Davis Freud made two whirwind trips to Manhattan in July, characterized by 12 hours of back-to-back meetings, excellent food, visiting old friends and making some new ones. They had breakfast inside Richard Rogers' stunning Hearst Tower with Georgia Fleming, Hearst Publications editor for luxury products at Veranda magazine (shown in front); met with several architects and designers to discuss projects; and consulted with ABC Carpet & Home regarding representation of the GuildCraft line.

A highlight of the second trip was meeting with Alan Wanzenberg to discuss projects and to request feedback on product ideas and samples. Alan and his late partner, Jed Johnson, together developed an aesthetic known for its expression of opulent restraint. Alan himself owns an original Donegal carpet, the design known today as the "Fintona", in a luscious sorbet palette of greens, golds, and soft corals.