PER/USE launch

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PER/USE launch

PER/USE had its launch event 15 October 2013, in presence of Courtray Mayor, Mr Van Quickenborne, our Artistic Director, Lucie Koldova, international lifestyle press, and market professionals:                 
Courtray (Belgium), 15 October 2013
 
Launching the new Belgian design brand PER/USE
 
In the historical Hotel Damier in Courtray an international audience witnessed today the launch of the new Belgian design brand PER/USE.
Vincent Van Quickenborne, mayor of Courtray and member of the Belgian Federal Parliament,  welcomed the many guests and press.
“We are very happy to welcome today in Courtray the new firm PER/USE.
Courtray has a long tradition and history  in the fields of furniture design and production, with its many art workshops and craftsmen in the sectors of furniture, cabinetmaking and fine woodworks.
It is then no coincidence that Kunstwerkstede De Coene, dating back to 1888, is taking up a big role in the launch of this new promising project of PER/USE, focusing on quality and craftsmanship.
The company PER/USE reinforces Courtray as the entrepreneurial city that encourages and supports new initiatives and projects by entrepreneurs. PER/USE is a clear example of how Courtray is developing itself as region of creativity. Initiatives such as Interior Kortrijk and new start ups in the sector confirm the position of Courtray as a an ideal setting for innovation, creation and design.”
said Vincent Van Quickenborne in his welcoming speech.
 
PER/USE builds on tradition …
The well known Hotel Damier was intentionally chosen as the ideal location for the launch of PER/USE.   Behind the historical rococo facade dated 1769 one can admire the unique interior by the Kunstwerkstede Gebr. De Coene.  Another famous example where the beautiful craftsmanship of De Coene still can be admired until this present day, is the Albertina library in Brussels.
As a direct descendant of the illustrious workshops De Coene, PER/USE is presenting itself today with products that stand for the same quality, reliability and functionality. PER/USE brings its roots in the traditional craftsmanship of the rich Belgian furniture history to our present lives.
We strongly believe in local production. After all we still have here available locally top know how.  Also for sustainability, quality control  and organizational aspects  of e.g. logistics, local production still offers the best guarantees.
explained Tom Potteau, partner of PER/USE.
 
…  and choses definitely for contemporary  design
Lucie Koldova, a young Czech designer and artistic director for PER/USE, explained next the key values and vision of PER/USE.
“PER/USE focuses for its designs and products on noble materials such as wood and glass.  With the centuries old tradition of fine woodworks in Courtray and with my own background of the traditional glass production and glass works in the Czech Republic, we have excellent assets in hand to guarantee the highest quality standards of our products.
But PER/USE wants to be more than just quality, craftsmanship, functionality and reliability.  PER/USE is in the first place a design company where the products have to excel by their originality, contemporary vision and modern twist.
PER/USE collaborates to this extent with young Belgian designers such as Patrick Séha or Frederik Delbart, but as well with international designers such as José Cabrita (F), Dan Yeffet (IL) and myself (CZ).
After all, the current product portfolio of PER/USE proves best our claim to bring timeless classics inspired by Crafts and Soul.”
said Lucie Koldova, artistic director PER/USE.
 
About PER/USE
PER/USE is a new Belgian luxury design brand and offers a strong mix of furniture and accessories designed by local Belgian and international designers.  The functional collection, with a distinguished and timeless character, however not missing a contemporary twist, is inspired by known names as well as emerging design personalities.
Some key words are: simple yet smart, basic yet timeless, sober yet rich. We bring the best quality through good craftsmanship, working mainly with natural materials, such as wood and glass. The eco-friendly and sustainable products are all made in Europe. It’s about long-lasting pleasure and investing in a better future. Design is our nature.
About Lucie Koldova
Lucie Koldova is a designer born in the Czech Republic.  After finishing her studies in Prague she moved to Paris in 2009 where she started to work for international clients.  
Lucie designs furniture pieces, glass sculptures and timeless lights, objects of desire, pure and charismatic.  Her work stretches from daily products over conceptual space and urban area to poetic gallery objects and limited series.  She likes pushing proportions to the limits and combines glass with noble materials hand in hand with simplicity and elegance. She appreciates and celebrates traditional glass craftsmanship and pays attention to details.
Her work has been exposed all over the world.  Recently Lucie was elected as Czech Designer of the year and received the Elle Decoration Talent award.