ELLE DECOR Teams Up with Nicole Fuller to Celebrate Bernhardt
With its showrooms styled to the nines, every High Point furniture market is an event—a chance for North Carolina’s famed industry to show off the latest designs to buyers from around the world and to celebrate in style. But even by that measure, a cocktail party co-hosted by Bernhardt and ELLE DECOR at the fall market last month took High Point by storm.
Bernhardt is one of the most venerable furniture firms based in the state. It was founded in 1899 and has evolved into a high-style maker of contemporary furniture. This fall, Bernhardt tapped ELLE DECOR A-List designer Nicole Fuller as its designer in residence and asked her to redecorate several rooms in its High Point showroom for its signature fall market celebration. “They gave me carte blanche,” Fuller says of the opportunity, “and I took full advantage.”
The glamorous designer, whose clients include Usher and Steven Klein, transformed the white-walled showroom with a Moroccan-inspired theme she entitled Starlit Dunes. The centerpiece was a tented room complete with a pair of fountains filled with red roses and petals. Fuller transformed classic Bernhardt silhouettes with opulent fabrics, including brocades, velvets, and elaborate passementerie, from such makers as Fortuny, Pierre Frey, and Elitis. Pillows were covered in beaded-eye trim from Schumacher and scalloped tassel fringe from Samuel & Sons. Meanwhile, the ceiling was covered with a deconstructed Moroccan tent, and the walls were swathed in silks, ikats, and embroidered textiles.
At the party, which was attended by almost 700 guests and co-hosted by Fuller, ELLE DECOR editorial director Stellene Volandes, and Bernhardt’s president and CEO Alex Bernhardt Jr., partygoers enjoyed North African canapes and cocktails. Los Angeles DJ Alix Browne—who has spinned tunes for events for Gucci and Chanel—filled the space with music from a custom playlist she created for the night.
“I was honored to be selected as the designer in residence for the Bernhardt showroom at this fall’s High Point Market,” Fuller says. “My vision was clear from the start—I wanted to celebrate our design community by transporting everyone away to the enchanting Starlit Dunes.”
The Starlit Dunes lounge
Nicole Fuller created a fanciful room for Bernhardt’s High Point party.
Design Party
ELLE DECOR editorial director Stellene Volandes and designer Nicole Fuller.
Spinning the Tunes
Alix Browne flew to High Point from Los Angeles to deejay the party.
Luxe Seating
Fuller recovered Bernhardt furnishings in opulent fabrics and trims in an atmosphere meant to evoke a Moroccan tent.
Starry Night
Guests at the Bernhardt party included (from left): ELLE DECOR’s executive editor Ingrid Abramovitch, Bernhardt’s president and CEO Alex Bernhardt Jr., Hearst Magazines’ senior vice president Jennifer Levene-Bruno, Nicole Fuller, and Stellene Volandes.
Rose Fountain
Fuller floated red roses and votive candles in giant ceramic bowls for the party.
You Might Also Like
