Alessi

The challenge:
With an ambitious plan for expansion in the United States, the world-renowned Italian housewares manufacturer was in need of a firm that could increase its press coverage and execute a series of high-profile events. The challenge was how to maintain Alessi's strong reputation, while bringing its public perception to a higher level.

The results:
Through special events, strategic editorial placements and increased publicity, BDE has helped Alessi build a stronger presence throughout the United States. Press coverage for the company increased 500% by the third year of Alessi's partnership with BDE. As the company continues to open more and more stores throughout the United States, BDE works closely with the Italian manufacturer to continue to build and enhance their already strong reputation.

Humanscale

The challenge:
This well-established ergonomic products company, with several divisional names, was looking for a more cohesive way to market itself and evolve its brand identity. And it looked to the introduction of its innovative Freedom Chair, designed by renowned industrial designer Niels Diffrient, to help accomplish this. The question, however, was how to best capitalize on this product to capture the hearts and minds of the design and facilities worlds and put the company in league with the bigger players.

The results:
Through special themed events, strategically placed advertising and publicity, along with surveys and focus groups, BDE has helped Humanscale build a stronger relationship with its buyers and market, while catapulting the Freedom Chair — and the company itself — into the realm of industry standards. Utilizing the comprehensive range of BDE's services, Humanscale continues to grow in an industry where others are still struggling.

Laura Guido-Clark

The challenge:
When BDE began representing color expert and trend forecaster Laura Guido-Clark two years ago, she was working with high-profile firms which didn't allow her to promote their collaborations. As the Creative Director for FLOR and an outside consultant for color, texture and trends, Guido-Clark was an expert in a unique and highly specialized field. The goal of the partnership with BDE was to introduce Guido-Clark to an array of media categories and put a face to the name while positioning her as a leader in her many industries.

The results:
Through targeted press outreach, BDE secured placements for Guido-Clark that not only covered her work for companies like Mattel, Steelcase and Design Within Reach, it also extensively profiled her own independent consulting firm. Features in Dwell, the San Francisco Chronicle and Metropolitan Home, among others, increased Guido-Clark's visibility and brought her a new and larger client base.

Moleskine

The challenge:
Moleskine, the "legendary notebook of great artists and minds," was looking for a firm that could help launch its new City Notebook, the first guidebook you write yourself, in the United States. To achieve this, Moleskine needed a partner that could help coordinate two high-profile launch parties, along with obtaining strong press coverage for the City Notebook.

The results:
Through an energetic, persistent and targeted pitch plan, BDE obtained strong coverage for Moleskine and the City Notebook. This led up to two hugely successful events: a private VIP preview and an official launch party for over 900 guests. At both events, designers, press, VIPs and more mingled and enjoyed a special exhibition of one-of-a-kind Moleskine books designed by Lou Reed, Dave Eggers, Cynthia Rowley, Spike Jonze, Terence Conran and Yves Behar, among many others.

Tour Abitare Italia

The challenge:
Sponsored by Federlegno-Arredo, the Italian Federation of wood, furniture and furnishing, and the Italian Trade Commission, this annual event — which ranged in format from year to year — was created to increase awareness of Italian-designed furnishings in New York and sales. After two years and significant investment, the event was not gaining strength and needed an injection of creativity and originality.

The results:
Through an energetic and cohesive marketing program, BDE shaped Tour Abitare Italia into an annual festival of concurrent showroom events to create a critical mass and sense of familiarity that would have people coming back year after year. Meanwhile, special projects and events were devised to keep things fresh and bring in new audiences to make Tour Abitare Italia a "must do" in New York. The success of the effort has been such that it is now bicoastal, with annual installments in both New York and Los Angeles.