This Week’s Top Story
In recent years, Lee Jofa (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste. 6-136, leejofa.com) has gained acclaim for partnerships with talents including Allegra Hicks, Aerin Lauder, Hunt Slonem, Kelly Wearstler—and now, Chicago’s own Frank Ponterio (frankponterio.com).
This new collection marks Lee Jofa’s first partnership with a Midwestern interior designer. “All of us in the Midwest know how much design talent is here,” Ponterio says, noting that working with the 193-year-old high-end home furnishings company was a goal of his. “I think manufacturers and clients and everybody else are really starting to take notice of the design scene and what’s happening in Chicago.”
Every element of Ponterio’s collection for Lee Jofa was manufactured in the U.S. by a family-run business. Of his line’s 13 pieces, Ponterio, a Lake Forest resident, is especially proud of the Isabella sofa. Named after his daughter, the sofa features a higher back and an armrest reminiscent of a wing chair. “Rather than sitting there with arms way up at shoulder height, it becomes a little more comfortable,” he says of the design treatment.
The collection, which includes chairs, tables, desks, and lighting fixtures, is inspired by Chicago architecture as well as Ponterio’s peers. He says, “Seeing what other people are doing, and the fact that we have great artists and artisans right here in the city, is fantastic.”
Interior Intel
Apartment 528 (apt528.com) and West Town Home + Decor (westtownreup.com) have teamed on a pop-up shop in Ukrainian Village (2136 W. Chicago Ave.). Launched online by India Shannon, Apartment 528 specializes in handcrafted furniture, decor, and accessories from more than 40 indie makers. West Town Home + Decor is known for its vintage furniture (think Eero Saarinen-esque dinette sets) curated by owners Patricia Hall and Erin Schremp.
Sales
The annual Jayson Home (jaysonhome.com) warehouse sale returns for three days at 701 North Albany Avenue. Tomorrow through Sunday, enjoy savings between 50 and 90 percent on pieces including antiques, accessories, and art.
Just in time for Thanksgiving hosts, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (1555 N. Halsted St., mgbwhome.com) is offering 20 percent off its entire collection (special order upholstery included) through November 23.
Events
On November 16, Arianne Nardo will moderate a conversation with artist Adam Siegel (adamsiegel.com) at The Golden Triangle (330 N. Clark St., goldentriangle.biz). The program will center on sex, life, and death in relation to Siegel’s latest works. Refreshments will be served during the free event. RSVP here.
Meet Mary Jurek (maryjurekdesign.com) on November 17 when the tableware designer visits Peachtree Place (303 S. Happ Rd., Northfield, peachtreeplaceonline.com) for a signing event.