Towards the end of last year, Heidi & James welcomed friends and professionals to the center of Geneva to launch their first collection of contemporary furniture and accessories.
Presenting the work of up-and coming designers based mostly in the UK and Switzerland, Heidi & James fills a gap in the market between very high end (and relatively expensive) furniture pieces and mass produced (generally lower cost) items.
Based in London, but with a strong presence in Switzerland at temporary exhibitions, Heidi & James currently promotes the work of the following designers:
- And then Design (UK, London)
- Di Classe (Japan, Tokyo & UK, London)
- It Design (Switzerland, Zurich)
- Jangir Maddadi (Sweden, Kalmar)
- Marlo & Isaure (Switzerland, Geneva/Lausanne (ECAL) & Tunisia, Tunis)
- Splinter Designs (UK, York)
- Stilgraf (Switzerland, Zurich)
- Taz Pollard (UK, Devon)
- Tom Raffield (UK, Cornwall)
Founder, Véronique Le Fort told knowitall.ch, “It is essential for us to personally know the designers we represent and understand what inspires them. We meet them during design fairs and through our research.”
Asked where the inspiration for her new business came from, Véronique added, “I was born and raised in Geneva (Eaux-Vives) and was lucky to meet a lot of different cultures at a young age. Having worked in both Zurich and Geneva, I seized the opportunity to work for a design agency in London, where I have been based now for a couple of years. The idea of creating Heidi & James came from a passion for design but also a certain frustration back when I was trying to furnish my flat in Geneva and all I could find was either very high end pieces or mass produced ones from large furniture companies, which were not always so cheap! My background of working in design agencies also taught me to appreciate new designs for the creative ideas that stand behind them. So I really wanted to be able to offer great and well-made designer furniture to my home country and also promote talented designers that wouldn't necessarily reach Switzerland, not being a big creative hub like London or Berlin. As a result I have chosen to work from London and focus on the Swiss market that I know best, starting with Geneva.”
When it came to choosing the name of her company, Véronique focused initially on her Swiss side and came up with Heidi. Looking for a UK equivalent, she immediately thought of the name James. So the company name, Heidi & James, regroups her two homes and the + in the logo represents both parts coming together, whilst recognizing the Swiss flag at the same time!
According to Véronique, the concept behind Heidi & James is based on two strong beliefs: great design makes life better and should be able to reach everyone, be it in Switzerland or in London; and what makes a design object unique is as much the idea that stands behind it as the quality of its realization. So every time Véronique falls in love with an item, her objective is to transmit the source of its inspiration so that people can fully adopt it.
Indeed, one client, Marion Bordier told knowitall.ch, “I recently bought 2 Arles lamps and 1 Cement Tiles rug from Heidi & James and I am really very happy with my choice and the quality of service they delivered. I like the selection of the design they have and the fact that they represent new designers that I haven’t seen before in Geneva, and they know them really well so as a client I get to know the whole story of the objects that are coming to my house. The website is beautiful and they are very responsive and helpful.”
To view the full collection of Heidi & James you are invited to visit Véronique’s website at www.heidiandjamesdesign.com. The website has a great news section, which features innovative ideas from designers, whom Véronique has encountered when visiting exhibitions throughout Europe. During 2016, the company will also organize several temporary exhibitions of its own in Geneva and in the German part of Switzerland, so you are advised to check the website regularly for updates. You can meet them for the first time this year at the Marché Sans Puces in Vernier on 6 February 2016.
Heidi & James
www.heidiandjamesdesign.com
