Tropitone Adds a Sleek, Trendsetting Alternative to Casual Furniture
with the Launch of the South Beach Collection at HD Expo 2005
Irvine, Calif., May 5, 2005 - Tropitone Furniture Co. is debuting a new seating collection, South Beach, which features a graceful and high-style look inspired by South Beach in Florida with its trendsetting urban elegance, hip hotels and night life, and the hottest beach in the country.
Featuring Tropitone's exclusive EZ Span™ replaceable molded strap seating system or a fabric sling option, South Beach combines contemporary high-style with maximum comfort, durability and easy maintenance.
According to Michael Echolds, Tropitone's chief executive officer, like its namesake, Tropitone expects the South Beach collection to be a trendsetter. "The gentle, sensuous curves of the South Beach frame that echo the movement of water are paired with Tropitone's EZ Span™ segments. The result is a beautifully sleek and relaxing seating solution with a very "cool" look. However, South Beach also was designed with a focus on maximum comfort, durability, and ease-of-service," Echolds said.
"Several years ago when we developed the EZ Span™ replaceable seating system in collaboration with Richard Holbrook, who also designed our new South Beach collection, the goal was a seating solution that was as durable as vinyl or mesh and would allow easy, on-site maintenance and repair," Echolds said.
The EZ Span™ molded strap segments, which are modular and made from a proprietary compound of polypropylene rather than vinyl, were initially available for Tropitone's Millennia collection in a Ribbon shaped segment. These original EZ Span™ segments have been in use for a number of years at many of the world's most prestigious resorts, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Atlantis at Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the Breakers in Palm Beach, and at numerous Hyatt Regency properties. The EZ Span™ segments are four inches wide for enhanced comfort and are resistant to color fading caused by tanning lotions, oils and the sun's UV rays. Last year, Tropitone introduced the Wave style segment as an additional EZ Span™ option.
Designer Richard Holbrook believes much of the appeal of the South Beach collection comes from its contemporary and graceful lines complemented by the comfort and ease of maintenance of the EZ Span™ seating system
"At a hotel or resort, before the introduction of Tropitone's EZ Span™ system," Holbrook said, "it was nearly impossible to re-strap furniture cost effectively because it was so difficult to replace the straps correctly. So if a strap came loose, the whole chair or chaise was often discarded. The modular EZ Span™ system addresses this maintenance and repair issue and represents a major breakthrough in terms of ease-of-service," he said.
Holbrook, who also designs both indoor and outdoor furniture for other large manufacturers, has been involved in extensive research on the ergonomics and bio-kinetics of seating. The curves and proportions of the South Beach collection reflect what he has learned over the years. "It is clear that among the most important factors in creating comfortable seating is good back support. But it is also essential that the width and depth of seats accommodate a wide range of body types. South Beach is an elegant design and engineering solution which satisfies each of these requirements," Holbrook said.
Included in the South Beach collection is a stackable chaise lounge, a stackable dining chair, and a stationary barstool. All three pieces are available with either of the two EZ Span™ segment shapes - Waves or Ribbons. South Beach can be ordered in any of the six EZ Span™ colors and in 14 frame finishes. This wide selection of color options makes it possible for designers to create a custom look for each of their clients. In addition, a fabric sling version of South Beach is also available, including a selection of 60 fabrics in many colors and patterns
According to Echolds, the South Beach collection offers the practical benefits of comfort and versatility and, yet, is a creative and contemporary departure from the more transitional design styles that tend to dominate the hospitality market. "South Beach makes a fresh modern statement and will add a very "cool" and graceful look to the pools, patios and beaches of the hotels and resorts around the world.," he said.
Founded in 1954, Tropitone is based in Irvine, California, and is recognized throughout the casual furniture marketplace for its design leadership as well as its commitment to service and value. The company sells its products to retailers, designers and the hospitality trade under the Tropitone and Basta Sole trademarks. In addition to its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Irvine, the company operates a manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida.