Profiles & People

Design Icon Raymond Waites Passes, 83

HIGH POINT, NC— Raymond Waites, the recognized leader and founder of The American Country movement in home furnishings in the 80’s and Vintage Home in the 90s passed away here November 7 after a brief illness. Waites was born in Demopolis,… Read more.

November 7, 2023

Sechrest Loves Cork

CORNELIUS, N.C.—Steve Sechrest is betting that cork is the next big thing in upholstery fabric at $3.25 per square foot and a substitute for leather. The serial upholstered furniture entrepreneur is the sole cork distributor for Portugalia… Read more.

July 6, 2023

Greene Adds Scalamandre Marketing Post

NEW YORK—Beth Greene, a veteran in the decorative furnishings industry has joined Scalamandre as Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer (CMBDO). Scalamandre joins Greene’s roster of clients in her newly formed consulting company,… Read more.

June 11, 2023

Vicente Aznar, 78

VALENCIA, SP — Vicente Aznar, President of Aznar Textles, passed away on April 15 at the age of 78, Aznar the Company was created in 1881, with more than 142 years in the market and manufacturer of decoration fabrics. Sent. Vicente joined… Read more.

April 25, 2023

Henry Striem Lewin, 1939-2023, Built the Largest Home Furnishings Business in Central America

PANAMA CITY—Henry Striem Lewin, the well-known fabric buyer and sole owner of La Importadora Selecta here has passed away at the age of 83. Since he was 24 years old, Striem was a partner and then owner of Grupo Importadora Selecta for nearly… Read more.

March 31, 2023

Jerry Newman, 91

NEW YORK—Jerry Newman, Textile Sales Agent to the world, has passed away at 91. He was an Icon and great mentor and friend to those he worked with in the Home Furnishings Trade. Always positive with a great sense of humor and a person you… Read more.

February 24, 2023

Lasek Leaves Textiles for Mirror Business

COMMERCE, CA — Stefan Lasek has been named vice president, sales for Mirror Image Hospitality. His previous post was vice president, contract for Scalamandre and prior to that, he was national sales manager for JF Fabrics. Mirror Image is… Read more.