MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2016—AHS SPECIAL
Peter wasn’t the only one needing a catnap at this year’s spectacular At Home Show
TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURED This month we bring you a special edition dedicated to last month’s At Home Show. Design Team Highlights
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Table of Contents
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Introduction by Frank Spikker
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Press Highlights
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Upcoming Stores & Events
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Spotted
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Design Team Highlights
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The Table Themes
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Hospitality Highlights
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Retail Highlights
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Halo Est Highlights
Table Themes
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TO Studio Highlights
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Group Boarding School
From a homage to the love between Winston and Clementine Churchill to 40,000 red roses for Pinnacle Night.
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People
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Job Opportunities
Guests were invited to the second floor of the showroom where the Design Team presented an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ Read more in page 7
Read more in page 9
Retail Highlights AHS 2016 was one of the best shows we have ever had, in terms of message delivery, impact and preparation. Steve and Conrad give us an overview. Read more 2 in page 13
WORKING TOGETHER By Frank Spikker "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." Henry Ford The bedrock of success lies in people resolving their differences and focusing on common goals and values. Obviously one can always do better and we will do better, but for now we should stand still for a moment and realize what we have achieved in past 12 months with the At Home Show as a very nice proof point for successfully working together to achieve a common goal.
The At Home Show was a display of competences across the board. Not only did we create stunning new pieces of furniture, lighting and finishes across ALL ranges. Not only did we provide a fabulous Hosting experience with stunning displays, mouthwatering food and drinks. We also started to display the breadth of our Company Portfolio and Competences around Design, Turnkey Project Solutions which include architectural, interior design and construction, and we demonstrated the massive step-up in Operational Excellence in almost every function; in the way we prepared for the show, the materials we provide to our customers, the depth of our knowledge in various fields, our certified LAB, our stable leadtimes, etc. All these building blocks demonstrate professionalism which provide confidence and trust with our customers. As a result of this progress we managed to have deep collaborative discussions with new large customers such as EMV-Group from Germany and Furniture Village from UK. These are large, professional customers who only want to work with the best companies, companies who understand the end-user needs, who can create products which sell, who support the customer in their way of selling, who are reliable. HALO has always been a fantastic, entrepreneurial company with great vision, passion and people working together but I think we now start to build the new era of success for HALO. We will succeed‌.as long as we keep working together!
Frank Spikker Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Head of Global Sales and Retail ABOUT FRANK Our fast and furious CEO Frank is not only a car fanatic but also the brains behind the business. When he’s not running the company, he can be spotted with a glass of red wine in one hand and a Ping-Pong bat in the other.
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PRESS HIGHLIGHTS New Dehli Gallery Opening - Delhiites, India
Interview with TO - India Today, India
Interview with TO - AD, India
New Dehli Gallery - India Today: Home, India
New Dehli Gallery Opening - Global Fashion Street, India New Dehli Gallery Opening - Mail Today, India
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Faded & Degraded - Home Fantasy, Hong Kong
Syphon Pendant - Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom, the
Piccadilly Sofa - Maisons De Campagne, France
TO London Heal’s - The World of Interiors, the UK
Mon Jardin & Ma Maison
Trend in Riviera
TĂŠTU 5
SPOTTED
Gordon Shows Off His Sparkler Chef Gordon Ramsay showcases the Facet pendant from Halo Established above his dining table.
UPCOMING SHOWS & STORES Shows:
IMM Cologne: 16—22 Jan 2017 New TO Stores:
Hong Kong—Horizon Plaza
Soft opening 17 Nov
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AHS 2016: Design Team Highlights By Bastien Taillard Overview Guests were invited to the second floor of the showroom where the Design Team presented an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into a product’s journey from concept stage to completion. Rather than just focusing on the end product, we wanted to give people a deeper insight into what makes a design come to life - from the initial sketches to research, innovation and experimentation – and of course the incredible materials that we work with. Showcasing the Materials The new collection is hallmarked by some beautiful translucent materials including glass minerals, stones, acrylic and resin. Samples of these materials were displayed in a creative way, on hexagon-shaped tables which were illuminated and placed as an introduction to the Design Room. The hexagon shape echoes the shape of a chromosome, symbolizing that materials are part of our design DNA and the basis – or ‘earth’ for our creative process. The materials were presented in a dark room with lighting elements focusing on each table. The hexogens were positioned as ‘islands’ which customers could walk around and explore. Sketches In another room we showed the hand-drawn sketches of some of the key new products that were displayed in the showroom, giving our customers a rare insight into how the products were conceptualized. In the same room we also showcased two Oracle chairs (not yet launched), inspired by the famous egg pod chair but reinvented with innovative Bluetooth technology for an audio experience, allowing people to contemplate and relax whilst listening to music.
