction has been wonderful, and seeing images from their installations has been truly inspirational for me!”
The Haret and Ibis collections were crafted in metal, Aswan in teak and Yara in a synthetic weave with teak feet. They showcase not only the distinctiveness of the materials, but also the talent of the craftspeople that have handcrafted each piece. Distinctive finishes were created for each collection. The company will support this new category and collection with a robust assortment of Hickory Chair outdoor fabrics and a collaboration with Sunbrella with its Trivantage Fusion fabric program.
The term Haret can be translated as the cabin at the heart of the forest, the caretaker and the center of things. This term is the perfect name for the largest of the Hable outdoor collections. Hand cast in aluminum and then powder coated in a choice of two
finishes, the lyrical lines of the product are contrasted by a unique fretwork pattern that creates a charming pattern on the
seat and back of seating pieces and the tops of the tables. The fret motif was designed exclusively for this collection.
The gentle scallop of the top rail was intended to provide a beautiful swaying motion to the back of the chair that follows the arc of the arms and the saber legs of the Haret collection. The series was thoughtfully designed to be elegant and beautiful even when its cushions are stored. Finished in Cloud White or Smoke Gray, its subtly silky surface is the finishing touch that seals its grace. The company also offers custom finishes on these two metal collections.
The Ibis collection is named for an Egyptian bird with a distinctive long curved beak that has been idolized from ancient times. Inspired from Susan’s travels to Egypt by hieroglyphics depicting birds with its long lines and beaks, the Ibis bird was revered for its dramatic features and its non-confrontational demeanor. Known as a symbol of integrity and balance, the Ibis collection reflects these attributes.
The Ibis collection’s graceful forms blend beautifully into nature. Crafted in metal, the Ibis collection is standard in an antiqued Verdigris finish. At Casual Market, a second finish, Cloud White, will be introduced for the Ibis collection.
The southern Egyptian city of Aswan is an ancient city located along the Nile River. It is arid, exotic and is considered the “Egyptian Paradise.” Known as one of the sunniest places on Earth, it is the inspiration for the new Aswan collection. Solid teak was chosen as its
textural Driftwood finish is reminiscent of the arid desert and the sound icons left from antiquity.
“Outdoor teak furniture will naturally develop a gray tone, and the grain will become more open over time,” Hable said. “I wanted to develop a finish that would already have this coloration and texture to enjoy. Each Aswan teak piece will naturally age like the standing statues and obelisks that have stood the test of time.”
Susan’s intention for the Yara Woven collection was to design a woven pattern that would be completely sculpted by weaving a beautiful woven pattern with recycled synthetic cane on each piece by hand. Artisans start the process with one corner of the powder-coated aluminum frame and weave the cane like a basket until the end is tied off.
“The Graystone color of the synthetic woven material was inspired by my travel to Sea Ranch, California, where homes and buildings are designed to melt into the landscape,” she said. “Thoughtfully designed, the feet on the Yara sofa and loveseat are made from teak finished in the Aswan Teak finish.
“Warmth and a light breeze are some of my favorite things as a new season begins,” she added. “It is new growth, warm sunshine, and first light walks to survey new buds, leaves and even weeds that bring joy to my heart and purpose as I touch my paintbrush to canvas. It is not by chance that the lines of our unique outdoor designs mirror the natural world. Each collection has elements that reflect the pleasure in outdoor living. I believe that people will naturally linger longer in our thoughtfully designed furniture.”
Our employees are focused on making the finest indoor and now outdoor furnishings in the marketplace for our loyal clientele and their clients,” said Laura Holland, vice president of marketing at Hickory Chair. “Expanding into the outdoor category is a natural progression for our company. We believe that we have once again revealed the incredible talent, collaboration and vision our Hickory Chair family has not only for today, but the future.”
