Lighting control manufacturer, Lutron, has always had a flare for the dramatic, and yesterday’s new product unveiling was no different.
Held at the trendy New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City’s Bowery neighborhood, the launch of the company’s new Kirbé vertical drapery system was bracketed by a theatrically lit Lutron history lesson followed by a curtain-raising reveal.
Kirbé drapes with a Primatek pattern
Described as an “industry first,” the Kirbé drapery system strikes its difference as a window system that vertical pulls drapery up and completely out of the way as opposed to the traditional left and right tuck-away method. The automated system works at the touch of a button and utilizes a roller drive that silently raises and lowers the drapes.
The Kirbé system is available for use with sheer fabrics as part of the new Avant Collection, and can be combined with a blackout roller shade to achieve total light blockage.
While the Kirbé was the showcase item, the presentation of the company’s new CERUS (Cord-Eliminating Roman Uptake System) shades was perhaps the most poignant. Inspired by the recent recall of shading systems that have shown to be a strangulation hazard in homes with small children, CERUS employs uptake bands instead of exposed inner cords.
The system also operates with a smoothness and evenness that effectively eliminates the possibility of cord tangles. Like the Kirbé system, CERUS shades options can be pulled from the company’s new Avant Collection.
Look ma, no drapes (they’re hidden up above)
Speaking of Avant, Lutron also took the opportunity to showcase this new residential-focused collection of “finishing touches” fabrics and cornice top treatments. Among the more than 100 available styles is a new line of soft fabrics, sheers, and woven woods as well as five cornice styles that can be used to complete a Kirbé or roller shades systems.
Finished drapery panels are also available as part of the collection and can be used with Lutron’s pinch pleat or ripple-fold drapery.