New Packaging In the Design Room we showcased the brand new product packaging that we are working on for a smoother and richer delivery and unpacking experience.
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Meet the Designers Pinnacle Night kicked off with a great cocktail event on the second floor where all of the above was showcased. Michael Yeung introduced each member of the Design Team and their background, and customers were given the opportunity to meet each of the designers, to ask questions and discuss more about the design process within Halo.
Fourth Floor Display The Design Team also worked on part of the 4th floor display which showcased the new Timothy Oulton designs, as well as the new bar area. Watch Cloud in Action Bastien has been working with students from the Hong Kong Design Institute on a video mapping project, bringing our Cloud/Luscious sofa to life in creative ways. Download it here and see the results: /http://61.93.205.30:5000/sharing/FhpAdOuNG
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AHS 2016: Drama & Theatre — The Table Themes by Dani Monti-Morren
LUNCH Day 1 - Library Lunch In celebration of all things studious: old books, collected trophies filled with flowers, pheasant feathers, and vintage canes. Sculpted boxwoods line the corridor as if gazing through a window out onto a pristine English garden. We start with a worn salvage table top and add blue and white vintage plates, mismatched vintage flatware, and a linen napkin tied with handmade leather bookmarks and ribbon bow ties. Our service team sports tweed waistcoats and caps with black horn rimmed glasses. This table setting is at the heart of the Timothy Oulton DNA - classic sophisticated vintage style stimulating memories of study and days spent lingering in the library.
Day 2 - Sherwood Forest Pinnacle Lunch Our table seems to have come alive - inspired by the famous Royal Forest of Nottinghamshire, England we celebrate the lush floor of Sherwood Forest . Locally cultivated moss, ferns and wild mushrooms sprout from white birch romantically lit by candlelight while a trail of brass ants travel the terrain. Slices of fresh cut wood serve as our dinner charger, topped with a linen napkin showcasing one single, elegant mushroom - celebrating the beauty of rustic landscapes while snails from our lychee garden bring the whole scene to life. Nature sounds accompany a lunch of all local ingredients including honey harvested just up the street from our workshops.
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Day 3 - Royal Lunch in Honour of our Queen Pink slipcovers, silver teapots, vintage tea tins, and masses of roses and English wildflowers dressed our table in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II. An AHS at Timothy Oulton isn’t complete without recognizing and honouring her. We reimagine her Royal rose garden, the elegance of her afternoon tea, and the beauty of the woman that has and continues to inspire so many. We collect and display many eras of vintage coronationware at all stages in her life, each piece with her image commemorating her Royal career. No one in the world can put on a display of Pomp & Circumstance like the Queen - and in true British style - Timothy Oulton.
DINNER Day 1 - Winston Loves Clementine Our opening dinner was a tribute to the love that Winston and Clementine Churchill shared for 56 years together. Our table was filled with 5,000 clementines holding vintage Winston busts leading to a heart made of roses hung above a roaring, romantic fire. Dinner started with a Clementine cocktail and ended with handmade chocolate cigars complete with Winston’s own signature cigar label. On the table you could find a love letter written to Clementine in Winston’s handwriting on his personal stationary. It was an evening to remember Winston in a more personal way and his affectionate side vs his public political image. In addition Winston and Clementine share the same wedding anniversary as Raoul and I.
