I read the most interesting interview in Dwell Magazine recently. It was an interview with Augustin Scott de Martinville, the head of the master’s program in luxury and design at the University of Art and Design in Lausanne, Switzerland. (What a cool job!) What most struck a chord in me was the question of the ethical ramifications of luxury, the disparity, perhaps, between the producers of luxury goods and the consumers of such goods. As a purveyor of luxury goods for nurseries and children’s rooms, I’m inclined to agree. Most of the lines we carry are not mass-produced on assembly lines overseas. They are hand-crafted by family-owned companies in the United States. They are made of the highest quality materials by fairly-treated artisans and craftspeople. They are created by talented, women-owned companies here in Austin. I think it is a true luxury to own something made by someone who loves what they do, like the wonderful, talented companies with whom we do business.

I am so excited about 2010! We have some really fabulous new merchandise on its way this year, like the new Natasha crib bedding (pictured) from Serena and Lily. For those of you who love their Marina collection (I do! I’ve got it on my bed at home.), here’s the nursery collection you’ve been asking for. Look for more new bedding coming soon from Annette Tatum Home and new furniture from Newport Cottages and Bratt Decor.