The new Swedish embassy and the renovated ambassador's residence. Who's Who in Svensk modern stil, showcasing such notable designers as Tomas Sandell, Pia Wallen and Jonas Bohlin and architects Marten Claesson, Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. A major Atlantic crossing has taken a bit longer. I think the whole world is recognizing the importance of design in general, and Swedish design . . . For some reason, when consumers see it, they recognize inherent good design.
Swedish people understand design.
Their McDonald's are done by Claesson, Koivisto and Rune. Westman is hardly the lone soldier in the battle to sell America on new Swedish design. A committed group of Swedes and Americans has also enlisted, most of them choosing Manhattan as their beachhead. The juried show includes furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories by eight young Swedes and about 40 other Danish, Norwegian, Finnish and Icelandic designers. That show follows two other recent New York events.