British interior designer launches new collection

If you are a fan of The Apartment, interior design reality television show, then Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is no stranger to you.

Llewelyn-Bowen’s role as head judge and style arbiter of the popular show has thrilled Asia with his surgically-sharp judgements on taste, style and efforts of the celebrity contestants.

Not just a TV presenter, he has also been at the helm of an extremely successful design practice since 1992.

With more than 30 years of designing experience and 20 years on television, it is no wonder that Llewelyn-Bowen’s branded furnishing pieces are seen across the globe.

Now Malaysians can get their hands on the world-renowned British interior designer’s furniture with the launch of The Laurence Collection.

Exclusively available at Courts, The Laurence Collection comprises a range of colourful and bold furniture sets that boast Llewelyn-Bowen’s distinctive creative flair, designed to cater to Malaysia home trends and styles.

In conjunction with the launch, the designer made his second visit to Malaysia to introduce his exclusive collection.

Speaking at the event, the fashionably-dressed Llewelyn-Bowen, who looked like he had just stepped off the set of The Apartment, said the exclusive collection was crafted from scratch and not brought in from any other country.

“For a designer, Kuala Lumpur is like a feast to the eyes. Every-where you look, the contemporary architecture along with the city’s modernity and nature; there is something to be inspired by,” said the amicable Llewelyn-Bowen who was clearly very passionate about his work.

“Every piece tells a story and this collection is absolutely all about Malaysia – Malaysia’s craft, colours found in nature as well as the style of the country with a fusion of East and West.

“While the collection is created with the seductive glamour of the upper class in mind, I’m ensured that the price tag would make my designs an enduring comfort for all. It looks like a million-dollar-piece, but actually, it is very affordable,” he said

The collaboration was a first for Courts, which remains dedicated to innovating its range of products to meet Malaysians’ demand for the latest trends in home design.

When the idea of bringing the designer collection into Courts was brought up earlier, Courts Asia regional furniture director Steve Church said he was concerned that it would be too expensive for its customers.

“Then Llewelyn-Bowen told me that he would be creating a range specifically for the local market with the right price point along with amazing designs.

“So, we created this exclusive designer collection, and at the same time, it’s very affordable,” said Church, adding that the retail price starts from RM1,999 for a three-seater sofa.

“Designed with Malaysians in mind, the collection is vibrant and opulent, offering homeowners luxurious yet unique furnishing pieces of top-notch quality that will make any room stand out.”

Comprising seven fabric sofa designs and three designer headboards, The Laurence Collection is available at 15 selected Courts outlets nationwide.

“In line with our Courts Price Promise, products from The Laurence Collection are also entitled to a five-year warranty which allows customers to shop with peace of mind,” added Church.

Quick with his replies, often punctuated with humour, Llewelyn-Bowen added that the collection was 100% made-in-Malaysia and its quality, impeccable.

“It is all about the details, materials used and the tedious assembling process.

“Design is a language without words, and it should be a language spoken by not only the wealthy, but as many people as possible. People tend to hold back on spending for furniture because of the expensive price tags.

“Now you can let your imagination run a little wider, and be a lot more expressive. That is the whole point of my collection, an everyday luxury that you can take home with you,” he concluded. - The Star