Zeisel and Eva meet every week at her New York home and studio to gather finished designs, discuss manufacturing and pricing and learn about, technology.‚ As Zeisel explains it is exciting to show Eva all the options available by using technology and applying fun ideas to get her designs.
Over the years Eva has penned thousands of sketches, many of which only have to be tweaked or finalized to be produced. Thanks to this, Zeisel can make sure that even when his 102 year-old grandmother is not present there can be new furniture and table pieces for eras to come.
“I have a full inventory of Eva designs that I may not release until a number of years but that will be approved by her. We have a lounge chair, a dinning chair and coffee tables that we haven’t told consumers about but it is important that Eva designed them. People know she sustained her career by being consistent yet unique and people will know if it is not her creation,” Zeisel said.
Something that is interesting is the relationship between the two. Zeisel calls the designer by fist name because, as he explains, he framed their relationship alone. Although they had family gatherings and related experiences he never really felt a connection. Now, as a young man, he discovered they share a passion for poetry. Eva having written many poems in 1936 when she was wrongly accused of plotting against the life of Stalin and was placed in prison for 16 months, most of the time in solitary confinement.
“Nobody told me how to build that relationship and we weren’t that close when I was younger but overtime our bond has gotten closer so that the word ‘grandmother’ or her name are not the important things. I’ve tried to be with her more and as long as were together and have that bond, a title doesn’t mater,” the grandson added.
New items released can be purchased online and become in many cases family heirlooms. At the same time young professionals who are furnishing their own flats find the pieces are functional pieces of art. For this reason Zeisel has been successful. Still, whether the consumer is buying at the website or Crate and Barrel stores he will be satisfied with people knowing the real Eva.
“As long as people are educated if they’re buying the stuff at the store or through or us its fine with me; its just about making sure my grandmother’s legacy doesn’t disappear. I think a lot of the reason I am passionate for the business is because of Eva,” Zeisel said. “She is passionate of what she does which makes her the icon that people see her as, I can reach the next generation and prove these pieces are not just for your parents or grandparents you can enjoy what is in your apartment too.”
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