Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

Ethan Allen opened its new flagship store on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai on November 26th. The celebrated home fashion brand with an 80-year-old American heritage plans to expand operations in the Middle East.



Head of Interior Design for Ethan Allen in Dubai, George Foster-Vincent spoke to Saudi Gazette about the aesthetics and brand vision.



A Latin-American mix, Vincent  grew up between the Republic of Panama and California. He has been part of the design industry for the past 10 years.



“I started my career as a Residential Architect. After two years in the industry, I decided to make the jump into interior design, as it was my real passion from day one.



I enrolled myself into the Interior Design Institute of New Port Beach California.



The combination of knowledge and my past experience helped me understand home design.



From the exterior design, to the interior details to the technical parts, they have all been key factors of my success.”



Vincent has been awarded the Design of Excellence award for Ethan Allen.  “This November I was given the honor to be awarded the Platinum Spirit Award.



Today I am proud to be one of the top 4 worldwide Interior Designers for Ethan Allen Global Inc.” He said the most rewarding part of his journey is also being able to polish and guide a group of creative minds.



“Being the Head Designer and Manager of Ethan Allen Dubai has been the most rewarding part of my journey as a professional interior designer.



I am able to polish and guide a group of creative minds as well as share my enormous love for home fashion.



At the end of the day, it is more than just interior design, it is a designer journey.”



He said Ethan Allen is much more than just a furniture store. “We design and build most of what we sell.



This allows you to bring a style you cannot find anywhere else created with craftsmanship and values that will constantly surprise you.”



Ethan Allen is a leading interior design company and manufacturer and retailer of quality home furnishing.



“The company offers complementary interior design services to its client and sells a full range of furniture products and decorative accessories though ethanallen.ae and a network of approximately 284 Design Center in the U.S. plus abroad.” 



Vincent believes Ethan Allen is all about offering an experience like no other. And at Ethan Allen in Dubai you will discover an extensive array of exclusive and eclectic fashions for the home.



“Not to mention virtually endless way to personalize your choices through fabrics, finishes, and trim, along with the priceless help of myself as Ethan Allen Design Center Head Designer and manager and my design consultant train and guide by me.”



Discussing his relationship with arts and design, he it is like a lifetime marriage without a divorce option.



“Design is what runs through my veins.  Imperfect beauty is something that attracts me because it is a natural way looking at art today.”



Vincent is a member of the American Association of Interior Design, Palm Spring chapter. “This organization keeps all designers connected with upcoming designers that we can guide to success.



Today art is life, it is the way we live, dress and express ourselves.”



Vincent has been a part of the UAE design industry for almost two years and has noticed an expansion in design developing and talent.



“We have more qualified clients seeking a well designed home because in today’s society a well designed home is not a luxury, it is a lifestyle.”



Vincent told Saudi Gazette that the Ethan Allen flagship store in Dubai will bring an array of design options that have never been seen before.



“I believe that a design center has to combine both functional style and craftsmanship. Each room is designed through my experience with my clients this past year and a half.



My clients have influenced my design concepts through their lifestyle and traditions. At the new Ethan Allen Design Center on Sheikh Zayed Road, clients can expect to see an impressive range of furniture and accessories with a wide range of styles in high quality that Ethan Allen is known for.



Customers also have more custom options and will find countless ways to make any look their own!”



Vincent’s vision for Ethan Allen in Dubai is to focus on making living easy and attainable yet stylish.



“The company offers the lasting value of well-made home furnishings as well as the services of design professionals that provide complementary professional interior design services including home visits.



As specialists in room planning, color and style, design professionals help their clients create a well designed home, and whether it is just one lamp or an entire room makeover, the design professionals make it happen.



My vision is to see Ethan Allen become the leader of home fashion.”  As a creative head, Vincent believes it is challenging to convince clients on undertaking a new design concept based on their personal lifestyle and journey.



“It is easy for a client to walk in to our design center with a magazine in hand saying they want to recreate a magazine room.



But as you get to know the client more, you understand their personality and life journey is way more interesting than an editorial magazine room shot.



It inspired me to offer them something better. As expected, the most rewarding task is to see the client happy, especially when they gather friends and family to showcase their new home design that we work on to showcase the client’s true personality and style.



I find true happiness when the client expresses their excitement and joy when they tell you that you have captured their idea and style to perfection.”



He said the most challenging task in the design industry is looking for reliable contractors with a professional team that can deliver a well done project and have it completed from A to Z.



“People expect what you present to them and nothing less.”