Austin Sectional, Knox Rectangle Cocktail Table, Ace Chair.
Photo: Ron Royals
Lillian August’s Latest Furniture Collection Fuses Iconic Designs with Modern Elegance
See how the beloved lifestyle brand is embracing global fashion trends while celebrating the power of style and color
Founded by Lillian August and her son Dan Weiss 35 years ago, home design brand Lillian August now includes three generations thanks to the recent introduction of Eliza Weiss—August’s granddaughter—to the leadership team. Since its founding, the lifestyle company has become celebrated for its coveted furniture, accessories, and home accents that range from ultra-glamorous to more minimalist, edited forms. For August, the most compelling and artistic rooms tell a story—one in which color plays a key role. Her mission has always been to help in the creation of compelling and livable rooms that respond to today’s fashion and lifestyles.
This season, Lillian August is introducing fresh fashion palettes that spark joy and can bring comfort and excitement into any refined interior. Furthermore, the future of brand presents myriad opportunities to expand into new lifestyle categories such as apparel, fragrance, décor, and appliances to further round out the brands vision for the next generation of growth.
See below for Galerie’s exclusive interview with Lillian August, Dan Weiss, and Eliza Weiss.
Dan Weiss: Co-Founder, Designer, Lillian August: Co-Founder, Creative Director, Eliza Weiss: Marketing Director. Photo: Lorin Klaris
Galerie: What sets Lillian August apart as a brand?
Lillian August: For 30 years, I’ve been inspired by global fashion trends and celebrating the power of style and color with my signature looks. I’ve focused on designs that are iconic and luxurious, blending comfortable elegance with different design statements ranging from classics to casual, all the way to “New Traditional” and even a more masculine modern.
My furniture designs are approachable and rooted in an appreciation of archival design. For all new collections me, my son, Dan Weiss, and granddaughter, Eliza Weiss, take a new approach that suits our fashion savvy audience of interior designers. As an artist I look to global influences for a layered approach that is engaging, refreshing and masterfully mixes the best of the best.
Chelsea Side Table, Kira Sofa, Kira Chair, Chelsea Cocktail Table. Photo: Ron Royals
Galerie: How much does it mean to have three generations working together?
Dan Weiss: The Lillian August brand is built upon a strong foundation of the past, present, and future. Focused on a passion of courageous color and fearless design, my mom and I built a brand over two generations with a reputation for an elevated interior decorating style. Now, with my daughter Eliza included in the mix, we can bring a new perspective to the brand.
Lillian’s roots are in English Country design. In the 1980s, Lillian embraced the aesthetic which was reminiscent of archival British designers—and the revival of Mario Buatta. Designing fabulous chintz fabrics and grand style bedding for old mansion style design was Lillian’s passion for her studio work. I’ve tried to introduce a male perspective with a nod to classicism and timeless antiques, while also incorporating an elegant modern mix. Eliza captures the spirit of the new “Grand Millennial” style, built on bold colorful prints ruffles and over-stuffed furniture.
Shelley Chair, Royce Court Sofa, Josephine Cocktail Table, Café Joie Table. Photo: Ron Royals
Galerie: Why is this anniversary so important?
Lillian August: As a family business for more than 30 years, the Lillian August brand has been consistently celebrated for its meaningful philosophical design and aesthetic experience. Tapping into the fashion of the moment has offered a blueprint for my designs. This anniversary reiterates my brand’s history within the furniture industry, while also celebrating the three generations of design that are now represented in the company to help continue to move the brand forward.
Valnoir Server, Thanos Chair, Wessex Double Pedestal Dining Table. Photo: Ron Royals
Galerie: What are the highlights of the new collection?
Eliza Weiss: Fall 2023 High Point Market will be a representation of lifestyles that range from Maximalism to “New Traditional” to casual elegance. Lillian August showcases the allure of Maximalism with rounded shapes and gorgeous color stories in the showroom, such as various shades of teal and fashion-forward orange tones. Infusing furniture with organic curves and gentle lines.
The luxurious appeal of the new fashion-focused trend of shiny silver, nickel, and bronze is evident throughout the showroom. Lillian’s new introductions embrace the beauty of metallics, adding a touch of opulence and sophistication to her showroom space. Our “New Traditional” trend reimagines classic forms with a contemporary twist. By blending the familiar with the unexpected, this trend breathes new life into traditional design elements, creating pieces that are both relevant and timeless. We want to embrace the younger generation of designers who are revisiting traditional design themes such as cabbage roses and pleated skirts.
Jagger Chair, Jagger Sofa, Heath Cocktail Table, Dune Lamp Table. Photo: Ron Royals
Galerie: What is the future of the brand?
Eliza Weiss: The future of the brand is rooted in our passion for design. We are focused on introducing products for the Lillian August brand that are created with a fresh design perspective and want to focus on more sustainable materials and frames. We see new product categories and opportunities evolving in the sustainable furniture space as the landscape of furniture and design industries change. We will also continue to license in new categories with a focus on new furniture categories, as well as surface and soft home design that will allow the brand to offer more options to retailers and designers.
Cover: Austin Sectional, Knox Rectangle Cocktail Table, Ace Chair.
Photo: Ron Royals