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Day 2 - Lady Rose Garth Pinnacle Dinner Our very own Jude Leach grew up in a house named Rose Garth Garth being an old English name for garden. Her beloved dog’s name was Lady, and this was how the theme for the Lady Rose Garth Dinner was born. We imagine a garden so rich with roses that they grow over everything they encounter - champagne bottles, chandeliers and candelabras, even the skirts of our waitstaff are covered in roses. This night represents the pinnacle of the show - the night that we entertain in true Timothy Oulton style where we host our clients and welcome them into our home with theater, beautiful champagne and feast, never leaving a detail unturned. We aim to inspire our clients and roll out the red carpet in our home to remind them of just how important they are to us 40,000 roses important‌
Day 3 - I See Things in Black and White A dinner of simple, chic sophistication - an offering of beauty in simplicity. Subtle extravagance, refined glamour and juxtaposition in color. A quiet yet dramatic scene for our last dinner.
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AHS 2016: Hospitality Highlights by Peter Davies
Oysters and Tonic Evening as part of Hong Kong’s Gin Jubilee, 1st September 2016 David Cordoba Portfolio Director for Proof & Company provided a Gin and Tonic Masterclass showcasing Fords Gin and East Imperial exquisite range of tonics Gin and tonics were paired with 4 different type of Oysters with differing condiments chosen and created by Chef Arron Rhodes of Events on Gough Oysters and Tonic enjoyed by Timothy Oulton’s valued customers, key partners and friends
At Home Show 2016 Biggest and best AHS yet. Lunch and dinner for up to 200 guests Chef Arron Rhodes and his team provided menus of Modern European Cuisine using imported and local produce Consultant Chef Marike van Beurden formally of Anne-Sophie Pic and Caprice assisted in providing a fine selection of desserts as well as Afternoon tea Bartenders from our spirits partner Proof & Company mixed cocktails each night showcasing cocktails from our upcoming Speakeasy campaign.
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AHS 2016: Halo Est Highlights by Wanda Rottstegge
The 2016 At Home Show last month was another exciting success for Halo Established 1976. The new collection was very well received both by exclusive retail partners and also wowed our new large retail clients. Featuring innovative design with a focus on natural authentic materials, we introduced new leather upholstery, new solid timber cabinetry, new lighting and new accent pieces. Encapsulating a spectrum from classic vintage to modern design, the pieces represent a stylish yet practical nature and have been designed to offer great comfort for homes of unique and enduring style. Also well received was the new “Golden Section�, a lightly accessorised lifestyle space representing the ideal, best selling product selection for retailers to recreate in their stores.
After consolidating the initial feedback from our retail partners, we have compiled the highlights from the New Collection, pieces that retailers have shown great enthusiasm in their ordering.
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AHS 2016: Retail Highlights by Steve Powell and Conrad Yung Overview AHS 2016 is one of the best shows we have ever had, in terms of message delivery, impact and preparation; a good sign that the building blocks we put in place started to bring benefits. Although the delivery of new product samples to the showroom was later than initially expected, it was still earlier than in previous years, as was pricing. We brought a spectacular event to over 150 customers in 3 days. In MOI we have written 1.93M orders - out of which 36% is retail orders!! These are early indications as the scanning process can be hit and miss, we will have more finalised details to share by November. We expect the best sellers to emerge in Oct/ Nov.
