Guests gazing around the Crimson Lounge in Chicago recently might have noticed that some of the furniture evoked a certain spirit. In fact, three pieces were actually based on the packaging — and symbolically on the taste — of Basil Hayden Bourbon.
The 2008 Basil Hayden Design Chicago search, sponsored by Basil Hayden Bourbon, Out and Chicago Home + Garden magazines challenged creatives to bring the rich flavor of Basil Hayden and stylish packaging to the forefront in four unique categories: artwork, fashion, furnishings and interior design. After months of fierce design competition, celebrity designer Nate Berkus selected the top three entries from a variety of submissions. “I could tell from the entries submitted that each designer had carefully considered how their piece conveyed their style as well as matched the spirit of the competition,” Berkus says.
Finalists then received $2,500 to turn their concepts into a reality for display at the VIP finale event at Crimson Lounge in Chicago. Guests of the event selected a winner, who was named during the elite cocktail party hosted by Berkus and to whom Crimson Lounge awarded $10,000.
The top three designs included a distinctive chair designed by Sarah Tranum, a modern coffee table inspired by the bourbon’s rich amber color with signature copper-band packaging created by Bryan Lump, and an elegant, 36-inch chandelier designed by Rion Stassi. Each designer resides in Chicago.