http://www.resources.com

Contract Interiors Network is a one-stop marketplace for direct sales of commercial furnishings. Similar to eBay, the site offers new, used, re-manufactured and refurbished products that are auctioned to the highest bidder.

The website also includes product directories, which provide names of major manufacturers and their cutsheets. The A through Z directory includes 30 to 40 listings

under each letter, for example, under the letter “M’, one click brought up McGuire, Mainline and Metropolitan Furniture as well as 30 other top manufacturers.

• Office Furnishings (Information For Windows, Finishes, Lighting, Flooring, etc.)

• Dealers (Dealers by Region for the U.S. and around the world)

• Architects (Regional by U.S. and International)

• Bookstore (Home Office, Architecture, and Commercial Interior Design)

• Showrooms (Trade Center and Mart listings with website links where available)

Advertising on Resouces.com allows for direct online sales that are directly linked to your website as well as products and services information. Also included is a search feature, “What are you looking for?” and a FAQ section, with information about writing your product descriptions and advice about selling multiple items.

Contract Interiors Network is a wonderful tool for the contract interiors professional, students or the average furnishings collector, looking for a good deal. For those who are interested, there is even a link to the National Weather Service, an airport directory and a listing for U.S. Embassies around the globe. The website is so easy to navigate and utilize, you will wonder how you ever got along without it!

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Cynthia Aaron

V is a branch periodical from the creators of Visionaire, whose publications are recognized by their multi-media format, limited editions, and collector’s items. Those familiar with their work can expect no less from the holy trinity that produces Visionaire: Steven Gan - creative director of America’s Harper’s Bazaar; Ceselia Dean - a model in front of the lenses of Lagerfeld and Leibowitz and has been hailed as an “IT” girl (with her own page) by Vanity Fair; and James Kaliaides - the new make-up artist commissioned by Lancome cosmetics.

V magazine is not your typical fashion magazine. For one, you won’t find it at your local grocery store checkout counter; two, it’s HUGE; and three, they are able to survive with just a handful of advertisers to help support its revenue. In this month’s issue find double page ad posters from the design houses of Chanel, Dior, Dolce y Gabbana, Donna Karan, Fendi, and that’s all. No, there’s more. The spring preview celebrates the 150th anniversary of Louis Vuitton with tongue in cheek captions on the cover like C’est LV and LV est belle. Also celebrated is the notorious director Werner Herzog who has done everything on film, from (literally) hauling a steamboat over a mountain to eating his own shoe.

Visionaire, V, and [very soon] Vman exist as proof of le beau monde or as Webster defines it, the world of high society and fashion. Only the crème de la creme collaborate with this circle of fashion’s uber-elite. This does not mean that the content is merely filled with fluff or that it’s superficial. V educates us on who the cream of the crop are and give credit to those that have also gone unnoticed or are underrated by press attention. If you don’t hesitate to admit you’re a fashionista, check out V magazine for yourself.



Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Glenda Ronduen

Printed Textiles In The Classic French Style

Toile de Jouy (twahl duh jzoo-wee), does this term sound familiar to you? Chances are you might have sat on it, worn it, or seen it on your desk as your favorite stationary. Toile de Jouy is defined as a floral or scenic design on cotton, linen, silk fabric, wallpaper, stationary, etc. Toile means cloth in French, Jouy is a town located in France. This kind of fabric is named after the Manufacturer Royale de Jouy (Royal Factory of Jouy). Jouy-en-Josas is a little town near Versailles, Southwest of Paris.

When did these colorful prints become fashionable? In the Middle Ages in Europe it was rare to find clothing with decorative images. Toile de Jouy motifs were originally Indian painted cottons that were introduced by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.

Toile de Jouy-Printed Textiles in the Classic French Style, is an essential reference book for designers and decorators as well as for anyone interested in learning the impact that the history of textiles has had on the fashions of today. This book is beautifully illustrated with over 270 images in color.

This book provides the reader with useful resources such as:

• Where to find Toile de Jouy fabrics today
• Surviving designs
• Textile collections in International museums and much more...

Toile de Jouy-Printed Textiles in the Classic French Style, is an educational resource that serves the purpose of educating as well as inspiring its readers. For anyone interested in the history of textiles or design, or looking for fresh ideas for interior decor, this book will be an inspiration and a fascinating reference. Toile de Jouy...the rest of the story can be enjoyed in this fabulous book.


Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Varinia C. Rangel