Lead time 76% of products reported to have less than 8 weeks lead time and 24% 10-12 weeks. The longer lead times tend to be the new leather or fabrics on pieces that we haven’t already started a pilot run on (and didn’t show at AHS), therefore pieces unlikely to be ordered – making the actual lead times a more positive result. Quality We started formal reviews for each item regarding improvement and stability in manufacturing, the organisation is investing in Quality and beefing up the team, including putting in Lawrence as the Head of Quality. Orders Most partners were keen and more ready to discuss business ideas and product discussions, and also place orders quickly after AHS - they were almost fighting over the earliest refresh timings and calendar. I am sure we will see 8-10 of the partners place a decent size order before the end of October, with New Delhi even requesting a refresh in January – the earliest one ever - so they can take advantage of their wedding season. We also made some progress with EMEA partners who have slipped through the net over recent years, we should be able to support MG better and Moscow/Geneva etc. 14
AHS 2016: TO Studio Highlights by Holly Marshall
Saturday 1880 – Singapore Club Presentation of key concepts for various areas of the club including the first round of samples for some of the previously discussed concepts. The giant birds nest, a prototype group seating area designed for the club's terrace, was the “wow” moment of the presentation when we revealed the full scale sample made from driftwood. Other samples included: Burnt Wood Arch for the Wine Cellar 1880 Brass Screen for the Members Dining Bejewelled Dragon curtain with bespoke print and 3D Rotating Banquette Glass mould bricks for the Taotie screen in Members bar Furniture assortment & finish proposals for all areas of the club were also well received. The reaction from the 1880 team – surprised & excited to see many of the concepts taking shape, they later told us that they hadn’t expected to see more than material samples so the Birds Nest was a big surprise & since the show has received lots of positive feedback from prospective members. Petcher International Plans for the redesign of their showroom and Lobby were already under way before the show. It was the first time for any of their team to attend the show and having heard of our reputation for hosting, they came as a party of 5. The show didn’t disappoint and they are now looking to expand the scope of their project to include a Dome home to use for their own customer hosting. Sunday Guests included: Underscar Discussions continued around the development of this heritage listed manor house in the Lake District, with particular attention to bespoke designs and soft furnishings of the various rooms. Social & Co Potential customer who is looking at expanding their restaurant portfolio in Guangzhou.
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Monday Will Lyon Meetings around possible re-design of the CWB Jamie’s Italian to increase flexibility of the space for events/ workshops. Tehran – Taj Meeting for a potential project in Tehran for a boutique hotel/ restaurant concept. Kick off meeting had both teams very excited at the opportunity to do something completely original in such an interesting location.
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Group Boarding School—September 2016 It was Halo’s biggest event of the year: the “AT HOME SHOW” ……… Well, it was until Group Boarding School hit straight afterwards, then things really kicked in!!! The ENERGY & SPIRIT of…..
Tammy – intern-turned “Courageous Creative” frequently spotted at the reception and arranging workshop tours :-) Bor – “OMG” so that is Bor, FINALLY a face to the name, beloved by all on the Halo design team! James – yes I said JAMES!!! Now there’s a “QUALITY” guy – GREAT workshop tour James – no it's Not a F%@#ing Factory :-) is it Lawrence!! Vivi & Raymond – PD Popstars:-) — no wonder they enjoyed the workshop tour sooooo much! First time for leather too! Corrine – a real Quality girl, describing her BS experience as “passionate and unique” x Siri – RH warrior and order manager extraordinaire bathed in the T.O. experience Whilst Yolanda loved the culture but needed to see more of Sankok, or Eddie G… not sure which:-) Hill, after just experiencing the AHS for the first time, fell like a soldier in the Army of “BOP," all marching in one awesome direction! 17
Tony , fondly known as “Tony Top Marks!” smashed the exams and led the PD Popstars:-) Aria chased his tail, boy was she close! Reed & Aaron – “IT” men of the school both fell in love with the customer — “IT’s” a big step forward :-) Lecea - really hard to impress as let’s face it she works in the “LAW” department, them folks are really Studio-us! Betty – the fancy financier, now the customer’s champion!! As for CHOY, rhymes with JOY:-) need I say any more xxxxxxxx And for our finale the “MAIN MAN JANE” she tufted, tumbled, nailed and aniline dyed till she dropped –“WHAT A WOMAN!!” revered by ALL! As for the Boarding School heroes – Super IE, Laurence, Green, Eddie, Diego, Rhona, Steven, Antony, Simon, Isaac, Emma, Anne- Laure, Wanda, Vinay and Steve P – Bowlers & Halos off to you all, our heads are bowed to your knowledge and experience… Thank you all – Group Boarding School 2016 x
Boarding School Dates for 2017: TO Boarding School (4-day)
Group Boarding School (2-day)
28th Feb – 3rd March
22nd – 23rd Feb
30th May – 2nd June
6th – 7th June
7th Nov – 10th Nov
14th – 15th Nov 18
PEOPLE A Huge Welcome to Our New Joiners In the UK… Ariel Krupowies – Sales Ambassador (Harrods) Ariel joins us from Shanghai Tang and has previously worked across a range of luxury brands such as Bell & Ross, Crisian and Giuseppe Zanotti Design. With experience across stock management and operations, and the ability to speak Polish, English and basic German, Ariel will be contributing his diverse skill set to the team. We look forward to him helping bring Best on Planet customer service to everyone he meets! Charlotte Thirtle – Sales Ambassador (Harrods) Charlotte comes to us from Swarovski, where she was responsible for answering customer queries to raising brand awareness through social media posts and events. With a background in Performing Arts, Charlotte’s creativity has also been channelled into special effects make up and various screen/stage performances. With her outgoing personality and passion to deliver results, she definitely has the “Timothy Oulton Twinkle”!
Roberta Hack – Sales Ambassador (Harrods) Roberta who was most recently with Gucci Shoes, brings her ability to drive sales, build client relationships and provide product and trend knowledge to the team. Her studies in fashion and textiles, experience in photography and visual merchandising are a great asset.
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PEOPLE In Mexico... Aida Ocampo – Mexico Plant Manager Aida joins us from Apex Tool Group, where she has been overseeing a project based in Queretaro, Mexico. With nearly 20 years of expertise in product development, she has been involved in a range of industries from vehicle seating solutions to textile and furniture. As the Operations Manager for Furniture Brands International, she was responsible for the start-up of a second factory in the country and all of its operations. In combination with her past working experience in China and basic knowledge of Chinese, Aida’s background and skills are a perfect match for the Halo family.
Ernesto Flores - Production Manager, Mexico
Ernesto is an Industrial Engineer with 20 years’ experience in the furniture industry as production manager, from metal bunk beds to yellow pine bed room furniture, with last 8 years working on sofa upholstery for medium to top Mexican department stores (80%) and US customers (20%). Reyna Contreras - Quality Manager, Mexico Reyna is also an Industrial Engineer with 16 years of experience in Quality Control & Quality Assurance. She is RABSQA Certified ISO 9001:2008 Lead Auditor Training; also an Auditor by ISO 13485, ISO14001, ISO18001 and ISO17025 for different kinds of industries. Reyna will be in Gaoming to visit and learn about our China operation in mid-November, so please give her a warm welcome if you see her around.
Maria de la O Orozco – Product Development & Engineering, and R&D Coordinator, Mexico Maria is an Industrial Designer with 10 years’ experience in development and engineering design for offices, banks and furniture stores. We wish our first Mexico team a big welcome to Halo family, and all the best and success in their respective roles. 20
PEOPLE In China... Jack Liang – Timothy Oulton Studio Executive Jack has over 6 years’ experience in both furniture and interior design, and skillful on 3D MAX, VR rendering, CAD, Photoshop etc. With well-established knowledge and the ability to integrate with site work , he fits the role with extensive assets. We look forward to Jack’s contribution in executing and coordinating in Timothy Oulton Studio projects.
Jason Li—Order Management Specialist We’re pleased to introduce our new OM team-member Jason Li to you, who joined Halo on Oct. 17 as Order Management Specialist. Jason comes to us with 3 years merchant working experience in furniture manufacture and foreign trade company. Jason will report to Tina Wu, he will start to take over HK TOG and some Asian clients’ order after receiving proper working process and product knowledge training. Please join me in welcome Jason to the HALO family and wishing him every success in Halo!
Bell Ye—Order Management Assistant It’s very happy that our new OM team-member Bell Ye, who joined Halo as Order Management Assistant on the same day with Jason. Bell will be responsible of Halo Touch order management, and she will work with Grace Li. Please join me in welcome Bell to the HALO family and wishing her every success in Halo!
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES @HALO
Our current open roles include: Hong Kong: Assistant Accountant Project Coordinator—Retail Project
US: Accountant— LA Sales Ambassador— OC China: HR Assistant (Intern) Order Management Specialist— OM (RH) Order Management Specialist— OM (Non RH) Factory Management Specialist Product Development Supervisor— Upholstery Product Development Executive— CAD If you know anyone that might be interested in the above roles please do get in touch with HR@halocreativedesign.com
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COPYRIGHT © 2014 HALO CREATIVE & DESIGN LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 23